Reunion with the Duke and Duchess of Artin 3

Theodore’s words caused great embarrassment to the Duke and Duchess of Artin.

That issue was actually a question that not only they, but also the imperial family of the Britannia Empire, as well as people from all walks of life, had been wondering about.

‘Is such a ruffian really the Chosen One?’

‘Telekinesis is a unique ability, but wasn’t the decision too hasty?’

‘Come to think of it, we never checked what abilities the other son, Theodore, might have had.’

If Theodore had remained in the Britannia Empire, he would have gained belated attention.

But with Theodore gone, William had to be the Chosen One, even if he actually wasn’t.

The imperial family needed to forcibly promote this aspect for the safety of their country and diplomatic advantage, and for House Artin as well, William had to be the Chosen One as long as Theodore didn’t return.

If the Chosen One had been Theodore, now that he had disappeared, House Artin would have to take responsibility for ignoring him, not even giving him proper meals, and not providing even the minimal treatment as a family member.

They would be criticized by everyone for the sin of causing the Chosen One to leave the Britannia Empire, and if that happened, House Artin might face not just a decline in prestige but potentially a miserable downfall.

“Well… there are those who have such doubts, but I think William will eventually come to his senses.”

As the Duke of Artin, he could only answer in this way.

In fact, he too had major doubts inside that the Chosen One might have been Theodore rather than William, but he couldn’t admit it.

Even though he had revealed the disgraceful aspects of his family that were only well-known among the noble families within the Britannia Empire due to the emotional aspect that arose from the identical appearance to his son William, this part crossed the line of what could be disclosed.

“Is that so? I truly hope that would be the case. The rudeness committed against my fiancée… I’m really too angry.”

Elliot gave a bitter smile at Theodore’s appearance, who seemed to be angry about the rudeness committed against his fiancée.

Seeing him express anger, it felt as if he had sinned against the real Theodore, making his heart ache.

He thought that perhaps the reason he had revealed his family’s disgrace was because he hoped that he was his son Theodore.

“That part would be insufficient no matter how many times I apologize. Then we’ll be taking our leave now. I will convey a formal apology to House Arsein soon along with appropriate compensation.”

“Darling! Where are you going! Theodore… is right in front of us!”

“Now, now, wife. It’s rude to Lord Skyroad. Let’s go back for now.”

Because staying here any longer could cause more problems, Elliot forcibly took Ceres and left the place.

---

The story of Theodore of House Artin was too shocking for Yuria.

She had heard that Theodore had received unfair treatment and thus had run away.

But being someone who wasn’t interested in rumors, while she had roughly heard that William, who was known as the Chosen One, was a ruffian, she only realized just now through direct experience that his level far exceeded imagination.

And now, she knew how shocking what had happened in House Artin had been.

‘Lord Theodore.’

Yuria was instinctively observing him.

“I can’t understand. He was your own son, wasn’t he? After the age of two, he couldn’t have done anything wrong.”

Theodore’s appearance as he spoke to Duke Artin, Elliot, seemed too composed and nonchalant, as if talking about someone else’s story.

Elliot probably also thought he was treating it as someone else’s story while looking at that appearance.

But she, who had a superior understanding of Theodore compared to others, felt that his eyes were cold.

Cold and quiet… but it felt like it appeared to be like calm sea water, but in reality, a huge wave was being prepared.

However, only she noticed this fact.

“…Indeed. What’s even more shameful is that we don’t even know exactly when our son disappeared. Because we committed such a terrible sin… my wife is like this… please understand the rudeness.”

“I understand.”

“…Thank you. Because you look so much like my son William, it seems my wife sees you as overlapping with Theodore. I apologize once again.”

“Yes, Duke Artin. But is William truly the Chosen One? Seeing his behavior toward my fiancée today, it’s hard to believe that such a person could be the one to save the world.”

The Duke and Duchess of Artin showed bewilderment.

Yuria was also curious about Theodore’s words.

‘Is such a person really the Chosen One?’

This had been a question she had been wondering about all along.

And the remarkably similar appearance to William, the eldest son of House Artin named Theodore who was said to have disappeared long ago, and even the timing of when Theodore Skyroad appeared…

Everything matched the story incredibly well, but there was one question.

Would a place like House Skyroad designate a person with no blood relation as the heir to continue the family?

‘Perhaps that unexpected thing might happen.’

Seeing Theodore’s cold eyes, Yuria had such a thought.

“Well… there are those who have such doubts, but I think William will eventually come to his senses.”

“Is that so? I truly hope that would be the case. The rudeness committed against my fiancée… I’m really too angry.”

A genuine anger appeared on Theodore’s face. But honestly, Yuria found his words absurd.

‘Lord Theodore wouldn’t have gotten angry because of me.’

But that angry expression wasn’t completely false.

He was truly angry.

Then there was only one answer.

Theodore was just using the insult she suffered as a superficial reason to hide the real reason for his anger.

“That part would be insufficient no matter how many times I apologize. Then we’ll be taking our leave now. I will convey a formal apology to House Arsein soon along with appropriate compensation.”

And she saw Elliot apologizing once again and leaving with the resistant Duchess of Artin, Ceres.

After they had left, Theodore’s appearance of coldly glaring at their backs kept bothering Yuria.

‘Is Lord Theodore really Theodore Artin?’

She had a thought close to certainty, but she couldn’t guarantee it 100%.

Nor could she ask.

As she had thought earlier, asking this fact just to satisfy her curiosity would be a great rudeness to him.

So she decided to convey to him what she needed to say now.

“Lord Theodore.”

“What is it?”

Theodore asked, hiding his anger.

Whether it was because Headmaster Albert was beside them, he instantly tucked away his anger and changed his tone to a soft one when speaking to her, and she honestly wanted to stick out her tongue at his acting ability, but Yuria also didn’t specifically point out that part.

“It’s about time we check our individual accommodations.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Originally, they should have checked, but it had been delayed because the Duke and Duchess of Artin had appeared.

“Lord Theodore will surely make enemies here quickly and get into trouble, right?”

Yuria said with a smile that seemed to already understand.

It might give a slightly arrogant impression, but compared to what Theodore had done, this was nothing.

“Those who are jealous of the dazzling brightness of a sun-like being like me will probably pick fights and attack first.”

When she heard Theodore’s characteristically annoying way of speaking again, Yuria found it more comfortable than his coldly angry appearance from before.

To think that his way of speaking, which usually sounded annoyingly disagreeable, would feel comfortable!

‘I must be crazy.’

She had such self-deprecation slightly, but without showing that feeling, she said:

“And I, as your fiancée, might get caught up in it too.”

“That’s true. But I promised to protect you, so don’t worry about that part. I keep my promises.”

“Yes, I naturally believe that. I know well that Lord Theodore is not someone who breaks promises.”

Headmaster Albert seemed awkward, perhaps thinking the current situation was a youthful romantic atmosphere between the two, but he didn’t specifically raise his voice to highlight his presence.

But Yuria was being careful with her language and speaking cautiously because she was mindful of his presence.

“But having experienced what happened today, it seems I need to become stronger to basically protect myself. So… I’ll continue to ask for your help.”

“Well, fine. I’ll teach you right after we see the accommodations and do some simple organization.”

When the Headmaster Albert left and they could talk just the two of them, they would be able to have a conversation without hiding things.

---

‘It’s not time yet.’

Theodore hated and detested the Duke and Duchess of Artin.

But it wasn’t yet time for them to notice his identity.

It would be a shame to immediately break the current situation where William was suffering alone.

And he, who expected to see them dance a futile dance like puppets on a stage and then see their reactions when they realized the truth, planned to savor that moment slowly.

There was no problem with proceeding with the script while slowly savoring it.

Because the fact that he was the real Chosen One remained unchanged.

However, there was just one part that bothered him.

‘Lady Yuria’s gaze.’

The gaze that seemed to be pitying him somehow bothered him.

And it wasn’t an ordinary gaze of pity, but her gaze loaded with complex emotions — it seemed like there might be a lot to say with her.