Chapter 231
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“Of course. So there’s no need for you to speak with my wife separately.”
Duke Heinrich said, making Emilia’s eyes widen.
❖ ❖ ❖
“Why did you do it?”
“I don’t understand what you mean. It’s natural for a husband to protect his wife.”
“…Wife.”
The word came softly from his lips, sounding strange.
“More importantly, I want to ask you — why did you do it? Why involve the newspaper?”
“Because it needed to be corrected.”
“You should have asked me first. If you had, I wouldn’t have left you alone.”
“You would have refused. But I had to do it.”
“You must have had a plan.”
He sighed deeply.
“I suppose you’ve heard some things. Earlier, I thought you were unaware, but the ladies told you, didn’t they?”
“Yes. They suddenly came over and started telling me confusing stories, so I listened — and it was quite something.”
He furrowed his brow, seeming to understand what was said.
“Since we’re on the subject, have you considered divorcing me?”
“…Divorce?”
“Yes, divorce. Our marriage was forced by the king. Now that you’ve decided to stand against the throne, there’s no reason to be tied to me…”
“Sounds like you’ve been thinking that way.”
“Isn’t it time to let each other go?”
What more would it take for him to be satisfied?
“You planned to send me away when the day came anyway.”
“…Did Kartho tell you that?”
“I just guessed. And as expected, it’s true.”
Emilia smiled bitterly. He never asked for her permission; he just made decisions and informed her.
“I didn’t tell you because I thought you’d stay.”
“You should have asked anyway. Your Grace might think I’ve changed, but I’m the same.”
“…I wanted to protect you. Even if you said you didn’t want to go, I still planned to send you.”
“Why?”
“Because I have to protect you and the child.”
His red eyes shone clearly, unwavering as if his mind was made up.
“If things go wrong, me and the child will be left alone.”
“You survived stubbornly before. It will be similar. The capital will be in chaos, and people will panic, trying to escape.”
“I survived then. So I’ll survive again.”
“Emilia, you’re not alone anymore.”
Mikhail’s voice trembled slightly. He seemed frightened.
“I don’t want to lose you.”
His hand holding hers was warm. He was a strange man.
“I don’t know why you do this to me. I’d rather you be angry and hate me.”
“I can’t do that. If you abandon me, I’ll have no right to say anything. But even then, I won’t leave your side.”
“Is it because I’m carrying your child? I can’t run away when I carry your seed?”
“That’s not it.”
Mikhail grimaced as if in pain.
“You know what I’ve done so far. I may never be forgiven. But Emilia, I want to protect you.”
“…”
“Worse things will happen than before. I don’t want you to go through that again.”
His words sounded sincere. He was afraid.
“Where will you send me? The king won’t leave me alone. The more you try to protect me, the more I become your weakness.”
“You’re no weakness. You were alone through that chaos, and you faced the knights alone.”
“Do you trust me?”
“More than anyone.”
“Even if I don’t trust Your Grace?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t want to be left alone.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll come back for you.”
Mikhail gently stroked Emilia’s cheek.
“…Will the Chevron family come with us?”
“Yes. Many will join. I started this, so I will end it myself.”
He seemed determined. The long reign of the monarchy was coming to an end.
“I haven’t forgiven you yet.”
“I know.”
“When it’s all over, properly ask for forgiveness.”
“I will.”
Mikhail complied obediently. Emilia didn’t want to let go of his hand.
This wouldn’t be the last. As always, he would get what he wanted.
This time, she hoped things would go his way. Emilia prayed with all her heart.
❖ ❖ ❖
“Emilia!”
“Miss Boestin?”
Emilia was about to go to her room when she turned at the familiar voice.
“When did you arrive? I didn’t see you at the banquet…”
“I was late because of some work. I congratulated Dahlia and came to find Madam.”
“Sorry I couldn’t contact you.”
“No, don’t apologize. I completely understand. Are you feeling okay?”
She was always warm. Emilia nodded.
“Would you like some tea?”
“Oh, that would be lovely. I won’t refuse if you’re not too tired.”
“Talking with Miss Boestin always makes my fatigue disappear.”
Boestin smiled brightly and took Emilia’s hand.
“Honestly, part of me hoped you wouldn’t come back. I worried if that fool would ever get it together.”
“Do you mean Mikhail?”
“Of course. Who else would I be talking about but that idiot?”
Boestin shook her head, eyes narrowed.
They still bickered like old times.
The two moved away and continued their conversation.
“Can I ask why you came back?”
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