Chapter 92 - Future
"So, how is Eric doing?"
"You’ve received the reports, haven’t you?"
"I want to hear it from you."
"…Well, as you’d expect, he’s like a different person. It seems he tried to prove his father and brother’s innocence, only to be crushed even further. Right now, he’s in a state of bewilderment."
"That’s to be expected."
As a family member, the more he tried to clear the names of Marquis Baphot and Thierry, the more he would have learned about the extent of their actions. It seemed Thierry’s treasonous feelings toward Alessandro were not only due to Claude’s promotion to marquis, but also because he had been granted the title of Duke of Boccelli. Thierry had failed to grasp the significance of being entrusted with the duchy, and the price for his immaturity, trapped by jealousy, was far too great.
The real issue now was how Eric would grow from this. If he came to resent the king and the others, it would be unfortunate, but Eric himself would have to be implicated in some crime. It was an unavoidable measure to eliminate any future threats. The same applied to the families of all those involved in the recent rebellion. From this point on, they would all be kept under secret surveillance.
After numerous investigations by the king’s side, the sentences were not overturned, and it was confirmed that Marquis Baphot and the others would pay for the great crime of treason with their lives. It was noted how high society would react to this, but there seemed to be no major turmoil. Julian apparently decided that it was time for him to leave Taisey Kingdom.
"Will you return to the Royal Capital for the next season?"
"No, I’ll be taking it easy here for a while."
"I’m sure everyone will be disappointed. They were desperate to get even a little closer to the Duke and Duchess of Boccelli. They kept pestering me with all sorts of things. It was incredibly annoying."
"They were probably just trying to get close to you, weren’t they?"
"Does that even need to be said?"
"Try to be a little more humble."
Claude laughed as he replied to his childhood friend. Just then, they sensed someone approaching and both fell silent. Listening closely, they heard the butler responding, and it seemed a letter had arrived. They continued their conversation on various topics, and just as they were about to end it so Claude could leave, Opal rushed into the room.
"Opal, you can take your time."
"You’re as restless as ever."
"Be quiet, Julian."
Claude immediately stood and walked toward Opal with a concerned look. Opal retorted at Julian while taking Claude's hand to sit on the sofa.
"Claude, a letter just arrived from Duke McLeod…"
"What is it?"
"He says he’s going to renounce his title."
"That’s rather extreme again."
"What an attention seeker."
Unlike Opal, who was perplexed by the contents of the letter that had just arrived, both Claude and Julian were cold. Realizing she had been too brief, Opal explained the letter’s contents again.
"To be precise, it’s not right away. It seems he’s written it in his will. He says he likely won’t marry in the future, so there’s the matter of an heir. He can’t pass the responsible position of duke to a distant relative he barely knows, so he will renounce it. But he intends to leave a portion of his wealth to that relative."
"He’s just being desperate because his proposal was rejected. Just leave him be, Opal."
"Wait, what? Don’t tell me some girl actually turned down the Duke’s proposal?"
"Honestly! You two, please listen seriously. Renouncing the title is a problem, but more importantly, he intends to bequeath his fief to us!"
Opal grew irritated with the two of them for still not taking it seriously. It was a major issue for him to renounce his ducal title, and for some reason, he was now saying he would leave his fief to them, who were unrelated. But Claude merely raised an eyebrow, and Julian grinned.
"There’s no need to worry so much, Opal. He’ll get over his heartbreak and change his mind eventually."
"It might be interesting to make an appearance in high society on my way back home. Claude, you’re going to Pasma Port, right? I’ll go with you and board a ship from there."
"You’re not staying the night?"
"Do you want me to?"
"Not particularly."
Claude smiled at Opal’s stubborn reply, and Julian waved his hand dismissively. Opal didn't know when she would see Julian again, but she did not try to stop him.
"What, are you seeing me off?"
"I’m seeing Claude off," Opal answered curtly, walking with them to the entrance hall. Claude was already ready. He took his coat and hat from the butler and gave Opal a light kiss on the cheek. The carriage was already waiting.
"Well then, I’m off, Opal."
"Alright. Be careful, Claude. …You too, Julian, I guess."
"Yeah, see you later. Baka Opal."
"Julian!"
When she added his name as an afterthought, Julian affectionately ruffled her hair. Leaving the angry Opal with a laugh, Julian hurried down the stairs.
"Have a healthy baby, Opal! Well, I’m sure I don’t need to worry about that!"
"I know that without you telling me, Baka Julian!"
The butler was shocked at words so unbecoming of a duchess, while Nadia laughed out loud. Claude also laughed, looking amused, and gently pulled Opal close, placing a hand on her rounding belly.
"My, what a troublesome mother and uncle you have."
"It’s Julian’s fault."
"Yes, you’re right."
Claude, as always, sided completely with Opal, and this time kissed her on the lips. It was a gentle kiss, as if to comfort her for the sadness of parting with Julian.
"Well, I’ll be back by dinner. Don’t overdo it."
"Yes, I’ll behave."
Claude gave a doubtful look at Opal’s smiling reply as she held back her tears. Opal’s definition of not overdoing it was a little different from other women's. When Claude glanced at Nadia, she gave a firm nod as if to say, ‘leave it to me.’
"Claude, hurry up."
"He’s so selfish."
"He really is."
He had barged in unannounced, demanded to be taken along, and was now telling him to hurry. They both laughed at his typical Julian-like behavior, and Claude descended the stairs. Watching his back and waving at the departing carriage, Opal stroked her swelling belly with her other hand. The dream she had as a child, of making a warm home with a wonderful husband, was coming true. And yet, this was still just the first step. Opal placed a gentle, protective hand on her stomach and returned inside the mansion to do what needed to be done.