A Mess (14)

Matthias was tortured into a half-dead human and brought to prison. Since His Highness’ orders were to not kill him, he was treated.

Not only did they break his limbs, but his nails were pulled out, and his fingers were broken. He used to be seriously injured in a fight with the demons, but it was a pain that was incomparable to that time.

While being treated in prison, Matthias heard the sentence given to him. He went on a rampage like a wounded beast and was beaten again.

Theo and Louis made occasional visits to Paul’s prison. Louis whimpered and said he would send a letter, but Theo didn’t say much.

“I beg you, Louis…”

After waking up, he saw his father as a different person than before. He looked weak and shriveled up.

But Theo didn’t really believe it. People aren’t that easy to change.

“We don’t know about Matthias, but Father may be able to be released. Even if it’s hard right now, in 10 years or so…”

Paul almost had hope for a moment at Theo’s impulsive words, but soon shook his head.

Ten years was a long time for him. He didn’t want to endure the decade with the expectation that he could be released someday. Hope was a cruel word for him.

“No, I can’t go back.”

It may be impossible to return to the capital, but it may be possible to be released from exile. Maybe he can live his life in a quiet area in the countryside.

At that rate, he thought Rowena would help too, but Theo decided not to mention her.

“Are you worried about Matthias who will remain alone?”

The prince set Paul’s exile on an island where Mathias was imprisoned. At first glance, it seemed like consideration, but in a way, it also seemed to mock Paul.

Theo had no sympathy for Matthias. He had already tried to kill Louis. Without the help of the crown prince, Louis would not have been in this world.

Just by saving Louis, Theo thought he was greatly indebted to the imperial family.

“I don’t know.”

Paul said bitterly and looked at Theo. Theo looked down.

Even if his father was truly repentant, a word of mild apology didn’t mean that the wounds received by Rowena, Louis, and Theo disappeared or covered.

“I’ll send you a letter.”

“Yeah, maybe…”

Paul was about to say something and shut up. Theo guessed what he was going to say, but he didn’t say it.

As Paul himself thought he was unworthy to receive one.

* * *

There was quite a lot of precious metal hidden in the space inside the small bracelet. Liliana did as Rowena had taught her, and after researching the market around her, she prudently sold it.

The North was a place of preference for skilled knights, as Rowena advised. Despite being of mixed race, Kian, a skilled swordsman, quickly made a name for himself as a knight.

Sometimes some doubted him, but he got points for marrying Liliana and starting a family.

I wish I could send you a letter.

In a two-story house with a garden and attic, Liliana recalled Rowena. It was not as good as the mansion of the Marquis where she once lived, but it was a house worth living.

She also used the money from the sale of the jewelry to find housekeepers and maids to help her. A maid was resident, but the housekeeper was the one who commuted to and from her house.

“If you’re going to give up your life as an aristocrat, start by washing your clothes with your hands. If you’re going to run away with Kian, you’ll have to live with him.”

Rowena’s advice was very helpful to Liliana, although she was able to hire people thanks to her great help.

The lives of noble women and commoners were different in many ways. Had she not listened to Rowena’s advice, Liliana would have suffered more and shed tears.

But she wasn’t lonely now.

She felt free and happy for the first time in her life.

Of course, she didn’t get off with Kian at times, and sometimes they fought. As a couple, they were terribly happy.

Yes, I’m very, very happy, Rowena.

Liliana recalled Rowena, writing another letter she couldn’t bear to send. In the capital, there was news that the crown prince and Lady Adelia would soon be married.

It was the wedding day tomorrow.

“What are you…? Kyaakk!”

At the scream from the porch, Liliana dropped the pen she was holding. She hurriedly got up from her seat, came out of the hallway, and heard the sound of footsteps.

It wasn’t the sound of Kian coming back. Liliana trembled when she realized that she had seen a familiar face.

A heavily armed knight from the Marquis of Wenson held out his hand in front of Liliana.

“…It’s time to go home. Miss Liliana.”

Liliana’s face was dyed with despair.