Felix retreated to adjust the scheduled plans.
Aiden, with a throbbing head, furrowed his brow.
Aiden, now alone, wore an inscrutable expression.
The remarks of the elders about Erin.
The remarks of Fedrerick about Erin.
One side called her autocratic, untrustworthy, and dangerous, while the other claimed to genuinely like her.
These contradictory words lingered in Aiden’s head, continuously swirling around.
“Did I say I liked my wife a lot?”
Yet strangely, the prince’s words provoked and lingered persistently in his mind.
Aiden murmured as if talking to himself.
“How much did I like her?”
With no memories, he could only guess.
But it definitely nagged at him.
“And what happened to the ones who did this to me?”
Aiden’s eyes sharpened as he harbored the question.
***
For the elders, this was an opportunity that would not come again.
They exchanged meaningful smiles with each other.
“At that time, while I was helping the two, I didn’t expect much… but didn’t we achieve unexpected results?”
“As long as the outcome is good, does it matter how it’s achieved?”
It turned out that the elders were the ones who had helped Gael and Helena.
Their hope was to rid themselves of the troublesome Erin indirectly by making a last desperate move.
And now, although in a slightly different direction than the elders intended, the situation was turning out to their advantage.
“Since he lost his memory, the Duke has been distant with his wife.”
“Without his memory, the Duke and his wife cannot be as they were before.”
“Maybe, with this chance, the Duke could come to like someone else.”
“It’s entirely possible, indeed.”
If that happened, many things would change from the current situation.
The elders hoped that Aiden’s memory would not return.
And before Aiden could regain his memory, they wanted to push Erin out.
“It would be even better if his memory never returns, if possible.”
“There’s no rule saying that lost memories must return.”
“Fortunately, he retains the necessary memories, so there’s no problem at all with him continuing as he is.”
The elders spoke as if they had rehearsed, all telling the same story.
***
Currently, the Madame was checking on Gael’s condition, taking responsibility for his care, and updating Erin on the situation.
“He’s barely clinging to life. It’s uncertain if he’ll regain consciousness.”
“Do whatever it takes. No matter how expensive the medicine, just keep him alive.”
Erin said this to the Madame who had come to report on Gael’s medical treatment.
“…Do you really want to go that far?”
The Madame asked tentatively.
She was questioning whether it was truly necessary to pour such effort and financial resources into saving him.
“Yes. There’s a reason for it.”
“Understood.”
However, upon hearing Erin’s firm response, the Madame did not question further and faithfully acknowledged her command.
This was surely because she believed Erin had a plan in mind.
Before long, Erin shifted her gaze away from the Madame and became lost in thought.
In truth, the primary reason for Gael to wake up was to unearth the person behind the scenes.
For now, Erin was focused on making sure Gael Zahard survived.
Nevertheless, her instructions were not out of a genuine desire to save Gael.
Of course, the most certain way was to have him wake up and spill everything about who was behind it all.
‘If that doesn’t work, I’ll have to find another way. But before that…’
Erin’s gaze narrowed as she was lost in thought.
The people behind this would also anticipate what would happen if Gael were to wake up while he was under Erin’s control.
‘So they will likely take some action.’
The more desperately Erin tried to save Gael, the more anxious and ready to move they would become.
Thus, there was a need to pretend to sincerely make an effort to save Gael Zahard.
‘I already have some suspicions.’
But mere suspicions weren’t enough to act upon.
That’s why Erin had created a situation where those behind it all would have to present undeniable evidence.
Her gaze then turned towards the elders strutting around the Lienster house.
Involuntarily, a frown formed on her face, her brow furrowing.
The fact was, there was already a very strong piece of circumstantial evidence.
‘Who stands to benefit the most right now?’
And there was no need to think twice about it. The elders, who were now walking around with their shoulders back and heads held high, as if victorious overnight.
No one had benefited more than they had.
***
During this time, Julia, Claire, and Angelina, who had only asked for Erin’s well-being through letters, came to visit her.
“We’re sorry for only coming to see you now. We came because we were worried it might bother you,”
Angelina said as she greeted Erin. And Erin was aware of their consideration.
“Don’t worry too much. You know that anything the Duke does now won’t be sincere,”
“…”
“So, don’t be swayed.”
Everyone was concerned for Erin.
They couldn’t fathom the depth of her disappointment and sadness.
“As you know, I have received help. So, if you ever need me, just tell me.”
“Thank you.”
“But… the mansion seems to be in disarray. Is everything alright?”
It was enough to feel during the short time it took to get from the front gate to the foyer.
Normally, the servants would act without any superfluousness, but today they seemed distracted and flustered as if their minds were elsewhere.
It was a far cry from the usual Lienster household, which maintained perfect composure during any internal turmoil when guests visited.
“There’s no helping it. The Lienster household is facing an unprecedented situation right now.”
“…So, naturally, there will be strong moves to secure rights and interests now,” Angelina murmured softly.
Erin did not deny her words.
In just a few days, the elders’ true intentions became blatantly apparent.
They were seizing this opportunity to expand their influence while simultaneously trying to drive Erin out.
Angelina saw right through them. “It must be even harder for you,” she said, looking at Erin with concern.
“The Duchess has always done well, but don’t overdo it on your own. The ladies and young misses at the salon asked to convey their wish to help.”
It wasn’t mere lip service. All of them truly wished to meet Erin today to support and comfort her.
However, to avoid a fuss caused by too many visitors, they entrusted their greetings to the three women.
Erin could imagine it all as if it were happening right before her eyes and was deeply moved.
“It turns out I have many allies.”
A heart that was unknowingly fatigued was fully restored, and she felt empowered.
A genuine smile, not one forced or fabricated, naturally brightened Erin’s face.
“Sister, I am not worried.”
Julia said cheerfully, cheering Erin on.
“I know better than anyone what kind of feelings the Duke has for you.”
Julia, who had been close to Erin and received checks from Aiden, was entangled in various ways.
That’s why she was confident that amnesia couldn’t be a problem between the two.
“…Thank you. I knew it too, but it’s even more reassuring to hear you say it.”
Erin said to Julia with a pleasantly twinkling eye.
“I’m glad. You look much better than I worried.”
Claire smiled softly at Erin.
Just as she said, Erin looked completely unlike everyone worried.
Instead of being gloomy or sad, she had clear eyes and was full of enthusiasm.
She was startled to see Aiden lose his memory, but it didn’t dampen Erin’s spirits.
“That’s why I try to protect it more earnestly.”
Erin spoke without hesitation, steadying her heart.
Especially in such a situation, she would not be shaken and would protect everything more firmly.
All the precious things she had shared with Aiden.
‘I have to pull myself together.’
It even seemed as if a sparkle flashed in Erin’s eyes.
In this situation, Erin had to make a decision about what to do next.
“There was only ever one choice from the beginning.”
Erin lifted the corner of her mouth in a meaningful smile.
***
After all the guests who visited the Lienster house had left, the place Erin headed to was Aiden’s bedroom.
Erin stopped at the door and opened it with determination.
Inside the room, Aiden was reading reports, trying to understand the status of the business that he could not remember.
He was startled by Erin’s sudden intrusion.
“What, what’s the matter? All of a sudden?”
Aiden looked visibly on edge and anxious.
But Erin did not back down and walked right up to him and spoke.
“Aiden. I came here because I have something to tell you.”
It was almost like a declaration of war.
With her gaze firmly fixed so that he couldn’t look anywhere else, Erin continued,
“I am your wife. And I am the person you love.”
“……”
“Even if you have lost your memory, you will surely come to realize that.”
Before long, Erin was looking at Aiden with a tender smile.
It was as if, just looking at him naturally brought out such an expression. Erin’s lips slowly parted.
“How much you like me.”
