The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 17.2

“I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer…”

“She’s a pitiful woman.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened at the unexpected answer.

“It’s a pretty popular story. You must have heard.”

“I know what people gossip about. But it’s a story between the imperial family and the archduke… not everything that roams the streets is the truth,” replied Evelyn.

Ilya’s father, the late-late grand duke of Ajauntice fell in love with a woman from the capital. She was a servant from the imperial castle. At the time, the grand duke was a married man with a one-year old son. But he did not care. The grand duke, already deep in love, kidnapped her. Within a year of being taken to the north, she had a son. He was Ilya.

“You’re right. My mother wasn’t kidnapped as it goes in the story. She seduced my father.”

“…I see.”

Ilya told her of his weakness in a flat voice.

“Though it doesn’t mean that my fault is not at fault. A married man with a son in his hands should not have fallen so easily for her.”

The problem came after Ilya was born. His mother was actually the secret lover of the heir to the throne. The crowned prince spread gossip to the public that he had ordered his lover to seduce the grand duke of Ajauntice.

“It was true that my mother was the prince’s lover, and that he ordered her to seduce my father.” continued Ilya.

“By prince, do you mean the current king?”

Ilya nodded.

“If she was made a grand duchess, she should’ve made a good life out of it.”

Whatever people had said, the grand duke of Ajauntice was in love. Eventually he divorced his wife and officially married Ilya’s mother. However, she could not forget the prince and continuously made lovers. In the end, the grand duke murdered his wife and then himself, putting an end to this tragedy.

Ilya stared at the beauty in the portrait for a long time before turning his head. Evelyn didn’t know how to soothe him.

“It’s almost the anniversary of my parents’ death. It will be quiet… but my aunt will be there… it’s going to be tiring.”

The burning lights made deep shadows on his face. It felt like she was seeing her husband for the first time. She laid her hand on his, hoping that the warmth would be of comfort to him and stood at his side. A few moments later, Evelyn pressed down on the back of his hand. Ilya turned to her wondering what was wrong, and her voice was forcefully cheerful.

“We should head back and get some sleep. I’ve tried everything, and realized sleep really is the best medicine. You’ll forget everything when morning comes.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

Evelyn led her husband by the hand like a mild lamb and headed toward the exit. Before opening the door, Evelyn looked back.

There stood a portrait of a young man at the far end. He had a deep green set of eyes like a summer’s forest and silver hair that seemed to be drawn on.

With the tender man behind her, Evelyn started forward.

* * *

A few days later, Ilya stood askew in front of the entrance to the basement of the church. The charnel house of all previous archdukes and duchesses was there.

“When is this woman coming?”

As Ilya grumbled, Nazz, who was standing next to him, whispered, “My Lord, she is your aunt. You should watch what you say…”

A noblewoman of great appearance walked toward them with a smile. A collection of servants followed behind her. At the sight of the showy clothes of the servants, Ilya said sarcastically, “The queen has finally arrived. Or should I say a saint?”

The Countess of Selice Glen. She was the half-sister of the late-late grand duke of Ajauntice, and Ilya’s aunt. The two of them were to visit the charnel house of the late-late grand duke, who resided in the basement of the church. After gently pressing his eyes closed, he opened them and spoke in a sarcastic tone.

“Nass, what do you think the honorable countess will attack me with?”

Following Ilya’s gaze, a path could be seen that led to the outhouse. Recalling the stationed troops and his wife and son who were staying there, Nazz let out a deep sigh.

After discovering Ilya, the noblewoman took quick steps to him. Ilya straightened his back, fixing his askew stance, and let out a smile he used for the public.

“It’s been a long time, aunt. Have you been well?”

The noblewoman smiled a satisfied smile at the affectionate greeting.

“There’s nothing new in an old life like mine. You look really good, by the way. You must be sleeping well.”

“It is heaven now that I am using the mountains and fields as a bed. The bed in the grand duke’s bed is particularly comfortable.”

Nazz stared uncertainly at the fireworks that exploded as soon as they met.