Chapter 41
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Chapter 41
"Edwin, how have you been?"
I brushed past the bewildered servants and strode toward Edwin with purposeful steps.
"I should have visited more often. I apologize for my absence—these past few days have been overwhelming with matters demanding my attention."
"It's all right."
Edwin nodded with an expression suggesting he understood everything.
"Adoption is a difficult undertaking, after all. It's only natural that you're busy."
"Thank you for understanding, Edwin."
I gently stroked the crown of Edwin's round head. Truly, he possessed the magnanimous nature befitting the original story's male protagonist.
"But Edwin, what were you discussing with these gentlemen servants?"
Though my question was directed at Edwin, my gaze remained fixed upon the servants.
"We were simply exchanging greetings. And they mentioned they would lend me their support...."
"Ahem, hmm."
A deliberate cough interrupted Edwin's words.
"Since Miss Rilprey has arrived, we shall take our leave."
The servants, who had been avoiding my eyes and feigning indifference, bowed respectfully to Edwin before swiftly departing the room.
Under ordinary circumstances, these men would have paid me no mind whatsoever.
Had I not saved Lucian's life, had I not elevated my standing by discovering Edwin—they would never regard me with such fear.
'Cunning wretches.'
I glared at the space where they had stood. Their purpose in coming here at this juncture was painfully transparent.
'They're attaching themselves because it seems the Duke will choose Edwin as his successor.'
Count Henry Rezamin was notorious for his disdain toward Lucian, as were the other servants who had been with him moments ago.
They constantly questioned and tested Lucian's capabilities.
'If only they had merely harbored suspicions.'
My aversion to Count Henry Rezamin stemmed from a different source—he was an opportunist of the highest order.
He thought nothing of reversing his stance as easily as flipping his palm, nor did he hesitate to cling to others like a sycophant in pursuit of gain. Should circumstances turn unfavorable, he would slip away like a loach, vanishing from the scene entirely.
Due to such contemptible nature, Count Henry Rezamin is abandoned by Edwin in the original story.
'He'll be discarded eventually anyway, so there's no need to concern myself....'
Yet the mere fact that a faction supporting Edwin was already forming filled my heart with anxiety. I grew worried that the relationship between Edwin and Lucian might truly fracture.
At the same time, I felt a pang of guilt—innocent children were being sacrificed in the factional disputes of adults.
"Sister."
Only upon hearing Edwin's call did I emerge from my reverie.
"Yes?"
"That is...."
Edwin fidgeted with his small, fern-like hands for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Thank you."
"Pardon...?"
Caught entirely off guard by his unexpected words, I stood speechless.
"For finding my father."
Edwin continued speaking, leaving me in my stunned silence.
"If Sister hadn't invited me to this mansion, I never would have met Father."
"No, it was all just coincidence."
"Even so. Sister punished that awful Orphanage Director and shared delicious food and wonderful things with all of us."
For the first time, Edwin's expression—which had been tense throughout—softened gently.
"That's why I'm grateful to you."
"...."
"Sister, you're my benefactor. And so is Lucian."
"...."
"If Lucian hadn't allowed me to live in this mansion, I wouldn't have been able to meet Father."
I found myself unable to speak.
I was moved by Edwin's kindness, wracked with guilt that I hadn't helped him out of pure intentions, and filled with remorse toward Lucian. Multiple emotions collided within me.
"Sister?"
"...Thank you for saying that, Edwin."
If the Duke had said such things, I would have immediately schemed to exploit the opportunity. But because it was Edwin, my heart only felt heavy.
"While I'm here, I'll really listen well to everything you say, Sister!"
"Then will you make one promise with me?"
Still, Lucian was the most precious person to me, so I decided to indulge in a small wish.
"Promise me you'll get along well with Lucian."
I extended my pinky finger to Edwin.
"Yes. I promise."
The boy smiled brightly and linked his finger with mine.
* * *
"What in the world is happening."
Claude, who had suddenly witnessed this whirlwind of events unfold before him, wiped his face with his hand.
'Edwin was the Duke of Bellomen's son. No—before that, the Duke had an illegitimate child.'
There was nothing that wasn't shocking. If this truth were revealed to the outside world, it would surely cause a great scandal in High Society.
However, Claude's greatest concern lay elsewhere.
'Will Lucian be alright?'
Claude recalled the image of Lucian as he watched the Duke kneel before Edwin.
Lucian's eyes, as he gazed upon the Duke and Edwin, were filled with unfamiliarity and envy.
'His disappointment must be immense.'
If it were merely disappointment, that would have been fortunate.
Not only had he lost his father, but now a rival had appeared to compete for the position of family head. He might be anxious about the possibility of being cast aside.
The Duke of Bellomen was certainly capable of such a thing.
"Sigh...."
Claude exhaled deeply.
Though it was not his family's affair, his heart was troubled.
This was all because of Lucella.
Lucian was the child she loved more than anyone else.
And he himself loved Lucella....
"Uncle, I'm going out for a bit."
At the bright, cheerful voice, Claude lifted his bowed head.
Amelia, cradling an armful of toys, was attempting to leave the room.
"Where are you going?"
"To see Lucian."
Amelia grunted softly as she reached for the doorknob.
"That fool is definitely not paying attention to anything. I need to go snap him out of it."
"Yes. Good thinking."
Claude grasped the doorknob on her behalf, as Amelia struggled to open the door with her arms full of toys.
"Go comfort him and come back. Lucian listens to everything you say."
"Okay."
Amelia nodded with determination and walked out into the corridor.
Claude quietly watched Amelia's figure as she waddled away.
Perhaps sensing his gaze, Amelia suddenly turned around.
"Uncle."
"Yes?"
"I think this is your chance."
"Chance?"
"A chance to win Sister Lucella's heart."
"Goodness!"
What if someone heard that!?
Claude, who had raised his voice without thinking, quickly scanned the surroundings. Fortunately, the corridor was empty.
"If you're going to be that embarrassed, at least don't show it."
Amelia shook her head as she watched Claude.
"Uncle. Women, you see, tend to give their hearts to those who stand beside them in difficult times. Sister Lucella must be struggling right now, so do your best for her."
"You... where did you learn to say such things?"
"From a book."
"What kind of book have you been reading?"
"Is that really important right now?"
Amelia's eyes sharpened with intensity.
"Sister is suffering right now. Are you just going to leave her to suffer alone?"
"No."
Claude shook his head.
"Then go to Sister Lucella quickly."
Amelia's gaze, fixed upon Claude, grew serious.
"Earning points with Sister is important, but... I don't like seeing Sister hurt."
"..."
"Sister Lucella was my strength when I was suffering. So this time, Uncle, you need to be Sister's strength."
You understand what I'm saying, don't you?
Claude nodded at Amelia's quiet addition.
"And Uncle."
"What now?"
"I don't think malingering is a bad thing."
"...."
"Well, I'm leaving!"
Having uttered those meaningful words, Amelia dashed down the Corridor without so much as a backward glance.
"Sigh, she really is incorrigible."
He set about preparing to meet Lucella, leaving the retreating figure of Amelia behind as he sought out Lucian.
* * *
I sat at my desk, contemplating the plans that lay ahead.
First, arranging the meeting between Edwin and the Duke—that was settled.
Not only had I become Edwin's benefactor, but I had also unexpectedly placed the Duke in my debt.
Lucian was a concern, certainly, but I was grateful he didn't torment or despise Edwin as he did in the original story.
If Lucian continued to grow as he was now, and if Edwin's feelings toward Lucian and me remained unchanged, then Lucian could escape the future where he became a villain.
'The real problem lies with those around him.'
It was always the periphery that proved more troublesome than the principals themselves.
The cunning retainers of the Duke's household were already attempting to draw sides.
'It was far worse in the original story.'
The retainers, blinded by ambition, swiftly sowed discord between Lucian and Edwin.
'Should such a violent and foolish boy become the head of the household, what will become of the Bellomen name?'
'A bastard of unknown origins becoming the head? This is nothing short of utter disgrace!'
Those who supported Edwin seized upon Lucian's character, while those who supported Lucian attacked Edwin's bloodline.
As children with already strained feelings toward one another, they were inevitably swayed by such whispers.
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