Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 80
“I will do my best, Your Highness. However…”
Albireo hesitated, but as Riegel gave him a look that said ‘speak your mind,’ he gathered his courage.
“May I dare to ask why you command such magic?”
“…”
“I suspect the Temple will not be pleased to know this.”
Riegel merely smiled bitterly at the question he had somewhat anticipated. Surely, from the perspective of the Temple, which uses sacred power to amass considerable funds, his plan would be unwelcome.
However, Riegel’s reason for pushing forward was singular.
“I am convinced that devising a system that benefits more people is the right thing to do.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I will think over the magic aspect, but remember, no more fleeing from here on out.”
Riegel watched Albireo swallow an internal groan and chuckled lightly.
Just then, the watchtowers surrounding the capital of Galatea began to raise red flags one by one.
Albireo’s face lit up at the long-awaited sight.
“That’s—!”
The Arcturus party had finally entered the capital.
* * *
255.
In the sunlight, the button necklace faintly sparkled, showing Freesia her remaining lifespan.
Despite the monster attack, they had fortunately arrived at the capital without much delay, thanks to Izar organizing the party and urging them on appropriately.
‘The next two months will be hectic with social events.’
The capital mansion was also starting to be refurbished accordingly. Of course, this was a directive from Electra early on, so no one even asked for Freesia’s opinion, nor were they curious about her preferences.
Unless she made some significant contribution to this family, the indifference directed towards her would not change.
‘I just need to endure until the hunting festival.’
Afraid that imagining good things might jinx them, she deliberately did not think about what would happen after preventing the Imperial Grandson’s death.
But surely, it will be better than the current state. Even if she remains ‘the bastard duchess’ of the family, by the time of her death, she might receive somewhat more humane treatment…
“Madam…”
“Yes?”
Just then, Thea, having finished organizing the luggage, quietly approached Freesia. Her face full of expectation and a sly smile gave a somewhat cunning impression.
“I was going to go out to check if those, um, glasses? Have already been completed, so…”
“And?”
“Would you like to come out to the shops with me, Madam?”
“Hmm.”
“It’s so much more interesting than Arcturus, and I know all the places worth seeing here!”
“Hmmm.”
“Since you need to have a new dress made anyway, wouldn’t it be good to check them out yourself!”
Although Thea spoke with a glib tongue, Freesia discerned her true intentions and smiled crookedly.
There were areas only accessible to maids, and places frequented by those of higher status, so she must have wanted to see a new place.
‘Whether they’ll welcome me is another matter.’
Freesia considered refusing the request for a moment. After all, getting a dress was her lowest priority.
Yet, seeing Thea’s pleading eyes, she strangely found herself unable to say no.
Freesia had no intention of opening her heart to Thea during her remaining lifespan.
In her past life, Thea had been a nuisance, and now she was merely someone whose temporary loyalty was bought with ribbons and jewels.
Should Lady Electra apply pressure, Thea would easily betray Freesia.
‘But can our relationship now only be seen in such terms?’
In a world where even children are abandoned and people flee from monsters, Thea had not pushed her bastard mistress forward as bait…
If one’s true nature is revealed in the face of death, then perhaps Thea’s nature is not as muddied as she thought.
“Alright. Let’s get ready to go out.”
“Yes, Madam!”
“About the Duke, um.”
Freesia hesitated as soon as she spoke, then pursed her lips.
As soon as Izar had arrived at the residence, he had become as stoic as ever, leaving her without so much as a goodbye.
‘Haa. I thought something might change after the monster attack.’
No matter how much she pondered, she couldn’t figure out her twenty-three-year-old husband. One day his eyes seemed to carry a subtle warmth, and the next, he would suddenly look at her with an incredibly sharp gaze.
If the other’s attitude is inconsistent, it directly becomes a wound.
And if he refuses to communicate verbally, it only makes it harder for Freesia to understand his feelings, causing her more pain.
‘I actually just want to send Thea to inform him that I’m going out, but…’
However… after seeing the number 255, she bit her lip and pulled herself together. She reminded herself not to forget that her self-respect was just as low a priority as getting a new dress.
“…I’ll go speak to him myself, but in the meantime, please inform Sir Dike.”
