Chapter Seventeen and a Half: A Woman to be Reckoned with

Two weeks after I rescued Cedric, Liliana’s stepmother finally sent a letter stating she’d agree to come to the division commander’s office.

Sandra Etta de Yates-Alwin—the Countess of Etton—was a woman dripping with sex appeal, the reminiscent of a bloody and poisonous rose.

Despite similar-looking to Margaret, she had an alluring charm that her 17-years-old daughter didn’t, making her look like an epitome of ‘woman’ to men. Both her bountiful breasts and shapely waist alone were enough to seduce someone, even more so because she knew how to use them.

…But of course, Liliana was ten billion times more attractive than her.

Unfortunately, Liliana didn’t understand her charm one bit. After all, she was dense (cute) like that. Not only that, she was also oblivious to men’s ulterior motives, and would gladly offer a lap pillow. Unbeknownst to her, was the exquisite view that came after.

In the first place, the soft sensation of her thighs was already sublime, but when I looked up at her, I could see Liliana’s smile beyond her two, ample mounds.

…It’s just the best.

Liliana was so innocent that even a small compliment would cause her snow-white cheeks to be dyed crimson. No words could describe the adorableness of her smile. One thing for certain, it made me want to lock her in a room so that no one else could see her.

This is a figure of speech, by the way.

I don’t want Elsa to kill me.

Above all else, after welcoming Cedric into our house, Liliana began to smile more often. Her gaze, as she watched over Cedric, was more like that of a mother than a sister. Seeing her caring attitude towards Cedric warmed my heart.

Considering his shitty parents, it was a wonder that Cedric grew up into such a honest, innocent, and cute boy. No doubt, it was thanks to Liliana’s unconditional love.

Recently, not even Elsa could resist telling Frederick about the pair of siblings.

…Before I knew it, I had fled from reality.

Apparently, that was how much I yearned to return to my home, where both my dear and innocent wife, along with her cute little brother, were waiting.

“…Oh, how terrified I am. To think that an assassin has replaced my own husband…”

While wiping her tears with a lace handkerchief, the countess spoke in a quivering voice.

Alphonse, sitting next to me, was seemingly sympathetic. Nevertheless, I didn’t fail to notice the contempt in his sky-blue eyes.

“I’m truly, truly shaken, I can’t imagine returning to my lord. My poor Margaret is also sick, and has been bed-ridden…”

‘What a load of nonsenses.’

Somehow, I managed not to spout those words. If she had been alone, it’d be easier for me to be frank. However, a man sat beside her, to whom she leaned against.

“Poor Sandra… William, for this reason, I’d like to shelter her and her daughter for the time being.”

The man—who was approaching sixty years of age—was the son of Alphonse’s uncle, and the nephew of the current king. He was an executive in charge of foreign affairs minister, and was a bit of an irksome opponent for me and Alphonse. Whenever I thought that I got him, he slipped away.

His father was born the first prince, albeit the son of a concubine. The current king—Alphonse’s father, was born between a princess and the second prince. Nevertheless, he was appointed as the crown prince and eventually became the king in accordance with the laws of the kingdom.

Unfortunately, the king’s brother was a terrifyingly competent prince.

While Alphonse’s father was undoubtedly a genius, his brother was also worthy of such a title. Back then, domestic politics were even more unstable than it was now, leading to fierce succession battles.

However, in the end, the king’s older brother withdrew. Thus, Alphonse’s father became the king and ruled the country as it was destined for him from the time he was born.

…What made the son of Alphonse’s uncle an irksome opponent was that not only was he talented, he was also ambitious.

Alphonse resembled the king’s brother more than the king itself.

He was a genius who did everything impeccably.

Behind the scenes, everyone had a tacit understanding that despite the king’s extraordinary efforts, Alphonse would surely become a better king.

—Throwing a damper on that was this man, who’d also be a good ruler.

“…Your Excellency, I apologize for the inconvenience, but Lady Sandra is my dear wife’s precious mother figure, even if they aren’t related by blood. I first met her at a banquet. She was a good soul to this old widow. For comforting me after the passing of my wife, I’d like to repay her kindness.”

However, his crescent-shaped, hazel-colored eyes revealed the ferocity of a beast intimidating its prey.

“His Highness Alphonse has been trying to arrange an engagement for Lady Margaret. Utterly shocked was she, that she had fallen unconscious. As such, I don’t think she’s in any condition to marry. How pitiful she is! She has gone frail…”

The countess proceeded to look downcast while covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

What was amazing was the fact that she was shedding tears the whole time.

“…I see, that’s unfortunate.”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. Please pardon my poor daughter, Margaret. For you see, she adored her father so much, and was in shock upon knowing that her life was in peril.”

However, the name of Cedric, who was also conceived in her worm, was never mentioned.

…Just like that scum, that woman probably had no interest in anyone other than Margaret.

“The maid also mentioned that Lady Sandra hasn’t been sleeping properly at night… Look at how pale she is. I’m sorry, William, but we’d like to excuse ourselves for today.”

Then, the countess proceeded to stand up, and made a show of having to be supported by the duke to leave the room. Their butler and escort also followed suit, leaving me alone with Alphonse.

With a thud, the door closed. We waited for their presences to disappear completely—

“—Aaargh! Shit!”

Alphonse suddenly raised his voice and ruffled his hair.

“…That damn old man got in my way again!!”

“Calm down, Al.”

I began to loosen my collar, before waving the bell that was on the table. In the next moment, Frederick arrived.

“Freddie, I’d like some herbal tea.”

“Understood.”

Nodding, Frederick disappeared into the next room. Next door, there was a small kitchen to prepare light meals. Having prepared it beforehand, Frederick soon returned with a tea set on a silver trench.

The sweet and refreshing scent of chamomile wafted.

“Al, this is good for relieving stress.”

When I suggested that, Alphonse furrowed his eyebrows in suspicion.

“…Since when do you like herbal tea?”

“—It’s because I love Liliana. You see, she taught me various things. She’s very cute—”

“—Okay, okay, I got it!”

Just after he was seemingly fed-up, Alphonse suddenly beamed and fished into the uniform of his pocket.

“What is it?” I tilted my head and asked.

Then, Alphonse showed me a white handkerchief with a nasty smile on his face.

Under the lower right of the handkerchief, a pair of eagles with their wings spread were embroidered. They were facing each other, with a crown right above their head. Underneath the coat of arms, the initial A.C was sewn—abbreviated from Alphonse Cression.

The work itself was marvelous, showing the dedication of the tailor—

—In short, it was worthy of the crown prince.

“Is it a new handkerchief? Did you buy it?”

“Nope, I received it from someone—namely, Lily.”

Time ceased to flow.

The moment I heard that name came out of Alphonse’s mouth, it was as if time had stopped.

I looked alternately between Alphonse and the handkerchief thrice—no, five times.

“Wh-what, did you…?”

“Ah, you mean ‘what’, ‘how’, and ‘when’? Why, three days after Ceddie began to live in your mansion. Unfortunately, when I came to visit him, he was asleep that day. However, Lily welcomed me inside. She said that she’d like to express her gratitude, so she invited me to have a tea. The day before yesterday, when I went to see her, she gave it to me.”

“What!? You went to see her without my permission!? And not to mention, twice!?”

“Well, I did try to look for you, enroute, that is…”

“Meanwhile, that day, I was waiting for you the whole time! I got stuck with canned food the entire day! You did it on purpose! Give it back!”

I tried to snatch the handkerchief, but Alphonse avoided my reach. As he ran to the opposite seat, he quickly stuffed the handkerchief inside his pocket.

“Give it back, now!”

“No, no, I can’t do that. It’d be as if I’m returning the gift. Can you imagine how sad Lily would be? She’d misunderstood that I dislike it. Isn’t that right, Freddie?”

“Yes, you’re right. Elsa told me that because she was going to give it to the crown prince, she carefully embroidered it. If he were to return it, then she’d undoubtedly be depressed.”

Behind Alphonse, Frederick sighed with an unnaturally sad expression.

The two were definitely right.

If Liliana saw that I had bring back Alphonse’s handkerchief, she’d think that he disliked the embroidery, and had returned it.

But this and that are different.

“I didn’t even get one!”

“But you did.”

Frederick said without hesitation.

“You threw it away without even opening the box.”

At that, I had to look up. Then, I saw his smile.

“I think it was around eight months after you got married. She gave it to Elsa, and Elsa told me to hand it over to you. But as soon as I said that it was from your wife, you scoffed. By the way, you didn’t even send her a thank you letter.”

A strange noise that couldn’t even be described in words or letters leaked from the back of my throat.

I immediately turned to look at the desk in back of the room. I desperately wanted to dig into the trash can, but there was no way I could find something from nearly five months ago in it, especially when it was cleaned every day.

“Oh, look at him, his mouth is open, but he can’t even say a word.”

However, instead of ridiculing me, Alphonse said with genuine exasperation.

“As a side note, Elsa lied to your wife, saying that you were glad to receive such a present. However, Lily saw through it. Previously, because you had given her a sewing box, she had planned to embroider your scarf and necktie, but alas…”

Listening to Alphonse, who was truly upset, I tried to stand up, only to crumble on the floor.

I wanted to bury myself, but it was the fifth floor.

I faintly thought of escaping the reality once again.

“However, I’m an excellent butler, so I collected them behind your back and stored them carefully.”

Suddenly, Frederick kneeled in front of me, and presented a thin, square, navy-blue box adorned with golden ribbon.

I raised my head vigorously and hastily received it.

When I saw that a message card was gently tucked behind the ribbon, I gently took it.

‘With the sincerest gratitude, Liliana.’

The letters, which were delicately written by her, almost made me cry.

Once more, I looked up towards my milk brother—

“—As expected of my milk brother! Thank you, Frederick! You’re the best!”

“It’s an honor.”

I hurriedly sat back on the sofa, put the box on my lap, and gently untied the ribbon. I realized that my heart was thumping loudly. While taking a deep breath, I slowly lifted the lid—

—Inside was a beautiful blue handkerchief.

The coat of arms of the Marquis of Springfield was embroidered on the part just above, very finely and intricately with bright threads. When I lifted it up and unfolded it, on the opposite corner of the coat of arms, my name and the initials of Lutherford were sewn in white thread.

“Look, Al! It’s mine!”

“Yeah, yeah, good for you.”

As I turned all my attention to the handkerchief, Alphonse was back to his noncaring attitude.

Liliana’s embroidery skills were truly exceptional. If she had been born a commoner, she’d be able to feed herself just fine with such a skill.

“It shall become my heirloom.”

“Don’t be silly. Instead, think of a way to thank her.”

“Well, before anything else, let’s not forget the fact that the duke is now sheltering the countess. Unless you make adjustments in that area, it’s impossible for you to go home.”

When I was eager to return to Liliana, Frederick’s words dragged me back to reality.

I regretfully folded the handkerchief, put it back in the box, before retying the ribbon.

…It can’t be helped.

The enemy is a force to be reckoned with, so I must tread carefully.

“I can’t believe that countess got together with that shitty old man… When did it happen? Could it be, since the duchess passed away five years ago?”

“I guess it’ll be on us to investigate it. If she has the duke’s backing, there’s no guarantee that she won’t interfere with my sweet Liliana and Cedric in the future.”

“I see… I mean, putting aside the fact that she isn’t related to Lily, does she truly think nothing of Cedric, whom she gave birth to?”

Alphonse shared my sentiment.

Putting aside the fact that I abhorred her for mistreating Liliana, I could see why she did that on the premise that they were complete strangers. However, why did she mistreat her biological son as well?

“…Is Ceddie truly her son?”

Alphonse hesitantly asked.

“There’s no doubt about that. Cedric looked just like the predecessor of the count. The other day, when I searched the mansion, I saw a portrait of him. They looked so much alike, I couldn’t help but laugh. It feels more fitting to call the previous count his father, rather than the current Count of Eighton himself.”

“Then, is he the son of the previous count? But didn’t he die before Lily was born?”

“That’s right. Liliana hasn’t been born yet, much else Cedric.”

“Well, who knows. Even though I’ve grown so much, my mother still refers to me as if I’m just a child.”

As if unable to comprehend something, Alphonse scratched his hair.

Due to my amnesia, I couldn’t remember much about my own mother. However, in the letters that Arthur showed me, which were sent by my mother back when I was still in the boarding school, I could feel her love and care for me.

“But it’s fine! Now Ceddie has Lily!”

Alphonse stood up with a smile.

“First of all, we should sort through the countess’ connections and investigate her relationship with the duke!”

“The opponent is a black-bellied fellow, so we must proceed with caution. Frederick, call for Kane and Lazarus. We shall undertake this challenge and take on new challenges!”

“Understood!”

Frederick bowed and left the room.

“Al, how far has the case progressed?”

“I can give you an interim report. Make preparations, I’ll bring Caddock as well.”

Alphonse waved his hand and left.

In the room where I was left alone for a while, I casted my gaze down towards the gift box. Inside, was the handkerchief that Liliana had given me.

The countess is hiding something…

Our meeting that day only cemented that belief.

The territory of Count Eighton was rich. Although it was merely a count family, they had served the royal family for a long time. Moreover, it was a prestigious family that had produced many excellent human resources. However, less than sixteen years since that lady became the new countess, the count family was on the verge of collapse. Even though the current Count of Eighton was problematic to say the least, he was an excellent civil official back in the day.

I sighed deeply.

“…Still, I’ll definitely protect you. So, keep smiling, Liliana.”

When I thought of her smile, I couldn’t help but smile as my motivation began to rise. Then, after keeping the handkerchief in a locked drawer, I looked upwards.

…Anyway, I’d like to see the smiles of my beloved wife and her cute little brother as soon as possible. Therefore, I had to do my best so that I could go home as soon as possible. While waiting for my aides, I reached for the paperwork waiting for my signature, trying to get as much work done as possible.

---

***T/N: I honestly thought the countess will try to seduce Will. But hey, it makes senses that she’d try to get together with someone who had a chance to succeed the throne.

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