Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Observing Iona with her impassive, death-like demeanor, Nils felt a sudden chill run down his spine.

He cant believe she was successful.

It was as if she had already attempted to kill him once.

If not, it seemed like a declaration of her resolve to make it happen no matter what.

Nils tried to dismiss it as an absurd thought, but he couldnt completely shake off the ominous premonition that had settled in his mind.Fôllôw new stories at novelhall.com

With a wavering voice, he barely managed to ask.

You, you... Did you plan this from the very beginning? So you could... me...

Ive always been disappointed that you couldnt see my true intentions, Nils.

Iona interrupted without hesitation.

If Nils had realized the seriousness of the situation and called for Hayden sooner, Iona might have found herself in a bit of a predicament. She would have had to devise other secondary plans to tie Haydens hands.

But Nils was too preoccupied with covering up his own mistakes, leading to this very outcome.

The situation had now festered beyond repair.

The royal familys response was the most crucial issue in this matter.

Depending on whether the royal family chose to overlook this or not, the fate of the Modrov family would be drastically different.

In this regard, it was nearly impossible for Nils and Hayden to escape their predicament, especially since Iona had recruited the crown prince himself, a key figure in the royal family.

Although Hayden had once been closely associated with the Empress, that was now a thing of the past.

After the Empress began avoiding public appearances and secluded herself in the inner palace, she no longer interacted with Hayden as frequently as before.

It was natural for Hayden to lose his former glory.

Instead, Hayden had tried to make a comeback by placing Iona under the princes wing, but even his own daughter turned her back on him, unable to withstand the persecution, making it difficult to seek help.

Rather than receiving help, you will face retaliation.

Iona thought to herself, letting out an involuntary snicker.

Was that taken as a mockery?

Nils glared at Iona fiercely as he raised his head.

His eyes glinted with murderous intent.

You think you can play me and get away with it! Ill kill you. Once Im free, youll be the first one I kill!

Nils thrashed about as if he intended to put his words into action right then and there.

It was a foolish endeavor. If Iona were to face any danger in the future, everyone present would suspect Nils first and foremost.

Above all, Nils was not the kind of strongman who could easily shake off the two stalwarts binding him.

His final struggle was in vain. He couldnt lay a finger on Iona.

Saskia, looking at Nils who was howling like an animal with a disgusted expression, soon pretended to cover her ears.

With an annoyed tone, she ordered her subordinates.

Theres no point in any more talk. If hes been secured, load him onto the carriage for transport.

Following Saskias command, the knights moved more swiftly.

The knights who had firmly bound Haydens wrists forced him to his feet.

As his son was dragged outside, Hayden, looking back and forth between his bound hands and his son, cried out desperately to Iona.

Especially since there was likely no one more eager than Iona to erase the Modrov surname from her name.

Iona responded to his patronizing attitude as if dousing it with cold water.

Count, do not assume that the Modrov name was ever an object of my desire. Indeed, there was a time when I sought your approval, but that was only because I was too young back then, and Id like to excuse those embarrassing actions as such.

Haydens eyes wavered.

He could sense it wasnt hard to predict.

No matter how he tried to persuade her, Iona would not reverse her previous decision, because she had been planning and hoping for all this for a very long time.

Let me put it more simply for you to understand, Count. I am confident that there is no one who desires the decline and downfall of Modrov more than I do. So, you cannot persuade me with talk of this familys history or glory. Please dont feel wronged. All of this is...

Iona paused momentarily, savoring the moment as she looked at the defeated figure before her.

After fully observing Haydens face filled with fear and astonishment, she whispered softly.

Its because you raised me not as a daughter, but as an enemy.

***

He couldnt pinpoint where it had all gone wrong.

Wasnt I supposed to leave the capital?

Yes, if he hadnt stayed in the capital, perhaps there might have been a chance for resolution.

It shouldnt have been Nils to be set as the heir.

From the start, the position of heir was too significant a responsibility to be entrusted to Nils.

He should have taken more time to consider, instead of being pushed by circumstances into a hasty decision.

Yes, that too was because of that girls persuasion. Was it from that moment?

He should have secured a weakness to prevent any possibility of betrayal.

Hayden repeated the same thoughts over and over, finally covering his face with his hands in despair.

From what he had gathered through some investigation, the current situation was not just unfavorable to him but was moving in a malicious direction.

The royal family seemed intent on picking him apart to the bone, eagerly finding fault with him at every turn.

Just today, he was forced to revisit his dishonorable past actions.

I cant just die like this.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, the chill in the locked room made it easy to cool his overheated brain.

After spending some time with his head against the wall and his eyes closed, Hayden stood up.

It was clear whom he needed to seek out at a time like this.

Approaching the door, Hayden grasped the bars and glanced beyond them.

Hayden said with a hint of sarcasm.

Seems like all the faces guarding me are too familiar.

Even within the ranks of the royal knights, factions formed depending on whom they served.

Having observed the knights rotating on guard duty for several days, Hayden was certain that the Empress was monitoring him.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

[ TN: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read 5 chapters ahead of the release: /YourNoona

Join Our Discord for regular updates, and have fun with other community members: /invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]