Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 96: Mothers, Part II

Chapter 96: Mothers, Part II

Caught off guard by Tillian’s unexpected proposition, Aideen’s expression betrayed her bewilderment. Tracing his fingers over the delicate lace veil cascading over her shoulders, Tillian continued, his tone gentle yet firm,

"I believe it’s imperative for you to meet her, My Lady, particularly since I’ve had the privilege of meeting yours."

Aideen’s gaze drifted downward, a storming blend of emotions swirling within her once more.

Here they stood—two souls orphaned by the cruelties of fate, yet bound together by an unbreakable bond forged in the crucible of adversity. It struck her as bitterly ironic that their shared experience of maternal absence had played a defining role in shaping their lives.

And yet, it was their mothers’ absence that had ultimately paved the path for their unlikely union, molding them into the individuals they had become.

Their mothers had been integral to their lives, and now they found themselves sharing that profound connection with each other.

In this shared journey, they hoped to carve out spaces of significance within each other’s lives, becoming irreplaceable companions along the way.

Buoyed by a newfound sense of assurance, Aideen nodded in agreement to the Duke’s unexpected proposal.

As Tillian prepared to unlock the door with his metal key, he paused once more, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. Turning back to face the princess, he felt compelled to share more before they ventured beyond that threshold.

"The room we’re about to enter served as both my mother’s bedroom and study. It’s the largest chamber in the entire castle. Bound to a life of solitude, she immersed herself in books and journals, filling the space with knowledge and wisdom. When she was alive, I often joined her there; she would read to me from her vast collection of books, though I could scarcely grasp the depth of her words... This room held immense significance for her. After her passing, I left it untouched, preserving every detail exactly as she left it."

With a subtle sigh slipping from his lips, Tillian inserted the key into the lock, turning it to reveal the haven that belonged to his mother.

"I want you to be the first to cross the threshold, My Lady," he insisted.

Maintaining her composure, Aideen clasped her hands before her stomach in her characteristic manner, proceeding cautiously into the room. She treaded lightly, mindful not to disturb the meticulously preserved memories that Tillian had labored to protect over the years.

As she stepped further into the space, a peculiar sensation washed over her. Her mana stirred in response to the room’s contents, leaving her with an uncanny feeling.

Truly, it appeared as though the room remained frozen in time, as if its occupant had just stepped out momentarily. The tall windows, adorned with textured glass and draped with delicate curtains, cast soft, diffused light across the space. The bed, left unmade, bore a patchwork quilt that hung from one corner, as though abandoned mid-use, awaiting its owner’s return.

The wide wooden desk, similar to the one in Tillian’s own study, lay strewn with a chaotic array of books and journals. Some lay open, their pages bearing the marks of dried ink, while others were scattered haphazardly across its surface. Despite the disorder, an eerie semblance persisted—a suggestion that someone lingered, poised to resume their work at any moment.

More books littered the floor, as if they had tumbled from the towering bookshelves that lined the room to her right. Aideen found herself grappling with the unsettling uncertainty: had she entered a woman’s bedroom or stumbled upon the lair of someone as bizarre as Ahspid?

Silently, the Duke positioned himself behind the princess, his intense crimson gaze sweeping over the objects within his mother’s chamber. After a moment’s pause, he began to speak, his voice soft yet laden with melancholy.

"My mother passed when I was but five, claimed by an insidious infection whose origins remained shrouded in mystery. The priests, fearing contagion, saw fit to consign her to the flames, ensuring the malady could claim no more victims. I scattered her ashes near the Dragon Mountain—a place she longed to visit but lacked the strength to reach. Much like your own mother, it seems her final wish found fulfillment only in death’s embrace."

Aideen’s heart shattered at Tillian’s sorrowful revelation, her mind echoing his words with a profound ache. While she could still cling to the remnants of her own mother, Tillian had been left with nothing but memories.

Another fleeting sigh escaped the Duke, as though granting himself a moment’s respite before forging onward.

"This... this room embodies my mother. It is all that remains of her."

Struggling to contain her tears, Aideen examined the room once more, her gaze lingering on Duke Valentine as he stood before her.

"I want you to make use of this room for your own personal needs from this moment forward," he declared.

"I beg your pardon?!"

"I’ve clung to this room for over twenty years now, but I believe it’s time to move forward. Now that I have you, I want to replace this attachment with the living presence beside me— you. I desire to infuse this space with new life, to fill it with something vibrant and fresh. This is my earnest wish, Your Highness."

Aideen was rendered speechless by Tillian’s gesture. While she had believed that reuniting with her mother was the ultimate gift, she now realized her misconception.

This, what Tillian offered, was the truest and most profound gift he could have bestowed upon her.

And perhaps, by accepting it, she was giving him the greatest gift in return.

Fixing her gaze upon Tillian’s face, Aideen tenderly brushed away the tears that streaked her cheeks, offering a light nod before gracing him with a warm smile that radiated love and warmth, infusing the delicate curve of her lips with a rosy hue.

With a gentle caress, she reached out her right hand to cup the Duke’s handsome face, sweeping his soft locks away from his forehead as she spoke softly,

"I would never presume to replace something as precious as the memories of your mother, Your Grace. However, I am committed to crafting new, joyful memories with you."

Her affectionate words elicited a profound response from Tillian, sending a shiver down his spine. Before he could fully comprehend the moment, their lips met in a tender embrace, the culmination of their shared affection manifesting in the sweetest and most tender kiss imaginable.