I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 203

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

It felt almost like a dream, as her traces gradually disappeared. Mikhail left his office and headed towards his room. Stopping in front of his door, he immediately turned and entered.

The cold atmosphere of the room enveloped him as he stared at the space quietly. The room lacked any warmth, but he lay down on the bed as if in a trance. He tried hard to find her scent, which had faded to the point of not being detectable anymore.

After going through the list, Mikhail discovered the identity of the woman who had been meeting with Count Geppetto. He met her secretly and, after their conversation, confirmed that she was indeed seeing him.

“Your Grace, you’re just being overly sensitive.”

She had brought samples of the perfume and tested them, but they were not the same as Emilia’s natural scent. It was a sweet and natural rose fragrance that couldn’t even compare. Perhaps his longing had amplified the memory of her scent, but he hadn’t forgotten it.

Mikhail set the list aside and began preparing to leave.

“Was it today?”

“Yes. But are you really going through with this?”

“If I do this, I’ll be able to check places I couldn’t before, so there’s no reason not to.”

“But what if they find out you’re involved…?”

“The rain has stopped after such a long time. Today might be the chance. If I find something, I’ll stop this madness, so don’t worry.”

“…Your Grace.”

Mikhail adjusted his uniform while looking into the mirror. After securing his sword at his waist, he was ready to leave.

“Your Grace. Everything is ready.”

The knock was followed by Byne’s voice. Mikhail opened the door and immediately asked,

“Did you not get a clear description of the person Dahlia met?”

“Yes, I’m sorry. He was wearing a hat and covered his face with a newspaper, so I couldn’t confirm his identity.”

“Was there anything unusual, besides the handkerchief she dropped?”

“Nothing. But I think I caught a glimpse of black hair through the hat.”

“Kartho, keep a close eye on Dahlia. If she acts out of line, stop her immediately.”

“Understood.”

Mikhail left the estate with his knights. Mounted on his horse, he gazed at the sky, which had finally cleared after the long rain.

❖ ❖ ❖

The Marquis was flustered. The full investigation, which had started unexpectedly, had filled the entire town with royal guards.

Having received an anonymous tip, he was already preparing a strategy for the investigation set to take place a month from now. But now, it has begun abruptly. He immediately began preparing to leave the estate for the unanticipated situation.

“I was sure it was supposed to be in a month.”

“It seems they caught on and acted ahead of time.”

“We’ll have to relocate.”

“It’s too dangerous right now. We haven’t published a newspaper recently, so no one should have a trace on us.”

The Duchess had said not to worry, but there was no way he could not be concerned.

‘She’s not alone… Should I have sent her somewhere else instead?’

Marquis Geppetto licked his lips. Even after drinking, he still felt thirsty.

“Looks like I can’t just leave it be.”

“You can’t. The city is in chaos because they’re trying to find a group opposing the royal family!”

“I know, but I told them I had plenty of time, so they probably haven’t taken any action yet.”

It wasn’t just a problem that the Duchess was in the back alley of Delphora, but if it was discovered that she was part of an anti-royal group, it would be uncontrollable.

The royal family would use this as an excuse to suppress the Duke, and their power would grow. The Duke had been maintaining the balance, and he couldn’t afford to collapse.

The Marquis quickly wrote a letter.

It seemed that even the heavy rain couldn’t stop the great flames. A storm will be coming soon.

He sent the message through the emergency communication network, instructing to keep their identities hidden and erase any traces.

Worried about Emilia, Marquis Geppetto wanted to leave the estate, but he couldn’t do so because of the sudden visitors.

“Marquis Geppetto, sorry to intrude, but may I inspect the house?”

He answered the royal guard’s question casually.

“You’re suddenly here, asking to inspect the house. Shouldn’t there be an explanation?”

“We’ve received a report about a group opposing the royal family, so we need to inspect the house. I know you’re not involved, but we have to do this as part of the procedure. I ask for your understanding.”

“That’s going to be a problem.”

“The king has accepted it and said it’s necessary. Don’t you have to attend the upcoming royal assembly as a member?”

With no choice, Marquis Geppetto stepped aside.

The guards immediately scattered and entered the estate. The Marquis put his hands in his pockets.

His fingers were trembling slightly. Casually, he took out a cigar and headed for the library to relieve his fatigue.

❖ ❖ ❖

“I really don’t understand why the King is here.”

“I gave the orders, so shouldn’t we go together?”

Adrian smiled as if he had been waiting for the Duke to arrive.

Dressed neatly in his uniform, he appeared a little excited.

‘This is strange.’

He hadn’t expected Adrian to get involved in such a troublesome matter.

What bothered him even more was that Adrian hadn’t come with the royal guards but had chosen to accompany the Duke.

‘There’s something going on here.’

Why was the remark about seeing black hair now coming to mind?

Dahlia seemed to know why the full investigation had been pulled forward.

With a face unchanged from usual, the Duke began visiting the houses marked on the map.

The pro-royalist families warmly greeted the Duke, who had come with Adrian.

“You’re probably exhausted, but why not have a cup of tea? Someone who’s defying His Majesty should be caught soon enough.”

“To maintain peace, we must find those shaking the very foundations of Bartsch. If there are any suspicious individuals, let me know at once.”

Adrian mentioned that if they provided any information, rewards would follow. The nobles mostly made disappointed faces, but occasionally they spread false rumors about those with whom they had poor relations.

Mikhail noted everything they said down but didn’t believe a word of it.