4MVRvO3qYg1AzSdwW0g1YNBMeE
82Z5VZxp8gsVC
srInpPDGclg
l5CKdBGQa97ePCn
srInpPDGclg
Chapter 256
In the past, before she could even explain properly, his father pulled her into a tight embrace, declaring that he wanted to believe her—so he would.
That was what worried her. If the Archduke were to try handing over the salt mine again someday, would he, standing at his father’s side, simply tell her to go ahead and accept it?
Iona spoke with quiet concern.
“...If you trust people that easily, you’re going to get hurt.”
“But we’re family, aren’t we? At least according to your claims.”
“Even the kidnapper, if we’re going by blood ties, was your relative too, wasn’t he?”
Just sharing blood isn’t enough reason to trust someone completely.
If it were, then Iona’s mother wouldn’t have been betrayed by her own sibling and imprisoned in the palace.
Iona recalled how Richard had never once mentioned Princess Teresa and let out a bitter laugh.
To him, had his deceased aunt been nothing more than a shameful stain that undermined the legitimacy of his parents?
Or had he avoided mentioning her because she served as a reminder of his blood connection with Iona?
Either way, it wasn’t a pleasant interpretation.
“The Crown Prince didn’t seem to be a very good master to you either.”
The fact that she turned her back on him like this,—the rest of the sentence didn’t need to be said aloud.
Iona gave a slight nod of agreement.
“A good superior is like a dream, after all.”
“Still, that superior of yours seems to miss you quite a bit.”
That was the last thing Walter would be expected to say.
After all, it didn’t seem likely that the Crown Prince would have met with Walter in person just to say that.
As Iona gave him a puzzled look, Walter shrugged and explained.
“While I was being held captive, they moved me around a few times. One of the places didn’t have great soundproofing.”
He pointed a finger at the floor and lightly stomped on it.
“Right here—these floorboards were thin, I think. I could hear everything happening upstairs. Being tied up and locked away for so long, the boredom started to hurt more than my body. So I started listening in on anything I could hear above...”
“...Did you hear the Crown Prince’s voice?”
Walter nodded.
“At first, I didn’t even know it was him. As you know, our Grand Duchy barely interacts with the imperial family. Pathetically enough, I had never met the Crown Prince in my life. I only realized who he was after I heard him mention you, Dame Iona.”
“Me?”
“Yes. He was talking about his itinerary in the North, I think. Even though his aides were trying to dissuade him, he insisted on clearing an entire day just to meet you.”
As Walter spoke, Iona bit down lightly.
Memories of her meeting with Richard in the North came rushing back.
“Even when his subordinates suggested summoning you instead, he insisted on going himself. That’s when I realized—he might not be as authoritarian as I thought. I mean, going out of his way to meet a subordinate on their honeymoon? That’s quite the effort. So I made a note to remember your name clearly, Dame Iona, as one of the key people close to the enemy...”
Walter gave an incredulous laugh, clearly recalling the moment Iona had stormed the carriage and taken down the kidnappers in a flash.
After hearing his explanation, Iona could understand a bit better why Walter had been so suspicious of her at first.
Walter had been utterly convinced—based on his prior experience—that Iona was the Crown Prince’s most trusted aide.
And honestly, until recently, that hadn’t been entirely wrong. Which made Iona feel a bit sheepish.
“Fair enough. I can understand why your doubts lingered.”
“You told me yourself—‘If you don’t accept that I’ve changed sides, you’ll keep getting caught up in things like this.’ ...How was I supposed to think we were on the same side after hearing that?”
“You heard that?”
“Your voice isn’t exactly quiet, Dame.”
Max acted as if he hadn’t heard a single word the kidnappers had said to him. For a moment, I’d assumed he really hadn’t.
So he did hear them—he just chose not to believe it.
At this point, Iona was beginning to wonder whether Max had even delivered her message properly to the Crown Prince.
Well, even if he had only said that someone disguised as her had taken a hostage and escaped, Richard would’ve figured out the rest on his own.
“Either way, the Crown Prince must know by now… that you’re no longer on his side.”
“Who knows,” Iona replied, her tone doubtful.
Richard hadn’t been unaware of her turning away from him—he’d known. He just pretended otherwise.
Even though Iona had warned him again and again, he had continued to believe they were still one and the same.
Or perhaps he believed they could return to that state someday.
Maybe all the sacrifices he was making now were simply to preserve the place he hoped she would come back to.
Iona turned her gaze to the window, eyes full of tangled thoughts.
“Whatever the case… it’s time to bring this miserable relationship to a close.”
Even if a betrayed and maddened Richard tried to kill her, it was time to shatter this fragile illusion that they were still “together.”
*****
It may have been the relief of finally returning to the arms of her family…
By the next morning, Walter had come down with a severe cold.
He hadn’t said anything himself, so no one realized how serious his condition really was.
His whole body was bruised, and a molar had cracked, leaving his gums constantly bleeding.
Upon hearing the physician’s diagnosis, the Archduke scrapped his original plan of returning north after just one night and decided to extend their stay.
He hadn’t gone through all that to rescue his son from kidnappers only to lose him to illness.
Iona and Leroy decided to give the safe house to the father and son, relocating instead to one of the ducal family’s townhouses.
It was also about time to make it publicly known that they’d returned to the capital.
Their departure was scheduled for the early morning, when foot traffic would be minimal.
While Walter was being examined by the family physician, Iona and Leroy packed lightly and headed for the front door.
Though bedridden, Walter remained behind, but the Archduke did not forget to see off his niece and nephew-in-law.
Just as Iona reached up to remove her hat, about to say that she’d return soon to visit again—
The Archduke once again reached out and embraced her tightly.
“Thank you, Iona. Truly… thank you. I’ll never forget this for the rest of my life.”
His voice quivered slightly, overwhelmed with emotion at the sight of his weakened son.
Iona returned the embrace and answered softly.
“I’m just relieved your son came back to you. If he hadn’t… I wouldn’t have been able to find peace either.”
“It would’ve been impossible without your help. That much is certain.”
“And Your Grace handled the part I asked of you perfectly.”
“All I did was run my mouth a little—hardly worth calling it work.”
The Archduke stepped back and placed both hands gently on Iona’s shoulders.
As Iona looked at him, she remembered the look in Walter’s eyes from the night before.
The Archduke’s expression grew serious.
“Iona.”
“Yes?”
“If there’s ever a time you need help, don’t hesitate to come to me. Whatever it is—I’ll drop everything and be there for you.”
“…I don’t think I’ve done anything worthy of such a return.”
“Nonsense! Are you saying my son’s life isn’t worth that much?”
Iona lowered her head modestly out of habit, and the Archduke scolded her sharply.
He repeated, “Don’t even think like that—promise me you’ll say something when the time comes. Promise!” Only after several assurances did he finally let her go.
Overwhelmed by the Archduke’s intensity, Iona stepped out of the house feeling a little dazed.
As she descended the stairs slowly, she muttered,
“…I’m seriously worried that father and son might get swindled somewhere.”
“Good people recognize other good people. You’re worrying too much.”
Leroy replied gently, wrapping an arm around her waist.
With his support, Iona quickly found strength in her legs again.
Together, Iona and Leroy climbed into a hired carriage disguised as a common ride.
During the ride, while changing into outfits befitting a noblewoman and gentleman, a few ungentlemanly acts occurred between husband and wife—but by the time they neared their destination, both looked immaculate again.
Iona and Leroy walked through the front entrance of their townhouse with completely composed expressions, as though nothing had happened.
Inside, maids and servants had already lined up in formation to greet the returning master and mistress.
Thanks to prior instructions, the estate was already perfectly in order—but strangely, some of the maids looked oddly flustered.
Before Iona could ask what was wrong, the butler stepped forward and explained the situation.
“There’s a royal messenger waiting inside.”
“…Did His Highness the Crown Prince send him?”
“No, my lady. He said he comes by the command of Her Majesty the Empress.”
---The End Of The Chapter---
Join Patreon to support the translation and to read 5 chapters ahead of the release.
Comments