CH:30
“I greet the Sun of Escliffe.”
As Ivan entered the audience chamber, Duke Russell, who had been waiting, rose from his seat and offered a formal greeting. It was a stark contrast to the days when he had complained of back pain and claimed he couldn’t bow properly.
“It’s been a while, Duke Russell.”
Ivan accepted the greeting and leisurely took his seat. He showed none of his usual hostility toward the duke.
“What brings you here so suddenly?”
Only a blatant attitude remained, as if to say, If you have something to say, say it and leave.
“I heard that Your Majesty visited the temple and brought back a child.”
“News travels fast.”
It hadn’t even been a full week—only three or four days had passed since Ivan brought Ian back. That was enough time for everyone within the palace to know, but still too short for Duke Russell to have learned of it. Yet somehow, he knew everything.
“So?”
Aside from confirming that someone was constantly whispering imperial affairs to the duke, it wasn’t particularly important. Ivan replied indifferently.
“Your Majesty has yet to marry. I was merely concerned that this might cause unnecessary misunderstandings.”
What a ridiculous concern. He probably just wanted to know what had gone through Ivan’s head. Ivan held back a mocking smirk.
“Do you think I wanted to bring home a squalling infant who can’t even wean?”
“……”
“But since there are rumors that I’m going to ruin the nation just because of renewed diplomatic ties with Reid, I had no choice. I need the temple’s protection.”
Then, deliberately acting indifferent, Ivan continued, making sure the duke would feel no interest toward the child.
“But the High Priestess said this was the only way to prove goodwill between the temple and the imperial family. What choice did I have?”
Russell rolled his eyes at Ivan’s forced excuse. He seemed to be gauging whether Ivan was telling the truth.
“…I see.”
Eventually, the duke offered a noncommittal answer. Whether or not he believed Ivan’s words, he seemed to accept that Ivan had no great affection for the child.
“But I understand your concern well enough.”
And that was an undeniable truth. Though Ivan understood with his head that Ian was his child, the boy’s birth stirred no emotion in his heart.
“In truth, it’s rare for someone my age to be unmarried.”
“Indeed.”
Duke Russell agreed without hesitation. He had previously urged Ivan multiple times to get married. Since he was always opposing imperial decisions, Ivan had naturally refused. It was clear the duke just wanted to place a noblewoman from one of the great houses at Ivan’s side.
“I’ll have Rodan draw up a list of families to whom I can send marriage proposals. I wonder how many ladies of marrying age are available.”
“Then Escliffe shall finally have its mistress.”
Russell smiled pleasantly, as if there were no ulterior motives at all.
“If that’s all you came to say, then I suppose you’ve achieved your goal. Is there anything else?”
To Ivan’s question, Duke Russell shook his head.
“Ah.”
Just as he was about to leave, Russell let out a short sigh. Ivan, who had been staring absentmindedly at the candle burning on the table, lifted his head slightly.
“May I see the child Your Majesty brought back from the temple?”
“What for?”
“Since he is the gift God has sent to link the temple and the imperial family, I thought I should at least see his face once.”
“Do as you like.”
Ivan, staring at the man with the face of a devout believer, granted permission. It wasn’t an unreasonable request—there was no reason to refuse. Besides, he wouldn’t dare harm the child under watchful eyes.
“Thank you. I wish you a pleasant evening.”
Russell offered a deep bow and left the audience chamber. As the door closed behind him, he straightened his jacket, as though brushing off Ivan’s lingering gaze, and headed toward the West Palace, where the child was.
“I’ve come to see the child His Majesty brought. Where is he?”
At the West Palace, a few maids bowed upon seeing the duke and directed him to the guest room. The place was quiet, reflecting how little regard Ivan gave to the child.
“What brings you here, Duke Russell…?”
“Mrs. Howard, it’s been a while.”
After a few knocks, and before permission was granted, the duke opened the door and stepped inside. Mrs. Howard, who had been watching over the baby, stood up in surprise.
“Surely a guest from the temple deserves a greeting. I thought I’d stop by.”
Mrs. Howard reluctantly stepped away from the crib and stood near the wet nurse. Duke Russell slowly walked over to observe the sleeping baby.
Brilliant golden hair. It was undeniable proof of Amelia’s betrayal.
“……”
Damn woman. Veins bulged from the back of Russell’s hand as he gripped the crib rail. He looked as though he wanted to seize Amelia by the hair or strangle the baby.
“Your Grace.”
Mrs. Howard was about to ask him to step back when the baby suddenly opened his eyes, sensing the hostility in the air.
Eyes the color of dark mahogany, nearly black, paired with radiant golden hair. Strangely, Russell saw Ivan’s shadow in him. The eyes resembled Amelia’s, but the unusually bright blond hair was a rare trait—even among blondes.
“Waaah…”
Ian, who had been staring silently at the duke, began to cry. Mrs. Howard quickly pushed past Russell and took the child in her arms.
“My apologies. It seems I woke him.”
“It’s fine.”
Despite her words, Mrs. Howard cast a glance toward the door—clearly telling him to leave.
“I’ll take my leave, then.”
She answered with a polite nod. Duke Russell exited the West Palace, leaving the child behind.
“…Seems he might be useful.”
A strange feeling settled in his chest.
Amelia’s body was thrown to the ground.
Even though she lay sprawled on the floor, she didn’t look broken. Her spirit remained intact, and that made Aaron laugh, albeit at the wrong moment.
“The High Priestess always said she wanted to go outside the temple, didn’t she?”
“……”
“I’ll grant you an hour of freedom. Take a walk, and return when you’re done.”
What trick is this now? Amelia looked up at him with wary eyes. They had already passed through the northern gate, leaving the temple grounds behind. It didn’t seem to be a lie.
“Well, go on. Time’s already ticking.”
Aaron whispered with a grin. Amelia brushed dirt from her clothes and looked around. She had no plans to run—she knew they wouldn’t allow it. She simply thought she should learn the lay of the land while she had the chance.
“Enjoy yourself.”
Aaron stayed put, leisurely watching her. Before long, Amelia began to slowly put distance between them.
As she walked over the dirt, a thought crossed her mind.
Did he start to believe I lashed out because he kept tightening the leash too much? Maybe he thought I needed at least a little breathing room to stay sane.
“……”
Eventually, Amelia stopped and looked back. Aaron had grown small as a thumb in the distance, and nothing stood behind him. No guards, no dogs. If she made a break for it now, they wouldn’t catch her easily.
Then this was her chance.
A wild urge stirred in her chest. Amelia clenched the hem of her skirt tightly over her thigh and turned away from Aaron, walking faster.
“You mustn’t go too far!”
Her steps turned into a run, then a sprint. Even as Aaron shouted from far behind, it was no use.
“Huff… huff…”
Maybe… maybe I really can escape. She knew it was foolish hope, but she couldn’t help trying. Amelia pushed through the brush and ran deep into the forest. Aaron started chasing after her.
“Amelia Escliffe!”
She didn’t stop, even as branches scratched her skin and drew blood. If she could hide deep enough in the woods, she might buy time while Aaron went to fetch reinforcements.
…!
But that was only in Amelia’s calculations. From somewhere nearby, a low, guttural growl echoed. She flinched and stopped. A beast emerged from the brush.
It was Aaron’s dog.
Amelia instinctively turned to run, but the beast lunged and clamped onto her ankle.
“…!”
Before she could even scream, the dog was dragging her back down the mountain. Leaves and snapped twigs slashed her hands and legs as she was pulled along. The trail she left behind was obvious.
Her vision blurred. Just like the day she had been dragged by that dog with its jaws sunk into her shoulder.
“Tsk, tsk.”
A sigh came from somewhere nearby.
“I did warn you not to go too far, didn’t I?”
Amelia heard the man’s gentle warning through her pain-clouded mind. A voice that knew fear could teach helplessness deep in the bones.
