If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

Daryl’s statement caused a greater uproar than when the Daily Post first published the article. Other newspapers also released related articles in unison. All the newspapers in the capital covered the incident on the front page for several days.

 

More journalists than before flocked to the scene. Before Daryl stepped forward to explain, a considerable number of newspapers were wary of the Duke’s house. It wasn’t just the journalists. Contacts poured in from those who had connections with the former and current Duke. Moore declared that he would issue a statement defending Frederick and the Duke’s house. Daryl refused, but Moore eventually released an interview through another newspaper.

 

But all of that was now meaningless.

 

Daryl felt as if he was deep in the ocean. The sea was so deep and dark that even time passed slowly there. Because the sea surface was so far away, what was happening outside felt blurry and unclear, like an event from the distant past.

 

It didn’t matter anymore. No matter what happens now…

 

Eleanor also received many contacts from her acquaintances.

 

Marianne rushed over as soon as she heard the news, and the former chaperone, Lady Hamilton, also visited the mansion. Jin Miles sent a concise but worried letter.

 

Benjamin also contacted her, saying he would like to visit if Eleanor was okay.

 

Eleanor sent a polite refusal in response. But as if he hadn’t received the letter, Benjamin eventually knocked on the door of the Townsend mansion. It was the first time in over ten years that he had disregarded Eleanor’s wishes.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

As soon as he saw Eleanor, Benjamin asked. He seemed so worried that he didn’t even have time to be polite.

 

“What do you mean by okay?”

 

“…That is…”

 

Seeing Benjamin hesitate for a moment, Eleanor gave a small laugh.

 

“Thank you for your concern. But I’m fine.”

 

“…”

 

Benjamin’s expression seemed to say, ‘That can’t be true.’

 

In fact, he was struggling to swallow the words that were bubbling up in his throat.

 

When he first saw the newspaper, Benjamin felt an indescribable anger and hatred towards the Duke of Griffith.

 

He believed Frederick Lloyd to be a gentleman beyond reproach, so the sense of betrayal was even greater.

 

He couldn’t help but think that the son was just like his father.

 

The fact that Eleanor was now smiling in front of him, not because she was okay, but because she insisted she was okay, was something Benjamin knew all too well.

 

“Miss Townsend. I am…”

 

“I’m thinking of going back to Wembury soon.”

 

At the last moment, Eleanor’s words cut off Benjamin’s.

 

“And then I probably won’t come back to the capital unless it’s necessary.”

 

“…”

 

Benjamin couldn’t tell if Eleanor’s words were drawing a line to him or to the world itself.

 

“Wembury is a nice place. When you blankly look at the sea, your mind becomes calm. You can forget about most things and empty your head.”

 

“…”

 

Eleanor was smiling faintly, yet it was an empty smile as if she had resigned to everything. In fact, she had this serene atmosphere since they first met long ago. But within that, there was also a noble spirit that seemed to never break to anyone.

 

But now, Eleanor seemed to have lost all of her strength. She looked like a snowman under the sun, so ephemeral and powerless that it wouldn’t be strange if she melted away at any moment.

 

“Viscount Brooke, when your mind is complicated, take a vacation and go see the sea.”

 

Eleanor said with a faint smile.

 

Benjamin could only bow his head without any response.

 

****

 

Layla stepped into Chatsworth House. It was her first visit to her parents’ house since the wedding.

 

“Lady Sheppard, you’re here.”

 

Herbert’s eyes twisted as if in pity. That’s because Layla had noticeably lost weight in that short time.

 

“…Herbert. Where’s my brother?”

 

“He’s in his office.”

 

As Layla moved to step forward, Herbert hurriedly called her back.

 

“Please… don’t blame the Master too much. I beg you.”

 

Herbert bowed deeply to Layla.

 

“…”

 

Layla stared blankly at him, then turned around without a word. When she entered the office, she saw Daryl sitting at his desk. He didn’t look as desperate as Layla had vaguely worried about.

 

She didn’t know whether to be relieved or angry at that fact. She received a letter from Daryl yesterday. It was an apology for not informing her of the truth in advance, and a concern for Layla’s position in the Sheppard family.

 

[I have spoken directly with Count Sheppard. He assured me that he would not take this matter personally, so you don’t have to worry.] 

 

As written in the letter, neither Count Sheppard nor Cressida mentioned the matter publicly afterwards. But the fact that her mother-in-law still looked at Layla unfavorably did not change. At least Joshua was completely on her side, which was why she was holding on.

 

Daryl slowly opened his mouth.

 

“What is it, Layla.”

 

His voice was as cold and curt as usual. Layla wet her dry lips with her tongue.

 

“…Is it true?”

 

That was all she could say.

 

“Is it really true that father… did such a terrible thing?”

 

“As written in the letter, it’s true.”

 

“…”

 

At his emotionless voice, Layla lost her words.

 

“How… How can you say that so nonchalantly? Even if it was an accident, father killed someone. And he hid it for over twenty years. Why didn’t you say anything knowing that, brother? Shouldn’t you have at least told me?”

 

“…As written in the letter, I wasn’t sure if revealing the truth would be in your best interest. Knowing you would be shocked like this, I thought maybe it would be best to bury it by myself…”

 

“Don’t be ridiculous! Then you’re just like father!”

 

“…”

 

Layla bit her lip hard. Her lips were already full of wounds.

 

“Who knew about the existence of that letter and leaked it?”

 

“…It was a simple thief. He probably thought he could sell it to the newspaper.”

 

“The security of the Duke’s house is that lax?”

 

“There was a maid who opened the door. It seems she was in a relationship with the thief. She was fired immediately after the confession.”

 

“…”

 

“What’s done is done. It may feel unfair, but think of father’s karma as an inheritance, just like the property. It will be tough for a while, but it will get better. Fortunately, it seems that your father-in-law is on your side, so be strong and…”

 

“…What about Eleanor?”

 

The moment Eleanor’s name was mentioned, Daryl’s expression froze.

 

“Have you seen Eleanor? What did she say about this?”

 

“…”

 

“Brother.”

 

“…Miss Townsend.”

 

Daryl opened his mouth with difficulty. He looked like he was struggling not only to speak but also to breathe.

 

Seeing him like that, Layla felt a belated pang of guilt.

 

“…She said that if I issue a statement acknowledging the truth, she won’t ask for anything more. Instead, she said she would completely cut ties with the Duke’s family. Not just me, but you too… she said she would never see us again.”

 

“…”

 

Layla’s face twisted in pain.

 

“I have to…apologize.”

 

“…”

 

“I’ve said too many things… done too many things to Eleanor that I shouldn’t have. It was all because of my misunderstanding.”

 

“Layla.”

 

“That’s right. How can I stay still knowing the truth? Eleanor did nothing wrong, in fact, everything was because of father, how can I…”

 

“The one who is most in pain is Miss Townsend. Not us.”

 

“…..”

 

At Daryl’s words, Layla unknowingly lifted her head and looked at him.

 

“Miss Townsend, if you really want to apologize and atone, you should respect her wishes.”

 

“…”

 

“…That’s what you should do. That’s right.”

 

Daryl muttered to himself like he was talking to himself. From the corner of Layla’s tightly closed eyes, tears fell.