kscans

Chapter 122 - The First Love to Protect

Adrian watched the Video Recordings found in the Queen's chambers and couldn't help but cover his face. What he found were records of her infidelity with nobles and a host of other deviant acts.

"…Normally, one wouldn't leave behind such evidence."

But the Queen was different. Perhaps out of sadism or a desire for control. She had meticulously saved videos, even those intended for blackmail.

If these were to get out, everyone involved would be ruined. Of course, if the crimes committed by the King and Queen came to light, the royal family would face the same fate. After consulting with Cedric, Adrian and the others summoned the involved parties one by one and "processed" them. In exchange for keeping their secrets, they secured oaths from them to "serve the new king." This would eventually become a solid foundation supporting the kingdom.

However. The records of commoners being framed and sent to their deaths could not be erased. They could neither cover up the crimes nor expose them… The only thing they could do was secretly provide support so that the bereaved families would not be left destitute.

As he carried that guilt, an even more heart-wrenching video entered Adrian's sight.

A scene of Ariel being abused by the King, the Queen, and Rainer. She was forced to drink poison, and even after vomiting blood, she was forced to drink more, yet she held her head high with defiance.

"I have cut my ties with Darius and my disciple. It has nothing to do with me anymore," she shouted, trying to protect the one she loved until the very end.

His chest tightened.

Furthermore, she was shown a video of Darius laughing with a woman at a social function, and the King's curse-like voice echoed.

"If Darius had never met you, he could have been happy."

"…Don’t be ridiculous."

Even knowing it was a video, he felt an anger so intense he wanted to jump in and save her right away. The greatest torture wasn’t physical, it was the words that gouged her heart and the image of a noble Darius that Ariel didn't know.

Adrian, too, had distanced himself from Ariel because he was a noble, and had hurt her. But…

That kiss to give her the High Potion. For him, that was the beginning of a first love that had come too late. His inability to be honest, dragging out their involvement until his marriage, was all because of those feelings.

He only came to know what "love" was after interacting with her.

That was why he and his current wife were not just a political match, but a couple who truly cared for each other. It was because Ariel had taught him to value kindness and compassion over bloodlines.

This time, it’s my turn to protect her.

When he went to the townhouse, his wife Eleonora was by Ariel’s side.

"How is she?"

"We’re starting to see a good deal of response. The doctor also said she’s no longer in critical condition."

"I see… Eleonora. I am truly sorry. This must not be a pleasant thing for you."

Adrian said apologetically. It was because he wanted to cherish Eleonora that he had told her everything about Ariel when they were to be married. He felt it would not be sincere to support another woman while building a proper relationship with her after marriage.

But Eleonora gave a small laugh.

"Did you think I would be jealous? …Yes, I was, just a little at first. Because she’s your first love, isn't she, Adrian-sama?"

"…!"

"But unfortunately for you, the only one who can stand by Ariel-sama’s side is clearly Darius-sama. In fact, I feel so sorry for how you've been up until now."

"Th-that’s not true! I love you the most!"

At Adrian’s red-faced protest, Eleonora blushed and smiled happily. Then, her expression suddenly turned serious.

"Adrian-sama… is there truly no way for Darius-sama and Ariel-sama to be together? His devotion to her is more than just a rumor."

Adrian told his wife about the abuse Ariel had suffered from the King and her current situation as they discussed the future. Eleonora, seeing Ariel's scarred form, couldn't help but frown in dismay.

"…Somehow, I want them to find happiness."

The two naturally took each other's hands and nodded firmly.