“Frankly speaking, it’s a relief that the other consorts, who were desperately vying for succession, have quieted down thanks to Cornelia’s incident coming to light. This allows me to focus on Cornelia.”
The consorts must have also realized that the Duke was not just a gentle and sweet man. His relentless sentencing of Cornelia, who had been the most powerful consort after Hannelore left the mansion and was also his childhood friend, likely showed them the fate of those who crossed a line that should never be crossed.
“My father-in-law was always lenient with Cornelia, but I never expected him to defend her in this matter,” the Duke admitted.
“And what was their response?” Olivier asked.
“They asked for her punishment to be lightened, otherwise they said they couldn’t hand over their daughter,” the Duke replied, his expression bitter. Olivier and Jared were speechless. They found it astonishing that the other party would demand a lighter punishment, even for the sake of their daughter, after she had attempted to take someone’s life.
“Father, what do you intend to do with Cornelia?” Yeny inquired.
“Naturally, I will punish her severely. Since Tobias is being removed as a candidate for successor and Emilia will also receive a suitable punishment, I cannot possibly forgive Cornelia, who committed the gravest offense. Ideally, I would charge her with attempted murder, but the only evidence is Pfeil’s testimony. He has agreed to testify, but doing so would mean he too would be judged.”
The Duke felt a certain obligation to Pfeil, who had defended the mansion in Jared’s stead when Yeny was kidnapped. Although Pfeil had once tried to take Hannelore’s life, Hannelore had forgiven him, and seeing them now living together and looking happy, the Duke couldn’t help but feel conflicted. Nevertheless, to avoid upsetting Hannelore’s smile, he did not want anything that would lead to Pfeil’s judgment. While the Duke had a soft spot for those he cared for, this time that softness was for his wife, making his decision understandable. Jared himself found it undesirable for Pfeil, with whom he had once allied, to be judged by a third party. If judgment were to come, he wished to be the one to pass it. This would also be a way to fulfill their promise of a rematch.
“Had Hanne been harmed, I would have judged Cornelia myself. However, considering that Hanne herself has forgiven her, I plan to confine Cornelia to her estate. She will only be allowed to meet with a select few and will be kept from all information. Tobias and Emilia will only be allowed to visit her once a month.”
“…I’m astounded. Mother, you’ve forgiven Cornelia?” Olivier asked, incredulous.
“Yes. Hanne has forgiven Cornelia, but more than that, she doesn’t want to hold grudges against Olivier or Emilia,” the Duke replied.
“Grudges?” Olivier questioned.
The Duke nodded at Olivier’s perplexed voice. “If I were to disregard Hanne’s plea and condemn Cornelia, I would not want to say this in front of my daughter, but it would mean execution. She attempted to take a life and sent assassins multiple times, so it would be unavoidable, whether it became public or not. However, if I did that, Tobias and Emilia might resent you for it, even though it would be their own fault. Not just you, but also Jared, Trane, and me.”
“Mother…”
“If you want to give Emilia a chance, you cannot execute Cornelia. Emilia, who exposed her parent’s crime, would undoubtedly feel guilt. If possible, I would like to avoid that as well. Therefore, she will live, but that’s all.”
Jared felt a chill run down his spine at the Duke’s stern voice. Undeniably, Duke Alway harbored anger towards his consort, Cornelia. However, he was attempting to swallow his rage for Hannelore’s sake and for the future of his daughters. Still, he couldn’t possibly swallow all of it, and that anger would manifest in Cornelia’s confinement. While “confinement” sounded reasonable, it was likely to be imprisonment. Even if he showed a sliver of leniency towards Cornelia at this moment, the more she resisted being captured alongside her father, the more that compassion would fade. While her life might be spared, a life indistinguishable from death was easily imaginable.
“But Cornelia is no longer the priority. The problem is Emilia. It’s true that Cornelia’s incident came to light thanks to her. However, what she did to Olivier for so long, as well as overlooking Cornelia’s actions and even attempting to assist her once, are undeniable facts. That being said, as Olivier mentioned, I want to give her a chance.” Although she hadn’t committed the same heinous acts as her mother, her long-standing mistreatment of Olivier had been revealed, necessitating punishment. However, as she was still young and had reformed her ways, Olivier did not oppose the parental desire to give Emilia a chance.
“What do you think?” the Duke asked.
“I think it’s fine. I don’t particularly care about the rumors spread about me. If Mother can forgive Cornelia, then I can forgive Emilia too. Actually, there was one thing I couldn’t forgive—”
“And what was that?”
“That my engagement dragged Jared into this. And Yeny too. But since Jared and Yeny said they don’t mind, it’s alright now.”
“Jared… As Emilia’s father, I apologize to you again. I’m sorry. And thank you for saying you don’t mind,” the Duke said.
“No,” Jared replied curtly.
Jared’s mind flashed to Emilia, whom he had met recently. He was grateful for her taking risks for him and Yeny, and for sending Pfeil. In any case, since Cornelia had requested his services, they had clashed with Waalthe and Rosa Roen, so her reinforcements were indeed appreciated. Furthermore, Pfeil had kept his promise and protected the mansion, Olivier, Hannelore, and Trane. He couldn’t thank him enough. Yeny had also mentioned that Emilia had looked out for her when she was captured, and there was no sign of her harboring any resentment towards her. Therefore, Jared had no objection to giving Emilia a chance now that she had reformed.
“Regarding Emilia, I intend for her to attend school until graduation under supervision. Whether it’s fortunate or not, I’m unsure, but this incident was handled discreetly and has not become a rumor. I have no intention of allowing it to become one.” The retainers who had sided with Cornelia had already been apprehended and dealt with. Seeing the Duke’s stern response, no retainer would be foolish enough to relay information about this matter to anyone. His concern lay with the other consorts and Cornelia’s paternal family. However, the other consorts would not want the Alway Ducal Family’s position to be jeopardized because of Cornelia, nor would Cornelia’s family wish to spread rumors about their daughter’s disgrace. Therefore, it should be possible to avoid rumors as much as possible.
“Of course, when she is not attending school, she will be confined to her room. Without such measures, Emilia’s position would be precarious.”
“I suppose so. Regarding Emilia, is Cornelia’s family saying anything?”
“No. My father-in-law seems content as long as his daughter is safe. In fact, he seems displeased with the grandson who exposed his daughter to danger. It’s truly foolish, in my opinion. In reality, Cornelia’s siblings are desperately trying to expel her from the mansion.” This meant that everyone except Cornelia’s father was acting rationally.
“Naturally. I intend to handle this as peacefully as possible to avoid causing further trouble, but if our Ducal Family were to get serious, Cornelia’s family would be no match for us. The only reason we aren’t doing so is that we have no intention of punishing anyone other than Cornelia. However, if my father-in-law were to needlessly protect her, I would have to take action. And Cornelia’s siblings are afraid of that.” Sooner or later, Cornelia would be expelled from the mansion by her own family, the Duke asserted. Even if her father tried to protect her, if her siblings were trying to drive her out, she would have no place even within her own family. While she might brazenly refuse to leave, if the family, unwilling to incur the wrath of the Ducal Family, were to bring down her only ally, her father, Cornelia would have no options left.
“Regarding Emilia, I understand. What are your plans for her after graduation?”
“There are three years until graduation. If she can grow significantly in those three years, I will show her a path then. For now, as she is reflecting on her actions, I don’t want to prematurely narrow her future possibilities.”
“I agree, that sounds like the best approach. Also, if it’s possible, I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“Though it may sound strange to forgive Emilia, thinking of the future, please allow me to meet with her.”
Happy New Year. I wish you a healthy and prosperous year ahead.
