“See the sun at Escliffe.”
As Ivan entered the audience room, the Duke of Russell, who had been waiting for Ivan, stood up from his seat and greeted him politely. It was quite a change from when he had once said that he could not greet him properly because of his bad back.
“Long time no see, Duke Russell.”
Ivan took his seat leisurely after being greeted, not showing his usual aggressiveness towards the Duke of Russell.
“Why did you suddenly request an audience?”
However, all that remained was an overt attitude of telling people to say something quickly and then get out.
“I heard that Your Majesty came to the temple and brought a child.”
“Rumors travel fast.”
It had been only three or four days since Ivan had brought Ian here, not even a week. It had been enough time for everyone in the palace to know, but it had been a short time for even the Duke of Russell to know. But he already knew everything.
"So?"
It was not a significant story, except that there was someone constantly whispering about royal affairs to the Duke of Russell, Ivan replied blandly.
“Your Majesty, you haven’t even gotten married yet. I was just worried that there might be unnecessary misunderstandings.”
It wasn't a funny worry. He just wanted to know what was going on in his head. Ivan smiled, holding back his sarcasm.
“Would I have wanted to bring home a baby who was crying and couldn’t even wean himself?”
“...”
“But what can I do when rumors spread that I will ruin the country because of the resumption of diplomatic relations with Reed? I need the protection of the temple.”
And he treated the Duke of Russell with even more indifference, so that the Duke of Russell would not feel any interest in the child.
“But the Priestess said that was the only way to prove the friendly relations between the temple and the imperial family. What should I do?”
Duke Russell rolled his eyes at the words that were blurted out as if he were forced to take care of the baby, even though he was annoyed by the baby's existence. His face seemed to be trying to gauge whether Ivan was sincere.
“...I see.”
The Duke of Russell belatedly gave an answer that did not seem like an answer. Although he could not tell whether Ivan's excuses were sincere or not, he seemed to think that it was true that the child was not very enthusiastic.
“But I fully understand your concerns.”
Of course, that was an undeniable fact. Even though Ivan understood in his head that Ian was his child, his birth had no effect on his heart.
“Actually, it’s rare for someone my age to not have a fiancé.”
"You're right."
The Duke of Russell readily agreed. He had asked Ivan to marry him several times in the first place. Since he opposed every single royal matter, Ivan naturally declined, since it was a human being who recommended it. It was clear that he wanted to keep a young lady from a noble family by his side.
“I guess I should ask Rodan to pick a family to propose to. I don’t know how many young ladies of marriageable age there are.”
“Escliff will soon have a new hostess.”
The Duke of Russell spoke with a good-natured smile, as if he had no other intentions.
“If that’s what you came here to say, then it’s probably done as you wish. Do you have anything else to say?”
Duke Russell shook his head at Ivan's question.
"Ah."
Duke Russell, who was standing up as if to leave, let out a short sigh. Ivan, who was casting an indifferent glance at the table where the smooth thatch was burning, lifted his head slightly.
“Can I meet the baby you brought from the temple?”
“Why that kid?”
“Since this is a gift from God to connect the royal family and the temple, shouldn’t we meet at least once?”
“Do whatever you want.”
Ivan, who had been staring blankly at the man with the face of a devout believer, gave permission. It wasn't an unreasonable request, so there was no need to refuse. After all, eyes were watching, so he couldn't harm anyone.
“Thank you for your kindness. Have a good night.”
The Duke of Russell bowed deeply and left the audience room. He straightened his jacket as if to shake off Ivan's gaze that had been on him until the door closed, and walked towards the west palace where the baby was.
“I came to see the baby that His Majesty the Emperor brought. Where is he?”
Upon reaching the West Palace, a few maids greeted the Duke of Russell and showed him the location of the guest room. As if to indicate Ivan's treatment of the child, the West Palace was deserted.
“What brings the Duke of Russell here...”
“Mrs. Howard, it’s been a while.”
After a couple of knocks, and before permission could be given, the Duke of Russell opened the door and came in. Mrs. Howard, who had been guarding the child, stood up with a look of surprise on her face.
“Isn’t he a guest from the temple? I came to say hello.”
Mrs. Howard reluctantly took a few steps away from the crib and stood beside the nurse. The Duke of Russell walked slowly and observed the sleeping child.
Brilliant blond hair. It was proof of Amelia's misdeeds that could not be ignored.
“...”
Bloody bitch. The veins on the back of Duke Russell's hands bulged as he clutched the frame of the crib, as if he wanted to grab Amelia's hair or strangle the child at any moment.
"Your Excellency."
Mrs. Howard was about to ask him to step aside when the child opened his eyes wide, as if he sensed the murderous atmosphere around him.
Dark brown eyes that seemed almost black, and splendid blond hair. The Duke of Russell strangely felt Ivan's shadow there. The eyes certainly resembled Amelia's, but the splendid blond hair was unique, without any dark color at all. Such hair was rare even among blond hair.
“Huh...”
Ian, who had been quietly looking at the Duke of Russell, burst into tears. Mrs. Howard hurriedly pushed the Duke of Russell away and held Ian in her arms.
“Sorry. I guess I woke you up.”
"It's okay."
Mrs. Howard said it was okay, but she didn't forget to cast a glance toward the door. It meant for him to leave.
“I’ll go now.”
Mrs. Howard nodded in response. The Duke of Russell left the West Palace, leaving the baby behind.
“I think it might be useful...”
Amelia stopped, looking at Aaron, who had shrunk to the size of a thumb. There was still nothing behind Aaron. Not even the servants he had been commanding, not even the dog. It would not be easy to catch up at this distance.
Well then, now is the time.
Another vain desire coiled in her chest. Amelia grabbed the hem of her skirt tightly with her hands, turned her back on Aaron, and began to walk quickly.
“You shouldn’t go too far!”
The pace became faster and faster, and at one point, it was like running. It was no use even if Aaron shouted and ran towards her from afar.
“Gasp, gasp....”
Maybe she could escape. She wanted to try again, even though she knew it was a stupid wish. Amelia started running wildly through the bushes and up the mountain. Aaron started to chase after her.
“Amelia Escliffe!”
Even though she was scratched by the sharp branches and bled, she didn't stop. She calculated that if she hid deep in the mountains, she could buy time to escape while Aaron was away to bring people.
“...!”
But that was only Amelia's calculation. Amelia stopped in surprise when she heard the threatening sound of a beast growling and crying from somewhere. The thing that had been crouching in the bushes slowly revealed itself.
It was Aaron's dog. Amelia unconsciously turned around and tried to run away. However, the moment she turned around, the dog that ran towards her bit her ankle.
"Oh..."
Before she could even scream, the dog began to drag Amelia down the mountain, biting her ankles. Leaves and broken branches scratched her palms and legs. Wherever Amelia was dragged, there were marks.
Her vision became blurry. Like the day she was dragged away by a dog that had bitten her shoulder.
“Oh, like that.”
A sigh was heard from somewhere.
“Didn’t I tell you not to go too far?”
Amelia heard the man's gentle warning as he approached her, her vision clouded with pain. It was a voice that knew that the fear engraved deep in her bones would teach her helplessness.
As Ivan entered the audience room, the Duke of Russell, who had been waiting for Ivan, stood up from his seat and greeted him politely. It was quite a change from when he had once said that he could not greet him properly because of his bad back.
“Long time no see, Duke Russell.”
Ivan took his seat leisurely after being greeted, not showing his usual aggressiveness towards the Duke of Russell.
“Why did you suddenly request an audience?”
However, all that remained was an overt attitude of telling people to say something quickly and then get out.
“I heard that Your Majesty came to the temple and brought a child.”
“Rumors travel fast.”
It had been only three or four days since Ivan had brought Ian here, not even a week. It had been enough time for everyone in the palace to know, but it had been a short time for even the Duke of Russell to know. But he already knew everything.
"So?"
It was not a significant story, except that there was someone constantly whispering about royal affairs to the Duke of Russell, Ivan replied blandly.
“Your Majesty, you haven’t even gotten married yet. I was just worried that there might be unnecessary misunderstandings.”
It wasn't a funny worry. He just wanted to know what was going on in his head. Ivan smiled, holding back his sarcasm.
“Would I have wanted to bring home a baby who was crying and couldn’t even wean himself?”
“...”
“But what can I do when rumors spread that I will ruin the country because of the resumption of diplomatic relations with Reed? I need the protection of the temple.”
And he treated the Duke of Russell with even more indifference, so that the Duke of Russell would not feel any interest in the child.
“But the Priestess said that was the only way to prove the friendly relations between the temple and the imperial family. What should I do?”
Duke Russell rolled his eyes at the words that were blurted out as if he were forced to take care of the baby, even though he was annoyed by the baby's existence. His face seemed to be trying to gauge whether Ivan was sincere.
“...I see.”
The Duke of Russell belatedly gave an answer that did not seem like an answer. Although he could not tell whether Ivan's excuses were sincere or not, he seemed to think that it was true that the child was not very enthusiastic.
“But I fully understand your concerns.”
Of course, that was an undeniable fact. Even though Ivan understood in his head that Ian was his child, his birth had no effect on his heart.
“Actually, it’s rare for someone my age to not have a fiancé.”
"You're right."
The Duke of Russell readily agreed. He had asked Ivan to marry him several times in the first place. Since he opposed every single royal matter, Ivan naturally declined, since it was a human being who recommended it. It was clear that he wanted to keep a young lady from a noble family by his side.
“I guess I should ask Rodan to pick a family to propose to. I don’t know how many young ladies of marriageable age there are.”
“Escliff will soon have a new hostess.”
The Duke of Russell spoke with a good-natured smile, as if he had no other intentions.
“If that’s what you came here to say, then it’s probably done as you wish. Do you have anything else to say?”
Duke Russell shook his head at Ivan's question.
"Ah."
Duke Russell, who was standing up as if to leave, let out a short sigh. Ivan, who was casting an indifferent glance at the table where the smooth thatch was burning, lifted his head slightly.
“Can I meet the baby you brought from the temple?”
“Why that kid?”
“Since this is a gift from God to connect the royal family and the temple, shouldn’t we meet at least once?”
“Do whatever you want.”
Ivan, who had been staring blankly at the man with the face of a devout believer, gave permission. It wasn't an unreasonable request, so there was no need to refuse. After all, eyes were watching, so he couldn't harm anyone.
“Thank you for your kindness. Have a good night.”
The Duke of Russell bowed deeply and left the audience room. He straightened his jacket as if to shake off Ivan's gaze that had been on him until the door closed, and walked towards the west palace where the baby was.
“I came to see the baby that His Majesty the Emperor brought. Where is he?”
Upon reaching the West Palace, a few maids greeted the Duke of Russell and showed him the location of the guest room. As if to indicate Ivan's treatment of the child, the West Palace was deserted.
“What brings the Duke of Russell here...”
“Mrs. Howard, it’s been a while.”
After a couple of knocks, and before permission could be given, the Duke of Russell opened the door and came in. Mrs. Howard, who had been guarding the child, stood up with a look of surprise on her face.
“Isn’t he a guest from the temple? I came to say hello.”
Mrs. Howard reluctantly took a few steps away from the crib and stood beside the nurse. The Duke of Russell walked slowly and observed the sleeping child.
Brilliant blond hair. It was proof of Amelia's misdeeds that could not be ignored.
“...”
Bloody bitch. The veins on the back of Duke Russell's hands bulged as he clutched the frame of the crib, as if he wanted to grab Amelia's hair or strangle the child at any moment.
"Your Excellency."
Mrs. Howard was about to ask him to step aside when the child opened his eyes wide, as if he sensed the murderous atmosphere around him.
Dark brown eyes that seemed almost black, and splendid blond hair. The Duke of Russell strangely felt Ivan's shadow there. The eyes certainly resembled Amelia's, but the splendid blond hair was unique, without any dark color at all. Such hair was rare even among blond hair.
“Huh...”
Ian, who had been quietly looking at the Duke of Russell, burst into tears. Mrs. Howard hurriedly pushed the Duke of Russell away and held Ian in her arms.
“Sorry. I guess I woke you up.”
"It's okay."
Mrs. Howard said it was okay, but she didn't forget to cast a glance toward the door. It meant for him to leave.
“I’ll go now.”
Mrs. Howard nodded in response. The Duke of Russell left the West Palace, leaving the baby behind.
“I think it might be useful...”
He felt ambiguous.
Amelia's body was thrown to the floor. Even though she was lying on the floor, she didn't seem discouraged. Thanks to that, Aaron ended up laughing inappropriately.
“The Priestess always said she wanted to go outside the temple.”
“...”
“I’ll give you an hour of free time. You can take a leisurely walk and come back.”
What are you talking about? Amelia looked up at Aaron with wavering eyes. Seeing that he had already passed through the north gate and exited the temple, it didn’t seem like he was lying.
“Come on. The time is still running out.”
Aaron smiled and whispered. Amelia brushed the dirt off her clothes and looked around. She didn't plan on trying to run away, since she was sure she wouldn't be allowed to run away anyway. She just thought it would be a good idea to familiarize herself with the surroundings a little.
“Have a nice trip.”
Aaron just stood there leisurely, observing Amelia's actions. Before he knew it, Amelia began to move further and further away from Aaron.
That thought occurred to her after she walked along the dirt.
Could it be that he was so tight on the leash that he started to believe she was doing something stupid? So maybe he thought he should give her at least a little bit of time to breathe.
“...”
***
Amelia's body was thrown to the floor. Even though she was lying on the floor, she didn't seem discouraged. Thanks to that, Aaron ended up laughing inappropriately.
“The Priestess always said she wanted to go outside the temple.”
“...”
“I’ll give you an hour of free time. You can take a leisurely walk and come back.”
What are you talking about? Amelia looked up at Aaron with wavering eyes. Seeing that he had already passed through the north gate and exited the temple, it didn’t seem like he was lying.
“Come on. The time is still running out.”
Aaron smiled and whispered. Amelia brushed the dirt off her clothes and looked around. She didn't plan on trying to run away, since she was sure she wouldn't be allowed to run away anyway. She just thought it would be a good idea to familiarize herself with the surroundings a little.
“Have a nice trip.”
Aaron just stood there leisurely, observing Amelia's actions. Before he knew it, Amelia began to move further and further away from Aaron.
That thought occurred to her after she walked along the dirt.
Could it be that he was so tight on the leash that he started to believe she was doing something stupid? So maybe he thought he should give her at least a little bit of time to breathe.
“...”
Amelia stopped, looking at Aaron, who had shrunk to the size of a thumb. There was still nothing behind Aaron. Not even the servants he had been commanding, not even the dog. It would not be easy to catch up at this distance.
Well then, now is the time.
Another vain desire coiled in her chest. Amelia grabbed the hem of her skirt tightly with her hands, turned her back on Aaron, and began to walk quickly.
“You shouldn’t go too far!”
The pace became faster and faster, and at one point, it was like running. It was no use even if Aaron shouted and ran towards her from afar.
“Gasp, gasp....”
Maybe she could escape. She wanted to try again, even though she knew it was a stupid wish. Amelia started running wildly through the bushes and up the mountain. Aaron started to chase after her.
“Amelia Escliffe!”
Even though she was scratched by the sharp branches and bled, she didn't stop. She calculated that if she hid deep in the mountains, she could buy time to escape while Aaron was away to bring people.
“...!”
But that was only Amelia's calculation. Amelia stopped in surprise when she heard the threatening sound of a beast growling and crying from somewhere. The thing that had been crouching in the bushes slowly revealed itself.
It was Aaron's dog. Amelia unconsciously turned around and tried to run away. However, the moment she turned around, the dog that ran towards her bit her ankle.
"Oh..."
Before she could even scream, the dog began to drag Amelia down the mountain, biting her ankles. Leaves and broken branches scratched her palms and legs. Wherever Amelia was dragged, there were marks.
Her vision became blurry. Like the day she was dragged away by a dog that had bitten her shoulder.
“Oh, like that.”
A sigh was heard from somewhere.
“Didn’t I tell you not to go too far?”
Amelia heard the man's gentle warning as he approached her, her vision clouded with pain. It was a voice that knew that the fear engraved deep in her bones would teach her helplessness.
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