Chapter 123
Remarriage proposal
Parents don’t necessarily have to love their children.
For some commoners, children were just extra hands for work, while some nobles only acknowledged their existence when calculating gains and losses.
In this sense, the Deneb family could be considered a very harmonious one.
There was hardly any corporal punishment, no harsh words exchanged, and the heir, Sadr, was not the kind of person to harshly push Albireo away.
Despite this, Albireo had always been plagued by a subtle sense of emptiness.
‘How could I ignore it?’
What was given to him by the Deneb family was the leftover affection after everything had been given to his older brother Sadr, and ‘preparations for an uncertain future’.
Hating to be gnawed away by such emptiness as he grew older, he flitted about the court like a butterfly and buried himself in the academy.
Both places were filled with people desperately trying to fill their own voids, so he didn’t feel out of place.
But now, every time he saw Izar Arcturus, a burning rage twisted his gut.
Leaving his wife alone with just a single maid during a monster attack?
‘It was fortunate the Madam had abilities, otherwise…’
The two would have been torn to pieces. And… even when the madam’s condition worsened at the Antares residence.
‘That bastard clearly neglected his wife.’
What infuriated Albireo most was that this man did not cherish Freesia’s love at all.
While some people are parched for that kind of affection their whole lives.
Izar did not miss the accusatory glare directed at him as Albireo alternated his gaze between him and Freesia.
‘From the grass his feet touched to the hair on his head, I want to wipe him out clean…’
He found himself wishing the sane human were a monster.
Riegel, witnessing this quiet tension, raised one eyebrow silently.
‘How ironic. And he claims he doesn’t have feelings for his wife.’
It was both amusing and pitiable. However, Riegel directed a sympathetic smile at the most pitiable one among them.
“Madam, I apologize for keeping you waiting. Even though today’s sun isn’t particularly strong.”
“Oh, no, Your Highness.”
Freesia swallowed nervously. Honestly, she had a reasonable suspicion that the emperor’s grandson would inherit his twisted disposition.
‘At least he wouldn’t interrogate me about manners and etiquette like in the Antares mansion, would he?’
Riegel tilted his head. Asking basic questions about whether she was doing well in the mansion or the duke’s castle wouldn’t please this lady.
‘Unless she is being insulted for being an illegitimate child.’
Such prejudices were also a harmful practice he needed to change when he became emperor, but for now, he kindly suggested,
“Madam. If you ever feel lonely while staying in the capital, feel free to visit the inner garden here. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to access the library as well. There are many interesting ancient books.”
“…!”
“I can arrange for the place to be cleared so you can visit comfortably.”
Freesia’s face flushed on its own at his words. Had he noticed her wandering around, looking at the colorful old books?
“Your words alone are an honor, Your Highness.”
But she didn’t feel embarrassed because his tone carried genuine consideration for her to rest rather than subtle mockery.
Was it because of the imperial prince’s tone?
Somehow, she felt like a child in front of him.
A child for whom it felt more natural to be patted on the head rather than scolded.
‘…I should have brought his glasses today.’
It would have seemed more plausible to present them before the nobles, but she didn’t bring them out of showy vanity. Suddenly, she felt embarrassed about it.
As if to swallow that embarrassment, Freesia gulped down the freshly brewed tea.
Along with a new determination to definitely save him.
* * *
The remaining visit schedule was over before long.
The imperial prince was the first to announce the end and bid farewell.
“Then everyone, I hope we can meet at the palace soon. Safe travels.”
With that, Viela, who had been quietly watching with sparkling eyes since the imperial prince arrived, quickly approached Freesia. The short time they had spent together had erased the psychological distance between them.
“Madam, you must come again…! There’s still so much to see to properly confirm everything!”
“Oh, yes. Thank you, Lady Alpheratz.”
Albireo also smiled and bowed to Freesia.
“Then please take care, Madam. If you need my assistance, feel free to ask.”
“Sir Deneb.”
At that moment, a breeze blew, making the veil that half-covered her face flutter. Through the thin lace fabric, Freesia’s eyes sparkled.
“Thank you, truly.”
“…”
Albireo just stood there dumbfounded for a moment even after hearing those words.
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