Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 200

Patrick spent most of the year in Bertrand territory, and Jeff was busy traveling the continent for his business ventures, leaving little time for romance.

But even during wartime, people find ways to fall in love and have children, so that didn’t seem like a valid excuse.

What truly surprised Adeline was that their parents hadn’t pressured them to settle down.

Adeline herself had been engaged to Shane when she was very young.

Though it was said the engagement came about due to the imperial family’s persuasion and pressure, her parents, the Marquis and Marchioness, had ultimately agreed to it.

The fact that all three siblings had gone through engagements at least once showed their parents weren’t entirely indifferent to their children’s marriages.

And yet, neither the heir nor the second son had married by the time they were over thirty. Even Emma, their mother, didn’t seem to be pressuring them to get married.

“He brought a very young bride-to-be,” Jeff teased.

“Stop saying things that could be misunderstood, Jeff. I was only asked to protect her.”

“You’re the one who volunteered and made the request to the Crown Prince, saying you’d protect her.”

“……”

Patrick’s eyebrow twitched, and Adeline recognized this as one of those ‘moments when he felt like hitting someone,’ as he had once described.

But Jeff’s tongue didn’t seem to know when to stop.

“Still, bringing her to the victim’s house is a bit much, don’t you think?”

“It’s better than the imperial palace.”

“Well, yeah, that’s true. The palace is a cesspool of constant backstabbing and gossip.”

“She won’t be here for long. It’s just a temporary arrangement.”

“Soon, the King of Brubewein will be forced to abdicate over the poisoning incident, and once she goes back, she’ll have nowhere else to go. Then you might be stuck with her for good.”

“I’ll find her a suitable match.”

But attending a few dances and exchanging brief conversations isn’t enough to guarantee someone will take responsibility for her life.

Adeline wanted to ask Patrick about his true intentions or feelings, but she knew that speaking up now might earn her the first smack of her life from him.

She reminded herself that she was an adult. Adults had to act maturely.

“Does this mean I’m finally getting a sister-in-law?”

“…Adeline.”

“Sorry.”

Apologies and gratitude are best delivered promptly.

Trying to change the subject, Adeline asked,

“Are Mother and Father busy?”

Patrick and Jeff exchanged glances.

Gregory was advocating for the execution of the remnants of the Brubewein royal family—specifically Kaitlyn and Princess Mia.

Even though his eldest son had brought one of them into their home, Gregory’s stance hadn’t wavered.

Emma, equally cold-hearted, was persuading Empress Viola and rallying high society around the idea that it was best to leave no potential threats behind.

Both brothers agreed that Kaitlyn should be executed.

Harrison was already dead, though the details of his death would remain hidden from the public.

Officially, Harrison, the imperial guard, had died in a tragic carriage accident on a rainy night several days ago.

His body was swiftly cremated, and no one mourned him.

The Saintess would announce that, while deeply saddened by her husband’s unfortunate death, she would honor his wishes to support her by becoming the Pope instead of holding a funeral. Several articles were already being prepared.

If Adeline wanted to save Kaitlyn, she would have to persuade her parents.

Patrick, who wanted to spare Princess Mia, placed a hand on Adeline’s shoulder.

“Adeline, I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure, Patrick. Anything!”

Jeff bristled.

“Wait a second, I have a favor too!”

“I refuse.”

“You won’t even hear what it is?!”

“That’s how it is.”

Favoritism runs rampant in this world.

As Patrick explained his request, Adeline made a firm resolution.

The ‘ending’ of these characters wouldn’t be as conveniently neat as in a novel. After all, they were real people, and life went on.

But it was clear that everything was gradually coming to a close.

‘I need to finish things too. There’s something I still need to say.’

***

She took a deep breath.

She had racked her brain over how to start the conversation, but what finally came out was…

“Shane. Listen carefully, and don’t be alarmed…”

“What are you about to say?”

Shane’s smile faded as he noticed Adeline’s nervousness. His sapphire eyes glimmered with suspicion and wariness.

“It’s not an affair, a divorce, or a change of heart.”

It’s not a jade mat, marriage, or insurance either…

“Then there’s nothing shocking about it.”

“Exactly… but, well, here’s the thing…”

Who stole my vocabulary?

Adeline shut her eyes tightly and blurted it out.

“I died once.”

Oh, crap. That’s not it.

• Author
• Recent Posts

tangerine

Latest posts by tangerine (see all)