The West Wind's Destination - Chapter 25
Using the child as leverage seemed futile. Bea had mentioned that the child was of no use, hinting at the possibility of abandonment.
Aseph’s words to Bea were not false. Although he couldn’t keep his promise to return immediately, he had not forgotten about her.
It may come across as an exaggeration, but Aseph practically scoured the entire continent for Bea, but to no avail. If they parted this way, who knew when they would meet again?
Thus, Aseph decided he must keep Bea here by any means.
“The anti-magic power of the Vilkanos lineage isn’t something anyone can simply eliminate.”
The Vilkanos lineage, influenced by the ancient guardian beast of the family, inherently possessed strong anti-magic properties. This trait, though coveted, brought significant drawbacks as it blocked all magic, making it difficult for the Vilkanos children to grow up safely.
Then, unexpectedly, a well-grown child of Vilkanos lineage appeared out of nowhere.
The reason the entire household was in turmoil was clear now. Who would have thought someone could remove the anti-magic properties?
Understanding how the child could grow outside the family, they now had a compelling reason to not let Bea and the child leave.
“We cannot let someone who knows our secret, let alone a critical vulnerability, leave the estate.”
“…….”
“It’s not just about secrets, but exposing a fatal weakness. To resolve this, you must stay in the estate.”
Bea’s mouth slackened in disbelief, but no words came out.
Aseph, overwhelmed with self-reproach, roughly ruffled his hair. It was a desperate act, clutching at straws. He had just employed a form of coercion, which was pitifully inadequate.
Bea must be dumbfounded by his tactic. Aseph Vilkanos resorted to such absurdity to keep the supposed mother of his child.
“…I see.”
Surprisingly, Bea agreed, causing not only Aseph but also the surrounding servants to be stunned.
Despite all the appealing conditions and Aseph’s pathetic, ego-crushing pleading, Bea’s sudden change of attitude was unexpected.
Coughing to regain composure, Aseph recognized the importance of gaining some leeway, no matter how it started.
“A-At least, let me arrange a separate room for you to stay temporarily. You must be weary, so focus on resting for a few days, and we can slowly, very slowly, discuss this matter.”
Bea averted her gaze, showing an unexpectedly tame response, simply nodding her head.
“…Fine.”
The atmosphere in the drawing room seemed to drop a degree colder with her icy response.
“Th-then, this way, please! Young master, please come too.”
Led by the servant, Bea left the drawing room without looking back, only the child glancing back before the door closed.
Thud.
As the door shut, the archduke collapsed into his chair, aging a decade in that moment.
“Haah…”
His long sigh filled the room. He couldn’t chase after her. The reason he had used to detain Bea wasn’t something that could be joyously pursued like a puppy.
“We’ve managed to get over the hurdle for now.”
The butler offered water, but Aseph felt like pouring it over his head, throwing away all pretense of dignity.
“What should I do now? How can I handle this situation?”
Aseph faced not only the issue of an unexpected child out of wedlock but also the threat posed by the child’s anti-magic trait.
But for Aseph, these issues were secondary. He had sought peace after the war, spent years searching for Bea, and she had appeared before him with a child.
Moreover, she hardly acknowledged the child, indicating the hardship of raising it alone.
“He looks so much like me, yet she denies he’s my child…”
The child even exhibited the Vilkanos anti-magic trait, a genetic characteristic exclusive to the Vilkanos bloodline.
It was impossible for the child not to be his.
Suddenly, the aide who had been gaping in shock raised his hand.
“Your Highness! I think I understand.”
He had accompanied the archduke to the drawing room, witnessing everything.
Members of the Vilkanos guardian family and their loyalists, having a long history, were familiar with each other since childhood. In private, they were less formal.
Particularly this aide, who had grown up with Aseph and shared the battlefield with him, had no barriers.
“…Speak.”
“In the West, it’s not uncommon for women to deny relationships and break up after huge fights.”
