The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 35
Chapter 35
***
“This lunatic is going to give me a fright the moment he arrives,” Minerva muttered, clicking her tongue.
It wasn’t strange for him to mention marriage, considering his age. But to announce it right upon his return?
He was still the same impulsive colt he’d always been. Like his father… Minerva’s thoughts drifted to her husband lying in his sickbed, her expression darkening.
With a sigh, she asked, “Very well, let’s look into finding you a suitable match.”
“It’s already been decided.”
“…When?”
Minerva had been worried about the rumors surrounding her son. From whispers of impotence to tales of nightly rampages. And now, a betrothed? When? How?
‘A wartime romance, perhaps? Or someone among his comrades…?’
If a comrade, then woman? Man? How old? The sheer breadth of possibilities made Minerva’s head spin.
Daykin, observing her, calmly revealed the identity of the person in question.
“Ailee Lizziana. I’ll handle the arrangements. You must be tired, so I’ll take my leave.”
“Y-you, you crazy… Where do you think you’re going?!” Minerva finally resorted to Daykin’s childhood nickname.
“To see Father.”
***
Daykin endured Minerva’s barrage of questions all day. Where had he met the daughter of Count Lizziana? Why that gossipy eldest daughter, of all people?
While she wasn’t against the marriage, shouldn’t she at least know who the girl was before giving her blessing?
“What kind of girl would be taken in by a wild colt like you?”
It was a valid question, and the only one Daykin responded to out of the many.
“What do you mean? Hmm?”
“A small, cute fairy.”
At the time, Daikin had been nearly the same height as Ailee, so the description hardly fit. Yet, he said it with utter confidence.
‘I’ll be taller than her soon anyway.’
And even if she were taller, she’d probably still be cute. He was already nearing six foot three; for her to be taller, she’d have to be close to six foot seven. Imagining a giant Ailee, Daykin chuckled to himself.
Minerva, feeling faint, reached for her son’s collar. Before she could grab him, Daykin finally confessed—where he had met this “fairy.” Enough time had passed that he could finally speak of it.
After hearing the full story, Minerva’s expression was complex. The news that meeting this girl had kept her son healthy, and would prevent future episodes, was wonderful, joyous even.
However, she didn’t know what to say about his failure to bring the girl to his father. Logically, Minerva knew Daykin had made the right decision; they both could have died.
But a part of her wondered if they could have both lived happily if things had gone differently.
Five years had passed since her husband’s collapse. Dale’s condition had only worsened. As the days stretched into years, filled with Dale seizing, losing consciousness, and being sedated into an endless sleep, Minerva’s hope dwindled.
He had eventually fallen into a complete coma. While she had firmly believed he would awaken within three years, after five, that hope had all but vanished.
Watching her husband writhe in pain had been agonizing, but watching him sleep endlessly was its own kind of torment.
‘Daykin is a grown man now. Perhaps it’s time to let him go.’
She was slowly preparing herself to say goodbye. It was a miracle he had lived this long. Keeping him alive, clinging to this fragile thread, was driven by her own selfish desire.
‘At least my son is alive.’
She couldn’t blame Daykin for not bringing the girl to him. Dale had often told Daykin, “If I collapse, just leave me be. Understand? If your mother tries anything, try to dissuade her.”
It wasn’t difficult to understand. Dale’s father had dedicated his life to caring for his mother, the Duchess of Blashur, during her illness.
He didn’t want the same fate for his son. Besides, even the most renowned healers had failed to cure him, so his feelings were understandable.
Minerva took Daykin’s hand. This girl was her son’s savior, and he was clearly resolute. She wouldn’t oppose him.
“Very well, then. Let’s send the proposal. With terms no one can refuse.”
Daykin, seeing the determination in his mother’s eyes, smiled.
“I knew you’d say that. I’ve already sent it.”
Minerva could only shake her head and click her tongue.
***
The wedding was expedited.
‘Those lunatics. They’re practically trying to sell Ailee off.’
Of course, Daykin would have married her tomorrow if he could. He had only agreed to a two-week delay to avoid overwhelming Ailee.
But the other side, unaware of the circumstances, thought even three weeks was too long to give their daughter to a man with such unsettling rumors, let alone a month.
‘Fine. The sooner, the better.’
The sooner he could bring her home. He longed to see Ailee before the wedding, but his recent return had left him swamped with responsibilities.
Despite the overwhelming workload, Daykin worked tirelessly, a happy smile on his face. Minerva, watching her son, stroked her arm.
