Can't Come Back - Chapter 48

“The Kinderton Baronage, on the verge of failing, is no longer in jeopardy. You may argue that the only positive aspect of my marriage to my husband is that. My younger brother is also getting married soon… Hildayden’s assistance is no longer required. We’re secure enough. But I couldn’t decide quickly because I knew my husband’s personality.”

“Are you concerned that if you divorce, older brother will take vengeance and threaten the Kinderton Baronage?”

“Exactly. He is unquestionably capable of doing so. But now I can unwind. The story is long, but the Princess has consented to help.”

Claudia had promised to help Berlia with everything on the day she saw her again at the Hildayden 300th anniversary. Berlia chose to trust Claudia, so that night she confided in her to Claudia all she had never been able to tell anyone.

– To be honest, sometimes I just want to let go of everything and flee with Cain. You may think I’m pitiful, but I can’t help myself. This child in my womb, in reality… I’m not sure if it’s Cain’s or my husband’s.

Claudia didn’t blame Berlia for admitting she didn’t know who the father of her child was. Instead, she attempted to understand Berlia.

– I understand your concern. It must be tough to choose between reason and emotion.

-…I’m frightened of having children. I hope the baby resembles Cain, but I also hope that it does not. These opposing emotions are continually bugging me.

– What’s keeping you from going, despite having those thoughts? Isn’t it easier to migrate to another nation and start again if Cain is the most important thing to you right now?

It was usual for people to think in Claudia’s manner. Berlia has also thought about it numerous times. But if she leaves, her family would remain in the empire. Would the arrogant Dean allow the Kinderton Baronage to stay intact if she left?

His wife, whom he dismissed as inconsequential, vanished secretly with his younger brother. He was not the type to put up with such a scenario. Furthermore, there would be no way to stop rumors from spreading across the empire.

If he became the subject of whispers among other aristocrats, Dean would direct his rage toward her remaining family members. The prospect of such a situation was terrifying.

– I guess I’m still not brave enough… I can’t simply abandon my family to pursue my pleasure.

– I’ve heard about it as well. Because you became a duchess, the Kinderton Baronage could rise again.

-…Yes.

– If it isn’t bravery, what is? Didn’t you make a sacrifice for your family? You are courageous enough. So don’t be concerned. I’ll help you from now on.

-…Pardon?

– Didn’t I tell you before? Please let me know if you require help. This is something I can assist with… What if I keep an eye on the Kinderton Baronage for you?

– How are you, Your Highness?

– Why? Are you upset that it’s not my brother, Crown Prince?

Claudia questioned, jokingly, and Berlia shook her head with a sweep of her palm.

– Certainly not. It’s simply… it’s too sudden, and there’s nothing you can gain by helping me.

– It isn’t a massive problem for me. I also want Cain to be happy. I’ve been watching him for about ten years and have always felt he was dull. But now that he has something he truly desires for the first time, I feel compelled to assist him even more.

Claudia smiled softly. This was something Berlia could only be grateful for.

“I will give it much thought after hearing the Princess’s words.”

If Dean attempted to retaliate, having Princess Claudia’s assistance would solve most of the problems. Berlia genuinely pondered divorce then, but regrettably, Riley killed the kid.

She could not think clearly for a few days owing to her illness, but now that she is healing, she felt it was time to decide.

“Claudia… Oh, I see.”

Her bright and welcoming demeanor made her appear frivolous, yet she was attentive. The fact that she was widely regarded as a princess was proof of this. Cain appreciated her help.

“I owe the princess a great deal.”

Berlia stated unequivocally.

‘Is it all right… to tell Berlia now?’

Cain got this thought while looking at her. Berlia was perplexed as to why Dean had proposed to her. Cain did not tell her for fear of upsetting her.

Berlia, on the other hand, has transformed. She appeared to be stronger than before. Maybe it’s all right now. He was relieved to tell her the truth about their marriage finally.

“Berlia.”

“Yes?”

Cain called her name quietly. Berlia had a feeling he had something important to convey to her.

“There’s something I’ve been keeping from you.”

“…What is it?”

“Do you know why my brother proposed to you?”

* * *

Cain explained to her why Dean had proposed to her. He then waited for Berlia to respond.

‘She might dislike me…’

He considered the possibility that she may resent him. Cain, after all, was the one who had lured her into such an unhappy marriage. Despite this, he prayed there were no more secrets.

“I see.”

Her voice, though, was calm. It was an accepting reaction. Cain inquired hesitantly.

“…Did it hurt you?”

Berlia made a shaky motion with her head. Her expression was casual.

“No, everything is now clear to me. I had frequently pondered why he had asked me for marriage if he would forsake me in this manner. After all, he was just initially polite to me.”

She appeared to be relieved.

“I’m more certain about the divorce now. Thank you for telling me.”

“Do you… do you not resent me?”

“Why would you think that?”

“When my brother discovered I liked you, he proposed to you. If only I had been more cautious…”

“Don’t say anything like that, Cain.”

Berlia interrupted him. She rose carefully from her bed and approached him.

“I have no reason to be resentful of you.”

“Berlia…”

Berlia approached Cain, who was sitting. She held out her arms and hugged him slowly. Berlia’s aroma touched the tip of Cain’s nose.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for you. And I believe such occurrences have prepared us to meet one other this way.”

Cain carefully closed his eyes as he listened to her voice. He thought he understood why he had fallen in love with this woman. Even the apprehensive corner of his heart seemed filled without a void.

“Thank you, Berlia.”

Cain, too, extended his arms and hugged Berlia passionately.

* * *

The Emperor of the Notium Empire’s office. There were not only the Emperor, Crown Prince Hakarton, and Princess Claudia present, but also the Empire’s highest-ranking nobility.

“Your Majesty. There was even an incident this time where innocent imperial citizens were killed. It was once again their fault.”

“How extensive is the damage?”

The Emperor inquired of Duke Kielren, who was seated close. He responded quickly.

“Approximately 120 people have died. There were vulnerable children and women among them, who were robbed and eventually slain.”

Crown Prince Hakarton raised his voice in response to Duke Kielren’s statements,

“But wait, there’s more. This time, they even set fire to the entire community. Those Talisbon scumbags…”

Hakarton’s fist tightened. His look indicated that he was unwilling to forgive those who had harmed innocent imperial citizens.

“Sigh… It’s simply intolerable.”

As he listened to their discourse, the Emperor shook his head. His brow wrinkled profoundly. The raids from the bordering Talisbon Kingdom on the Notium Empire were not isolated instances. There have been numerous situations where individuals in border areas have been victimized for several months. The royal family dispatched a patrol each time, but due to the invaders’ evasion, no substantial results were obtained. As the Empire was powerless to intervene, the harm grew. Not only were they robbing, but they were also causing harm to the Empire’s population. It was no longer possible to disregard the problem.

“Your Majesty. I believe it is time to make a choice! We can’t stand it any longer. They must be eliminated promptly. We must stop more destruction!”

“Crown Prince is correct. We can’t keep looking at Talisbon’s misbehavior indefinitely.”

Duke Kielren nodded in agreement as Hackarton protested.

The Emperor hummed briefly, then asked Claudia, sitting quietly among the nobles, for her opinion.

“Claudia, what do you think?”

Claudia was the only female in attendance at this event. She was not only a princess, but she was also an exceptional talent who contended for the top seat at the Imperial Academy. She broke the stillness by responding.

“Of course, peace is the priority, but I believe Talisbon’s actions have gone too far.”

“Are we talking about war now?”

The Emperor sighed deeply. It was evident that if conflict broke out, more imperial civilians would perish. He understood, however, that there was no other plausible option.

“It appears that we have no choice. We’d have to capture the border region, designate one of our imperial lords as Grand Duke, and govern that territory under Notium.”

“I concur with Her Royal Highness the Princess. Sending the troops for a short time will not deter these people from carrying out more raids. It would be preferable for our Empire to occupy the troublesome area completely.”

“That’s correct. We must demonstrate the costs of spilling our people’s blood.”

The nobles strengthened Claudia’s words. The Emperor hummed and pondered, eventually nodding his head.