I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 51
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
read more chapters on luna kofi
Until now, Mikhail had refrained from attending the council because he didn’t want to witness this chaos.
It was a waste of time. Today, he participated simply because news articles had surfaced, and he needed to show his face to ensure that the interest in him didn’t fade away.
Mikhail was now the most attention-grabbing figure in the Bartsch Kingdom after Adrian. A hero who played a significant role in leading the rebellion to success. To others, he might appear as a devil.
Mikhail lightly smiled, observing people’s reactions. ‘I made the right choice,’ he thought. In this council, alliances and affiliations would be starkly revealed.
“Y-Your Majesty, the proposal we just discussed is not appropriate.”
Some others seemed to share the same sentiment, hastily glancing around. The faction aligned with the council maintained silence, observing the situation.
“Are you saying that abolishing the monogamy system applies only to men?”
“Of course. Men and women cannot be treated equally.”
In response to the murmurs, Adrian spoke up.
“Seems like you heard it wrong. I mentioned change and progress. Applying it equally to both men and women would be a true step toward progress.”
“It’s absurd. If we normalize having a lover, the boundaries in marriage will blur.”
“Openly committing adultery while holding another lover is fine, but codifying it into law is not. It seems the Bartsch Kingdom is far from ready for real change.”
Adrian’s mocking tone prompted the chairman to hastily intervene.
“Um, there are many other agenda items to discuss.”
“Speak then.”
“You must now decide how to deal with the rebel factions that supported the 1st Prince. Duke Loren and several other families still refuse to change their stance. There is no guarantee that another incident like that day won’t happen as long as they are alive.”
“But now they have no reason to rebel. Above all, considering that the lady who became the wife of Duke Heinrich is from their relatives, how about showing leniency?”
“…Leniency.”
Johannes’ maternal relatives and any obstructive factions had already been summarily executed. So, while not traditional, there was no one except Adrian, whose blood was mixed with the royal family’s, to sit on the throne.
“To make an exception is to regard it as something special, perhaps considering Duke Heinrich might. Exclude the Loren family and deal with the others.”
At Adrian’s words, the chairman nodded.
“Those with objections, please voice them now.”
There was a subtle glance toward Mikhail, but he remained indifferent, wearing an expression as if it didn’t concern him.
“As His Majesty wishes.”
He was surprisingly composed, considering there were recent articles about his good relationship with his spouse. People found it strange, but he didn’t show any signs of caring.
Probably to avoid stirring his emotions unnecessarily.
* * *
Once the council ended, Mikhail swiftly left the council chamber without lingering. People tried to approach him for a word, but the king and royal aides approached and prevented any opportunity.
“Oh, Duke, could I have a moment?”
“Do you have something to say?”
“Quite a lot. There are matters to discuss.”
Seeing Adrian’s serpent-like eyes, Mikhail wasn’t in the best mood. He wanted to ignore him and go back to the mansion, but there were too many eyes watching.
“Alright, I’ll follow.”
“The weather is nice, so how about having a drink before you go?”
“As you wish.”
The two entered the Aether Hall alone. Adrian slumped into a chair, twisting his weary body.
“I’m planning to hold the wedding within this month. I thought of using the royal banquet hall for the occasion. The invitations will also be issued by the royal family, so you don’t need to worry about it.”
“Understood.”
“It’s planned to be a grand event to show generosity to everyone.”
“I see.”
“After the wedding, it might be good for you to take a short vacation.”
Mikhail nodded. Perhaps Adrian hoped he would use the vacation as an excuse to be absent.
King Conrad’s rule wasn’t bad, so public opinion about Adrian, who seized power through rebellion, wasn’t particularly favorable.
If the 1st Prince Johannes had procedurally succeeded to the throne, it would have taken much longer to resolve everything.
With legitimacy and the loyalty of the supporting families, Johannes was much more solid than Adrian.
“Don’t worry. I plan to take about a month.”
“Alright, since everyone knows that you led the rebellion to put me on the throne, it might be a good idea for you to leave the capital until the noisy disturbances settle down.”
“Then I’ll prepare accordingly.”
Mikhail didn’t want to waste time. Leaving the mansion empty, with only Dahlia and Emilia, was also unsettling. It was clear that as soon as he left, Dahlia would seek out Emilia.
Dahlia seemed anxious enough that it was evident to him. Anxiousness ruins many things.
Mikhail glanced at the clock.
Adrian seemed to have no intention of ending the conversation and started speaking again.
“I’m looking forward to that day. By the way, I had a conversation with your wife here.”
“Is that so?”
Even after telling him the whole story, Mikhail seemed to feign ignorance. This made Adrian agitated.
