The Duke’s Substitute Bride is a Maid - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: On The Way Home

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Ronald seemed like he wanted to protest, but in the end, he suppressed it and said, “All right. Send it to the palace once you’re done.”

Seeing that the old man did not say anything, Ronald knew that he had heard him, so he left an arm around Irene.

The two of them sat in the carriage that was returning to the palace. It was rare that Irene did not keep staring out of the carriage. Instead, she turned her head slightly and carefully eyed Ronald’s handsome side profile.

Ronald was taking a nap. His eyes were resolute and fierce. Even when he was sleeping, he looked so dignified.

Irene was calculating in her heart. Could she really escape from such a man?

“Have you looked enough?” Ronald suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Irene, who did not have time to avert her gaze. He pulled Irene into his arms. “If you want to look, then do it in the open. I won’t charge you.”

“Ronald.” This was the first time Irene called Ronald’s name.

“Hmm?” His voice was gentle and deep.

Irene shook her head. “It’s okay.”

She continued to stay obediently in Ronald’s arms.

She began to waver. Actually, it would be good if she continued to live with Ronald like this.

After spending some time together, she realized that Ronald was actually very good at spoiling women. She wanted to escape because she was afraid that Ronald was a murderous demon like the rumors said, but what if the truth was not as the rumors said?

Would she be able to stay in Croce in peace? After all, she did not know what her life would be like after she escaped.

Irene muttered in Ronald’s arms, “It doesn’t matter if Celt doesn’t agree to cooperate. I believe that even if we attack head-on, we can still win.”

Ronald stroked Irene’s smooth long hair and planted a kiss on the top of her head, “I’ve thought about it. What you said is right. People will die in the war. It would be best if it could be resolved peacefully. If Murcia can reduce the food tax and make the people’s lives better, we don’t have to send troops.”

Irene lifted her head from his arms. “But as a general, shouldn’t you be the one fighting?”

“As a general, it’s to protect the people and the country, not to think about war.” Ronald seemed unwilling to say more. He rubbed Irene’s hair. “Sleep for a while. You didn’t sleep much last night. I’ll wake you up when we reached.”

When Irene woke up again, she found herself lying on the soft bed. It was already dark, and the other pillow was empty. She put on her slippers and left the room. She found that the door at the end of the corridor was open, and light was shining out.

Irene had just walked to the front of the room, and she had a full view of the room. It was a small study. Ronald was hunched over the table, seemingly asleep. There were papers, books, and maps scattered on the table.

When Irene got closer, she saw that Ronald was formulating a negotiation strategy. The table was full of detailed intelligence and information. The only thing he had yet to do was to dig up Celt’s ancestral roots.

Irene walked back to the room quietly and took a coat from Ronald. She put it on him, turned off the lamp, and slowly closed the door.

When Irene turned around, she saw Jane standing behind her like a ghost. She was so scared that she almost cried out. She quickly covered her mouth and asked softly, “What?”

Jane handed the envelope to Irene. “A letter from the princess for you.”

Princess Marla. Ah, if Jane didn’t mention it, Irene would really forget about this person. Her throat moved, she let out a breath, and opened the envelope.

Irene glanced up and down. The general meaning was that Princess Marla had married the person she truly loved, and she hoped to get her blessing.

Irene couldn’t help but sneer. “In exchange for her happy ever after, I have to live in fear and trepidation, and yet she still expects a blessing from me? Do I need to buy her gifts and give her a happy speech as a form of visitation?”

Irene slapped the letter back into Jane’s hand. “I have nothing to do with anyone or anything in Xandia, including you. Don’t show your face in front of me without a purpose!”

Did they have to remind her again and again that she was just a stand-in?

The reason why Ronald pampered her was probably because she was the princess of Xandia and the messenger of peace between the two kingdoms.