If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

‘I speak to you out of genuine concern for the future of the empire. If His Majesty the Emperor has lost the ability to govern, it is only proper that a qualified successor should take his place.’

 

Recalling Daryl’s words brought on a faint headache. Aaron was well aware of the irreverent murmurs that had been circulating beneath the surface over the past year. Daryl was the only madman bold enough to say such things to his face.

 

The Emperor, oblivious to the situation and still foolishly fixated on women, was pitifully pathetic. Hector III may not have been an exemplary ruler, but he was an Emperor who competently performed his duties.

 

Perhaps Daryl was right. Hector III might be too old to remain on the throne.

 

With an impassive face, Aaron made his calculations coldly. If they were to force an abdication, what would be the biggest issue?

 

There was no one left to stand by the aging Emperor. Thanks to Aaron’s diligent efforts to increase his own support. Even the Empress Mother would surely back him. His only younger brother, Luke, had no particular ambition for the throne, nor did he have any support base to speak of.

 

‘…However.’

 

Despite this, Aaron had no desire to ascend to the throne through treacherous means. Whether sooner or later, the throne would inevitably fall into his hands. Given his preference for safety, he wished for a smooth succession if possible.

 

‘It’s not as if I’m being told not to indulge in women altogether. It’s just a matter of stretching one’s legs according to the length of the blanket. To be choked by greed beyond one’s station without even realizing it…’

 

Aaron swallowed a quiet sigh.

 

“…Your Majesty, the public’s attention is already focused on your interest in Miss Townsend at the exhibition. Now is not a good time. Please wait at least until things have quieted down a bit.”

 

“Wait again? When will it ever quiet down?”

 

“I think you should expect at least a couple of years.”

 

“What? A couple of years might as well be an eternity, how can you ask me to wait that long? I’ve waited long enough already! I can’t wait any longer!”

 

The Emperor raised his voice again in anger. Aaron struggled to suppress his rising irritation.

 

“No matter what you say, now is not the time. I wouldn’t object to another woman, one without complicated issues. But Miss Townsend is not an option.”

 

“You insolent fool, who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do? Ungrateful to the one who put you in your current position!”

 

“…Father.”

 

“Enough talk, bring Eleanor to me tomorrow if not today! Do you understand?”

 

“…..”

 

Aaron left the place, ignoring the Emperor’s loud voice.

 

“Where are you going? Stand! Can’t you stand there? Aaron!”

 

After leaving the Emperor’s room, Aaron called for the palace physician.

 

“His Majesty the Emperor seems very agitated, prescribe him a sedative. Even if he refuses to take it, make sure he does.”

 

The palace physician blinked in surprise at the cold command, then bowed his head and said, “…Understood.”

 

‘…Perhaps it’s really time to make a decision.’

 

Aaron frowned and was lost in thought.

 

****

 

It was the day Daryl went to meet Eleanor at the Townsend house. As soon as he returned to the duke’s residence, he called for Philip.

 

“Eleanor is planning to leave the capital soon. Find out where she’s going and when, and report back to me.”

 

“……”

 

When Philip did not respond immediately, Daryl narrowed his eyes at him.

 

“Philip.”

 

“…Yes, I understand.”

 

Philip answered in a calm voice. He was trying, as always, to show as little emotion as possible.

 

It had been over a year and a half since Eleanor left the duke’s residence, but Daryl was still unable to let go of his obsession with her.

 

After discovering that Eleanor was Marcus Miller, he deliberately paid extra to buy her paintings. The exhibition hall originally made for Eleanor was now filled with paintings she had drawn. Daryl had lent many of the paintings he owned to the exhibition recently held by the Crown Prince, at the request of the Crown Prince.

 

Whenever Daryl had time, he would visit the exhibition hall and look at the paintings Eleanor had drawn. When he did, he was as still and quiet as a statue. There were many times when Philip would enter and speak to him, but no answer would come back. It was as if he had left his mind as part of the paintings.

 

It was still much better than right after the divorce. Back then, he was holed up in his office all the time, just looking at the portrait of himself that Eleanor had drawn.

 

There was a time when he seriously worried whether he would become a recluse like this. But now, fortunately, he’s eating, sleeping, and performing his duties as a duke.

 

If that was phase one, then during phase two, he threw himself into work like a madman. He expanded the business into areas not originally planned and even took on tasks that didn’t require his direct involvement, grinding himself down.

 

The strange thing was that despite all this, not a single business venture failed. As a result, despite having paid a substantial alimony to Eleanor, the duke’s assets are now significantly larger than they were at the time of the divorce.

 

And now, it’s phase three. Since the Crown Prince’s exhibition revealed Eleanor to be Marcus Miller, Daryl has been obsessively worried about her. He had not ordered any background checks since the divorce, but now he has resumed them, and even sent the duke’s private soldiers to guard the Townsend Manor.

 

When Eleanor recognized one of the guards, Daryl recalled all the soldiers he had originally dispatched and hired new ones, over a hundred in number. He had them work in shifts.

 

Despite Daryl’s madness, Philip had not once tried to dissuade him. It wasn’t just because he wasn’t the type to question his superior’s actions, but also because he knew it would be futile.

 

Compared to phase one, the current situation was better. At least now he had a minimum of vitality and will as a human being.

 

‘…The problem is that all of it is directed towards his divorced ex-wife.’

 

In Philip’s view, the current Daryl was no different from a castle in the air destined to fall. The only person who could bring him back to a human life was Eleanor, but she seemed to have no intention of doing so.

 

The past year and a half had been like walking on thin ice for Philip as well. He was constantly worried about when the ice under Daryl’s feet would break and when he would fall into the cold water.

 

“Philip.”

 

“Yes, Your Grace.”

 

“If we were to wrap up the ongoing work, how much vacation could I take at most?”

 

Philip couldn’t help but be inwardly surprised. It was a question Daryl had never asked before. In fact, what Daryl needed more than anything was rest for both his body and mind. Until now, he had not listened even when advised. It was a relief that he was bringing it up himself.

 

“I think it’s entirely possible to take a month or two off immediately. If you need more, we can make adjustments.”

 

Philip hurriedly spoke. Daryl was silent for a moment, as if lost in thought.

 

“Then what about a year?”

 

“A year…you say?”

 

“Yes. It would be even better if I could have two or three years of leeway.”

 

“……”

 

Philip quickly tried to grasp his superior’s intentions, but his thoughts were not coming together due to his surprise.

 

“…If you’re planning to rest for that long, we would likely need to hire another agent to manage the business…”

 

“I’ll leave it to you.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“You’ve always acted as my proxy when needed. We only need to keep a few essential businesses running. Start the process to wrap up all the minor details. I’ll give you detailed instructions soon.”

 

“……”

 

Philip stared blankly at Daryl.

 

“…May I ask if you have any plans?”

 

“I’ll let you know later.”

 

With those words, Daryl turned his attention back to the documents on his desk. It was as good as telling Philip to leave.

 

Although many thoughts swirled in his head, Philip eventually left Daryl’s office without asking anything further.