Chương 29: Welcome to Crecork

Mesuna, alongside her loyal guards and her younger brother, traveled through her fief. Everywhere they went, the people of the land paused their work to offer her warm smiles and respectful bows. Children waved enthusiastically, their laughter echoing through the fields.

A farmer approached her cart, holding a basket of fresh fruits. "Lady Mesuna, these are for you," he said, bowing his head respectfully.

Mesuna looked at him with her cold eyes, dismounting from her horse to accept the gift. "Thank you. Your kindness means a lot to Londor. How is the harvest this year?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine care, but not the usual loving one. It was the tough love.

The farmer scratched his head with a sheepish grin. "It's been good, my lady, though the rains came late. Still, with our duke and all knowing mother's guidance, the land has prospered."

She nodded, handing the basket to one of her guards and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad to hear it. If you face any trouble, let me know. I'll do everything I can to help."

As they passed through the marketplace, shopkeepers waved and called out to her.

"Lady Mesuna! Fresh bread for your journey!" yelled a baker, holding up a loaf.

"Thank you, but save it for the hungry travelers passing through," Mesuna replied with the same indifferent look. She stopped to speak briefly with the blacksmith, who proudly displayed a new set of horseshoes he'd crafted, and she made sure to thank the guards who kept the streets safe.

Among the crowd stood a group of mercenaries, their armor dusty from travel. They saluted Mesuna as she approached.

"You've kept the borders safe," she said, her tone respectful. "Your efforts don't go unnoticed, my people."

One of the mercenaries, a burly man with a scar running across his cheek, replied gruffly, "It's our duty, my lady. But it's rare to see a noble care so much for her people. That might be the reason why this vagabond decided to stay and make sure this land is safe."

Mesuna gave a small nod. "Every life in this land matters. I only hope I can continue to earn your loyalty."

Her interactions painted a vivid picture of a beloved leader, one who cared deeply for her people. That might be the exact reason why Londor people wanted her as the leader, despite her being a woman.

Meanwhile, in the enclosed carriage trailing behind, Dilhan Ven Londor as usual leaned back with an expression of utter boredom. His arms were crossed as he stared at the ceiling, occasionally tapping his fingers against his knee.

Across from him, Anna sat by the window, her face lit with excitement as she took in the scenery. It had been long time since she had returned to the Londor estate, and the sight of familiar landmarks made her heart race.

She still vividly remember about her childhood growing up with Dilhan as her master, but not the official type of relationship rather they were somewhat like childhood friends.

"I still can't believe we're almost there," she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "It's been so long since I saw Duchess Ame and Duke Dante. And... my mother."

Dilhan raised an eyebrow lazily. "You make it sound like we're headed for a festival. It's just home."

Anna shot him a look, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Not everyone is as unimpressed by grandeur as you, young master."

He rolled his eyes but smirked slightly. "Well, don't expect anything exciting. Father's bound to lecture me, and Mother will likely cry."

Anna giggled. "Oh, you have no idea. I'm certain Lady Ame will smother you both with affection. As for the Duke, he'll probably just give you his usual 'stern noble' look just as you said."

The carriage rumbled to a halt, and Anna practically bounced in her seat.

As they stepped out of the carriage, the grandeur of the Londor estate unfolded before them. The sprawling mansion stood tall with its pristine white walls and towering spires.

It was not a small mansion by any means because Londor family was one of the most prestigious family in the whole continent having more political and military power than some of the small nations in allied nations.

The courtyard was alive with activity, and a line of maids and butlers stood waiting to greet them.

Anna's eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape. "It's still so massive… I don't think I'll ever get used to it," she murmured.

At the front of the line stood two imposing figures. Duchess Ame Ven Londor, with her flowing black hair and regal gown, embodied the essence of nobility. Beside her stood Duke Dante Ven Londor, a towering man in a military suit, his posture exuding authority.

The maids and butlers bowed in perfect unison, a testament to the family's influence and power.

"Mesuna! Dilhan!" Lady Ame's calm demeanor melted away as she lifted her gown and ran toward them, her composure forgotten. Tears glistened in her eyes as she threw her arms around both of her children.

"You're safe! Thank the heavens you're safe!" she cried, her voice trembling with emotion.

Mesuna hugged her mother tightly, her voice soft. "We're fine, Mother. The incident in Thimoria was… difficult, but we survived."

Dilhan awkwardly patted his mother's back. "You're overreacting," he muttered, though his faint smile betrayed his relief.

Even though he was reincarnated that didn't mean he didn't find the affection of his new family unwanted, rather he liked it. In his past life, he was not the most loved as his parents were rather busy with their own life, not having time to interact with him and that went on for the whole twenty years of his life that he loved in his past world.

Duke Dante approached with measured steps, his expression stoic. "I'm glad you both made it back alive," he said simply, placing a hand on Dilhan's shoulder and Mesuna's head.

"Thank you, Father," Dilhan replied.

As they moved toward the mansion, Dilhan noticed Anna lagging behind. Her gaze was fixed on a middle-aged woman standing at the edge of the courtyard. The woman bore an uncanny resemblance to Anna, her composed demeanor betraying a hint of suppressed emotion.

Dilhan leaned closer to Anna and whispered, "Go on. Don't make her wait."

Anna hesitated for a moment before smiling gratefully. Without another word, she ran toward the woman and threw her arms around her.

"Mother!" Anna cried.

Her mother embraced her tightly, her composure breaking as she held her daughter close. "You've grown so much," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Lady Ame watched the reunion with a soft smile. "We were all so worried—about you, about Mesuna and Dilhan, and about Anna as well," she said gently.

"Let's go inside," she added, gesturing toward the grand entrance. "You all need rest after your journey."

The warmth of the estate enveloped them as they settled into the sitting room.

On the other side of servant quarters, Anna sat beside her mother, her excitement bubbling over as she recounted their travels.

"And Dilhan," Anna said with a laugh, "he's so awkward and serious, but he's actually really cute for a young master."

Her mother smiled, listening attentively, but her expression gradually shifted as Anna continued. She quickly started to realize what he daughter had toward their young master was not loyalty but something more close and intimidate.

"You should've seen him, Mother. He promised me—he promised we'd be together no matter what. We've even taken our relationship to the next step as I applied the techniques you taught me as a woman." Anna added, her cheeks flushing.

Her mother's eyes widened in shock. "Anna… what are you saying? What...did you?"

Anna leaned forward, her voice lowering to an excited whisper. "He told me I'm the only one for him. Isn't it romantic? We shared passionate kisses and..."

She started to giggle like an idiot. Normally she wouldn't share things with anyone, but this was her mother whom she considered as her best friend and most important person in her life, so she had no intention to hide anything from her.

Her mother pressed a hand to her forehead, her smile fading. "Anna, listen to me carefully. The Duke plans to present Dilhan as a candidate for Princess Morgana's hand in marriage. The other duke families will do the same with their heirs. This… this won't end well."

Anna's face fell, her earlier enthusiasm replaced by a look of distress. "But… Dilhan won't allow it," she insisted. "He loves me. We love each other!"

Her mother sighed deeply, her concern evident. "Anna, the Londor family's position not something even royalty can ignore. If the Duke finds out about this, he won't be pleased. You must understand the risks."

Anna clenched her fists, her mind racing. Mesuna's words echoed in her memory, a warning she'd brushed aside before. "No," she said firmly. "Dilhan promised me. We'll face whatever comes together."

Her mother's expression softened, but the worry in her eyes remained. "Just be careful, Anna. The world of nobles is a dangerous one, especially when matters of the heart are involved."

Anna nodded, determination hardening her features. For now, she would cling to the hope that her love for Dilhan could withstand the trials ahead.

But if Dilhan was here, he would have a internal panic as he might have to wonder how and when did she get the idea that he was going to marry her.

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