* * *
Allice hurried to Sandra’s bedroom. “Mom!” She quickly grabbed the doorknob and turned it, but it wouldn’t open, it locked.
Why had Mom locked the door? Allice tilted her head and knocked. “Mom? Are you in there?”
Strange. The maid said Mom was resting in her bedroom…
That’s when it happened. The door burst open, and a man walked out.
“Ah.”
It was a man she knew. A man of her age, assigned by her mom as a bodyguard from the Windsor territory…
“Yoris?”
“Hello, Milady.” Yoris bowed in greeting. “Madam Sandra is inside.”
“Ah, yes.”
What is this? Allice entered the room with a puzzled face. There, her mother was tidying up the bed, her face flushed.
“Allice, you’re here.”
“What were you doing?”
“I was moving furniture. Seems like the door got locked by accident.”
I see. Allice was convinced. Honestly, she didn’t have the luxury to think about anything else.
“Mom. What I heard outside just now…” She wanted to say it quickly.
Allice spilled the story she heard from Danae and the news about Raios planning to marry soon.
“What should we do?”
“What do you mean by what to do.” A determined look crossed Sandra’s face. “You must have the consummation night before the holy trial convenes by any means necessary.”
“I know. But His Highness is known for his restraint…” Allice pouted. Despite sleeping in the same bed and occasionally daring to make contact, Raios always acted like a statue.
“Don’t worry, Allice. This mother will help.”
As expected, Allice believed her mother would take action. Indeed, Mom is the best! Her mother had always done everything for her, cherishing her even more than her brother, Rumie, considering her precious and more valuable. Since childhood, it has always been that way.
“I’ll find a solution, go back and wait, Allice.”
“Yes, Mom!” Reassured by her mother’s declaration, Allice went back.
Once her daughter left, Sandra sighed and sank into the sofa. That was close. She nearly got caught with Yoris. Thankfully, innocent Allice didn’t suspect anything. She would surely despise me if she knew. The thought twisted her lips.
Of course, people would normally condemn and despise. But not her husband. After being caught in an affair at the Daiana, Carl’s reaction was overly calm.
But he must have been angry inside. He was so angry he couldn’t show it, or maybe he was sorting out his feelings. Hence, Sandra had been avoiding Carl ever since. Fearing he might ask for a separation, which terrified her.
I can’t avoid him forever. It was time to consult Carl about Allice’s matter. Sandra straightened her clothes and went to find Carl.
“Sandra?”
Upon reaching his bedroom, Carl was about to leave with a travel bag.
Sandra asked, “Carl, where are you going?”
“I need to visit the Kaltusa territory.”
Kaltusa territory? Ah, Carl has been focusing on developing Kaltusa territory recently. A project so important he invested all his wealth and even gathered massive funds.
“There’s been a problem at the Retillan mine, I need to see it for myself.”
“I see.”
“Take care while I’m away.”
“…”
That’s it? That’s all?
Carl’s face looked as serene and clean as ever. No sign of anger or jealousy, so Sandra couldn’t help but retort sarcastically. “You’re leaving me like this? You don’t seem to worry at all?”
“What are you talking about?”
Frustrated, Sandra finally exploded. “Don’t you remember what happened on the Daiana?”
“Ah.” Realizing what she meant, Carl let out a short exclamation. Then, carefully added, “Are you worried that I might catch you cheating with another man again?”
“…”
Sandra felt dizzy at his directness.
“You just came from doing that, didn’t you?”
“…Huh?”
“I can smell another man’s scent on you.”
“…”
“My sense of smell is too sharp to ignore it, even if I wanted to.” Carl smiled awkwardly, scratching his cheek. “So I also know about the other times you’ve been with different men before this servant.”
Sandra’s face turned red. Her fingers trembled, and her lips twitched. He knew about all the affairs? Not just this time, but before, behind Carl’s back, with other men?
“I-I was anxious.” She clung to Carl’s arm, making excuses. “Don’t misunderstand. I love only you, Carl! But you’re too good for me, too handsome, and that made me anxious—”
“I’m not blaming you.” Carl smiled, detaching her hands from his arm. “It’s fine, you can bring gigolos.”
“What… did you say?”
“I said you can comfortably bring in gigolos, Sandra. You don’t have to mind me.”
“…”
Sandra stared at him blankly. She couldn’t believe it. What did I just hear? How could he say that?
“Carl. Do you… consider me as your wife?”
“Of course.”
“Then how can you say such a thing?”
“Because I want you to be happy. We’re spouses on the same side. If having gigolos makes you happy, then I’m happy too.”
Sandra trembled with a lightning-like realization. An undeniable truth she could no longer ignore. Carl Windsor did not love her. Perhaps he never had, not even for a moment.
“Same side, same side! Don’t make such ridiculous claims!” A storm of anger surged, sweeping away her reasoning. “Understanding and forgiving is what a couple does? At moments like this, spouses should get angry and jealous! If you truly believe that—!”
‘Then! Can you understand if Allice is not your daughter?!’ She was about to shout but bit her lip, regaining her senses. No, that’s not possible. I can’t say that, never!
“I have to leave now. The carriage is waiting.”
As Carl brushed past, Sandra grabbed his shoulder. “You,” Her voice trembled. “That scarf you’re wearing. Isn’t it Danae’s?”
“Huh?”
“That’s Danae’s scarf. I remember seeing her wear it.”
“Aah, it’s not. The colors are different.” Carl laughed off, easily answering. “Danae’s is gray, mine is black. We bought them together on an outing.”
“…”
“Why?”
When she didn’t answer, Carl sighed as if pitying her and patted her shoulder.
“Sandra, you seem tired. You must be suffering from the trip. Rest well.” Then he left.
As the door closed, Sandra collapsed on the spot. Heartache shattered her, leaving her breathless. This couldn’t be happening. It shouldn’t be like this.
“So, we have to ensure her premature death.”
“Wait for me, Sandra. Until I become the first in line for Danae’s inheritance.”
She had believed in those words, waiting and enduring. Yes, because he said it was the first thing he ever wanted. So she endured and endured. Even when Carl whipped Allice to please Danae. Even when Carl presented Danae with precious jewels and dresses to impress her. Even when Danae threatened her, claiming to know Allice’s real father. She wanted to tear Danae apart but ended up enduring for his sake, and yet, how could it end up like this?
This shouldn’t be happening. Sandra wiped away her tears. Her eyes, cleared of tears, blazed with a fire-like vengeance. Ironically, the catalyst was a fierce desire for revenge. What Carl so desperately wanted, Danae’s inheritance, she’d ensure he’d never have, hoping it would pain him just a bit like her.
Standing up, Sandra calmly returned to her bedroom and rang for her maid.
“You called, Madam.”
Sandra leaned back on the sofa, lifting her skirt. “Undress me.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Watching Yoris politely pull down her stockings, Sandra was lost in thought. It was merely a contemplation of procedure, not hesitation. Her heart was now ready to be as sharp as a blade, ready to draw blood.
After finishing her deliberation, Sandra commanded, “Yoris. There’s something you need to do.”
“What would that be?”
“You must escort me tonight. There’s a very secretive place we need to visit. Prepare yourself.”
Suddenly, she remembered Huan Rolland, her foolish younger brother. Drowned in liquor and gambling, he indulged in all sorts of debauchery. Her poor brother was murdered by someone.
I heard he tried to feed Danae something like a love potion when he was alive. According to Carl, who investigated the matter later, Huan had dealings with a barbarian shaman—a demon worshipper.
I never wanted to have anything to do with those filthy demon worshippers again. But it wasn’t only Huan who knew the shaman. Sandra knew him, too. Even better than Huan.
Hi, now you can purchase 10 advance chapters in here.
Alice immediately bungles it.