I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 121

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

It was too late to deny ignorance; the guards had already behaved suspiciously enough. The Duke, being perceptive, would have noticed the connection to the royal family before getting a confession.

Adrian’s legs trembled with anxiety. The brutal image of his father being mercilessly stabbed had left a strong impression on him.

In contrast to Adrian’s unease, some nobles only scanned the ballroom with curious eyes.

Those who had seen the articles in the gossip magazine looked around for Princess Verne, but she was nowhere to be found.

Deciding it would be better to return home rather than become a subject of ridicule, she had chosen to leave.

Although she had been deceived by Lady Luther into dyeing her hair red, she hadn’t realized it was meant to mimic someone else. This made the situation even more humiliating and shocking for Princess Verne.

Lady Luther had tried to apologize and hold her back, but she couldn’t stop the princess’s fury.

The fact that a foreign princess had gone as far as dyeing her hair to resemble someone else would undoubtedly tarnish the honor of the Kingdom of Eponsen.

Ultimately, the betrothal with the Kingdom of Eponsen was canceled, and Bartsch was left in the position of having to offer compensation.

This news reached the council, and Adrian had to argue late into the night.

As a result, the wedding that should have been a joyful occasion was subdued and even somber.

The incident involving the suddenly appearing fighting dogs at Epfora Park, followed by the fire at the back area of Delphora, left both nobles and commoners anxious and unable to hide their unease.

“The atmosphere at the wedding seems a bit off.”

“Shh, if you draw attention, you might get caught up in unnecessary trouble. Madam, just pretend you don’t notice and smile.”

The nobles had become adept at acting cautiously.

Lady Luther understood the gravity of the situation and reminded herself that today was a day to bestow blessings upon everyone.

* * *

In the waiting room, Emilia found herself oddly pleased by the atmosphere.

“Madam, cheer up. Everyone is still here to bless the wedding.”

Though Dell spoke comfortingly, Emilia chose not to comment on her words.

“Emilia.”

“Oh my, my daughter!”

Emilia’s expression turned rigid as she slowly stood up and turned around, feeling as if her breath had stopped.

“…Mother.”

The grip from Emilia’s mother as she embraced her with a pale face, was desperate. Emilia closed her eyes quietly.

“Madam, I will stand outside the door.”

Dell discreetly stepped aside. Emilia spoke to her mother, who was still holding her.

“You look so worn out.”

As Emilia raised her arms to hug her mother, she felt the bony back beneath her touch.

“I’m fine. It’s you who looks unwell. For a new bride, your face looks like someone going to their death… It feels like all of this is my fault.”

She could feel the sobbing. Emilia gently patted her mother’s back.

Her mother, Arta, wept, lamenting how terrible it was that she had pushed her daughter into such a dire situation.

“Don’t say such things. It’s not your fault.”

Emilia’s green eyes turned toward her father, who was watching her.

Despite the fact that her father was the root of all this trouble, he showed no sign of guilt.

“Have you won the Duke’s favor? The word is that you’re getting along well. You made the right choice. Capture him for the sake of the family.”

He remained unchanged, and if anything, it was even more comforting. It was easier to hate him without any pretense.

“I’ve decided to try loving the Duke, just as Father suggested.”

Her mother clutched Emilia’s arm with the hand she had used to embrace her, in shock.

“Emilia, don’t do that. You don’t have to sacrifice yourself for the family or this selfish father.”

“What are you saying! You’re really just a hindrance. Don’t forget that it was thanks to me that you became the Duke’s wife. What power did you acquire with your own hands!”

Duke Loren spoke with veins bulging in his neck. For him, the family was his very existence.

Emilia watched her father’s familiar manner with a resigned expression.

“So, I’ll do as Father said.”

“I’ve heard you’re with the Duke every day. Still no news of a child?”

“Unfortunately, not yet.”

Though this was a relief to her, her father clicked his tongue in frustration.

“Seduce him and bear his child as soon as possible. Make sure he can’t abandon you and prevent any harm to the Loren family!”

“You’re out of prison now thanks to me. Father, please stop testing me.”

Who would have thought that family could become such a strangling force?

“Emilia, if it’s too hard, let’s run away together now. I’ll buy us some time, no matter what.”

How could her mother possibly stop anything when she’s so frail herself?

Emilia gave a sad smile at her mother’s desperate appearance.

“Mother, it’s okay. We have a chance to turn things around, and I need to take it.”

Emilia smiled reassuringly and held her mother’s hand.

Because of the gloves, she couldn’t feel her mother’s warmth properly. Although she considered briefly removing the gloves out of regret, she decided against it, fearing she’d never want to let go of her mother’s hand.