I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 113

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Emilia smiled, her eyes narrowing slightly. She didn’t confront him but instead shrugged her shoulders and took a step forward.

“If you’re joining me for a walk, I trust you’ll match my pace.”

“Of course, it’s no trouble.”

The guards glanced at them, slightly unnerved by the seemingly kind words that carried an underlying tension. The atmosphere between them felt more like a taut string than a tender exchange.

Mikhail matched his stride to hers as they headed toward Epfora Park, reminiscent of their previous outing to the theater.

“I didn’t expect we’d come here together again.”

“Life has a way of surprising us.”

“It’s the frequency of such surprises that’s the problem. Did you think I would run away before the wedding?”

“I didn’t think you were that foolish, so no need to worry.”

Emilia looked ahead with an expressionless face as they walked. The path from the mansion was lined with trees and flowers, likely arranged for the enjoyment of visitors.

“Shouldn’t we host the Miss’s debutante ball?”

“There’s no need for extravagance, and I doubt you’d enjoy it anyway.”

Their steps were unhurried, and they took in the vibrant greenery around them. People on benches chatted, enjoying the gentle breeze. The wind carried the faint smell of water. The lake, shimmering under the midday sun, looked like it was sprinkled with gold dust.

A wisteria-covered path provided shade. As she lifted her head, sunlight filtered through the leaves.

Though it was her second visit to Epfora Park, it felt different this time. She hadn’t noticed the scenery during her last visit. At that time she was preoccupied with greeting others.

Today, however, people seemed to avoid engaging with them, offering only fleeting glances.

“….This is strange.”

“I agree. There’s a certain unease in the air.”

Emilia stopped abruptly and glanced around, noticing how everyone seemed to avert their eyes.

“I’m thirsty. Shall we go to a café?”

“I feel a bit unwelcome, but leaving isn’t a bad idea.”

The lingering stares were unsettling. As she walked towards a café in town, her gaze landed on something specific.

Lady Leah from House Chevron had been spotted visiting the Heinrich estate, just days before the wedding.

Though Leah had visited with the King, rumors circulated about her secret meeting with the Duke.

Someone on a bench held a gossip magazine with the front-page article, and Emilia’s expression hardened as she read.

Below that was a ridiculous claim that she had gone on a date with the King.

Is it no longer the King’s secret taste? A few days ago, there was a stir over the fact that he enjoyed a date with someone while sitting side by side on the canal.

When those who mistook the person for Duchess Heinrich were surprised and found out the truth. She was not the Duchess, but the princess of the Kingdom of Eponsen.

People are watching their mouths at the strange happening.

Emilia froze, unable to believe such nonsense made it to print, even in a tabloid.

“Hey! Ahhh!”

“What on earth is that, oh my God, ahhh!”

“Let go! I said let go! My God, that crazy dog!”

As she stared at the paper, chaos erupted around her.

A rabid dog, drooling and baring its teeth, was charging towards her.

The thought of running away quickly filled her mind, but she was so shocked she could only stand there blankly.

‘Da, dagger…!’

She fumbled for her dagger, but before she could grab it, she was pulled away.

“Tsk.”

She heard a clicking tongue and felt herself being lifted.

The moment she was held by him and her body swinging around, the dog yelped and fell, only to rise again, still growling fiercely.

“Woof! Woof, woof! Grrrr!”

The danger persisted.

Emilia looked up at him, now safely in his arms.

The fallen parasol rolled on the ground. The people had fled, leaving only them and the angry dog.

“What did you see to make you look so dazed?”

“Let’s talk about it later. That dog is definitely not in its right mind.”

“Is it rabid?”

“We can’t let it bite us. We need to get away.”

“You might not know this, but you should never turn your back on a wild animal. It’s like inviting it to attack you.”

Once again, the mad dog lunged at the Duke. Emilia screamed in panic.

“Your Grace!”

A piercing yelp erupted from the dog, causing Emilia to open her eyes involuntarily.

She had seen the yellow eyes gleaming as the dog leapt at them. It was a large dog, big enough to reach her face when standing.

Though covered in scars and appearing slightly emaciated, it had powerful muscles in its legs. Most menacing of all was its determination to bite anything in its path.