Episode 95. Duel (7)

“Whew…”

The more he drank, the clearer his mind became. Francello, the Count’s position that had been so close to his eyes vanished. His status as a Count, his power as head of the family-it was all gone in an instant. In truth, he had never held it in the first place, but his sense of loss was indescribable. Feeling unable to make a cool-headed judgment, he postponed the family meeting for a day.

“Why did that old woman come crawling in…”

If only that nun, Dorothy, hadn’t come! That was what made Francello angrier than anything. Clearly, only three people were supposed to come, so why had that unsolicited woman come? No matter how much he drank, his mind remained clear, as if his anger had washed away all the intoxication.

He tried to calmly contemplate a way to abort Marie’s unborn child, but all he could come up with were uncertain and time-consuming. This was practically his last chance. He was the same generation as the previous Earl, and his time was running out.

His nephew, the Earl of Mountbairn, had fallen without an heir. It was his turn to step up for the sake of his family. He had yielded his title to his brother for the sake of his family, and then to his son. Now, it was his turn.

He picked up his sword. Tonight was his only chance. He would take his own life. He felt sorry for Marie, but taking her life would solve all his problems. He felt this sacrifice was unavoidable if he wanted to become the head of the family. The justification… something like infidelity would do.

Yes, if it was justified by having an affair with that detestable Edward, he could execute him directly. Even better if he could deal with Edward in one fell swoop. Throwing down his bottle, Francello called his trusted men. To prevent any leaks, he would proceed quickly with a small, elite force.

“You. I’m here.”

What was Henry thinking while no one was there? Reminiscing about his life? Feeling powerless, unable to do anything? Whatever he was thinking must have been cut short the moment he heard Mari’s voice. His eyes widened as soon as she called him.

He patted Mari’s butt, telling her to go. With a reluctant expression, she reluctantly moved closer to the bed. She stuck her head out into Henry’s gaze, unable to even turn, and stared at his bony figure.

“There’s something I need to tell you. You… I’ll be blunt. I’m pregnant.”

Henry’s reaction, even in his eyes, was intense. His eyes widened in disbelief at his confession that he was pregnant. Just watching him was exhilarating. Having sex with Mari in secret was enjoyable, but it was even better to show her that she was completely his woman, and that she was pregnant as proof.

And if the sacrifice of Henry, who would soon die anyway, could bring happiness to me, Marie, and the entire Count family, then wouldn’t that be the role of the head of the household? Showing off, he hugged Marie from behind and looked down at Henry together.

“Hmm, Eddie. You’re right. Ahem, of course it’s not your child, but Eddie’s.”

As he said that, he stroked his lower abdomen, and I put my hand back to stroke it back. Is this what it feels like to be a father? It was a feeling I’d never felt before. Thinking that my seed was taking root and growing inside me, I felt a strange sense of fulfillment and conquest. It wasn’t long before the baby was born, but it felt like it radiated a strange warmth.

“Why? You know. You and I weren’t compatible. If a child, who hadn’t been born for years, were born right after you and Edward… then you know who the father is, right?”

I couldn’t see Marie’s expression, but she leaned back against my chest and spoke calmly. I loved the sight of him proudly declaring himself a father, so I hugged him tightly.

“Unlike those seeds you waste, the ones you plant on gravestones without even being able to produce children, Eddie is young, manly, and strong…”

As I spoke, I kissed Mari, who looked up at me. I couldn’t have sex with her again because of the child, but this was enough.

“Phew… Still, I’m glad we’re having a child. If it weren’t for Eddie, I would have been kicked out of this family…”

“Of course.”

Tingling-

“Hmm?”

What’s that sound? Suddenly, a faint, yet urgent, bell rang. It wasn’t coming from outside. The bells at Mount Bern were much larger than this, and they couldn’t have run this fast. It sounded like someone was shaking the door.

“T-this!”

“What’s that sound, Sister?”

Does Mari know? My sister’s face quickly darkened.

“That’s Allen’s voice.”

“Allen?”

Why him? Allen was currently guarding this room outside the door. If he had something to announce, he could just open the door and come in. That doesn’t mean…

“Sir Allen said he’d ring the bell if someone unstoppable appeared.”

It meant there was no time to open the door and come in, so desperate. Soon, a shout was heard outside. I don’t know who it was, but to think of ringing the bell right in front of me was quite bold.

He’s coming here now. After Mari’s pregnancy was revealed, but not yet officially announced… It was clear that his intentions were not good. I drew my sword and did a quick check. Depending on the situation, I might have to resort to force.

But I was also worried about Mari’s safety. The best course of action would be to prevent anyone from entering this room, but I always had to prepare for the worst. Keep them out of this room… Ah, that would be good.

“I guess I can finally do something knightly.”

“When are you coming out…?”

“I clearly told you to get out of the way, Sir Diana.”

“Excuse me, I’m on guard duty.”

Allen rang the bell as soon as he saw Francello and his men. Even after a considerable amount of time had passed since the bell was rang, Edward, who was clearly inside, hadn’t come out to help. Of course, he hadn’t told her what the bell meant, but she might have been curious and come out. With Marie by her side, she could have told him.

“Are you ignoring me now?”

“I’m not ignoring you. Didn’t you say that last time? No matter what anyone said, just focus on your guard duty. That’s what I ‘advised you as a senior.'”

Francello, enraged by Allen’s blunt response, spoke for the last time.

“This is my final warning as a senior, Sir Diana. Get out of the way.”

“…Even if it were your senior’s order, I can’t allow you to enter my lady’s presence with a blade in hand.”

“I tried to pass it off as a woman, but perhaps because you’re a lowborn bitch, you don’t understand what I’m saying.”

Chang-

Francello finally drew his sword. His subordinates followed suit. Allen also took a stance, adapting to her swordsmanship, optimized for defense or protection. He wasn’t swayed by crude accusations. Although he was overwhelmingly outnumbered, she was still standing with her back against the wall, so there was no need to worry about attacks from behind.

“Even a knight, she’s still a bitch. Take care of her.”

“Yes!”

As is often the case with villains, the first to rush in wasn’t Franccello, but one of his unnamed subordinates. The corridor wasn’t wide enough for two knights to stand side by side, swinging their swords. The thought of only having to deal with one at a time brought relief. Allen moved his sword, watching it slash down as if it would cleave her to pieces.

She had had a similar experience not long ago. Practice with Edward, the man who had given her her first experience. They had practiced blocking the reckless, one-sided, downward swings of the sword.

It had been exhausting and painful, and the next day, every muscle in her body felt like screaming, but it had been a valuable experience that had sharpened her skills. And now, the same situation had come upon her.

It wasn’t a wooden sword, it was a real sword. It wasn’t practice, it was real combat. But the sword was still coming down to meet her. Just as she had done with Edward, she brought the swords parallel. And very gently, yet quickly. Without any unnecessary movement, using her wrist lightly. Her sole purpose was to deflect the opponent’s attack.

“Whoaak!”

“Huh?”

Clang-

And then the unknown disciple lost his balance and let go of his sword.

…

Silence fell.

“Huh, really. You idiot. You should see me when you’re done.”

Francello’s other subordinate stepped forward, mocking his comrade. Allen felt the attack just now was strangely weak. Even with a real sword, it felt lighter than Edward’s wooden sword. He cautiously charged at another subordinate, taking another stance and parrying the incoming attack. And-

Boom! Clang!

The result was the same. After enduring a few more attacks, Allen became convinced.

“Sir Edward was strangely strong!”