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Chapter 72
It was none other than Kiera who had rendered Herden powerless. That detestable woman who had deceived him, who still wanted to keep playing the role of his wife.
“What on earth did you want from me?”
Kiera bit down hard on her lips.
“What was it about me that you so desperately craved?”
Tears dropped from her eyes as she shook her head. It seemed that Herden had discovered the very truth he was never supposed to know. The very thing Kiera had feared most had now come to pass.
She swallowed dryly.
“It’s all a misunderstanding, Herden. I—I can explain. Look at me. We’re husband and wife. And we’re the parents of those children as well.”
“Hah.”
Herden coldly raked his fingers through his hair. Disgusting. He brushed away the hand that repulsed him.
“Go back. Just seeing your face here is torment. Know that I am enduring only for the sake of those children you speak of.”
“Herden!”
“Would you only come to your senses if I had you dragged away in front of everyone?”
At those words, Kiera’s face grew even paler. She broke down in sobs.
“Don’t do this, Herden…”
But her pleading was useless. Herden turned away and gave Luella an order.
“Never let that woman into this house again. I give you full authority. If she tries to force her way in like today, you may block her at your discretion—even if it means mobilizing the knights!”
Without another word, Herden turned his back and walked away.
Kiera collapsed onto the floor.
Despite the commotion, one of Kiera’s close maids secretly went to see Karte.
She had been entrusted with a secret order from her mistress.
“It’s been a while, young master.”
“Ella!”
“How have you been?”
“How could I possibly be well? Where’s Mother? Did she come to take me away?”
“That’s not it. I came to deliver something. But today’s meeting must stay secret.”
“What? Then how much longer am I supposed to stay here!”
Ella glanced nervously down the corridor. She didn’t have time to argue with Karte now. She had to regroup with the duchess before anyone noticed. She quickly pulled out a vial of medicine from her pocket.
“Here. The duchess told me to give this to you. If you take it, you’ll be able to surpass human limits and become a Sword Master.”
At that, Karte froze. He knew better than anyone how meager his abilities were.
That was why he resented Heder so much. Because Heder possessed what he could not.
But Heder, too, had not yet become a Sword Master. If he had, Tybern would have already announced the change of heir. If Karte became one first?
Then Heder would be beneath him. And everything Heder had would naturally become his.
Tybern’s frightening favor… and that pretty maid.
The boy’s heart swayed uncontrollably. Ella smiled at the sight.
“One pill a day, no more, no less. Don’t ever miss a dose. The duchess went to great lengths to obtain this!”
“Got it.”
“You can do it, right?”
Karte nodded. He too longed for what he did not have.
And he would do whatever it took to claim it. With reckless eagerness, Karte accepted the vial.
Ahhh, how refreshing.
Yes, this is exactly why one transmigrates into a romance fantasy novel. In the original story, Kiera would have kept tormenting Heder endlessly.
Now, the duchess was thrown out with her servants, tail between her legs.
But Herden, the duke, had shown a side I hadn’t expected. Until now, his image had been nothing more than that of a sickly man overshadowed by Tybern’s brilliance.
Watching in secret as Kiera was expelled filled me with delight. If only Heder had seen this too! Such a pity, such a pity.
“Young master!”
I hurried to the training grounds to find him. Thankfully, he seemed to have just finished his practice.
“Lani? Why are you running like that? What if you trip?”
“Even if I trip, I won’t get hurt! No, wait—that’s not the point. Do you know what just happened?”
I chattered excitedly to Heder about everything that had gone on in the banquet hall.
“Isn’t it such a relief? The duchess’s face was as white as a corpse when she was thrown out!”
Heder gave a faint smile as he wiped sweat from his face with a towel.
“Does that really make you so happy?”
“Doesn’t it make you happy too? I feel so refreshed.”
Maybe it was because I knew the original story. Or maybe it was because I had witnessed Heder’s suffering firsthand. But it still felt like Kiera hadn’t even received half the punishment she deserved.
And besides, I was sure she was connected to Amy’s death as well. Even after hearing all this, Heder looked unfazed.
There was a serenity about him.
Was it because he had become a Sword Master?
Or was I just being shallow?
“If you’re glad, then I’m glad too.”
What kind of lukewarm response was that?
“Aren’t you happy, young master? Down with the duchess! Her misfortune is our happiness!”
I clenched my fist like a freedom fighter. Heder chuckled, his laugh so bright and refreshing that it weakened my resolve.
“Finding happiness in her misfortune feels like too much of a waste. I’d rather just be happy spending time with someone I like.”
His eyes met mine as he said that. I swallowed hard. Those crimson eyes were dangerously alluring.
Wait—was he flirting with me?
To say happiness is being with someone he likes, while staring straight into my eyes?
No, that couldn’t be. To him, I was just the maid who looked after him.
Heder had yet to meet the heroine. I knew better than anyone how deeply, how desperately he would love her.
What he might be feeling now was no more than a childish crush.
In the end, I’d be the only one left hurt.
Or maybe he didn’t mean anything by it at all. Maybe I was just overreacting to an offhand comment. He probably didn’t even realize how dangerously handsome he was.
“Y-Yes, that’s true. I think so too.”
I murmured, turning my head slightly.
“Besides, I decided not to bother with that woman anymore.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t think hating and obsessing over her is what my mother would want. If it were her, she’d say it’s a waste of life.”
Heder’s voice was steady.
“She gave me this life, protected it. I want to use it more preciously.”
What a man.
That was… moving. If I were Amy, hearing that would have filled me with joy.
“But still, I’m glad.”
He smiled.
“…If you’re happy, then I’m even happier.”
“I’m happier than you. Much, much happier.”
It was a ridiculous little argument, but when Heder smiled in defeat, my heart warmed even more.
Yet I couldn’t shake the sadness. Soon, Heder would leave. These moments would vanish.
I would be nothing more than part of his childhood memories.
He would return only five years later, after meeting many people and forming new bonds. More than enough time to forget about a childhood maid.
We’d never have moments like this again. Maybe that’s why this felt so precious to me.
I didn’t know how Heder felt.
So I just raised my voice, chattering on. Because I loved that he listened. Because it made him look so dear. Heder, ever so kind, listened to every word and answered me.
It was then I admitted it.
I liked him. Truly cherished him.
As a person.
As my male lead.
…As a man.
