Chapter 12
“Adeline Bernadotte? Wasn’t she the princess of Lechern who left for Kassel?”
Though the appearance of her name was sudden, Dimon obeyed without hesitation.
At first, he didn’t understand why Michael had asked him to investigate the “nephew of Adeline.” A child who had spent their entire life in a hospital couldn’t be connected to the Meitner family’s business.
But a few days later, he came across astonishing news on the front page of Lechern’s major newspapers:
“Adeline Bernadotte of Lechern and Michael Meitner of Kassel.
Their marriage is officially announced for next month.”
Although Dimon followed Count Meitner’s orders, he hadn’t heard anything about the marriage, leaving him in utter disbelief.
‘What on earth is this?’
With restless thoughts, Dimon boarded a train to cross the border.
Before leaving Lechern, he carefully reviewed the tasks Count Meitner had instructed him to check.
“…The child in the hospital is the only son of the late Princess Retylda, the eldest daughter of the Bernadotte family.
His name is Colin Avis, and he’s six years old this year.
He has suffered from weak lungs and heart since birth and has essentially lived in the hospital.”
“Is he still hospitalized?”
“Yes. Initially, a royal nursemaid took care of him. But after the royal family’s fall, a young male caregiver from the military replaced her.
It seems he’s officially under the military’s care.”
Dimon relayed his findings concisely. He had arrived in Lechern’s capital, Aden, late yesterday afternoon. Still recovering from travel fatigue, he called Michael from the station to report his arrival.
At the station, Dimon spotted newspapers prominently displaying headlines about Michael and Adeline’s engagement. His curiosity burned stronger, but he held his questions back and finished his report.
“As reported, Adeline Bernadotte and her nephew are the only surviving members of the royal family. However, according to hospital records, Colin’s guardian is listed as the commander of the military.”
“The commander?”
Michael, sipping tea leisurely, repeated the word. He had instructed Dimon to investigate Adeline’s nephew to confirm the truth.
Now, one thing was certain: Adeline’s desperation that day had a valid reason.
Dimon continued seamlessly.
“The one who holds Lechern’s power under Kassel’s approval is Commander Brendan.”
“So, he’s the man currently ruling Lechern.”
“Yes, and he’s the most politically active figure in the military.
As you may know, he’s also the person responsible for orchestrating the massacre of the Bernadotte royal family.”
Michael’s expression hardened. Normally, Colin’s guardian would be his only living relative, Adeline. But for the commander to take that role instead meant only one thing:
Colin was essentially a hostage.
“And that hostage is being used to keep Adeline in check,” Michael concluded.
Perhaps it was to prevent the princess, who had fled to Kassel, from harboring any other intentions.
He assessed the situation, weighing the commander’s leverage over Adeline.
Michael glanced at the clock. That evening, he was scheduled to attend a ballet performance hosted by the queen. The invitation, stamped with the royal seal, had arrived weeks earlier, and it assumed Adeline’s presence as his companion.
Though their wedding was imminent, Michael had yet to attend any official event with his fiancée. The royal family likely wanted to showcase Adeline’s stable life in Aden. Politically, it was a move Michael understood.
‘6 p.m.’
Mentally noting the time he needed to escort Adeline, Michael resumed reviewing the documents Dimon had brought.
Dimon spoke just as Michael finished the last page.
“Count, I heard about your engagement recently. Congratulations, albeit belatedly.”
“Thank you.”
Michael’s response was formal, revealing little emotion. Neither his movements nor his gaze betrayed what he felt.
“Well, Dimon, let’s wrap up for today. You must still be tired from your journey, so take a few days to rest.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you during the Thursday briefing.”
Dimon bowed and left, suppressing his lingering questions. He knew from experience that Michael wasn’t someone whose thoughts could be easily deciphered.
Michael Meitner maintained an upright demeanor but carried a subtle sharpness.
His tone was kind, yet his piercing gaze often left people second-guessing his true intentions.
Crucially, Michael never seemed to invest his true emotions in anything.
Dimon, who had served him for years, judged the marriage as part of Michael’s calculated plans. Adjusting his hat, Dimon stepped into the hallway, his footsteps echoing heavily.
“Excuse me, Lady Adeline. You have a call. Count Meitner wishes to speak with you.”
Adeline put down her pen at the sound of the message.
Karen, the housekeeper Michael had assigned to her residence, had delivered the news.
Walking to the drawing room, Adeline picked up the phone, feeling a bit awkward.
“This is Adeline. I’ve answered, Count Meitner.”
Before she could process the cold touch of the receiver, Michael’s deep voice reached her ear.
“Lady Adeline, it’s been a week since we last met, hasn’t it?”
“…Yes. Hello.”
“Am I interrupting you?”
“No. Is something the matter?”
“I just wanted to confirm about the invitation I mentioned.
You haven’t forgotten about tonight’s engagement, have you?”
Michael’s tone was polite but emotionless.
“No, I haven’t forgotten,” Adeline replied calmly.
“Good. We’ll travel together. The performance starts at 7, so I’ll pick you up an hour before.”
“Understood.”
With that, the call ended.
Adeline stared at the clock. It was just past 3 p.m., giving her ample time to prepare.
Later, as the car gently began to move, Michael broke the silence beside her.
“Lady Adeline, how about we address each other more casually?”
