kscans

Chapter 121 - Blood or Love, The Bonds of the New Royal Family Tremble

Although we had agreed to date with marriage in mind, the happy moment was brief, as we continued to have serious discussions about the future. The plan was to fly to the barracks, then stay at Leonhard's townhouse in the royal capital.

If she were well, my master would have been with us, but...

My chest tightened in pain when Leonhard-san told me about my master's condition. But there was still something I could do.

"I want to bring High Potions with as much mana as possible… to my master."

I have to keep making them before we get to the townhouse. Leonhard-san seemed to sense my anxiety....

"Once we get to the house, we can use the ring to come back here. For now, let's just wait somewhere as close to Ariel as possible," he said gently.

"Master… why do so many painful things happen to you…" I muttered softly.

Why does she have to suffer like this, just for being a little more capable than others? What should my master have done?

She worked so hard for this country, yet people with status, money, and so much love take everything from her.

And now, Adrian-san and Darius-san are leaving too.

"You won't leave Ariel, will you, Mireille? I'll support you, and the caretakers at the townhouse are kind people, so they'll listen if you need to talk."

Leonhard-san is so kind to me. It makes me anxious, wondering if it's really okay for me to rely on him like this.

"Leonhard-san… are you really sure you want me? You’re even trying to take care of my master."

Thinking about it calmly, there must be someone more suitable for Leonhard than me.

"You just said yes to my confession, and now you’re saying that?" Leonhard-san laughed as he hugged me and pressed his lips to mine.

"You became my girlfriend, so I can touch you and spend time with you without guilt. Do you think there’s any greater happiness than that?"

My chest grew warm.

"I think what you just said, Mireille, is the same thing that tormented Ariel. That there was someone better for Darius… But I don't think there's any happiness for Darius greater than being with Ariel."

That's… that's right.

"Well then, I guess that means you’re happy, Leonhard-san. Because you are deeply loved by me."

When I laughed triumphantly, Leonhard replied with a smug look.

"It’s mutual, isn't it? You should be happy too, since you’re loved by me."

His words filled my heart. But at that time, I never imagined that the issue of our differing social statuses would become a problem for us.


After his father’s coup d'état, Cedric's eldest son, Albert, arranged for strict security around the former king’s confinement, then brought Crown Prince Elliot to the royal capital.

The boy was only ten years old. He had been raised to believe Albert was his real father, unaware that he was the crown prince.

"Father… are you not my father anymore?" Elliot asked, tears streaming down his face. Albert replied calmly.

"No. To me, you are my beloved son. But I want you to remember that you had a mother who tried to protect you with her life."

"…Was my real father the king?"

"That's right. But he fell ill… and could no longer recognize you as his son."

One day, he would have to tell him the truth. Until then, it was Albert’s duty to support his father, Cedric, and solidify the foundations of this country before handing it over to Elliot.

The Royal Castle was still in a state of turmoil. Amidst it all, Elliot ran to Cedric.

"Grandfather!"

"You’ve gotten so big, Elliot."

Cedric chuckled, ruffling his hair with a large hand. At ten years old, it was difficult to hold him on his lap. Albert couldn't help but smile at the sight of his growth.

But during this peaceful moment, Albert had to ask.

"…Are you still obsessed with that living weapon?"

He was talking about Darius. If he hadn't met that woman, he would have had a warm family by now, just like them. That’s what Albert couldn’t help but think.

Cedric answered with a bitter expression.

"Don't say such things. The truth is, I wish those two could be together. But… they said they would part ways."

Cedric was no monster. Before the coup, he had investigated and found out. She had helped nobles and commoners without discrimination and had courageously opposed the construction of the Magic Furnace. To the point where the king and the Mage Order captain had wanted her dead. She was like a hero of justice.

But her social standing was too low. If asked whether she was suitable as a bride for a duke’s family, with the nobles now in closer proximity after the coup, those around them would never approve.

Ariel herself had no ambition to rise in status, she was simply a woman with a pure heart.

"Albert. Right now, her life is in danger. Darius is supporting her by pouring his mana into her… but it’s not enough. She is an indispensable asset to the country. Even if she and Darius part ways. Please cooperate to save her life."

"…!" Albert’s expression twisted in utter disgust. To give his noble blood to a commoner… and the very person who had stolen his brother’s happiness.

But now, his father Cedric was the king. He could not disobey.

"…I understand." Reluctantly, Albert nodded.