Chapter 16: A Day in Disguise

(Marcus's PoV)

The chill of the northern winds blew through the streets of the Grand Duchy, but for the first time in months, the air was filled with hope rather than worry. The once desolate and barren market squares now bustled with activity as people moved about, gathering food supplies, trading, and laughing freely. Marcus couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he observed the lively scene.

And yet, no one recognized him.

He tugged at the hood of his cloak, adjusting it so it better covered his face. Beside him, Eleanor stood with an impish grin, her own disguise—an oversized cloak and wool hat—barely concealing her excitement. Her red hair peeked out from beneath the hood, but no one seemed to notice, caught up in their own daily lives.

"Isn't this fun, brother?" she asked in a whisper, her grey eyes gleaming with mischief. "No one knows it's us!"

Marcus glanced down at her and couldn't help but smile. It was rare that he had a moment to spend with Eleanor, just the two of them. Most days were consumed with meetings, strategies, and the overwhelming responsibility of running the duchy. But today… today was different. After weeks of work, he had finally secured the trade deal that would stabilize the duchy's economy, and the food crisis had been averted with the completion of the greenhouses. Things were looking up, and he had promised Eleanor a break from the seriousness of their lives.

"Just be careful not to blow our cover, Ellie," he warned gently, though there was warmth in his voice.

Eleanor giggled, nodding. "I won't, big brother."

As they walked through the market, Marcus kept his hood low, observing the citizens. Their faces, once drawn and pale with worry, now held the faint glow of hope. The greenhouse had done more than provide food—it had restored faith. The people could see that the Grand Duchy wasn't falling apart, that their new Grand Duke was trying to make things right.

A group of townsfolk stood nearby, chatting as they watched the workers load crates of fresh vegetables from the greenhouse.

"Have you seen the new crops?" one man asked, his voice filled with awe. "It's a miracle! We'll have enough food for the winter."

"Aye," another agreed, rubbing his hands together for warmth. "Who would've thought? The young Grand Duke really turned things around. I wasn't sure about him at first, but now... I reckon he's got a good head on his shoulders."

"He's been working hard for us, that's for sure," a woman added. "And it's not just the food. The trade routes are picking up again. We might actually be able to afford warm clothes this winter!"

Eleanor, who had been listening intently, turned to Marcus with a beaming smile. "Did you hear that, brother? They're talking about you!"

Marcus chuckled softly, feeling a strange warmth spread through him. Hearing the genuine appreciation of the people made all the long, sleepless nights and countless meetings worth it. But it also felt surreal. Just a few weeks ago, he had been doubting himself, struggling to get anyone to trust him, let alone make real progress. Now, he was walking through the streets in disguise, hearing strangers praise his efforts. 

"I did hear," Marcus replied, smiling under his hood. "But don't get too excited, Ellie. There's still a lot of work to do."

Eleanor rolled her eyes playfully. "You always say that! Can't you just enjoy the moment?"

Marcus laughed. **Maybe she's right.** "Alright, alright. Today, I'll enjoy it."

They continued walking, slipping in and out of different shops and stands, pretending to be regular citizens. Eleanor insisted on visiting a small bakery, where they bought some freshly baked bread, the warm scent of it filling the cold air. Marcus tore off a piece and handed it to Eleanor, who accepted it with a smile.

As they ate, Marcus noticed a group of children playing nearby, their laughter infectious. Eleanor's eyes lit up as she watched them.

"I used to play like that, too," she said quietly. "Before everything changed. Before Mother and Father…"

Her voice trailed off, and for a moment, the carefree sparkle in her eyes dimmed. Marcus felt a pang in his chest as he watched her. **She's still so young**, he thought. Too young to have lost so much.

"You still can, you know," Marcus said softly, his gaze fixed on her. "You're still a child, Ellie. You don't have to grow up so fast."

Eleanor looked up at him, her expression softening. "I know, but... I want to help. I don't want you to carry everything by yourself, brother."

Marcus smiled gently, ruffling her hair. "I'll be alright, Ellie. You just focus on being happy, okay? That's enough for me."

She pouted, pushing his hand away. "I'm not a little kid anymore, you know."

"I know," he replied, his smile widening. "But you're still my little sister."

They shared a laugh, the heaviness of their conversation melting away in the warmth of the moment. Marcus knew that life was never going to be easy for either of them, but for now, he was grateful for the chance to simply be with her, away from the pressures of the court and the weight of the title.

As the day wore on, they wandered through the streets, occasionally hearing more snippets of praise for the Grand Duke. At one point, Eleanor overheard an older woman saying, "He's a blessing, that one. With parents like the late Duke and Duchess, it's no wonder."

Eleanor grinned, nudging Marcus in the ribs. "See? They love you."

Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "I think they're just relieved they won't starve this winter."

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the rooftops, Marcus and Eleanor made their way back to the palace. They had spent the day as ordinary people, free from the responsibilities of nobility, and for a few hours, it had felt like the world wasn't resting on Marcus's shoulders.

But as they walked in silence, Marcus couldn't help but think about the future. The food crisis was resolved, but there were still so many challenges ahead. Trade, defense, the looming threat of monsters—it all weighed heavily on his mind.

Yet, as he glanced down at Eleanor, happily munching on the last piece of bread, he felt a renewed sense of determination. For her, for the people, for the legacy his parents had left behind—he would make sure the Grand Duchy prospered again.

And maybe, just maybe, he could enjoy the little moments along the way.