Duchess in Ruins draws readers into a world of political intrigue, betrayal, and resilience. Duchess Edele Lancaster‘s husband’s treason shatters her life. Stripped of her title and dignity, she becomes a war prisoner and is handed over as a servant to Count Laslo Krissus. Duchess In Ruins Chapter 1-5, explores Edele’s fall from grace and her fight to retain her sense of self despite the oppressive circumstances. The first chapter grips readers with tension and emotional depth, making it a must-read for historical romance and drama fans.
Meet the Main Characters
Duchess In Ruins Chapter 1: Emperor’s Prisoner
Duchess In Ruins Chapter 1 begins with a tense battle outside the palace while a lady is seen praying inside. She pleads for mercy, asking, “Please take me into your arms without too much pain. Allow me not to waver before pain and continue to have faith in God’s plan and endure.” As the opposing forces breach the palace, they search for the lady. Upon finding her, the soldiers are captivated by her beauty. Their leader steps forward and informs her, revealing her as Duchess Edele Lancaster, that the emperor has ordered him to take her alive as a prisoner.
Duke Lancaster, a member of one of the four most powerful families in the empire, engaged Edele Canyon three years earlier. The Duke, however, was a significantly older man, leading many to whisper about the match, questioning how she could marry someone so aged. Edele’s destiny was marriage into a powerful family. Her marriage ended after only a year and eight months due to Lancaster’s treason.
Emperor Demarcus Tuberine saw Edele standing before him, reflecting on how her carefully molded life was reduced to disgrace. The emperor’s council demands her execution or punishment for her husband’s treason. However, the emperor instead addresses Laslo Krissus, a renowned mercenary and count, acknowledging his contributions to suppressing the rebellion. He offers Edele to Laslo, suggesting she could be a spoil of war. The emperor bestowed upon Laslo Edele as a maid when Laslo expressed indifference. Leaving the court murmuring with jealousy over her beauty as the Duchess In Ruins Chapter 1 concludes.
Chapter 2: Three Years Ago
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 2 begins with a flashback from three years ago at the house of Count Canyon. Edele’s mother is scolding her, insisting she stop being stubborn and questioning if she truly thinks she can defy her father. Edele protests, arguing that the Duke is even older than her father, making the marriage unreasonable. Her mother coldly counters The Duke has had a long-term lover, and his children are grown. Her mother insists that even her father will bow before her as a duchess, leaving no valid reason for refusal.
Edele later begs her father to stop the marriage, but he rebukes her, stating she should be more committed to the family’s success. He mentions the humiliations he endured to secure this match. Resigned, Edele convinces herself that she will finally be free from her oppressive household after the marriage. She patiently endures endless social duties, managing accounts and guests flawlessly, hoping for freedom.
Duke Lancastor’s failed plans to declare independence were kept entirely from her, and she was shocked when the army attacked after a warning. She understands she is merely a pawn used to delay the army as she runs. Despite her flawless service, only one butler cared enough to warn her, highlighting her lack of true control.
Now imprisoned with the Duke’s daughters, who treat her cruelly, Edele feels her life has become an empty shell. Count Laslo has claimed her as a maid, yet she knows a female prisoner of war faces far worse fates. As she wakes the next morning, believing it to be her last sunrise, she contemplates suicide. Duchess In Ruins Chapter 2 ends with Edele feeling shocked to find Count Laslo driving the carriage.
Duchess In Ruins Chapter 3: Travelling Together
Duchess In Ruins Chapter 3 opens with Edele reflecting on the Count’s unexpected decision to escort her personally. She suspects he wants to keep a close eye on her. Suddenly, he offers her his cape, noticing her shivering. Edele briefly contemplates using the cape as a distraction to jump from the carriage. As she counts down to act, the Count interrupts, warning her against trying anything rash, making her realize he anticipated her intentions, which is why he kept her in the same carriage.
Upon arriving at the Count’s estate, Edele slips while exiting the carriage, but the Count catches her before she falls. She apologizes, and he calmly instructs her to follow him inside. Once inside, he summons the head housekeeper and inquires if anything unusual occurred during his absence. The housekeeper responds that everything is normal. The Count reminds the housekeeper about her shortage of maids and introduces Edele as a new servant, instructing her to use Edele as needed.
After the Count leaves, a young maid named Meena rushes to the head housekeeper, revealing that Edele is Duchess Lancaster, a captured war prisoner. Realizing the truth, the head housekeeper orders Meena to show Edele to her room as instructed. Meena leads her to a poorly maintained room, but Edele tolerates it, appreciating the food and clothes, concluding Duchess In Ruins Chapter 3.
Chapter 4: Emperor’s Intentions
Duchess In Ruins Chapter 4 begins with the emperor’s aide informing him that Count Laslo personally came to retrieve Edele. The emperor questions whether Laslo appeared like a man who had received the greatest spoil of war, but the aide could not confirm. The emperor reflects that while others may be oblivious, he understands Laslo’s true nature. Laslo, a mercenary king, had only joined the conquest at the last moment, motivated solely by the reward money. However, his band of mercenaries outperformed the knights beyond expectation.
A flashback in Duchess In Ruins reveals the emperor offering Laslo any reward for his service. Laslo simply requested the payment specified in his contract, showing no interest in power or social status despite his abilities. Impressed yet frustrated by his indifference, the emperor decided to captivate Laslo with something beyond titles. His realization stemmed from an event two years prior, when Laslo, newly made a count, attended a banquet. The emperor decided to gift Edele Lancaster to Laslo to bind him more closely.
The scene shifts to Laslo’s household, where he ponders the emperor’s motives. He never expected to cross paths with the Duchess in such a way, and he regrets accepting his title, which he only agreed to so his sister could marry into a respectable family. Disillusioned by the corrupt noble marriages he has witnessed, he questions Edele’s motives, wondering if she exchanged her youth for power out of greed. Yet, he cannot stop thinking about her, especially now that she serves as a maid in his household. Duchess In Ruins Chapter 4 concludes with Edele being mistreated by the head housekeeper and other maids, who relish her fall from grace.
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 5: The Count Canyon
Duchess In Ruins Chapter 5 opens with Edele’s father furiously instructing his sons, not to mention Edele, calling her a worthless girl who lacks the decency to take her own life before facing humiliation. He laments his struggles to keep the House of Canyon intact, leading to a flashback where he pleads with the emperor. The flashback reveals Duke Lancaster blackmailed him into aiding treason and took Edele against his will as a hostage.
Edele’s father immediately disowns her, claiming she is no longer part of their family. The flashback ends with the father’s realization that he begged for mercy to survive despite his humiliation under the new emperor, who brought commoners to strengthen the throne’s power. He then calls his sons, William and Jeffrey, and declares that he will rebuild the House of Canyon’s reputation with the emperor’s trusted allies, ensuring no one looks down on them again.
The scene shifts to the next morning, where Edele works with other laundry women, drying sheets. She reflects on her ten days in the house, taking pride in her hard work despite being a mere spoil of war. Though the head housekeeper frequently picks on her, the other laundry women support and defend her.
Later, while alone in her room, Edele notes that Count Krissus has not summoned her in the past ten days, making her feel almost forgotten. Grateful to be free from the Lancasters, she resolves to continue working hard. Just as she begins to fall asleep, someone knocks on her door, ending Duchess in Ruins chapter 5 on a suspenseful note.
Personal Reflections
The storytelling in Duchess in Ruins excels in portraying emotional depth and tension. Edele’s character is tragic and inspiring. Count Laslo, too, stands out as a complex figure. His stoic nature contrasts with moments of unexpected kindness, making readers curious about his true intentions. The dynamic between the two is rich with potential, balancing tension and empathy beautifully.
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 1-5 delivers a gripping start, blending emotional storytelling with rich world-building. If you’re captivated by stories of strength, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, you should explore this webtoon. Share your thoughts on Edele and Laslo’s dynamic—what will unfold next? Stay tuned for more chapter reviews!
