I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 74

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

However, the idea of frolicking with a maid was a different matter altogether.

A maid! They were practically considered no better than livestock!

No one would permit sharing a husband with someone meant to serve them.

Even if it was just a touch or two, if rumors spread, no noble of high birth would consider marrying Adrian.

“Leah, it seems you know which family that maid belongs to.”

“Do you plan to eliminate her before this escalates?”

Her violet eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my son.”

“This time might be challenging. The maid belongs to Duke Heinrich.”

Lady Luther laughed like a witch. Her laughter ceased abruptly as she savored the aroma of her tea.

“Do you think the Duke wouldn’t give up just one maid?”

“She seemed to be the Duchess’s personal maid.”

“That woman always stands in the way.”

Leah gauged Lady Luther’s mood and then smiled brightly.

“Don’t worry. Anything that obstructs Brother Adrian’s path, we’ll remove one by one.”

“They say the wedding is coming soon. Start preparing yourself too. It’s time to show you off to everyone.”

Today, she arrived at the palace, fully dressed upon her aunt’s summons. The courtiers sent curious glances her way, but Leah ignored them completely.

“I can’t wait to see them. It seems their relationship is still strained.”

“At the banquet, they seemed so close.”

“Perhaps it’s all for Brother’s sake? The marriage was arranged by the royal family, after all.”

“If that’s the case, then it’s a relief…”

Lady Luther trailed off, fiddling with her teacup.

“Mother, like Leah said, the two of them are just putting on a thorough act, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Brother!”

Leah beamed upon seeing Adrian, whom she hadn’t seen in a long while.

“Long time no see, Leah.”

“You were avoiding me, saying you had an appointment.”

“I had to receive a report from the shadow. And don’t worry, I have no interest in the maid.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, Mother. You know I don’t bother with what isn’t mine.”

Lady Luther clicked her tongue at Adrian’s words.

“Oh, then who is Brother interested in right now?”

Leah didn’t miss the chance to ask him.

Adrian smiled, resting his chin on his hand. His eyes were the same shade of violet as hers, but his hair was the exact opposite color.

Adrian often pondered how it might have been if his hair, while not the color of the sun setting into gold at twilight, had been a brilliant silver like Leah’s.

“Your hair is still as beautiful as pristine pearls.”

Her silver hair sparkled, catching and reflecting light with every movement.

“Are you changing the subject? After such a long time, can’t you at least tell me who you’re interested in?”

“I’m not sure how relevant it is to you, who I have feelings for.”

“Of course, it’s important! They could potentially become part of my family.”

Leah said, her eyes wide with insistence, ready to persist until he named someone.

“Leah, stop it. Whoever Adrian is interested in isn’t important. I will decide who will become the queen.”

Lady Luther lifted her teacup and took a sip.

She feared Adrian might utter a name she recognized.

Keeping secrets to oneself and voicing them aloud were entirely different matters.

‘Still cunning with that pretty face.’

As much as he was her son, she found it difficult to tolerate his knack for manipulating weaknesses with an innocent smile.

“I saw there were many articles about you, Brother. Have you read them?”

“They’re laid out on my desk every morning, how could I not? At this point, the Spiegel Newspaper might as well be my fan.”

“Wouldn’t they be more like anti-fans?”

“Right, Adrian. What exactly happened at the ballroom? That’s precisely why I wanted to have tea with you.”

“It was just two dances. I got so caught up that I missed the timing to let go, that’s all. It happens from time to time.”

“You’re different from those mere nobles. I told you not to forget your place!”

Lady Luther scolded. How could he behave so recklessly?

She continued to reprimand Adrian.

“When will I stop having to clean up after you? What’s the use of inheriting the throne if it’s like this? Even if the bloodline continues, look at the state of things!”

“Aunt.”

Leah called out to Lady Luther cautiously. Lady Luther took a deep breath and glared at Adrian.

“Don’t think you earned that position on your own. I built that place for you. All you did was be born from me.”

“That’s right. I wasn’t born because I wanted to be; I was brought into this world by Mother’s will. But look at the reality, Mother. It is I who became the king, not you. You cannot be more than ‘Lady Luther’, and that is truly regrettable.”