LADAD Chapter 30

"I greet the Sun of Escliffe."

When Ivan entered the audience room, Duke Russell, who had been waiting for Ivan, rose from his seat. And he greeted with proper manners. It was quite a different appearance from the time when he had said his lower back wasn't good so he couldn't greet properly.

"It's been a while, Duke Russell."

Ivan sat down leisurely while receiving the greeting. He showed none of his usual aggression toward Duke Russell.

"The reason for suddenly requesting an audience?"

However, only a blatant attitude remained, as if saying to hurry up and say what he had to say and get lost.

"I heard that Your Majesty stopped by the temple and brought back a child."

"News travels fast."

It was only three or four days since Ivan had brought Ian, not even a week. It was sufficient time for everyone in the imperial palace to know, but it was a short time for it to reach Duke Russell's ears. However, he already knew everything.

"So?"

Aside from the fact that there was someone constantly whispering palace affairs to Duke Russell, it wasn't particularly important. Ivan replied indifferently.

"Your Majesty has not yet married, has he not? I was merely concerned that it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings."

It was an absurd concern. He probably just wanted to know what thoughts had entered that head. Ivan smiled while suppressing his urge to be sarcastic.

"Do you think I would have wanted to bring something that hasn't even been weaned and cries incessantly?"

"......"

"But when rumors spread that I'll ruin the country because of resuming diplomatic relations with Reed, what can I do? I need the temple's protection."

And he treated Duke Russell with an even more indifferent attitude. So that Duke Russell would feel no interest whatsoever in the child.

"But when the sacred maiden says that's the only way to prove the friendly relationship between the temple and the imperial family, what choice do I have?"

At his words, spoken as if the baby's existence was annoying to death but he was forced to take on the burden, Duke Russell rolled his eyes. It was a face trying to gauge whether Ivan's words were sincere.

"...I see."

Duke Russell belatedly put forth a response that wasn't quite a response. Even if he couldn't know whether Ivan's excuse was sincere or not, he seemed to think it was fact that Ivan didn't have much passion for the child.

"But I understand well enough what your concern is."

Of course, that was an undeniable fact. Even though Ivan understood intellectually that Ian was his child, the boy's birth had no impact on his heart.

"It's rare for someone my age to not even have a fiancée."

"That's correct."

Duke Russell obediently agreed. After all, he was the one who had petitioned Ivan several times to marry. Since it was something recommended by a human who came out opposing imperial affairs at every single matter, Ivan had naturally refused. It was clear he wanted to attach a young lady from a great noble family to his side.

"I should have Rodan compile a list of families to send marriage proposals to. Though I'm not sure how many ladies of marriageable age there will be."

"Escliffe will soon welcome a mistress."

Duke Russell spoke with a pleasant expression, as if he had no other intentions whatsoever.

"If that's what you came to say, then things have gone according to your wishes. Do you have more to say?"

At Ivan's question, Duke Russell shook his head.

"Ah."

Duke Russell, who had been about to rise from his seat as if to leave, sighed briefly. Ivan's head lifted slightly from where he had been casting an indifferent gaze over the table where smooth candles were burning.

"Might I also be able to meet the baby you brought from the temple?"

"Why that child?"

"Since he's a gift sent by God to connect the imperial family and the temple, shouldn't I see his face at least once?"

"Do as you please."

Ivan, who had been observing the man with the face of a devout believer, granted permission. It wasn't an unreasonable request to refuse. Besides, with watchful eyes present, he couldn't cause harm anyway.

"I am grateful for your grace. Have a comfortable evening."

Duke Russell bowed deeply in greeting and left the audience chamber. He straightened his jacket as if shaking off Ivan's gaze that had been on him until the door closed, then headed toward the west wing where the baby was said to be.

"I've come to see the baby that His Imperial Majesty brought back. Where might he be?"

Upon reaching the west wing, the few maids saw Duke Russell, greeted him, and then directed him to the guest room's location. As if indicating Ivan's treatment of the child, the west wing was quiet.

"Duke Russell, what brings you here..."

"Mrs. Howard, it's been a while."

After a couple of knocks, before permission was even granted, Duke Russell opened the door and entered. Mrs. Howard, who had been watching over the child, rose from her seat with a surprised expression.

"Isn't he a guest sent from the temple? I thought I'd pay my respects."

Mrs. Howard reluctantly stepped back several paces from the baby crib and stood beside the wet nurse. Duke Russell slowly moved forward to observe the soundly sleeping child.

Brilliant blonde hair. It was undeniable evidence of Amelia's transgression that could not be ignored.

"......"

That damned woman. Blood vessels bulged on the back of Duke Russell's hand as he gripped the baby crib's frame. As if he wanted to grab Amelia by the hair or strangle the child's neck right then and there.

"Your Grace."

Mrs. Howard was about to ask him to please withdraw when the child, as if sensing the murderous intent around him, opened his eyes wide.

Dark bronze pupils that appeared almost black and brilliant blonde hair. Strangely, Duke Russell sensed Ivan's shadow there. Though the eyes clearly resembled Amelia's, the brilliant blonde hair with no dark undertones was particularly striking. Such hair was rare even among blondes.

"Waaaaah..."

Ian, who had been quietly gazing at Duke Russell, burst into tears. Mrs. Howard hurriedly pushed Duke Russell aside and took Ian into her arms.

"I apologize. I seem to have woken him."

"It's fine."

Mrs. Howard said it was fine while not forgetting to cast her gaze toward the door. It meant for him to leave.

"I'll take my leave now."

Mrs. Howard replied with a silent bow instead of words. Duke Russell left the west wing, leaving the baby behind.

"He might be useful..."

He felt strangely ambivalent.

Amelia's body was thrown to the ground. Even sprawled on the ground, her spirit remained unbroken. Thanks to that, Aaron ended up laughing inappropriately for the situation.

"The sacred maiden has always said she wanted to go outside the temple."

"......"

"I'll give you one hour of freedom. Take a comfortable walk and return."

What trick is this? Amelia looked up at Aaron with wavering eyes. Seeing that they had already crossed the north gate and come outside the temple, it didn't seem like he was lying.

"Hurry up. Time is already running out."

Aaron whispered with a sly smile. Amelia brushed off the dirt on her clothes and looked around her surroundings. Since he clearly wouldn't let her escape anyway, she had no intention of attempting a rash escape. She just thought it might be good to familiarize herself with the surrounding geography, even a little.

"Go and come back."

Aaron just stood leisurely in one place, only observing Amelia's actions. Before long, Amelia began to move little by little further away from Aaron.

At the end of walking while stepping on dirt, such a thought came to her.

Maybe he's been tightening the leash too much, so he came to believe I was up to mischief? So perhaps he thinks he should give me time to loosen my breathing, even if just for a very short while.

"......"

Amelia stopped and looked at Aaron, who had become as small as a thumb. Behind Aaron, there was still nothing. Neither the servants he used to employ, nor dogs. At this distance, he couldn't easily catch up either.

In that case, now's the time.

Another foolish desire coiled in her chest. Amelia gripped her skirt tightly with her hands, completely turned her back on Aaron, and began walking quickly.

"Don't go too far!"

That walk soon became faster, then faster still, until at some point she was running. Even when Aaron shouted and came running from a distance, it was useless.

"Huff, huff..."

Maybe I can escape. Even knowing it was a foolish hope, she wanted to try again. Amelia began pushing through the undergrowth and running wildly into the mountains. Aaron began chasing after her.

"Amelia Escliffe!"

Even when scratched by sharp branch tips and bleeding, she didn't stop. It was a calculation that if she hid deep in the mountains, she might be able to buy time to escape while Aaron left his spot to bring people.

"...!"

But that was only within Amelia's calculations. When she heard the low, threatening growl of a beast from somewhere, Amelia flinched and stopped. What had been crouching in the undergrowth slowly revealed its form.

It was a dog that Aaron raised. Amelia instinctively tried to turn and run away. But the moment she turned her body, the dog that had come running bit her ankle.

"Ugh..."

Before she could even scream, the dog began dragging Amelia down the mountain by her ankle. Leaves and broken branches scraped roughly at her palms and legs. Traces were left everywhere Amelia was dragged.

Her vision became hazy. Just like the day she had been dragged by a dog that had bitten her shoulder.

"Oh my."

A sigh was heard from somewhere.

"That's why I told you not to go too far."

Amelia heard the man's affectionate warning approaching through her vision that had turned white with pain. It was a voice that knew that fear carved bone-deep would make her learn helplessness.