Chapter 152: Decision
“Sigren, now that you’ve grown up, you’re getting married soon.”
Sigren barely held back a frown at his biological father’s words. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“There are still many things I lack.”
“You’re not. You can take pride in yourself as a member of the imperial family.”
Recently, the emperor had been trying to meddle in Sigren’s affairs. It seemed he wanted to act as a parent, but from Sigren’s perspective, it was just disgusting.
“The empress also mentioned it. Ah, she said you’re close to Lady Heilon?”
So it was the empress who had been whispering in his ear.
The moment Fiona’s name was mentioned, Sigren went on the defensive.
“Because I’ve known her for a long time.”
But Sigren understood the situation. The emperor didn’t think highly of the Heilon family. If he defended Fiona in front of the emperor, he could end up in trouble.
“Well, that Heilon family has a lot of problems… I even heard that the young lady is an adopted daughter.”
The emperor continued, clearly displeased. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Also, Duke Abel is a cunning man. He must be trying to marry you off to his adopted daughter, planting ideas in your head, young man.”
Sigren resisted the urge to point out that Abel had the opposite attitude.
“You are too young and capable to be involved with him. From now on, this father will take good care of things.”
Sigren wanted to say he didn’t need that, but now wasn’t the time to earn the emperor’s enmity.
“I can decide my own marriage.”
“Abel Heilon, I really don’t know what kind of things he’s been telling you, but when you meet his daughter, you shouldn’t be swayed by fleeting feelings.”
No matter how much Sigren tried to reason with the emperor, it was no use. The emperor believed that everything his son said was merely a reflection of the cunning Duke Abel Heilon’s influence.
The emperor spoke solemnly, “Not only must your partner come from a good family with a strong lineage, but she also needs to be trustworthy. If you like Lady Heilon, I’ll allow you to have fun in moderation, like your brother.”
This time, Sigren couldn’t prevent his expression from hardening. Did the emperor just tell him to play with women and then discard them like his half-brother Enoch?
‘This is nonsense.’ Sigren struggled to contain his disgust and barely held back his anger. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me.” However, as soon as Sigren left the drawing room, he ran into the empress. It was clear that today was a bad day.
“It looks like your conversation with His Majesty went well.”
‘As expected, this woman stirred the pot.’
“As you can see, yes.”
Sigren glared at her, but the empress laughed as if she couldn’t care less.
“Don’t look at me like that. It’s just a momentary feeling anyway. Or are you trying to use Heilon’s influence to support your greedy desires?”
“I don’t think that’s your concern. Why don’t you take better care of your son instead?”
The mention of the crown prince made the empress’s face flush with anger. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Impudent! You’re just a rat running away like your mother!”
Instead of rising to the provocation, Sigren chuckled. “Yes, I am that rat.”
He continued coldly, “But I’m a different rat from before. Now, I am the rat who will send you to my mother’s place. No, not just you, but everyone involved in her death.”
Sigren turned away. If he pushed any further, he would reach the limit of his patience. “You’d better be prepared to beg for mercy from the women you’ve wronged.”
The empress’s face turned cold and rigid at his declaration of intent to rid himself of her.
“I saw Lady Fiona on my way.”
“….”
“You’ll have to wait and see how far your feelings will take you.”
Sigren didn’t turn back or stop his stride. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
***
Fiona stared at the bouquet she had just received. ‘Who was it from?’
The man had introduced himself as the second son of a count. After handing her the bouquet, he had simply walked away.
‘Should I throw it away?’
But it was a gift, and she felt it would be wrong to discard it. Besides, the flowers were innocent.
“Fiona?”
She looked up at the familiar voice. “Sig.”
“A bouquet?”
Fiona hesitated, feeling guilty about not mentioning that a certain man liked her. But she didn’t really have anything to say about it either. “I… received it.”
“A man?” Sigren quickly guessed.
Fiona finally nodded slightly.
Sigren’s gaze remained fixed on the bouquet. The empress’s earlier words were particularly unsettling. “Do you like flowers?”
“So-so.” Fiona thought flowers were pretty, but she had never been particularly fond of them. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Sigren nodded, as if that was what he had expected. Fiona may not have realized it, but many people were watching her due to her status as the daughter of a duke, especially as the heiress of the Heilon family. ‘Some people really think they can do whatever they want as long as they’re alive.’
“If I were to challenge him to a duel…”
“Huh?”
“I’m wondering whether I should keep the other person alive if I challenge them to a duel.”
Fiona flinched. “You want to challenge the person who gave me the bouquet to a duel?!”
“Only in case of emergency.”
“If you fought him, he would lose everything.” Fiona sighed deeply. First Abel, now Sigren—why did everyone think about ending others? In the end, she had no choice but to prevent the bloodshed.
“I can handle this.”
“Really?” Sigren felt uneasy about the empress’s earlier words and actions. She must be up to something. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Meanwhile, Fiona patted his chest casually. “Of course. Don’t underestimate the prowess you gain from being in Heilon.”
“I’m anxious,” Sigren sighed. He ran his hand through Fiona’s hair and then stroked her cheek, rubbing it gently with his large hand. Seeing Fiona reassured him, but the emperor’s words echoed in his mind, making his stomach churn.
‘Used in moderation?’
It was all nonsense. He’d rather it be her using him, then throwing him away. And if that happened, he wouldn’t stand still; he would run after her and beg her to use him again and again.
“Should we throw away this bouquet?”
“Well, it’s fine…”
It’s not like he had any regrets.
When Sigren extended his hand, Fiona obediently passed the flowers to him.
“I’ll ask the maid to throw it away.”
“Do what you want,” Fiona replied. As always, she didn’t seem to care much either way. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
***
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