<Chapter 76>
“Er, ahem. It seems we’ve been lost in our own world for far too long. We’re sorry for the delay.”
“We also haven’t properly thanked you for saving Fiona and me. Truly, we owe you our lives.”
After crying their hearts out, the two figures—faces still damp—managed to compose themselves enough to bow politely in gratitude. However, Fiona’s gaze toward Temenos was filled with fear, while Alvin subtly stepped forward, shielding her from him.
Though they tried to conceal it, their wariness was obvious to anyone watching.
“It seems introductions are in order. We haven’t even heard your names yet.”
Despite being their saviors, Temenos addressed their earlier discourtesy in an oddly calm manner.
I felt annoyed, though. Temenos didn’t seem bothered that they were afraid of him—it was as if he expected it.
“I apologize for our oversight. My name is Alvin K0tis, the third son of the Marquis of Kotis.”
“And I am Fiona Khodchen, the only daughter of the Khodchen family. We owe you a great debt for saving our lives.”
Their greetings were polite, but I crossed my arms and spoke in a firm tone. “Alright, then. Let’s hear your apology, Lady Fiona.”
“Pardon? Ah… of course. While it’s true that His Majesty pressured us, we nearly brought disgrace upon Winstein. I sincerely apologize.”
“Not that one. Before that.”
“Before that… Oh, I was rude to the knight who came to my aid, wasn’t I? My apologies for the delay in addressing this.”
“No, not that either.”
Is she doing this on purpose?
Her puzzled face clearly indicated she couldn’t recall anything else.
“Did you completely forget that you ran away while traveling north as a bridal candidate for this man?”
“Ah…!”
Realization dawned, and Fiona hastily covered her mouth.
Perhaps remembering the awkward history between them, Temenos furrowed his brow.
“That incident… I’m terribly sorry. I have no excuse. But I had already promised my future to Alvin by then. I couldn’t just quietly let myself be dragged north.”
“And because of that, the name of Winstein became a laughingstock across the land. How do you plan to make amends for that?”
“That’s… um…”
Fiona dropped her shoulders, nervously fiddling with her hands. She looked ready to burst into tears if I so much as nudged her.
Sigh… Why do I always feel pity when someone looks pitiful?
Honestly, Fiona’s escape had indirectly benefited me, so I couldn’t be too upset.
If Temenos was willing, I’d have let it go… but—
“I’ll handle the compensation.”
“Huh?”
Alvin stepped forward and spoke confidently.
“You didn’t just save our lives; you saved the life of our future child. Money? Land? Gems? Name anything you desire, and it will be yours.”
Money, land, gems?
How did he know I love all three?!
I glanced at Alvin with sparkling eyes, but before I could say a word, Temenos stepped ahead of me.
“By now, the Emperor must have realized you’ve escaped. He’ll be searching for you both with the utmost urgency. Do you have a plan to return home safely?”
“T-that is…”
“Oh, right! The Marquis’s son might be able to manage, but Lady Fiona? You officially defied an imperial decree. It’s not like you can just waltz back home.”
“…That’s true.”
In this world, the Emperor’s word was essentially law.
Yet Fiona, a mere viscount’s daughter, had fled after defying an imperial order. Worse, she was pregnant with another man’s child.
This wasn’t just reckless. It was outright suicidal.
“What were you even thinking when you caused this mess?”
“At the time… I thought this was the only way to avoid marrying Duke Winstein. Surely, they wouldn’t make me the duchess if I was already carrying another man’s child…”
Sniffling, Fiona bowed deeply to Temenos once more.
“I know my rash actions dragged Winstein’s name through the mud. But please understand, it wasn’t about Winstein. I would have acted the same no matter the arranged match. My life already belongs to Alvin!”
“Fiona!”
“Alvin!”
The two embraced, sobbing dramatically like tragic lovers.
I watched, feeling like a third wheel, then sidled over to Temenos and clung to his arm.
“What is it now?”
“Why do they get to act like a married couple? I want to claim we’re married too!”
Maybe he felt the same way. Without a word, Temenos let me cling to him.
“Could we get some tea brought out? We’ve kept our guests standing for too long.”
“Ah, yes, Madam!”
Thankfully, after some warm tea and sweet desserts, everyone seemed calmer and more refreshed.
With pleasantries done, it was time to discuss the next steps.
“First off, Lady Fiona, you cannot return home publicly. Do you understand?”
“Yes. Since I’ve already caused trouble once, the imperial knights will definitely come after me.”
“The same goes for you, Marquis’s son. Things might be okay for now, but once it’s discovered Lady Fiona is carrying your child, you’ll be branded a criminal too.”
“But I cannot allow my child to be treated as illegitimate.”
“That’s something we need to clarify.”
Temenos gestured coldly toward Fiona’s belly.
“Do both the Khodchen and Kotis families know about the child? Have they acknowledged it?”
If not, discussions about the child’s future would need to take place first. Harsh, but necessary.
Alvin, though visibly upset, maintained his composure.
“They don’t know yet. But once they do, they’ll surely welcome the child. After all, it’s mine.”
“And what makes you so certain?”
“I’m the beloved youngest son. I’ve never been scolded in my life.”
“…Oh.”
That was unexpected.
Is this seriously coming from an adult’s mouth?
No wonder he casually offered money, land, and gems earlier. It wasn’t his wealth but his family’s generosity at play.
“Exactly. You might not realize it as outsiders, but the Kotis family spoils Alvin immensely. They’ll ensure you’re rewarded generously for saving him and his future family!”
Fiona spoke as if she were already a member of the Kotis family.
Looking at the cheerful pair, I could see how they’d ended up promising each other a future and having a child.
“And what about the Khodchen viscount and viscountess? Wouldn’t they faint on the spot if they found out their unmarried daughter is pregnant?”
“My parents will be overjoyed just to hear I’m alive.”
Wow. I can’t compete with this level of optimism.
‘Is everyone this cheerful when they grow up loved?’
I had no idea. I’d never experienced that—either time.
…Wait.
Either time?
Did I just naturally count Inosensia’s memories as my own?
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking broke my train of thought.
“Come in,” I said.
The head butler entered cautiously, his face pale with tension.
“I tried not to disturb you while you were speaking with our guests, but…”
“Get to the point,” Temenos interrupted.
The head butler straightened like a soldier and blurted, “Viscount Khodchen is at the front gate, demanding we let him in so he can retrieve his daughter!”
<To be continued>
Brought to you by Gourmet Scans
Translator: Japchae
Editor: Maize
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Thank you for the translation!
Thank you so much!
I didn’t expect Ruediger’s glove to become second after an half dragon leaving his mask and gloves as soon as he is in presence of his wife. Temenos it’s such a cutie i_i