Ruins

Yes, the Duchess gave utmost importance to status and lineage. But seeing Dimitri's courage she was proved wrong, he was a true noble...

He gently guided Adeline toward the waiting carriage, glancing back at the Duchess with a look of gratitude.

Once Adeline was safely on her way, the Duchess turned her full attention to the mansion. Her knights had already stormed inside, and moments later, they emerged dragging the Duke out. 

His once-proud figure was dishevelled, his clothes torn and bloodied from his earlier struggles. But it wasn't just his physical state that was unsettling... It was his demeanour, his behaviour.

The Duke's face twisted with a mix of rage and desperation. His wild eyes darted around, and he shouted incoherently as he thrashed against the knights' grip.

"I am the Duke!" he bellowed, his voice hoarse with fury. "I am the head of this Duchy! Unhand me this instant, or you'll all regret it!"