If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

It was the day after the exhibition of Marcus Miller. Crown Prince Aaron had been receiving guests in his inner chamber from an early hour. It was because Daryl had requested a private audience.

 

Usually, royal audiences were rarely granted at the request of a subordinate unless it was a particularly special occasion. Especially, being able to have an audience on the same day without a prior appointment, like today, was an extraordinary exception.

 

There were two reasons. One was that the Duke of Griffith was one of the highest-ranking nobles in the empire, and the other was that Daryl had never requested a meeting like this before, so it was judged to be a fairly important matter.

 

“There’s always something. You’re suddenly looking for me.”

 

“Can you clear the people?”

 

The atmosphere in the room became strange at Daryl’s emotionless words. It was common for several people, including the secretary, escort knight, and attendants, to be present at a royal audience. Especially for escorts, there was always a knight sticking to Aaron like a shadow wherever he went.

 

“Everyone?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Aaron smiled as if trying to lighten the mood.

 

“Everyone, go out.”

 

Following the prince’s command, the people inside lined up and went outside. But only one person, the chief escort knight, remained standing behind Aaron.

 

“Didn’t I tell you to go out?”

 

At Aaron’s words, the knight hardened his expression.

 

“But, Your Highness.”

 

“It’s okay, so go out.”

 

At the command that fell again, the knight finally vacated. In the spacious inner chamber, only two people remained, and the air was as empty as it was desolate.

 

“So, what’s the matter?”

 

“I heard that His Majesty the Emperor also attended the exhibition yesterday. He ordered Eleanor to paint His Majesty’s portrait.”

 

“That’s right. So what?”

 

“Please stop it, Your Highness.”

 

Aaron’s eyes narrowed.

 

“You’re saying something strange that’s not like you. Are you saying that I dare to stop what His Majesty has commanded?”

 

“As far as I know, you’ve been involved in similar matters several times so far.”

 

He had deliberately made an ambiguous statement, thinking of testing him. But even at that, Daryl did not reveal his inner thoughts. His gaze and expression remained devoid of any emotion.

 

“…This time, it might not be so easy. As you said, His Majesty has been quite angry because I have intervened in the past few years. Even yesterday, he seemed to have been quite firm. In front of so many people watching, even if I try to stop him, he…”

 

“You must stop him. Especially this time.”

 

“Why?”

 

“……”

 

“If MissTownsend was still your wife, I would have tried to stop His Majesty by any means. Of course, if that were the case, His Majesty would not have forced such a thing in the first place. But she is now a person unrelated to you. I don’t understand why you came to me and said this.”

 

“…..”

 

Daryl did not answer.

 

As far as Aaron knew, Daryl was not the type to obsess over a woman. Even if Eleanor Townsend was his only ‘exception’, he would not have divorced her just one year after the original plan.

 

The only plausible hypothesis that Aaron came up with after pondering on his own was just one. Aaron coughed lightly.

 

“Was the rumor true? She really is your father’s…”

 

“No.”

 

Before Aaron could finish his sentence, Daryl opened his mouth. His eyes, which had been as dark as desolation, were now sharp.

 

“It’s absolutely not. Eleanor and her mother are just strangers unrelated to my father.”

 

Daryl had said ‘no matter what the truth is’ before the marriage. It was a reaction that seemed to know the truth and was confident, unlike then.

 

“…Then why?”

 

“……”

 

Daryl closed his mouth again. Aaron shrugged his shoulders.

 

“Regardless of the reason, it’s really hard for me to intervene. When His Majesty comes out with a woman’s issue like this, no matter what anyone says, he sees it through to the end.”

 

Daryl stared at Aaron with a stern face.

 

“What should I do?”

 

“You. Didn’t you hear what I just said? I’m not fussing over nothing, thinking I can get something out of you. It’s really not a problem I can handle.”

 

Aaron said with a frustrated expression.

 

“If you’re really worried, it would be more certain for you to remarry Miss Townsend. As I said earlier, even His Majesty wouldn’t dare touch the Duchess of Griffith. Not just because of this issue. Wouldn’t it be better in many ways?”

 

If Eleanor was not Daryl’s younger sister, there was only one reason for him to court his already divorced wife. It was a word with such a meaning.

 

“…I can’t do that.”

 

“Why?”

 

Daryl did not answer again. He was always a guy who only said what he wanted to say, but today was particularly frustrating.

 

“Whatever it is, there’s nothing I can do. Of course, I’ve already tried to stop it, and I will try to stop it in the future, but I don’t know if it will work. His Majesty is none other than the emperor of this country.”

 

Daryl opened his mouth after a moment of silence.

 

“If the root cause of the problem is that, then we need to fix it.”

 

“What?”

 

Aaron asked back, not understanding Daryl’s words.

 

“There are rumors that His Majesty the Emperor seems too old to handle national affairs. They say he may be gradually losing the clear judgment necessary for a monarch.”

 

“…Daryl, you…!”

 

Aaron’s eyes bulged. It was a shocking statement that made him doubt his ears for a moment. Just that sentence alone could be enough to apply the charge of treason.

 

“Watch your mouth! Don’t tell me you sent the others away from the beginning to say this?”

 

Despite Aaron’s scolding, Daryl didn’t blink an eye.

 

“I thought His Majesty had crossed the line that he should not cross two years ago. He forcibly violated a woman who had a decent husband and drove her to suicide. Even a common criminal would be condemned by the public, let alone the emperor of the empire, it’s impossible and should not happen.”

 

“…..”

 

“It’s not just my thoughts. Many people feel the same way and are angry. Despite the fact that we somehow hushed up the last incident, His Majesty is planning to disgrace an innocent woman again…And there’s no guarantee that it will end with this time. If this happens repeatedly, it’s obvious that the honor of the royal family will fall to the ground. The public sentiment is also sure to turn.”

 

Dariel spoke in a soft voice. Aaron gritted his teeth.

 

“Are you, daring to belittle the royal family?”

 

“Of course not. Rather, I’m expressing my genuine concern for the future of the royal family. If His Majesty the Emperor has lost his ability to govern, it is only right that the generation should be replaced by someone who is qualified.”

 

“……”

 

“I have always supported the Crown Prince, and I will continue to do so. I will stand by your side whenever you need me.”

 

The meaning of his words was clear. Aaron let out a low groan without realizing it.

 

“So please stop this incident at all costs. If you do, the House of Griffith will firmly support the royal family during your reign.”

 

“…”

 

“That’s all I wanted to say. Now, I’ll take my leave.”

 

Leaving Aaron with a stern expression, Dariel stood up from his seat.

 

“Wait. I haven’t heard the reason yet.”

 

“What reason are you referring to?”

 

“The reason why you’re going this far. Is it really because of Miss Townsend? Are you taking such a risky gamble for one woman?”

 

“…..”

 

Dariel was silent for a moment. Then he opened his mouth and gave a half-hearted answer.

 

“I don’t think I’ve taken such a risky gamble. I’ve just spoken the truth on behalf of the people.”

 

“……”

 

Deep wrinkles formed on Aaron’s forehead. Dariel bowed his head in respect and left the Crown Prince’s inner chamber.

 

****

 

A few days after the exhibition ended, Benjamin visited the Townsend Manor.

 

Although he had made an appointment the day before, it was still an unexpected visit. He usually communicated by letter for ordinary matters, and he didn’t visit in person unless he was receiving work or settling accounts.

 

Benjamin was unusually quiet today. After exchanging greetings, he kept his mouth shut. He barely reached for the tea.

 

Although she was curious about what was going on, Eleanor waited for Benjamin to speak first. How much time had passed like that? Finally, Benjamin opened his mouth.

 

“…I think you might be surprised by my sudden visit. I have something important to tell you today.”

 

“Yes, Viscount Brooke. Please speak.”

 

Benjamin looked down for a moment, then pulled something out of his pocket. It was a small velvet box that fit in the palm of his hand. Seeing it, Eleanor’s eyes widened.