IGBD 92

chapter 92

At the unpleasant topic, Yuan’s expression stiffened as he looked at Henderson. His eyes turned icy.

Henderson, who had been chuckling, immediately stopped when he saw Yuan’s expression. Henderson cleared his throat and straightened up, feeling the cold stare that made anyone flinch.

“Troublesome rumors spreading about you, huh? It must be Lydia spreading nonsense.”

“……”

“Don’t worry. Those rumors will soon be sorted out.”

“Since we’re on the topic, I should say this. It might be best to give Lady Elliott some time.”

Yuan spoke calmly, bringing up Lydia’s matter.

“Huh? Give her time?”

Henderson blinked in confusion.

“I hope we don’t pressure her too much. It must be very confusing, with His Majesty the Emperor having passed so suddenly.”

“…You don’t mean Lydia?”

Henderson narrowed his eyes.

He thought only Lydia was fawning over Yuan, but apparently not. Did Yuan feel the same way as Lydia?

Wait, then would it be better to send Lydia to Yuan? If the royal family and the Frechtuster family are connected, it could be advantageous. But what about Lydia getting arrogant?

“No.”

Henderson’s mind raced, but Yuan cut him off sharply. Yuan’s face, already showing displeasure, became icy again, making Henderson awkwardly touch his earlobe.

“I would like to give some time too, but this is an opportunity too valuable to miss.”

“The King of Helio?”

“No, no. Not the King of Helio. I’m talking about the second son of Viscount Bronk.”

“……”

It didn’t seem like the second son of Viscount Bronk was that valuable a match. Yuan looked puzzled but said nothing, simply watching Henderson.

“Because of my father’s last wish, I struggled to find a good husband who would accept Lydia. Since Lydia can’t have children, it was hard to find a family willing to take her.”

“…How did you know?”

“My father told me. Since she can’t have children, find a kind and good man for her to marry.”

Henderson crooked one side of his lips and took a sip of wine.

The day before the emperor died, for some reason, he invited Henderson to lunch. Perhaps sensing his death, the emperor brought up his concerns for Lydia first.

He insisted that Lydia should marry a man who could care for her properly, someone who could protect her since she couldn’t have children. Even after his death, that one wish must be fulfilled.

Henderson had been a little taken aback; he hadn’t expected Lydia to have such a problem. Thinking of the mother who had suffered because of Lydia and her daughter was satisfying, but at the same time, he felt pity. A woman who cannot bear children is not welcomed in any family.

Caught off guard, Henderson accidentally promised. After all, it could become the emperor’s final wish.

When he promised to find Lydia a good husband, the emperor seemed relieved and smiled.

Even though his father had worried only about Lydia until the very end, Henderson wondered if he could fail even this final wish.

“Is that Robbie Bronk?”

“Robbie Bronk said it doesn’t matter that there are no children. He loves Lydia. His appearance isn’t great, and being the second son, he won’t inherit a noble title, but he’s a perfect match for Lydia.”

“If that’s how you see it, please try to persuade Lady Elliott gently. Don’t push her.”

“Do you think she’d listen just by persuading? Among the worst options, placing Robbie Bronk in the mix is the only way she’ll choose him.”

Henderson knew Lydia well. He had to push her into a situation where choosing Robbie Bronk was inevitable for her to listen.

“……”

“Then perhaps you should try persuading her yourself.”

Henderson, slightly offended by Yuan’s reluctant expression, offered the suggestion lightly. He thought he might be overcautious about the Frechtuster family, even though he was now the emperor.

“I will convey the Crown Prince’s intentions to Lady Elliott.”

Yuan’s polite tone made Henderson clear his throat nervously and sip his wine. Wondering if he had offended Yuan, Henderson glanced at him.

Yuan, expression unchanged, drank and put down his glass.

“I should get up before it gets any later.”

The clock, which had shown 8 o’clock, now pointed to 12. Henderson seemed quite drunk too; it was about time to leave.

“Ah, it’s already that late. Time flies when I’m with you. Let’s relax together with Regan sometime.”

“Yes.”

Yuan nodded and stood up with composed movements.

Henderson looked at him. Even after drinking together, Yuan remained perfectly composed—truly the Frechtuster way.

“Go home safely.”

Henderson waved lightly, sank into the couch, and closed his eyes.

Yuan bowed politely and left the sitting room.

Stepping down from the carriage, Yuan looked at Sererette’s room. The lights were off, and the curtains fluttered gently, likely from an open window.

Assuming she was asleep, Yuan walked toward it. He passed through the quiet lobby and climbed the stairs.

Step by step, Yuan’s mind wavered.

Should he go see Sererette, or his own bedroom?

Just glance at her sleeping face and leave… could he really leave after seeing her face?

Pretend to be drunk and sleep beside her? No, that’s insane. Best to go to his bedroom.

During that short walk up the stairs, his mind changed countless times. Standing in the hallway, he peeked at Sererette’s bedroom.

“…Just her face.”

Muttering softly, Yuan slowly approached her room.

A husband just wants to see his wife asleep; how big a deal could that be? Yuan smiled and stood before Sererette’s bedroom.

He carefully turned the door handle. The dark room was filled with Sererette’s scent, making him tense.

Exhaling a hot breath, Yuan strode toward the bed. Sererette was fast asleep.

Her gentle breathing tickled his heart, spreading excitement throughout his body. He wanted to shout to the world how much he liked her.

He wanted to touch her, but feared waking her, so he just gazed. Though the darkness obscured her face, it was enough.

Just being in the same space made everything feel complete, filling him with warmth. He felt happy.

Why get so excited over something so small? Yuan laughed quietly at himself.

He brushed his hair back and leaned against the window, feeling the breeze while continuing to watch her.

A calm summer night. In the darkened room, there were only Sererette and him. Yuan’s lips curved softly.

After a while, his gaze returned to Sererette lying on the bed.

The woman, unaware and asleep, looked peaceful. He wanted to protect her calmness. To have her stay by his side, safe and peaceful, no matter what storms may come.

Straightening from the window frame, Yuan slowly approached Sererette, gently caressed her face, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

May she be peaceful even in her dreams. My beloved tyrant, who rules me at will.

“I don’t mind if there are no children. As long as the couple lives happily, that’s enough. Men willing to accept this are rare.”

Horrible words flowed from Robbie Bronk’s mouth. Lydia glared at him fiercely.

Currently, under Henderson’s orders, Lydia was having dinner with Robbie.

All through the meal, Lydia had wanted to poison both Robbie and Henderson.

“So that’s why the Duke of Frechtuster didn’t marry Lady Elliott. I see now. The Duke is a coward. If you love someone, you should overlook their inability to bear children. That’s what being a man means.”

Lydia fought the urge to throw her plate at Robbie. His attitude—expecting her to recognize how generous he was for accepting a flawed woman—was utterly ridiculous.

Did he think Yuan was like him? For someone leading a great house like the Frechtusters, the issue of heirs is priceless. He’d never give up someone he loved for something so trivial.

Suppressing the overflowing thoughts in her mind, Lydia forced a smile.

“Yuan said it would be fine, but I said no. The Frechtuster family is not an ordinary family. Unlike a family that could die out, this is a house of a different level.”

“There are many ways around it. Adoption, having a child with another woman… Ah, I’m not saying I’ll do that. Don’t misunderstand.”

Robbie Bronk realized his mistake mid-sentence and waved his hand in haste.

Lydia forced a bitter smile, putting down her fork and knife. Her already nonexistent appetite was gone.

She had to endure Robbie’s terrible words until the meal finally ended.

Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Robbie shyly asked,

“Shall we take a walk?”

“No. I have a bit of a headache.”

Lydia used her headache as an excuse to decline. Staying any longer with him would drive her insane.

“Can’t be helped then.”

Robbie looked at her with disappointment.

Lydia quickly avoided his gaze and stood. “Goodbye,” she said, hurrying out of the dining room.

Finally, she could breathe properly. The thought of facing such a man for life was terrifying.

Tears formed in her eyes. Of the options Henderson gave her, marrying Robbie was the least terrible, but she still couldn’t choose it.

“Yuan.”

Muttering Yuan’s name, tears fell from Lydia’s eyes.

Should she really marry Robbie Bronk? No. She couldn’t. Shaking her head, Lydia thought of all she could give Yuan.

Wiping her tears, she lifted her chin.

“I’m going to the Duke of Frechtuster’s. Prepare the carriage.”

She commanded Anita, standing beside her.

I’ll give Yuan everything I can. I’ll give him all I can. So please, accept me, Yuan. Lydia clutched her skirt tightly.