Chapter 188: The Road to Hell Part II

Chapter 188: The Road to Hell Part II



It took every ounce of inner strength Heidi could muster within herself not to lash out at the man seated in front of her. She might not have known for certain that Luitpold was the one who had orchestrated the hit on her mother, but she was aware he was a von Wittelsbach and the current acting head of the ancient dynasty.

He had also held this position for many years. As a result, it took only the slightest logical deduction to put two and two together. Sure, Heidi had the resources to track down who had been responsible for her mother's death, but she had long since resigned herself not to seek vengeance.

Thus, while she stared at the Prince Regent of Bavaria with a hate-filled gaze so intense it could devour a thousand star systems if it could manifest into some form of psychokinetic flame, she ultimately stayed her hand and bit her tongue, speaking only in the most curt terms as she demanded an explanation for his visit.

"I'm waiting for an explanation..."

Prince Luitpold wore a sincere and sorrowful expression as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, which he handed over with the most respectful posture he could manage-a posture conveying his deepest apologies with a bow of his head.

"My Lady... No... Your Highness, Princess Heidi von Zehntner, I know my words will never suffice to mend the pain and sorrow I have caused you. I am a sinner in the eyes of the Lord and a foolish old man who has sullied myself and my dynasty to fulfill the request of an errant member of my house.

In doing so, I deprived you of your only parent. I know I can never earn your forgiveness for how horrifically I have wronged you, especially now that I am one foot in the grave. And because of this, I would never be so rude as to request your mercy. Instead, I offer only my deepest apologies and sincerest condolences.

I have few regrets in this life. Even with the things I have done, many of which Christ would find abhorrent, I did them for the sake of my house and the legacy of my family. But if there is one regret I have, it is what I did to you and your mother-two people who did not deserve the cruelty of my family.

It was a flagrant abuse of my power to do what I did to you and your mother. And because of this, I can only offer this token as recompense, even though I know such a trinket means nothing in comparison to the grief you must have endured losing a parent..."

Heidi's eyes opened wide as Luitpold opened the velvet box to reveal the treasure inside. When it came to orders of chivalry, there were two types:

Those intended for men, typically granted for gallant acts on the battlefield or significant contributions in fields like politics, arts, and science, and those meant solely for noblewomen.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Few kingdoms had more than one order for noblewomen, as they were generally considered less important than those issued to men. However, Bavaria had two such orders, and one was second only to the highest order of merit or chivalry the kingdom offered.

What if she could transform such vile emotions into some kind of good for the world? Suddenly enlightened, Heidi's expression became rather meek and embarrassed as she tugged on Bruno's sleeve, an act she hadn't done since they were children.

The man in question was too focused on conversing with his children to notice the sudden shift in his wife's behavior. He assumed it was one of his daughters or possibly his sons tugging so childishly at his sleeve, until he looked over to see it was none other than Heidi, bashfully averting her gaze, almost as if embarrassed by what she was about to say.

Bruno could only raise his brow, questioning her attitude.

"Hmmm? Is something wrong, dear?"

Heidi felt like Bruno was about to laugh and mock her for what she was about to suggest. But she needed his support if she was truly going to let go of the past and embrace her role as a proper noble lady of virtue. Because of this, she stammered slightly as she tried to voice her

innermost thoughts.

"I... I... Ummm..."

Bruno hadn't seen her act so timidly since they were small children. Because of this, he knew whatever was on her mind was serious-something he could in no circumstances make light of. She was usually a confident woman, even in the face of others' mockery.

But whatever Luitpold had said to her had clearly struck a nerve and caused her to question herself. So Bruno took his wife's dainty hand in a firm, supportive grip, letting her know he was there for her, both through this gesture and with his words.

"Heidi, whatever it is you need to say to me, just know I will always support you, no matter

what it is..."

Bruno suspected the worst had come over her after her encounter with the man who had killed her mother. Thus, he was flabbergasted when she blurted out a selfless desire that he found

completely unexpected.

"Bruno, I want to open a charity with a portion of our family fortune!"