If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

[If you ask what has been the most scandalous event in the capital over the past 20 years, it would undoubtedly be the rumors surrounding the late Duke Griffith, Frederick Lloyd, and the Townsend family. 

 

26 years ago, the Townsend family, who were then the Dashwood baronets, tragically lost all members except for the wife, Sylvia, in a carriage accident. The late Duke Griffith supported Sylvia Townsend wholeheartedly. 

 

Since the Duke had no known ties to the deceased Dashwood baronets or Sylvia, there was high curiosity about his reasons for supporting her. However, the Duke never clarified, leading to rampant speculation that Sylvia was his mistress. Adding to the speculation, Sylvia gave birth to a daughter the following year, Eleanor. 

 

Eleanor became well-known recently after being revealed as the former wife of the current Duke Griffith, Daryl Lloyd, and the famous painter Marcus Miller. The timing of Eleanor’s birth was ambiguous, leading to suspicions that she might be the illegitimate child of the late Duke Griffith. 

 

The Duke remained silent on the matter until his death, and the truth seemed to be buried in darkness. However, our publication recently received reliable information about why the late Duke Griffith supported the Townsend mother and daughter, along with solid evidence. 

 

With a serious sense of duty, we stand before the public to respond to the many voices seeking the truth. The late Duke Griffith, Frederick Lloyd, was actually responsible for the carriage accident that led to the death of the Townsend family. 

 

That day, the Duke chased a Silverhorn illegally outside his hunting grounds, which led to it blocking the carriage and causing it to overturn. This fact was detailed in a handwritten letter by the Duke himself. It was a letter of confession sent to his eldest son, the current Duke Griffith, Daryl Lloyd. This means that the current Duke also knew the whole truth and concealed it. Below is an excerpt from that letter, presented unaltered and in its original form.]

 

Layla’s hands trembled as she read the newspaper, eventually crumpling it up. Her face turned pale as if drained of all blood, and tears welled up in her eyes.

 

“It’s a lie. It can’t be. This can’t be true…!”

 

“…Layla.”

 

Joshua carefully wrapped his arm around Leila’s shoulder. She turned to him abruptly.

 

“No. This isn’t true. It’s all fabricated. You believe me, right? Don’t you?”

 

“…”

 

Joshua’s face clouded with discomfort.

 

“What matters is not whether it’s true or not. The newspaper has been published, and everyone believes what’s written in it.”

 

Joshua’s mother and now Leila’s mother-in-law, Countess Cressida Sheppard, spoke with a furrowed brow.

 

“…Mother. But…”

 

“Reporters have already visited the Earl’s residence. Today, they knew you were returning and set up camp early, we barely managed to send them away.”

 

“…”

 

“If the content in the newspaper is false, then you need clear evidence to prove it. Do you have such evidence?”

 

“…….”

 

Layla couldn’t respond to Cressida’s words and her lips trembled.

 

“Mother, Layla is in shock from the sudden news. Let’s have a conversation after she calms down,”

 

Joshua interjected. Cressida frowned again.

 

“It’s the morning paper. The news has already spread throughout the capital. It’s too late to respond now.”

 

“Even if we respond, it’s the Duke’s responsibility. Layla is not to blame.”

 

“Why is she not to blame when she’s from the same bloodline? Why is it that she’s not to blame? It’s because the Duke has brought shame to the capital, and all eyes are on us. Do you know what your father is going through because of this?”

 

“I will do my best. Mother, please calm down.”

 

Cressida clicked her tongue.

 

Joshua hugged Layla’s shoulders. Layla, with her head down, shivered and got up from her seat. Watching her weakly walk away, Cressida muttered softly.

 

“Who is the real victim?”

 

Layla bit her lip hard. When she entered the bedroom, Sarah hurried to undress her.

 

“It’s okay. I’ll do it.”

 

After gently stopping Sarah, Joshua took off Layla’s coat and dress. He then held her, who was dressed in her nightgown, and lay her on the bed.

 

“What if…?”

 

Layla murmured softly.

 

“What, Layla?”

 

“What if you ask for a divorce…?”

 

At the tearful words, Joshua narrowed his eyes.

 

“That will never happen.”

 

“But…”

 

“I’m the one who married you, not your mother or father. So it will never happen.”

 

“Relax and go to sleep, Layla. You’re tired from the long journey.”

 

Layla’s eyes were filled with tears. After kissing her forehead, Joshua left the room.

 

At the same time, Aaron was lost in thought with a troubled expression in the palace. It was right after Empress Theodora had scolded him.

 

[Frederick would never do that. He’s not that kind of person. Someone against the Duke is undoubtedly behind this malicious rumor. Make sure to clarify the truth. Until then, refrain from speculation and help the Duke respond to the defamation. It’s an order.] 

 

It was the first time his mother had been so forceful. She had always been a person who never asserted herself, even when his father was being difficult.

 

The matter had become a headache. Aaron, unlike Theodora, was not particularly interested in the Duke or Daryl’s honor. The biggest problem was that this incident might reignite the Emperor’s obsession with Eleanor, who had somewhat faded from his mind.

 

The Emperor’s criteria for choosing a woman were primarily based on appearance, taste, and above all, “popularity.” If a woman was the most talked-about in society at the time, he would find a way to get involved with her. The Emperor’s initial interest in Eleanor began when her relationship with Marcus Miller was made public.

 

[Eleanor is currently in the capital to attend Lady Layla’s wedding. We tried to contact her several times to hear her side of the story, but she has consistently remained unresponsive. As we are people that seek to uncover the truth, we cannot help but feel regretful about this…] 

 

Furthermore, the damn Daily Post had needlessly publicized Eleanor’s current presence in the capital, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Emperor called for Aaron and caused a commotion. It was actually surprising that things were still quiet.

 

At that moment, a chamberlain entered the room.

 

“Your Highness, the Empress is summoning you.”

 

It was truly ironic how the devil appeared when his name was mentioned.

 

Aaron clicked his tongue and rose from his seat.

 

“It seems that there’s a lot of noise about the Duke of Griffith lately.”

 

The Emperor spoke, leaning back in his chair.

 

“It’s just temporary noise. It’s just baseless speculation that will soon die down.”

 

“I read an article that said that the late Duke personally wrote the letter.”

 

“Letters can be forged. You know that, Father.”

 

“Well, even so, it doesn’t seem like a complete forgery. They wouldn’t do something so reckless against the Duke Griffith.”

 

“…”

 

In truth, Aaron shared the Emperor’s opinion. If there hadn’t been an issue with Theodora and Eleanor, there would have been no reason to bring up the Duke’s opposition.

 

“What will the Duke do?”

 

“Ironically, it seems he’s currently away on a business trip. He probably heard the news and is rushing back.”

 

“Don’t act rashly until the situation is clear.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

The Emperor shrugged.

 

“Just that. Don’t rush to publicly support the Duke until the situation is clear.”