I Don't Need the Grand Duke's Regret - Chapter 171
And every year, with the changing seasons, Charles suffered from high fevers that even adults found difficult to endure. There were probably many other times when he cried in pain.
It was an unforgivable sin to let a child suffer such hardships.
His son was destined to die young just because he couldn’t grow up by his side.
This is unjust.
“…What should I do?”
Ricardo’s voice came out in a hoarse whisper.
It was he who deserved to die, yet the thought of death looming over Charles felt unbearable. His heart ached as he looked at Ugo with desperation in his eyes.
“How can I save Charles? Is there no way? Is there no solution?”
His throat tightened, and his massive body trembled in fear.
“I can’t let Charles die. This child must live. He has to live, and he deserves to be happy.”
“If the prince truly carries the imperial bloodline, there is only one way. However, it would place a great burden on you, Your Grace. So, in effect, there may be no real way.”
“No, I will do anything.”
Ricardo grabbed Ugo’s hesitating hand, his purple eyes burning as he spoke.
“For Charles, I will do anything.”
* * *
The richly decorated bedroom was suddenly disrupted as a red skirt flew up into the air. It fell to the floor with no strength.
Along with the skirt, it was followed by the quick tossing of lace underpants and petticoats.
The gray-haired maid hurriedly gathered the scattered clothing.
“How frustrating! I have nothing left to wear!”
Bianca’s shoulders flinched as she heard the sharp voice of the room’s owner.
Julia’s complaints were nothing new, but Bianca couldn’t get used to them. She forced a warm smile and held up a dress spread across the bed.
“How about this? It will highlight your fair skin beautifully.”
“You want me to wear such an outdated design to the palace? What will the Grand Duke think of me!”
Julia irritably threw the dress Bianca handed her. Bianca stared at the coral-colored dress now tossed aside with a dumbfounded face.
‘Did the fashion change overnight?’
Just yesterday, Julia had complained that she couldn’t breathe until she got this dress, and now that she had it, she called it outdated.
Suppressing her irritation, Bianca picked out another dress.
“How about this one? The pearl embellishments are elegant and will make your beauty stand out even more…”
“I’d rather die than wear that!”
Julia shoved the dress away and shouted sharply. Her rough hands left nail marks on Bianca’s cheek.
“Ah!”
Bianca clutched her cheek, but Julia paid no attention. Instead, she glared at Bianca and said curtly.
“Stop whining. It’s just a little scratch. You’ve come back with your cheeks all swollen, and now you’re whining to me?”
As Julia said, Bianca’s cheeks were indeed swollen and bright red.
Bianca bit her lip and gently massaged her swollen cheek. Julia muttered irritably.
“Sigh, why does Father want to take you to the temple? If I bring you like this, there’ll be rumors about me hitting a maid.”
“I won’t lift my head. Please take me. Please?”
Bianca spoke anxiously, her voice tinged with fear.
Luce’s abduction had ended in failure. She had been beaten just enough not to die by Durante’s hands.
After returning from the palace, Durante had shouted loudly, threatening to throw her out of the house after beating her.
Bianca had clung to his pants, crying, and begged for one more chance, promising to get what the Count wanted in return. Only then did he allow her to stay.
So, she had no choice but to go to the temple. She needed to find some way to disgrace Armilla.
Bianca knelt quietly in front of Julia, looking up at her with desperate eyes.
“If you take me, I’ll do whatever you ask.”
“If you’re saying that, then fine.”
Julia, who had flinched at Bianca’s actions, now raised her chin proudly at Bianca’s obedient words. She didn’t notice that there was no loyalty in the maid’s eyes, as her laugh echoed in the bedroom.
* * *
White, long fingers gently ran through the child’s dark hair.
After sending Durante away, Mirabel arrived to see Charles, who was deep in sleep, and smiled faintly.
“Thank you for looking after the child.”
“Anytime.”
Ricardo replied briefly, standing beside Mirabel. He leaned against the nightstand next to the bed and let out a heavy breath, his face contorting as if he was struggling to breathe.
He spoke with a calm tone, though his expression was painful.
“Charles is sick.”
“Again?”
Mirabel, who had been looking up at Ricardo absentmindedly, flinched. Since she entered, Ricardo’s face had looked pale, but now it seemed like he was about to collapse.
“What happened? Is it because he hasn’t fully recovered yet?”
“This… this medicine, make sure Charles takes it.”
Ricardo didn’t respond to Mirabel’s question, instead pulling a vial from his pants pocket. The transparent vial contained a purple liquid, which shimmered softly, making it appear far from a simple potion.
“What’s this?”
“My…”
Ricardo began to sweat coldly. He squeezed his eyes shut and collapsed onto the nearby couch, struggling to catch his breath as his chest rose and fell laboriously.
Ricardo’s condition wasn’t good at all. It was Charles who was said to be ill, but from the looks of it, it was Ricardo who seemed to need a doctor.
“Grand Duke?”
“…call.”
“Pardon?”
“Call me Ricardo, please.”
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