9 - Not Your Son, But Your Father
Chapter 9
Edith didn't list all the things her adopted son had done wrong.
She simply issued a command in a cold voice devoid of any warmth.
"Go and reflect on your actions."
"I didn't do any, thing, wrong...!"
"Did I give you a choice?"
Edith stepped back. Men in black uniforms approached as if they had been waiting and seized Gilbert.
Of course, Gilbert Calakis wasn't one to be dragged away quietly.
"Why are you so cruel to me! Why!"
Gilbert poured out his pent-up emotions and pleaded his innocence. Anyone who didn't know Gilbert's true colors would think Edith was the villain.
"Tell me! What am I lacking compared to Rigen!"
The sound of leaves crunching underfoot came from behind. Turning my gaze, I saw the notary who had followed Edith bow lightly.
It wasn't him who made the noise—
The Emperor, who had arrived in a hurry, was anxiously watching Edith. I wasn't even in his sight.
So, it seems the person who has business with me isn't the Emperor but Edith.
Edith Calakis was more than capable of treating the Emperor's aide like her own servant.
But Your Majesty, the person you should be wary of is someone else.
Edith has such a strong presence, but she's not a crazy person who kills anyone she finds annoying.
Unless someone deliberately provokes her, she won't touch them because it's too much trouble to clean up.
And if Edith is acting like this, it means Gilbert has already crossed the line.
"To still expect to be spoon-fed, you've been spoiled rotten."
The Emperor's face turned as white as a sheet at Edith's words. He seemed to be empathizing with Gilbert for no reason.
However, in the novel, the Emperor is actually killed by Gilbert, who is blinded by power. Gilbert ascends to the throne and goes even more insane than before, claiming he will revive the imperial authority.
I was really gritting my teeth, saying I would drop this novel after seeing Gilbert die.
"Ugh, haaa..."
Monica groaned and gasped for breath. She already felt Gilbert's murderous intent, and with the added pressure from Edith, she seemed very overwhelmed.
The best solution was to leave this place immediately and get far away from Edith.
"Are you alright, Monica?"
"Do, I, look, alright?"
Monica glared at me with wide eyes.
This time, I gave her a genuine smile.
"You still look like you can survive. But don't shake off my hand, okay? I might get hurt."
Monica looked at me with an unreadable expression for a moment before groaning and reaching out her hand.
I took her hand and pulled her up somewhat forcefully.
Monica barely managed to stand. Her face, covered in cold sweat, already had her makeup smeared messily.
"I need, to, rest, a little."
"I'll explain to the young lady's partner."
Monica didn't even notice Edith or the Emperor's presence. She managed to walk without collapsing, but she was very unsteady.
Edith gestured, and one of his waiting subordinates followed Monica.
Only then did I look at the person who would become my husband.
It was hard to say he had a kind face, even as a compliment. His eyes were especially ominous, like a demon's. An intensely deep blue color was embedded in them, making me wonder if something that wasn't human was imitating a human.
He didn't seem friendly, he didn't seem to have mercy, and he definitely wouldn't ride a white horse.
But he really seemed to be good at using his face.
Could the author have originally set Edith as the Demon King and then changed it?
His appearance was so handsome that it was overwhelmingly shocking, but no matter where I looked, I couldn't find any good or upright aspects. He seemed far from the refreshing and clear type of handsome man.
Hmm, he has a much more classical and dark feel. The sensuality lingering at the corners of his long eyes, as if painted by a demon, was extraordinary.
The moonlight generously scattered over his white face. Following his elegantly straight nose, there were lips tinged with red.
Perhaps because of the ingrained composure, he exuded a decadent atmosphere even though he was dressed in a uniform and wearing a cloak.
Hmm... I think this is the first time I've felt that the novel's description is lacking.
He looked like he couldn't even be bothered to breathe, but his already perfectly toned body seemed as hard as marble. The man felt like a god ruling over demons in the underworld.
Edith blinked as I stared at him intently. I had the silly thought that his eyelashes were pretty.
Everything was good, but I was a little disappointed that his dark hair, which seemed to be shaded, was slightly disheveled.
I want to see his hair swept back properly next time.
I felt a strange urge to dress Edith in clothes of a different color than black and opened my mouth.
"Do you know how to dance?"
Edith chuckled at my sudden words without even greeting him.
"Shall we dance a song?"
"I'd like that."
Edith extended his gloved hand. As I lightly placed my hand on his, he gave orders to the remaining subordinates without even looking at them.
"Take care of it."
I didn't even glance at Gilbert, who was being dragged away with his mouth gagged.
The Emperor had probably already run away, as he had long disappeared from sight.
In fact, I guessed that the nobles in the hall would react similarly.
One of the reasons Edith became a recluse was that people felt fear and ran away at the mere sight of his shadow.
Edith was a predator born in the Rabbit Hole. Everything about him was fraudulent, to the point where ordinary people would ask, "Where does he look like a human?"
His abilities are like that, and his appearance is also unusual.
I felt like I could stay up all night admiring that face, which gave off a strangely unhealthy feeling.
Anyway, I could somehow tolerate Edith's existence. It was partly because I had prepared not to be intimidated when I chose Edith Calakis as my husband, and partly thanks to Gilbert's practice.
He was always sending murderous intent as if he wanted to kill me, so there was no better opponent for practice.
Before I knew it, the hall was right in front of me. It was smooth sailing, except for the usher who was supposed to announce the arrival of the Grand Duke Calakis freezing up.
The usher checked the list of attendees, examined the grand Insignia decorated on the black cloak again, and rubbed his eyes.
It seemed that the name Edith Calakis was definitely written on it.
But instead of an old man, a shockingly handsome man was giving him the eye.
"U-Umm..."
"Open it."
"Yes... Yes!"
At the cold command, the usher opened the door in a daze.
The entire hall was enveloped in silence the moment I lightly stepped in, following Edith. Edith ignored it and crossed the party hall with my hand in his.
If I received this kind of attention every time, I wouldn't want to go outside either.
Most of the nobles looked like they were convinced that a rebellion would break out right now, even after seeing the Grand Duke's Insignia embroidered on Edith's cloak.
As Edith's gaze swept over the orchestra, the music that had been briefly interrupted began again.
Anyway, he held my waist just enough not to be unpleasant.
Since I was the one who suggested the dance first, I put on a thick face and entrusted myself to the melody.
Hmm, he doesn't seem like he's going to step on my feet.
I relaxed with a slight smile.
As if reading my mind, Edith raised the corners of his lips.
It's not difficult to give him a compliment.
"Grand Duke."
As I faithfully followed the steps with my feet, Edith corrected me.
"Edith."
Is he already telling me to call him by his name?
"Um, Your Highness Edith?"
"..."
Not a good reaction.
"Mr. Edith."
I didn't drop the honorific until the end as a petty act of spite. As if in retaliation, Edith cut off my turn to ask a question.
"I have a question."
"I was the one who called you, but Mr. Edith is asking the questions."
I could see the nobles relieved that a murder hadn't occurred as I spun around to the beat.
Charles Morgoz's expression was a little better. Charles was saying something to me, so I tried to read his lips, but Edith diverted my attention.
"Why was it me?"
Hmm?
I paused for a moment, meaning that I needed an explanation.
Edith was watching me with eyes full of boredom, overflowing with ennui, but with a hint of curiosity added in.
"I'm curious as to why you didn't tear up the contract with that great initiative and specifically chose me."
Chose me. What a funny choice of words.
"Because I'm greedy."
Just then, the performance ended.
Buried in the applause led by Charles, his cool voice reached only my ears.
"How much do you know?"
The subject was omitted, but there was no way I wouldn't know what he was asking.
I wasn't surprised even after seeing the Grand Duke Calakis, who was too young for having two adopted sons. I didn't even look scared.
He must have found those things strange.
And I had to keep him entertained for the time being.
This picky man was ready to turn his back at the slightest boredom.
He came to meet me out of interest, so it was obvious what would happen if that interest waned.
"Even if I don't know anything else, I know you're dying of boredom right now."
I vaguely avoided answering and gave him the compliment I couldn't give him earlier.
"You danced well. You have decent skills."
"The expression 'decent' would be insufficient."
You're already expecting too much.
"Shall I pat your head?"
I could see Charles, who had successfully eased the atmosphere of the hall, approaching with his partner.
Edith gave a smile that wasn't exactly polite.
"That would be nice, but."
Edith kissed the back of my hand. It was a gentlemanly gesture, but the look in his eyes as he looked up at me in the moment of bowing was unreadable.
"The partner role has been completed, so that's all for today. I look forward to seeing you again."
