Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 117
Certainty
Izar had never felt inferior to another man in his entire life. He was born and raised as the head of the most prestigious family next to the imperial family.
Therefore, it would be laughable for him to feel inferior to some second son with a meager inheritance.
…And yet, Freesia was making him feel that way.
The words, ‘It would be nice to see him again,’ made his blood boil. He turned away, trying to hide his twisted expression. His tone became rough as he suppressed his simmering anger.
“Then, you may leave.”
“…Yes.”
She might collapse when he wasn’t around. But unaware of his concern, Freesia left without further hesitation.
Left alone, Izar muttered with dissatisfaction.
“I should have given her jewelry instead.”
Rather than land that was difficult to manage immediately, he should have given her jewels that she could carry easily.
‘Like green jewels, perhaps.’
Something that matched her eyes… If he had given her earrings, he could have asked her to try them on right then and there.
Just then, Van and the other subordinates entered to report on Freesia’s activities.
“I heard the Deneb family came to visit her.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Was there anything unusual?”
“The Marchioness and her second son visited together. After that, the lady went to the temple with them.”
“…”
Izar felt a sharp pain, like a white-hot needle piercing his temple.
He managed to rub it away without showing the pain. Van, observing Izar’s displeased expression, continued his report.
“And the Marchioness’s second son gave her a get-well-soon gift.”
That mad dog, obsessed with this woman.
Izar swallowed the crude curse that rose to his lips. Before criticizing the boy’s audacity, there was something else he needed to confirm.
“What was Freesia’s reaction?”
“She received it joyfully, as per etiquette. She seemed to think it was a fine gift.”
“…”
Izar’s eyes grew clouded, like a moon obscured by fog.
‘So she was happy.’
Freesia, who had been indifferent to the wealth from the Antares estate and his offer to go out together.
Yet, with another man’s gift…
‘If Van knows, it means others know she received the gift as well.’
So he forced himself to stay calm, convincing himself it was just a formal gift and nothing more.
It had to be nothing more.
“And she went to the temple?”
“Yes, my lord.”
Izar scowled, annoyed.
‘She’s well enough to be wandering around.’
If she needed to pray, she could have summoned a priest… But his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Van’s next report.
“And she had a private conversation with the priest who helped heal her last time.”
“…The one with silver hair and red eyes?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“What did they talk about?”
“They exchanged thanks for his visit and talked about their families. The priest even mentioned feeling a sibling-like connection with her.”
“Insane.”
A celibate should know better. Thinking about Albireo Deneb already made his stomach churn, but now a priest, who should be devoted to his prayers, dared to flirt with a married woman.
‘It feels like I’m turning into a jealous fool.’
But recalling their past, he remembered they were acquainted.
“How long has Freesia known him? Do you know?”
“I heard she met him at the Deneb estate. She received blessings from him as the resident priest there.”
“Ha…!”
Ah, damn it. That cursed Deneb.
Going to that land was a grave mistake, his greatest misstep.
If only his stepmother hadn’t beaten Freesia so mercilessly.
Izar turned to Charles, who had entered with Ban, and spoke.
“Charles. Investigate the background of the priest Sir Dike mentioned.”
He needed to confirm whether he was some lowly commoner or not. Who dares to say they feel like siblings with her?
“Yes, my lord.”
“And verify if Freesia is indeed the illegitimate child of Duke Antares.”
“…!”
“Investigate her mother as well. Even the slightest clue will do.”
“Yes, understood.”
Charles reluctantly answered, but Izar didn’t notice his hesitation.
* * *
The next day, Freesia visited the Academy with Izar.
Freesia looked up at the building she had never set foot in during her previous life and let out a small exclamation.
“Wow…”
Though the building was ancient and sophisticated, it didn’t have the oppressive feel of the palace or temple.
People were busily moving around with clear purposes in the garden where a fresh breeze blew.
Meanwhile, Izar silently observed Freesia, constantly checking her condition.
He had wanted to exclude her from this visit to the academy.
He had been worried that if he kept her in the manor, she would wither away like a dying flower.
‘In any case, it was a good decision to bring her.’
At the manor, she always seemed lost in thought and listless, but now she was wide-eyed, quietly observing her surroundings.
‘She kept her head down in the carriage, too.’
Now, she was finally showing at least the side of her face.
“…”
Feeling a surge of emotion, Izar continued to silently watch Freesia.
