Chapter 92: The Overenthusiastic Marquis
"Your Lordship!"
Vincent and Penelope stopped in their tracks, turning around just in time to see Elias hurrying toward them down the quiet corridor.
"Elias," Penelope called out, a genuine look of relief sweeping across her face as he finally skidded to a halt before them. "You’re okay."
"Of course I am okay, Your Ladyship," he replied smoothly, using one finger to adjust the rim of his spectacle, which had slipped slightly off-center in his rush.
He looked as though he had rolled right out of bed, an absolute rarity for a man who usually prided himself on flawless, rigid perfection. His shirt was slightly rumpled and his dark hair was charmingly windswept and tousled, though it somehow only served to accentuate his sharp, handsome features.
"I took my time exploring the vast grounds of the imperial palace," Elias continued, catching his breath, "and truth be told, I am not quite finished yet. However, I have just received urgent news from our estate."
Vincent and Penelope briefly exchanged a curious glance before turning their attention fully back to him.
"What news?" Vincent asked, his tone instantly sharpening into its usual focused discipline.
Instead of answering outright, Elias reached into the inner pocket of his coat and produced a thick, parchment envelope, extending it toward his lord.
"It arrived early this morning," Elias stated. "I am honestly quite impressed by how quickly Martha and Francis managed to have it delivered all the way to the capital. It’s only been a day. But... if you are asking me about the exact contents of the envelope... I thought it would be best if you opened and read it for yourself."
Vincent eyed the heavy wax seal, stamped firmly with the crest of the Devereux estate, before taking the envelope. Without hesitation, he broke the dark red seal and unfolded the letter right then and there.
Both Penelope and Elias leaned in at his sides to steal a peek.
Vincent’s eyes skimmed through the notes before the corner of his lips lifted into a rare, satisfied smirk.
"It seems the assassin and his conspirators have finally been caught," Vincent said, turning to Penelope and Elias, who both looked equally delighted at the news. Penelope was so eager that she practically plucked the letter right out of Vincent’s hands to read it herself, wanting to confirm every single word with her own eyes.
"Two epic pieces of news in one day!" Penelope squeaked, her face lighting up with unbridled joy. "This is such amazing news! Not only are you receiving your title as Duke, but Martha has actually succeeded in catching the assassin as well! Today is just brimming with—"
"Pardon?"
Elias blinked, entirely unable to stop himself from cutting Penelope off mid-sentence. His hand froze in mid-air where he had been adjusting his glasses.
He slowly turned his head to stare blankly at Vincent, his pristine, composed aide persona instantly shattering into sheer, unadulterated bewilderment.
"Did... did Your Ladyship just say Duke?" Elias asked, his voice cracking slightly on the last word. His eyes darted between Penelope’s triumphant smile and Vincent’s deadpan expression. "My Lord, I was only gone for one night. What on earth did you do while I was asleep?! What exactly did I miss?!"
"It’s true!" Penelope chimed in, looking up at Vincent with a glowing smile. "Your Lordship is going to become the first Duke of Vandalia, and the Emperor has planned the announcement for tonight. How exciting, isn’t it?!"
She turned back to Elias, whose analytical mind was already spinning out of control.
"Wait... if His Lordship becomes the Duke of Vandalia, what does that make me?" Elias muttered, his eyes widening behind his spectacle as utter panic set in. "Am I being replaced?! Am I getting disposed of?!"
"You won’t be, though first you ought to look like an aide to a Duke," Vincent retorted coolly, his sharp gaze lingering on Elias’s untamed hair and rumpled shirt.
Elias flushed, suddenly hyper-aware of his chaotic appearance.
"Go," Vincent instructed. "Clean yourself up and meet us in the garden. I have a mission for you, and I need you ready for tonight as well."
"Right away, Your Lordship!" Elias nodded vigorously. There was no way he was going to miss his lord’s grand moment in front of those insufferable capital nobles. He offered a hasty bow and practically sprinted off to make himself presentable.
Once they were alone again, Penelope raised her hand toward Vincent with an eager, victorious grin. Vincent paused, staring at her upraised hand in mild confusion before raising his own. With a sharp snap, she slapped her palm firmly against his in a high-five.
Vincent blinked, staring at his open hand in genuine surprise, before a subtle, fond smile crept onto his lips.
However, the warm moment was instantly shattered as a heavy arm abruptly slung around Vincent’s broad shoulders, while another wrapped tightly around Penelope, yanking the two of them together into an unceremoniously tight group hug.
"What are we celebrating, my dear friends?"
Laurent’s breezy, dramatically bright voice chimed right between their ears. He squeezed himself into the middle with an insufferably cheerful grin, looking entirely oblivious to the sudden, murderous atmosphere he had just walked into.
"Don’t leave me out of the joy!" Laurent continued, winking at Penelope while resting his chin casually on Vincent’s shoulder. "Include me in the happy moment. Who knows? I might actually need a little cheer to get through the afternoon."
Vincent’s smile vanished instantly. His brow twitched as he stared sideways at Laurent with absolute, unadulterated coldness, while Penelope stifled a laugh at his relentless, shameless audacity.
Laurent suddenly gasped, throwing a hand over his heart before dramatically clapping both hands against his own cheeks. "Let me guess—!"
"No one has time for your nonsense, Laurent," Vincent cut him off dryly, peeling the marquis’s arm off his shoulder and gently pulling Penelope back to his side. "Do you truly have nothing better to do than meddle in other people’s affairs?"
But Laurent’s carefree smile did not waver in the slightest. He simply tilted his head, resting a hand on his hip with an unbothered, sunny disposition.
"My dear Vincent, meddling in the lives of my absolute favorite people is my solemn duty," Laurent declared cheerfully, entirely unfazed by the death glare heading his way. "I feel deeply offended you would expect anything less from me! Besides, I come bearing momentous progress. I spoke with the Caledonian delegates this morning. They are finally willing to negotiate terms! See? I am officially one step closer to bringing total world peace to the four kingdoms."
Penelope raised an eyebrow, her gaze darkening slightly.
She, personally, did not trust the Caledonians one bit. They were the ones who had crafted the exact poison that had almost taken her husband’s life. While she couldn’t be entirely certain if the entire kingdom of Caledonia was involved or just a rogue faction, the dark stain of their connection remained. Regardless, they would get to the bottom of it soon enough, now that Martha had finally captured the assassin and his masterminds back at the estate.
Vincent, on the other hand, had even more reason to be deeply suspicious of the Caledonians’ sudden willingness to settle their differences, especially coming quite literally on the eve of his promotion to Duke.
"We will be on our way now, Laurent," Vincent said coldly, completely bypassing Laurent’s news. "If the Caledonians truly want an audience with me, they can come to my estate and request one properly. I have far more pressing matters to waste my worries on. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
Without waiting for a response, Vincent laced his fingers securely through Penelope’s, turning on his heel and leading her down the hallway.
"But—" Laurent started, raising a finger, only to watch the couple stride away without looking back.
Left entirely alone in the grand corridor, the Marquis stood with his hands on his hips. He tilted his head to the side, tapping his chin as if weighing a monumentally important piece of statecraft.
"...Can I still get my expensive bottle of imported wine back from the delegates?" he muttered to the empty hallway, sighing dramatically at his lost investment.
The sun spilled across the palace grounds, transforming the grand imperial gardens into a maze of manicured hedges, blooming roses, and shaded marble arcades. The quiet murmur of flowing fountains replaced the stifling atmosphere of the indoor corridors.
Vincent walked at a measured pace, keeping Penelope close to his side. The tension in his shoulders, ever present whenever they navigated the palace halls, gradually dissolved under the cool breeze.
"It feels quiet out here," Penelope murmured, looking up at the high archway of climbing white wisteria above them.
"That is precisely why I brought you here," Vincent replied, his voice softening into that low, exclusive tone he only ever used when they were alone. He glanced down at her, his dark eyes tracing the serene expression on her face. "The palace is full of ears, but out here, the wind drowns out the whispers."
They reached a secluded stone gazebo overlooking the sprawling lower terraces. Vincent slowed to a stop, turning Penelope to face him.
"You handled Laurent well back there," he noted, a faint glint of amusement breaking through his usual stoicism. "Though I must apologize. You shouldn’t have to suffer his endless antics on top of everything else."
Penelope let out a soft laugh, leaning back against the stone balustrade.
"Oh, Laurent is ridiculous, but harmless enough. Besides, after everything we’ve dealt with, a slightly overenthusiastic Marquis is the least of my concerns." Her smile softened, her gaze searching his. "But how are you holding up, Vincent? Truly?"
Vincent stared at her for a long beat.
He reached out, his hand gently settling on her waist, pulling her a step closer.
"Better," he admitted softly, his thumbs lightly tracing the curve of her hip. "Though I am beginning to realize that becoming a Duke means I will have even less free time to spend alone with my wife. Like there aren’t already more than enough problems keeping us apart."
"You say it like you’re supposed to be somewhere."
Vincent didn’t say anything, though Penelope didn’t need him to.
This man...
Her reprimand died in her throat when the shrubs nearby suddenly moved.
Her reprimand died in her throat when the shrubs nearby suddenly rustled and moved.