And so, William slowly and steadily built up his power from behind the scenes. He won over nobles who resented the violent Philip and gathered the funds needed for a rebellion.
When Aiden, a figure who could serve as a common enemy, appeared, Philip began pretending to be friendly with William. Meanwhile, William, suppressing his disgust, eagerly encouraged Philip to pursue reckless conquest wars.
Whenever it seemed Philip might suspect something, William would dangle the target named Aiden before his eyes, diverting his attention…
“Sir Aiden wouldn’t have known, but he ended up making a significant contribution to me becoming emperor.”
And in doing so, he planted a slight sense of guilt in William—a guilt born from ignoring someone who was enduring the same pain as himself.
Although William would never admit it out loud.
“That may be true, Your Majesty. Are you planning to have someone keep an eye on them for the time being, just in case?”
“Exactly. You always understand my thoughts so well.”
The attendant bowed his head to William.
“For this task, I’ll assign Peter. There’s a lot to handle in the capital if we’re dealing with the Duke of Glasster. Leslie is too far away.”
“Very well, I’ll allow it.”
Referring to the attendant who had run an errand earlier, the emperor stood from his seat. Suddenly, he chuckled and glanced back at the throne.
“Oh, and make sure to convey that Mrs. Fitzroy is living very happily.”
This part surprised William. The reason he had handed over Anje to Aiden wasn’t just because Anje annoyed him and he didn’t want to see her anymore—it was also to give Aiden a chance for revenge.
Having taken control of the fiancée of the man who had tormented him, Aiden had many ways to vent his anger.
However, contrary to William’s expectations, Aiden fell deeply for Anje, and she, too, fell for him.
Although William wasn’t particularly well-versed in such matters, based on the whispers and gazes exchanged between the two earlier, it was clear.
‘In some ways, this might actually be an even more brutal revenge.’
If Philip found out that his former fiancée was happily in love with the man he despised the most, he might, as before, go into a frenzy and bang his head against the wall.
‘I’m looking forward to it.
William Cardiner had no intention of killing Philip easily. He planned to torment him to the very end, repaying him for his actions many times over.
“I should thank Sir Aiden for giving me such an entertaining story.”
“If you’re that grateful, perhaps you should send them a wedding gift—one you didn’t send before.”
“Good idea, David. Find something suitable for me.”
“…I’ve dug my own grave.”
Though David sighed, he began racking his brain to choose an appropriate gift for the young newlyweds.
As William was about to leave the audience chamber, a question suddenly came to mind.
“David, do you think becoming emperor was truly what I wanted? Was it really my desire and not driven by hatred for my brother or vengeance for my mother? What do you think?”
The attendant hesitated for a moment before replying.
“One thing is certain: by becoming emperor, Your Majesty has saved many lives.”
William chuckled, his shoulders trembling.
“Such a politically correct answer.”
“You flatter me, Your Majesty.”
Draped in a crimson cape as red as blood, the emperor slowly made his way to his chamber. His steps carried the weight of someone shouldering countless burdens.
* * *
The news of the Duke of Glasster being arrested on charges of treason made a splendid splash across the pages of the Ilbian Empire’s newspapers.
The fact that the ones who reported his treason were none other than his son-in-law, Sir Aiden, and his own daughter, the former Lady Glasster, made it even more intriguing, and it became an interesting story in aristocratic society even after the end of the social season.
‘He must have gone mad since he seems to be losing in the political struggle.’
‘Where else would his temper have gone? I heard that when his horse hesitated during the hunt and he missed the prey, he whipped it until foam gathered in its mouth.’
By the way, isn’t it a bit too merciful for a treason charge? They say he’s being exiled to an island along with the dethroned Crown Prince.’
To this was added the news that the Duke, agitated during the trial, tried to rush at Mrs. Fitzroy by taking advantage of a gap in the guards. However, he was struck in the groin by the parasol she swung and collapsed to the ground.
Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—it grazed his thigh rather than hitting a more “private area,” but the duke, startled, reportedly wet himself right in the middle of the courtroom.
Each day’s news was so fascinating that the people of the empire couldn’t tear their eyes away from the newspapers.
Each day’s news was so riveting that the citizens of the empire couldn’t tear their eyes away from the newspapers.
Meanwhile, at Duke Glasster’s estate, Anje and Aiden, at the center of the rumors, were spending their days in peace and quiet—a stark contrast to the public chaos.
“It’s so peaceful, so peaceful.”
“It really is.”
According to the original inheritance laws, the Duke of Glasster’s estate, including his properties and title, would pass on to the closest male noble to the Duke, so Anje had no right to remain here.
However, amidst the chaos of treason and trials, an unexpected discovery kept her here for a while.
“I found this out while organizing the documents, but it turns out that the late Duchess left some land to you, Miss, or rather, to Mrs. Fitzroy. I’ll double-check the ledgers and let you know once it’s confirmed.”
The family lawyer, with a troubled expression, explained that “it seems the Duke forgot to mention it to Mrs. Fitzroy.”
However, Anje had no doubt that the Duke had tried to secretly snatch away the inheritance that should have been hers. He was the kind of person who would do such a thing, after all.
Moreover, art dealers who wanted to purchase Nancy Dilton’s paintings kept visiting them.
“We’ll offer a good price.”
“I was here first, you fool. I can offer you more!”
As they pondered what to do with the money that would soon flow in, Anje and Aiden came up with happy, modest plans—like raising pigs or building a greenhouse. Even with these ideas, they expected to have more money than they could spend, which was its own kind of problem.
Lying with her head on Aiden’s arm, Anje let out a lazy yawn, then said,
“Just lazing around all day with you and doing nothing… isn’t so bad.”
Aiden smiled at her, noticing a hint of dissatisfaction on her face, despite her words.
“But judging by your expression, I guess you got kicked out of the kitchen again.”
“Well, I only wanted to learn the recipe for tonight’s dessert, but they made such a fuss, saying I shouldn’t be in there. I mean, what’s the big deal? I’m not even the princess anymore.”
The former princess who had unexpectedly reappeared at the duke’s estate after a long time, had caused quite a stir among the staff.
‘What breed of hen laid these eggs? They’re excellent quality.’
‘Can I borrow some pruning shears? Since I’m here, I might as well learn.’
The servants were shocked by how much the former princess had changed—her attire, her demeanor, everything about her was a complete reversal. What’s more, she even thanked them with a smile, saying things like, “Thank you,” and “You’ve done a great job.”
‘Could it be that the devil that once possessed her has finally left?’
‘Her husband must be a priest, not a soldier.’
The Princess of Glasster, infamous for being outwardly beautiful but hiding thorns within, had become this sweet!
What was even more shocking was how she’d wander around the manor all energetic, only to run to her husband and throw herself into his arms whenever she saw him.
Aiden, who had unintentionally become famous as part of a “Lovey-dovey couple,” ran his hand down Anje’s arm, speaking with a hint of regret.
“It’s unfortunate we don’t have more time to ourselves.”
“There’s nothing we can do about it. There are staff everywhere, no matter where we go.”
Just earlier, they had barely managed to send away the maids who had insisted on assisting them with their bath.
Anje didn’t particularly mind someone helping her bathe, but for Aiden, this kind of daily life was extremely shocking.
“I’d rather bathe alone—Or, if not, just the two of us.”
“Aiden, I told you, that’s not happening.”
A red blush spread across Anje’s cheeks. Aiden asked in a teasing tone,
“I’m just saying we should take a bath. What are you imagining?”
“I know by now that it won’t end with just a bath, you know?”
With the time she had spent as his wife, she could immediately grasp Aiden’s sly intentions.
Aiden changed his tactics and lowered his eyes, looking dejected.
“Do you dislike it that much?”
“It’s not that I dislike it. It’s just… I’m worried because there are too many people around. They’ll know everything we do.”
He pulled Anje closer.
“They’ll probably assume we’re doing it even if we don’t. In that case, wouldn’t it be better to actually do it?”
“Even if you spout such sophistry, it’s not happening until we get home.”
Anje lightly grabbed and released his cheek. Aiden, wearing an expression that said “I have no choice,” gave her a light kiss and held back.
Even though he suddenly wanted to hurry home, he didn’t want to give the impression of rushing, so he held it in and instead looked around the room.
“By the way, you said this is your room? Have you been using it since you were a child?”
“Yes. When I was a baby, I shared it with my nanny, but after that, I’ve been using it alone.”
He carefully observed the room. The splendid decorations, luxurious furniture, and spacious size were impressive, but one thing in particular caught his attention.
“You must have felt lonely sometimes, using such a large room all by yourself as a child.”
“Occasionally.”
Anje buried her face into his chest. His words were so accurate that her heart wavered.
Sometimes, when neither the nanny nor the tutor came looking for her, being shut away in this room all alone felt lonely. When the loneliness became unbearable and tears welled up, she wished that her father, her mother, or someone who loved her would rush into the room to comfort her.
How had he managed to understand a version of herself that even she could hardly remember?
In a small voice, she confessed a wish to him.
“So, if we have a child, I want to put them in a room close enough that I can hear them and run to them anytime.”
As she spoke, she began to unbutton Aiden’s shirt one by one. Looking deeply conflicted, he glanced between her hands and her face before asking,
“By any chance, are you testing my patience?”
“No, that’s not it… It’s just that, as we were talking, I had a change of heart. I want to have a baby soon too…”
“A baby?”
At Aiden’s startled voice, Anje’s hands froze. Come to think of it, this was the first time they had discussed having children.
“…Do you not like kids?”
“I do, I do like them. It’s just…”
Aiden, who had answered hastily, scratched his cheek with a hesitant expression.
“Alright, I’m sorry. I rushed ahead without considering your feelings.”
“No, it’s not that.”
He had intended to keep it a secret until they returned to Lesley, but it seemed like now was the time to reveal it to ease Anje’s mood.
“If it’s okay with you, I was thinking about having another wedding ceremony. I thought that if we had a baby too soon, it might be difficult for you to wear a wedding dress comfortably.”
“A wedding ceremony?”
At the unexpected words, Anje sat up straight.
“Yes, the wedding we had in the capital last time… I felt it wasn’t very blessed. I was worried you might regret it later.”
This time, he wanted them to vow eternal love with smiles on their faces, fully surrounded by the blessings of those who loved them.
“I want to! I absolutely want to have a wedding, in Leslie!”
She shouted as she threw herself into Aiden’s arms. Then, between kisses, she added her thoughts.
“If it’s Mr. Pierre, I’m sure he can make a dress that’s both beautiful and comfortable, even if I have a baby bump.”
“That’s true.”
Aiden, agreeing, dropped his dignified facade and shifted their positions, moving on top of her.
Anje, seeing him suddenly chuckle as he was unbuttoning his shirt, asked with a puzzled look,
“What are you laughing at?”
“Oh, I just remembered when you first came to Dilton Farm and told me I’d fall into hell. It seems I’ve definitely fallen much further since then.”
If it meant falling into a splendid hell where she existed, he was willing to fall endlessly. She, sharing the same feeling, replied with sparkling eyes,
“If you’re going to fall, you have to fall together with me now.”
Because with him, falling into hell would feel no different from falling into paradise.
* * *
-Fin-
(Main Story Finale)
* * *
TL/N: CAN’T BELIEVE THAT WE MADE IT TO THE END THANK U SM GUYS FOR READING THE NOVEL W ME TILL THE END OF THE MAIN STORY AND FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND KIND WORDS…PLZ STAY TUNED FOR THE SIDE STORIES!
* * * *
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It got doubled toward the end there…
I’m so sorry for the inconvenience and confusion, it’s now edited, thank you for telling me
I’m truly so happy ( ꈍᴗꈍ). Ugh, I love them, this story, the heartwarming feelings.
This is the best outcome.
Thank you for the translation!!!
Agreed!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you soo muchh for translating this beautiful story. YOU are the bessttt!!!
Agreed! 🥰🙏
Thank you so much for the translation!
I can’t believe it’s ending just like this 😭
I need more cute interactions. I need to feel like a third wheel 🥲
Thank you so much for the translation. And btw, a part of it repeated at the end.
I’m so sorry for the inconvenience and confusion, ughhh it’s so bad, thankfully it’s now fixed !
Thank you so soo much for ensuring this beautiful story’s translation. Such a sweet delight! Looking forward to reading the sides 🙂