CH 293

"I can't forgive all your sins. But I can at least relieve you of your worries."

"…"

"If you confess everything, I'll protect your family."

Milton hesitated to answer.

His family was a weakness that Duke Daniel had been holding on to for a long time.

He wouldn't be able to easily believe what he said about protecting them.

Besides, being in the city center…

Milton's face was distorted with all kinds of emotions.

Theon remained silent and gave him time to organize his thoughts.

"My daughter and wife… Where are they?"

"In a safe place, somewhere the Duke can't find them."

"…"

It was obvious that the person he was most afraid of was none other than Duke Daniel.

For more than a dozen years, he must have been trampled and brainwashed so desperately that he could not escape his grasp.

That weapon must have been his family, without a doubt…

The testimonies of the servants who worked at the Duke's mansion went beyond his imagination.

He had no choice but to shake his head at the Duke's viciousness, who had taken advantage of his weakness and stolen not only his mind but also his soul.

So he had no choice but to wait… For him to open the door of his heart and come out into the world.

"Have you made up your mind?"

At Theon's low voice, Milton's anxious eyes disappeared behind his eyelids.

"I can finally ask Young Lady Delia… for forgiveness."

When he finished speaking, a thin stream of tears flowed down his cheeks.

Along with an occasional sobbing sound.

***

The silhouette of a person could be seen over the tall bushes where the grass bugs chirped.

Mason, who was leaning in front of the iron door, quickly moved his eyes as if he felt a presence.

Although he could guess the identity of the tall person at a glance, he needed to be sure.

"Secretary Louis…?"

Mason called the man in a cautious voice.

Soon after, the red hair reflected in the moonlight appeared.

"Secretary…"

Louis smiled at Mason with an aching smile.

As he came closer, Mason patted Louis' shoulder silently.

"I'm very late. I was searching all over the mansion…"

He had a bundle of papers in his hand, consisting of heavy scrolls and parchments tied together.

Louis blurred his words and looked down. With a bitter smile.

Seeing that, Mason shook his head from side to side and waved his hand, unable to hide his tearful eyes.

He couldn't say anything because he knew it wasn't an easy decision.

Mason closed his eyes and cleared up his exasperated feelings.

Then, he opened his mouth with a shallow sigh.

"Let's go… His Highness is waiting for you."

Although he only spoke briefly, he could feel Mason's sentiment towards him.

Louis turned around with a pretty smile, as if it was nothing.

Trudge, trudge.

The detached palace, which he was seeing for the first time, had a unique structure, different from other royal palaces.

With every step he took while going up the stairs, the lamps on the wall lit up in turns.

Louis' blue eyes slowly scanned through the small glowing lights.

As the narrow staircase revealed its end, he noticed Theon sitting in front of the fireplace.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Sit down."

Before Louis could even finish greeting him, Theon's low sinking voice interrupted him.

Trudge, trudge.

With a regular sound of footsteps, Louis stood in front of Theon. Then, he gazed straight down at him.

"This is the entirety of the ledger I mentioned before."

"…"

Louis put down the bundle of papers he was holding in front of Theon.

There was a heavy silence between them for a while.

"You made a big decision. Thank you."

Theon's gray eyes turned to Louis.

He could feel Theon's sincerity in his rough words.

He felt a strong emotion on one side of his chest.

"I'm just correcting the wrong things. Don't thank me… and don't even feel sorry for me."

The corners of Louis' mouth rose after he finished speaking.

He pretended to be fine, but he couldn't hide the glistening eyes beyond his glasses.

It was true that he was afraid of the future to come.

"You won't be able to set foot in the Duke's mansion when dawn comes."

"I am… aware."

"I will provide you with a place to stay near the capital, so you should stay at the community until your residence is ready. I've sent a carrier pigeon to Orhan, so it won't be uncomfortable."

Theon, who had been keeping silent, frowned and spoke.

It was a pity for Louis to pretend to be a grown-up on his own and carry all the burdens.

This level of treatment was planned from the beginning.

Even if it was the right thing to do, he was not only turning his back on enormous wealth, but also his family.

Although he was smiling as if he was fine…

He didn't have to see it to know how deeply distressed he was on the inside.

"You don't have to go that far… because of me. Do it according to the rules. The price of treason is death."

Louis said in a slow voice.

At the same time, Theon's frown deepened.

"Don't be cocky. I can get at least you out. Don't think nonsense and stay at the community for the time being."

"…"

"This is my order as the Crown Prince."

Louis let out a small snort at Theon's adamant voice and nodded silently.

***