FWTR Chapter 31

Chapter 31: The Cry of a Newborn Baby

‘…Did he just say we will marry again?’

That meant that at some point, she had been married to Michael before.

‘I already know I lost some memories related to this man. But marriage…?’

No matter how much she had forgotten, it was hard to believe that something as significant as marriage could slip her mind completely.

“When? When exactly did this happen?”

“…That was a slip of the tongue. Please forget what I just said.”

Michael rubbed his temple with a troubled expression. His ambiguous attitude only deepened Estelle’s confusion.

‘At least it wasn’t in my previous life. Then does that mean there’s another life I don’t remember? Why am I so skeptical about this marriage?’

Did it end with everyone’s death? If not, she wouldn’t have returned to the past.

‘Did I die at Melody’s hands in that life too? How did Michael die?’

As Estelle’s thoughts spiraled, a sudden sound pierced her ears—the wailing cry of a newborn baby.

‘Where is that coming from?’

It was the same noise she had heard at the Aslan Marquisate. No, perhaps it was even louder this time, making her dizzy.

A sharp pain gripped her chest as if something heavy was crushing her. The sensation of suffocation made it difficult to breathe, as though a boulder was pressing down on her lungs.

“Slowly, take a deep breath in and let it out. Feel the wind as it flows.”

Michael didn’t look surprised by her reaction. Instead, he spoke in a calm and familiar voice, as if he had done this many times before.

‘Slowly…’

Following his guidance, Estelle inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.

Her breathing gradually returned to normal. The sharp pain in her heart faded, and the newborn’s cries disappeared.

Now, only the rustling of leaves in the wind and the chirping of larks brushed against her ears.

“Estelle, are you alright now?”

Golden eyes filled with concern met hers.

For a brief moment, it felt as though the entire world had fallen silent, leaving only the two of them behind.

“I have something to ask you.”

“If it’s about what I said earlier, there’s nothing more I can—”

A sudden question struck her. Did Michael hear the baby’s cries too? Or was it truly just a hallucination, something only she could hear?

“…A baby was crying. A newborn, weeping so sorrowfully… Did you hear it too, Your Highness?”

“…”

Michael’s pupils trembled. His face turned pale, and his lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.

‘So he didn’t hear it. Do I seem insane to him now?’

Embarrassed, Estelle decided it would be best to leave.

“Your Highness, I must be overly tired these days. I’ve been hearing things a lot. I should… get going.”

She turned to leave, feeling awkward about staying any longer.

“I’ll escort you to the Winchester Duchy.”

But Michael caught her wrist. His grip wasn’t tight, yet he made no move to release her.

“…What? That’s unnecessary.”

She was taken aback. More than that, the thought of traveling in silence with him was uncomfortable. So she instinctively refused.

‘Ah, I should’ve said I had somewhere else to go. But more importantly, why is he suddenly insisting on escorting me?’

His firm tone made her uneasy.

“We need to discuss what happens next and how things came to be this way.”

Only then did Estelle remember what she had completely forgotten.

‘Oh, right. This was about that. Since we’re in the Imperial Palace, it’s better to talk in a private space like a carriage.’

Her face burned with embarrassment. Every part of her body felt hot.

Michael suddenly cupped her neck, adjusting his gaze to her level.

“Are you feeling unwell? Your face is…”

The coolness of his touch sent a refreshing chill through her skin. She almost wished he would hold his hand there a little longer.

But the sensation was fleeting. The moment she realized he was stroking her skin, she instinctively pulled away.

“Estelle?”

Michael didn’t seem to notice what he had done.

‘Even if we were once married, right now… we’re nothing. I have no memories of that time.’

Such intimate touches were something only lovers or spouses shared.

“You… You’re too close. Let’s just go to the carriage.”

Flustered, Estelle quickly walked ahead of him.

Behind her, Michael let out a quiet chuckle before following.

‘Why isn’t the distance growing between us?’

She was walking at a brisk pace, yet somehow, he seemed to be getting even closer.

“!”

Was it because she was too conscious of him and had kept her gaze lowered?

Estelle failed to notice the person approaching from the opposite direction and ended up colliding with them.

She nearly lost her balance, but thanks to Michael catching her, she managed to stay upright. He immediately stepped forward, shielding her behind him.

It was as if he were assuming a protective stance against the other person. His clenched fist was so tight that the veins on the back of his hand stood out in stark relief.

‘Why is he reacting like this? I should apologize first.’

Estelle lifted her head to see who she had bumped into.

“Lady Estate. Why are you with him?”

Leonov stood before them, smirking with a crooked gaze.

“…I greet His Highness, the Crown Prince of Valderman. I apologize for my rudeness just now.”

Her voice was stiff as she bowed her head slightly.

“I asked you a question. Why is a noble lady like you with that lowborn bastard?”

…Lowborn bastard?

It was an incredibly vulgar remark for the Crown Prince to use.

‘He’s insulting him like this in front of others?’

Even if Michael was an illegitimate child, his name was recorded in the imperial genealogy, making him a royal.

‘Even if Michael was only recognized late and became the Second Prince…’

Officially, he was the Crown Prince’s half-brother, but in truth, he was the elder of the two.

“Her Majesty the Empress summoned us—both Michael and me.”

“…Why would my mother call you? No, since when did you start addressing him by name?”

“Your Highness. There are many eyes watching in the Imperial Palace. Holding a conversation like this in the hallway is inappropriate. If you wish to speak, please send notice beforehand and arrange a proper meeting.”

Estelle emphasized her last words on purpose—hinting that he shouldn’t just barge in unannounced like he had a few days ago.

“You dare say that to me, in front of this bastard—”

Leonov raised his voice and strode forward, but his shoulder was suddenly seized.

It was Michael.

“How dare you lay a hand on me?”

“I was merely dusting off a speck of dirt. One must maintain proper decorum, after all.”

Michael stepped in even closer, whispering something into Leonov’s ear.

‘He’s speaking too softly—I can’t read his lips.’

Estelle wanted to know what he was saying.

Leonov’s entire body trembled like a leaf in the wind, his eyes widened in shock.

“…Then, I’ll take my leave. Estelle.”

Michael smiled and extended his hand toward her.

Leonov stood frozen, staring at the ground with pale face.

‘What in the world did he say to him?’

Curiosity tugged at her, but she set it aside for now and took his hand, walking past Leonov.

“What… What did you say to him just now?”

“…Who knows?”

Michael grinned mischievously, still holding onto her hand.

“Be careful where you step.”

As they reached the carriage, Michael gently helped her inside.

The moment he settled into the seat across from her, a horse suddenly reared, causing the carriage to lurch forward.

“…Estelle!”

Losing her balance, Estelle tumbled forward—straight into Michael’s chest.

‘Oh no.’

For a split second, she inhaled the subtle scent of him in their awkward embrace.

“I-I’m sorry.”

She placed her hands on his shoulders to push herself up, but in doing so, she felt the firm strength of his physique.

“It’s dangerous. Just stay like this for a moment.”

Michael’s fingers slid into her hair, gently cradling the back of her head.

“My apologies, Your Highness, My Lady! The reins got tangled for a moment…”

The coachman hurriedly bowed his head in apology.

Michael helped Estelle sit properly before waving off the coachman’s concerns, signaling him to continue.

The carriage set off smoothly once more.

Now seated across from him again, Estelle felt too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

“…What is the reason behind this?”

“Huh…?”

“The Empress’s order for us to marry.”

She wasn’t sure where to begin.

‘If he finds out that this all happened because I deceived them, won’t he be furious?’

She gripped the folds of her dress tightly, choosing her words carefully.

“Her Majesty ordered me to marry you… to keep an eye on you.”

“Keep an eye on me?”

Michael tilted his head slightly, as if he didn’t quite understand.

“I’m sorry. I never intended to drag you into this. In truth, I told her that I was infertile…”

Since the Empress had commanded the marriage, there was no avoiding it. It was only right to be honest with him.

“…Infertile?”

“Michael?”

“…That’s impossible.”

Michael turned his head slightly, murmuring in a low voice.

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