I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 153
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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The moment Lady Luther received the letter, she clutched her chest. Her dark hair cascaded down as she bowed her head, giving off a strange impression.
Those watching held their breath, wary not to draw attention to themselves.
“Ah! Duke Heinrich!”
It wasn’t about holding his hand. If she couldn’t win him over to her side, it would be better if he didn’t exist at all. His constant interference had crossed a line, and was becoming intolerable. Lady Luther’s violet eyes glinted dangerously.
“…L-Lady Luther.”
Marchioness Kerren cautiously called out to her.
“Don’t be so angry. Thanks to the Duke, the unreasonable demands from the Kingdom of Eponsen were blocked, at least.”
“That’s not important! What matters is that the Duke blocked it! Are you asking because you don’t know?”
It should have been her son dealing with this. If even the slightest bit of this information leaked, it would only strengthen the voices supporting the Duke. Already, many of the nobles feared Duke Heinrich rather than Adrian.
On that day, when he pulled the man sitting on the throne and installed Adrian in his place, his blood-red eyes flashed, forcing people to kneel before him. From that day on, Lady Luther had thought that he needed to be eliminated.
But by the time she made up her mind, it had become practically impossible. Duke Heinrich had accumulated too much power, and the ones supporting Adrian were too weak in their loyalty to stake everything on him.
The Duke had caught many weaknesses now. In the end, Adrian’s influence would inevitably dwindle.
“I’ll have to find a way.”
“Still, there’s a lot of talk about the Duke’s scandal. Adultery is severely punished in this kingdom, after all.”
“But there’s no evidence. If the Duke doesn’t confess, we can’t hold him accountable for the crime.”
Lady Luther’s brow twitched. What worried her most was that if she really pushed this matter, the Duke wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing. Furthermore, if adultery charges were pressed, Adrian would be unable to avoid controversy. The number of women who’d entered his bedroom was too great to count. Despite being painfully placed on the throne, Adrian had seemed to stray further from the path thereafter.
Though Johannes was not his equal, her own son was also clever enough. He was fully capable of ruling the kingdom. She had been sure of it.
“My judgment can’t have been wrong.”
Lady Luther composed herself, then turned to look at Countess Abelio.
“Has everything been prepared?”
“Yes. Everything is ready as you requested.”
“Good. Let’s see how long the Duke can keep up that high-handed attitude.”
“Then what about the assembly?”
The chairman of the assembly asked carefully. She lifted her head and, sweeping aside her loose hair, gave a faint smile.
“Did you not see the note?”
The look on her face clearly indicated she thought he should have figured that out on his own. The chairman hurriedly shook his head.
“I’ll handle it and make sure everything goes smoothly.”
“I will explain things clearly to Adrian and make sure there’s no disturbance.”
“Understood.”
She had a general sense of the current atmosphere in high society. A scandal involving a debutante who hadn’t even had her coming-out party would be a huge blow to the Duke as well.
“Once the assembly is over, I plan to host Leah’s debutante ball.”
“I appreciate your thoughts, but I must decline.”
“Count, I’d like to know why you’re refusing my goodwill.”
Lady Luther couldn’t understand why her brother was reacting this way. Come to think of it, he had been unusually quiet throughout their conversation.
“Count Chevron, do you have something to say to me?”
“I just want to make sure my daughter’s debutante ball isn’t too extravagant. She’s already drawing attention in high society. The more reserved she is, the less others will be suspicious.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes, what other reason could I have? If the royal family thrives, then the Chevron family thrives as well.”
Count Chevron chose his words carefully, as there was a reason for his restraint.
This morning, he had received a letter from Duke Heinrich.
Even though it was for the royal family’s benefit, and even though it promised tangible rewards, what was the meaning of sacrificing the Chevron family’s honor and trampling his daughter’s purity for such a thing?
At least that was how he felt.
Sending his daughter to Duke Heinrich as his mistress would be the end of the Chevron family.
No matter how bad the scandal had gotten, what family would agree to such a proposal, knowing there was nothing to gain?
For the sake of the Chevron family, Leah’s honor had to be preserved.
His sister might think differently, but he was someone who could see the bigger picture.
“Count Chevron, we’re in the same boat. Everyone here is in the same boat. Don’t forget that. And most importantly, we’re family.”
He smiled, responding warmly to his sister’s gentle voice.
“Of course, we’re family.”
If they were family, they should protect and cherish each other. So, he was certain his sister would understand his decision.
❖ ❖ ❖
An awkward silence stretched on. Emilia set her tea cup down as she watched the rain fall outside.
People in the café were now openly staring at the two of them.
“Isn’t this enough?”
“It’s not enough.”
“Everyone here looks like they’re dying to talk about us.”
