I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 248

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Lady Luther shouted back.

“The king’s guard betraying the king! What a state for our country.”

“Lady Luther only knows the throne, power, and might. Leaving the mother who should guide the king astray harms the country.”

Etrez knew she cared for no one but herself and made a confession of conscience.

Adrian cared nothing for royal duty or responsibility.

Many royal knights died. Citizens who rose in rebellion also died.

Yet Adrian only worried about himself. He planned an absurd abdication and fled to save his life.

None of this would have happened if he had stepped down earlier.

“You two can never be free of guilt.”

Etrez clenched his fists.

“Ugh, ugh.”

Adrian only laughed at Etrez’s words. Like a madman resigned to everything, he laughed wildly.

Mikhail nodded to the assembly leader. The leader cleared his throat and declared,

“From today, the dissolution of the Jalliar royal family is official. Representatives of nobles and commoners will be elected to coordinate opinions.”

Lady Luther struggled until the end, crying out that this was the path to ruin for all.

As knights dragged her away, she cursed loudly,

“I will never forget this! Curse be upon Bartsch! This place will never know happiness!”

Her curses fell on deaf ears. People preferred this to her living and interfering in politics.

“Now, we shall elect representatives.”

At the leader’s words, people swallowed nervously.

After long talks, negotiations concluded. Noble privileges were shared and laws rewritten.

Constitution drafting would take time, but all cheered the birth of a new Bartsch.

Adrian and Lady Luther’s executions were confirmed, leaving them to await their fate in prison.

Surrounding nations had already seen such events and did not interfere with Bartsch’s change. Instead, they welcomed it openly.

“It’s really over.”

Emilia looked at the assembly filled with nobles and commoners. Of course, tensions between the two groups remained like oil and water, but progress had been made.

Above all, she felt the heavy knot in her chest finally unwind.

Seeing Lady Luther screaming and Adrian staring vacantly at the ceiling felt like a weight had been lifted.

Emilia looked up at Mikhail, who held her hand tightly.

“Thank you.”

“…”

“For protecting me and the child.”

He squeezed her hand even tighter.

“Thank you too—for trusting me. And for staying safe.”

Emilia leaned into him, feeling his warmth more than ever.

❖ ❖ ❖

The next day, as the railway opened, a festival celebrated the new beginning of Bartsch.

Laughter and joy echoed through the streets.

Since the royal family’s dissolution, trade had flourished.

Though once closed off, Bartsch began receiving offers of commerce from other nations.

Merchants rejoiced, and many found work.

“Madam, it’s time to leave now.”

Emilia lingered in bed, unable to get up.

Fortunately, Dahlia avoided fatal injuries but could not attend the ceremony due to doctor’s orders to rest.

Emilia worried about Dahlia and hesitated to leave her side.

After the assembly, she stayed by Dahlia’s side all night at the estate.

Seeing this, Byne entered the room.

“Madam, I will stay with her. Please go.”

His face was troubled. Though betrothed to Dahlia, he seemed truly sincere.

Emilia smiled, glad Dahlia had someone genuine caring for her.

Seeing Byne beside Dahlia brought her comfort.

“Yes, sister. I’m fine, so please go.”

Dahlia weakly opened her eyes and spoke. Emilia immediately moved to her side.

Checking her body, Emilia told the maid to call a physician.

“Are you really okay, Miss? You shouldn’t move.”

Emilia held Dahlia’s hand, heart aching at her pale, colorless face.

“I’m fine. You’re not hurt, right? Is the child… is the child safe?”

She anxiously checked Emilia’s belly, then sighed in relief at the unmarked skin.

“Yes, both the baby and I are safe.”

Dahlia held Emilia’s hand and said,

“I’m glad. And…”

She hesitated, then slowly sat up.

“Don’t move. Don’t get up.”

Dahlia shook her head slowly.

“I’m sorry for being mean all this time. I wanted to apologize properly. But I won’t ask for forgiveness.”

She bowed her head deeply. Emilia let go of her hand and held her shoulder.

“Thank you for saying that. Let’s forget the past now.”

Tears welled in Emilia’s eyes, her heart swelling.

Though they once hated each other, it wasn’t really their fault. Starting anew is hard, but because they understood each other better than anyone, it was possible.

“…Are you forgiving me?”

“Of course. We’re family, after all.”

She meant it sincerely.

It felt like the tangled threads had finally unraveled.