I Don't Need the Grand Duke's Regret - Chapter 157
With the Crown Prince’s order as he smiled with satisfaction, Ugo and the servants left. When the door closes he immediately leaned in toward Ricardo.
“You’re really okay, right?”
“You’re being a bother since earlier.”
Ricardo frowned, and Valerio finally relaxed, letting out a relieved sigh.
“By the way you’re talking, you’re still Ricardo Vittore. You should forget the one who’s gone. Yes, I guess time is the best remedy, as they say.”
“Who are you calling ‘the one who’s gone’?”
“Well…”
“If you’re talking about Armilla, she’s alive.”
Ricardo’s purple eyes glistened as he spoke firmly. Valerio’s face froze upon hearing his words.
“Hey, Ricardo.”
“I’m not crazy. Armilla is alive. I came here with her.”
“What?”
Valerio, stunned, placed his hand on his forehead. He seemed to crumble from hope to despair, his expression full of defeat.
“Is this where we still are? After His Majesty’s passing, you’re in this state?”
“Valerio.”
“How many things do I need help with right now, and you’re stuck on this…”
“Valerio!”
Ricardo grabbed Valerio’s arm as he clutched at his hair. When Valerio looked up with a contorted face, Ricardo spoke calmly.
“Ask Nasir. See if I’m crazy.”
At Ricardo’s request, Nasir, who had been anxiously watching, pressed his lips together.
It wasn’t hard to understand why Valerio misunderstood Ricardo’s state. Taking the conversation out of context, it sounded just like Ricardo before, unable to accept Armilla’s death.
Nasir, though, wanted to clear up the misunderstanding.
But he wasn’t sure whether it was okay to speak about Princess Mirabel’s true identity or whether he should say anything in front of Ricardo.
“Well…”
Nasir hesitated, and Ricardo gave him a reassuring smile.
“It’s fine, Nasir. I had already figured you knew about her. It’s actually odd that you hadn’t known this long.”
“So, how much should I say?”
“Say only enough that doesn’t get her into trouble.”
At Ricardo’s direction, Nasir cleared his throat and addressed Valerio, who still had a confused look on his face.
“Is it really true?”
“Yes, the Master happened to reunite with Lady Armilla. So, you don’t need to worry too much.”
“That’s great!”
Valerio leapt up from his seat and shouted. He almost rushed to hug Ricardo but stopped abruptly and cleared his throat.
“So, so. Where is the Grand Duchess now?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“Why?”
“Why do you keep asking? All you need to know is that I’m not crazy.”
Ricardo cut off Valerio’s question nonchalantly. Valerio, looking between Nasir and Ricardo, raised an eyebrow.
“Seems like things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d hoped.”
“…Tell me what kind of help you’re asking for.”
Ricardo had been silent for a moment, and then he quickly turned the conversation away from Valerio’s pointed remarks. Valerio, who had just sat back down, lowered his voice.
“Are you going to help me or not?”
“As much as you’ve helped me.”
“That might not be enough.”
“What do you mean?”
Ricardo’s eyes glinted sharply as he looked at Valerio. He straightened his back against the bed head and spoke.
“Let’s hear it first.”
* * *
Charles pouted and crossed his arms tightly. It was a clear sign that he was upset.
Mirabel, who had just returned from the temple, blinked in confusion at Charles’s attitude.
“What’s wrong, Charles?”
“Mom lied.”
“I did?”
“If Charles behave, can meet Uncle Wolf.”
At Charles’s protest, Mirabel smiled faintly. During their carriage journey to the capital, she had been coaxing him like that to calm his whining.
Charles had kept asking why Uncle Wolf, who had recovered from his cold, wasn’t traveling in the same carriage. Mirabel had explained that it was necessary for his treatment, but it was clear the child couldn’t understand.
“It’s big, Uncle should come.”
“So were you upset? But I couldn’t help it. The carriage was full with you, me, and Sophie.”
Mirabel explained as she sat on the bed, pulling Charles onto her lap.
Despite his complaints, Charles nestled into Mirabel’s arms, still grumbling.
“Charles sleeping, Mommy gone. Mommy didn’t bring Uncle Wolf. Charles waiting.”
“I see. Did that upset you very much? You hate Mommy?”
“Uuungg.”
Charles shook his head vigorously before hugging Mirabel’s neck tightly. It seemed like he was worried she would disappear again, just as he had feared in the past. Mirabel’s heart fluttered at the affection for the little one.
“Mommy is sorry. I’ll make it up to you. Charles can have whatever you want. Please don’t be mad.”
“…Ung.”
Charles wiggled restlessly in her arms as Mirabel gently rubbed his head. She called for Sophie.
“Bring the Grand Duke. Tell him Charles is asking for him.”
“Yes, Princess.”
Sophie, who had been looking at Charles affectionately, answered quickly. Once she left, Mirabel held Charles close again.
She had been so distracted by the news of the Emperor’s passing that she hadn’t explained the situation to Charles properly. She had to tell him now.
“Listen, this is the imperial palace of Arcangelo. The Emperor has passed away, and we’re here to pay our respects.”
“Is he in heaven?”
“Yes, like Charles’s grandfather. He went to heaven.”
“I see.”
“Because of that, we need to be quiet here. Everyone is sad.”
“Okay….!”
Charles nodded slowly after listening to Mirabel’s story. This time he was much more calm than before.
Mirabel, watching him, gently cupped his cheek. Her expression turned serious as she stroked his warm, flushed cheek.
Want to read more? Advanced chapters are available on Patreon:
For update pings, novel discussions and/or to send mistake reports, join our discord server~!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
