Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 74

After enjoying a hearty meal, Mila and her companions waved goodbye to the townspeople, who had come to see them off. Cotton and Net, her little beast friends, waved sadly at the children they had been playing with. Seeing their reluctance to leave, Mila offered them a choice. "If you two want to stay, you can," she said, knowing that she wouldn't hold it against them if they chose to remain.

'No! Mila is where we belong!' Cotton and Net both exclaimed simultaneously, looking up at Mila with determined expressions. Mila smiled softly, touched by their loyalty, knowing they would never leave her side.

"Alright then, offer's off the table," she said with a sigh, feeling the fatigue of their long journey. The end was in sight, but the weight of the past few days lingered. Her hair still covered the left side of her face, hiding the scar that had become a part of her. Over time, she had grown accustomed to it, finding comfort in the way it shielded her from the world.

Thelma, noticing the dark circles under Mila's eyes, asked gently, "Mila, are you feeling alright? I've noticed you have bags under your eyes."

Mila forced a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Maybe I'm just too excited to see everyone again," she replied, not wanting to worry them. They had been through so much together, and Mila knew they were all aware of her struggles. To change the subject, she turned to Tim. "Tim, are you alright with working under a noble household? We usually don't have any healers, to be honest."

Tim nodded, his expression serious. "Then that means there's an open spot for me. As I've said, I already pledged my loyalty to you, and with Thelma here, I won't leave her side." He glanced at Thelma, who blushed and looked away. "However, I do have one request."

"Ask away," Mila said, curious about what Tim had in mind.

"I'd like to open my own clinic," Tim explained. "It would also be where Thelma and I live. You can summon me whenever you need, but I'd prefer not to live in a mansion with so many servants, maids, and knights."

Mila smiled, pleased with his plan. "Alright, I'll be hoping for good results from the clinic in the future—if you know what I mean." Her words made the adults blush, understanding the implication. Tim and Thelma exchanged a glance, and it was clear that Tim was determined not to disappoint. Mila caught the look between them and couldn't resist teasing, "Get a room," she said, laughing as they shot her embarrassed glares. "Besides, Emmett and Sara are getting married soon. When will you two tie the knot? At least get engaged," she suggested, pushing them to take the next step in their relationship. "Tim, you're not getting any younger."

"My lady... please don't remind me," Tim muttered, feeling a bit wounded by the reminder of his age. Men his age were usually already fathers.

"It's true," Mila insisted. "You and Thelma are ten years apart. You're thirty, and she's twenty. I'll keep reminding you if I have to!" Mila didn't understand why Tim was hesitating, knowing that he was one of the last men his age not to be married.

Emmett, surprised by the revelation, chuckled. "Tim, I didn't know you were older than me. I'm twenty-eight, so I guess I'm still young," he said with a smug grin, clearly enjoying the banter.

"Shut up!" Tim shot back, annoyed by Emmett's teasing. "At least I still look young. You look older than me." The two men exchanged playful glares, both knowing exactly how to push each other's buttons.

Mila, amused by their antics, added with a grin, "Well, I'll be hoping that Emmett and Sara have a kid before you and Thelma, then." She started walking ahead, ignoring the protests from behind her.

"Mila!!!" The four of them shouted in unison, but Mila just stuck out her tongue playfully and continued on, with Kate, Cotton, and Net scampering after her.