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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
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Chapter 26: Return to the Capital
"Finally, we'll be entering the capital tomorrow," Will said, and Janus nodded.
"You're still using separate tents?" Will asked, looking at Selina's tent across from them.
"We both need time to adjust," Janus replied.
"Are you sure you two spent three days together in the forest?"
"I told you, we just followed the path in and out, and three days had passed. We don't remember what we did in there. It was all wiped from our minds as soon as we left the forest, so Lady..."
"Grand Duchess," Will corrected.
"Right, Selina doesn't remember anything either."
Will asked again, as if he couldn't believe it.
"What about the proof of marriage you were holding?"
"If we didn't have that, we probably wouldn't even know we went into the forest."
"Isn't that just a stone?"
"I don't think so."
"It's certainly full of mysteries. At this rate, when we get to the capital, the first thing people will say is that they won't recognize your marriage."
Janus's face hardened as he looked at Will, who spoke with concern.
"Honestly, I don't understand. If I were the Emperor, I would have sent assassins to kill you two as soon as I found out you left to get married. If not you, he would have ordered them to kill the Grand Duchess."
"That's why I organized an escort, but it seems like my preemptive measures worked."
"What kind of measures did you take?"
"I'll save that for my next presentation at the research society. Everyone will be surprised when they hear it."
Will spoke as if unsure.
"Will we all be safe when we return to the capital tomorrow?"
"Sorry, but I didn't take any measures that far, so I can't guarantee it."
"You could have done that while you were at it."
"I was in a bit of a hurry."
Janus smiled warmly, remembering when he left the Imperial Palace, looking at Selina's tent.
Will sighed beside him and said, "Yes, yes, I know you're thinking as long as the Grand Duchess is safe, everything is fine."
'Even though we might be sent to the battlefield as soon as we arrive in the capital.'
Will sighed as he watched Janus, who couldn't take his eyes off Selina's tent.
* * *
Late at night, long after the ball had ended, Eric was still with Ingrid.
They had been watching the moon in the lounge, away from prying eyes, when Ingrid burrowed into Eric's chest and started sobbing.
"Are you crying again? I told you not to cry."
"How can I not cry? Marrying Lady Selina? Everyone will pity me when they find out. I have your heart, but I'll be a pitiful woman. I should be the happiest woman in the world, envied by all, but I'll be... a pitiful woman."
"About that... I couldn't defy Father's will."
"Is your love for me a lie? Didn't you say it was only for me?"
"Of course, it's only for you. You're the only one for me. You know that. That's why I'm telling you all these top secrets, right?"
"But you're marrying Lady Selina! How does that make any sense?"
Eric patted Ingrid's back, comforting her as she cried like a child. After a while, he showed her the documents he had brought with him, as if he had no other choice.
"Look, this is my true heart."
It was a prenuptial agreement drafted by Eric.
"As you can see, the condition is for Selina to protect you. I'll refuse to marry Selina unless she signs this agreement."
'He wants to have at least three wives. Is he out of his mind? Is this really what he wants?'
Ingrid thoroughly concealed her thoughts and acted.
"As the Little Sun of the Empire, I know I can't have you all to myself. I also know that all the citizens of the Empire should receive your love equally. But... Ingrid, with her narrow heart, always wants to have your heart all to herself. My heart won't listen to reason when it comes to you. I really don't know why it's so hard."
"It's all... because I'm in a position where I can't cherish only you. It's my fault."
"No, how could it be your fault? It's my fault for not being able to understand with a more generous heart. I'm so pathetic that all I can do is weep in sorrow."
Eric wiped away a tear that fell on Ingrid’s cheek.
"Shh... Shh... Stop crying. You'll soon marry me and become the mother of the Empire, so you shouldn't cry so easily."
"Your Highness... please grant Ingrid a small favor."
"Just tell me what it is. I'll grant it."
"This contract... Can I keep a copy? I think my heart will ache less if Lady Arsene is by your side. Even though she tried to kill me... Since you said you would protect me with this contract, I will try to trust your heart and endure."
"Of course. Take the one I just gave you. I have another copy, so I can just rewrite it."
"Really? As always, you grant everything Ingrid wants."
Eric smiled back at Ingrid, who was smiling brightly as if she had never cried, and said,"The things you want are always small. Things I can do. Don't hesitate to ask for anything."
"What would have happened to me if you weren't here? I don't even want to imagine it."
"Yes, don't even imagine it. I'll always be by your side."
Ingrid gently rested her head on Eric's chest again and carefully folded the contract, putting it in her pocket.
* * *
The escort's path into the capital was quiet.
"They're not blocking us from entering."
"It's strange that there are no spectators either."
They passed through the gate with its high walls, but there was no one in sight except for the regular guards.
"It's the first time there's no welcoming crowd when His Grace returns to the capital after leaving. It's awkward."
Just then, an egg flew from somewhere.
However, before the egg could reach the carriage carrying Selina and Janus, it hit the escort's shield and shattered.
As if that was a signal, rotten vegetables and eggs suddenly flew towards the escort from all directions.
Someone shouted.
"How dare you seduce His Grace! Unforgivable!"
"Who are you to follow him to a military operation?"
Will, realizing the malicious intent towards Selina, quickly gave orders.
"Everyone, head to the Grand Duke's residence."
The group quickly headed towards the Grand Duke's mansion.
"Your Grace, welcome back."
The butler, Hans, and the other servants lined up on both sides to welcome Janus and Selina.
"Fortunately, it's quiet inside the mansion."
As Will said this, Selina sensed something strange.
"It's too quiet... Where is Philip?"
"...The master is resting inside."
"Inside... Let's go inside first."
"I apologize, but..."
Hans stepped in front of Selina and said,"Lady Arsene, it would be best for you to return to your own residence."
Janus's face hardened.
Will, looking dumbfounded, stepped forward.
"This is the Grand Duchess. She has returned to the Grand Duke's residence today."
"Isn't that a bit of a stretch?"
As if on cue, Ruth appeared, leading the Imperial soldiers.
"Ruth."
"Your Grace, did you successfully complete your military operation?"
"Military operation? What are you talking about?"
Ruth approached Will, who had asked the question.
"Lord Chase, think carefully. I am here on His Majesty's orders. If Lady Arsene is not safely escorted back to the Count's residence, the Grand Duke will be held accountable for his actions of barging into the Imperial Palace and wandering around with Lady Arsene for over 20 days."
Will's face stiffened. Ruth continued his persuasion.
"Wouldn't it be better for Lady Arsene to have voluntarily followed the Grand Duke and now return home, rather than have His Grace imprisoned for kidnapping her?"
Will gritted his teeth and said,"They are a married couple."
"Can you... prove it?"
"We have proof."
"Whatever that proof is, it must be convincing enough for the entire Empire. Did you perhaps receive a marriage certificate from a high-ranking priest without the Imperial family's knowledge?"
Will was speechless at those words.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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