~Chapter 106~
Richard’s feelings these days went back and forth.
When he looked at Bella, he felt proud she had grown so well on her own. But at the same time, he remembered his daughter—who had to leave behind her young child before dying—and his eyes grew wet.
When he looked at Armians, it was the same.
He felt relieved that a man who already had everything seemed to truly care for Bella. Yet at the same time, resentment welled up, as if something precious had been stolen from him.
He had endured this, holding it in, because after years of not even knowing of Bella’s existence, he had no right to suddenly act like a grandfather.
But when Armians acted as though he were already married to Bella, Richard’s patience broke.
“…”
The atmosphere grew stiff and awkward.
Richard quickly realized his mistake, but it was too late to fix.
“…I’d like to speak with Bella alone for a while. Could you give us some time?”
In the end, Richard played his “grandfather card.”
Armians, thinking of Richard as something like a father-in-law, left Bella in the room and closed the door.
But Camilla could not understand.
How could he trust that man enough to leave Bella alone with him?
She wasn’t denying their blood ties—anyone could tell at a glance they looked alike.
But family didn’t always mean safety. Sometimes relatives made unreasonable demands, and when rejected, the relationship soured worse than strangers.
And then there was the timing…
Too perfect.
Richard had appeared on the day of the trial—the very day Bella regained everything of House Rohiltern.
Even without knowing the verdict, he must have known Bella’s reputation had changed dramatically over the past year.
Magician Bella. Grand Duchess Bella. Countess Bella.
Titles she had never had while living in the East.
And for two years, her life and death had been uncertain.
If he was true family, why didn’t he appear back then?
There was more.
Though called a magician, Richard had never once shown magic. And though beasts were pouring out everywhere, he had not lifted a finger.
His movements seemed stiff, almost crippled.
Could it be… he’s just an old noble cast aside by his own family, looking for somewhere to cling to?
The suspicion was strong, but Camilla could not voice it.
So, pretending to leave with Armians, she slipped into a nearby empty room.
She pressed close to the wall. With her trained senses, she could overhear the conversation without difficulty.
-
“So… is your marriage with the Grand Duke already settled?”
-
“You don’t like it?”
-
“No. Who am I to meddle in your private life?”
The old man sighed deeply.
-
“I’m just glad that man truly cares for you. That’s enough for me.”
His breath carried regret.
Camilla steadied her heart.
Words meant to stir guilt… A clever trick.
Then—
-
“I heard you used too much magic. Are you alright?”
Finally, the true subject.
Worry was just the smoke screen. Magicians were valuable. If Bella could cast high-level spells, her worth was immeasurable.
If he dares to invite her back to his kingdom or demand she join his house, I’ll storm in and end it.
Camilla braced herself.
But Richard only said—
“Be careful. The price is being paid even now. Don’t think you’re safe just because you look fine today.”
Camilla nearly stumbled.
Price?
She had seen many manipulators who used fear to control others.
But she couldn’t forget Bella’s blank eyes after she collapsed.
Could that “price” be… real?
“Why are you here?”
Camilla jumped—Armians was standing behind her.
“Nothing.”
She couldn’t admit she had been eavesdropping.
But even though Armians didn’t know, her ears burned red.
She quickly walked away.
At that time—
“Your Majesty, you’re awake.”
Isabel opened her eyes in her bed.
“…Marquis.”
“Pointless to ask if you feel pain, I suppose. You clearly do.”
Axxion wiped her forehead gently with a cloth. His touch was tender, like in their engagement days.
But Isabel pushed his hand away.
“Why did you do it?”
While she had been unconscious, people had come and gone. From their reports, she pieced things together.
“Charlotte used a magic book to activate the circle, didn’t she?”
“…”
“A maid couldn’t afford such a rare item. She had a backer. And witnesses say you met with Charlotte.”
Isabel clicked her tongue.
“How reckless. What were you thinking? Who will deal with the aftermath? Did you not worry about your future?”
“Why worry about the future? I have no tomorrow.”
Axxion’s voice was calm.
“If Your Majesty is not here, how could I wait for tomorrow?”
“…Axxion.”
Every time he spoke like that, Isabel’s heart wavered.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to live.
But she couldn’t hold false hope. It was cruel to let others expect what could never be.
“From the beginning, we lived with different times. You must prepare to live on after me.”
Now she understood why he had done it.
He wasn’t the only one who mastered magic and forbidden arts—but he had crossed the line for her sake.
She bit her lip hard. Pain pulled her back to reality. Her bitter smile disappeared under the weight of the crown.
“I will bear all the sins. You must think of the future.”
She didn’t believe she had much time left—two years at most, maybe not even through this winter.
If she could not live long, she thought it better to risk disgrace and sorcery than to die helpless.
There’s no heir… but Armians will lead the Empire well. I trust him.
“Soon I’ll hold a hearing. There, you must testify—the one behind all this is—”
“I won’t.”
“Ax—”
Isabel stopped mid-shout.
Axxion was silently crying.
“Why are you always cruel only to me?”
She had broken their engagement, telling him to marry someone else. She had pushed him away, saying she would soon die.
And now she told him to betray her to survive.
Why… do you give kindness to maids at your side, but none to me?
“Gathering grimoires, studying true magic, turning to forbidden arts—everything I did was to save you. And yes, it was my will too.”
Axxion took a deep breath and turned away.
Sensing something, Isabel tried to rise, but staggered. He caught her, gently laying her back on the bed.
Until the very last moment, he was a man who loved her.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty.”
But he was no longer her minister.
“…From now on, you cannot stop me.”
Agony tore through the room.
Isabel squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened them, Axxion was gone—
And in her hand lay the Blancia Marquisate seal.
His declaration: he had abandoned everything.
“Your Majesty! Are you alright?”
Lily burst in.
“…Not really.”
Axxion had committed many crimes before, but Isabel had always covered them.
Because it was out of love—for her, and from her.
But now he had gone too far.
He had crossed the line.
“Arrest Marquis Blancia. He is a traitor.”
