The moment Jared and Johan left the room, Karina burst into tears and repeated her apologies in front of Olivier.
Supported by her son, Karina, shedding tears, trembled with joy that she could finally reveal the death of Liz Murphy, which she had kept hidden for so long. She was also overjoyed that Jared, whom she had raised with affection despite deceiving him, still called her “Mother.”
No matter how much she was threatened, Karina was undoubtedly responsible for Liz’s death. Yet, Jared, who not only continued to call her mother but also treated Roik as his older brother, was saved by her in a way only she could understand.
It must have been difficult for Jared to call Karina mother.
“I’m sorry, Jared. Thank you.”
She offered words of gratitude to the other son who was no longer there. She had to say them, even knowing they wouldn’t reach him.
Olivier’s heart ached seeing Karina’s tears.
She was his fiancé’s mother-in-law, the one who had raised Jared with love. In time, she would become his mother-in-law as well.
He saw his own stubborn self, who had long protected his mother, reflected in Karina, who had endured difficult and painful times because of Annette Paggio.
“Mother-in-law—”
“…Yes.”
“I am truly grateful to you for raising Jared into such a kind person.”
Accepting his sincere gratitude, Karina sobbed even harder.
***
Jared and Johan didn’t bother knocking and kicked open Annette’s door.
“W-What is it?!”
Inside the room were not only Annette but also her son Rex, her daughter Claire, who would be the eldest daughter of the Daum Barony, and her cousin Rena Daum.
The four were greatly surprised by Jared’s sudden appearance with Johan. It was understandable, as Jared rarely acted with his father. However, they likely had no idea that the father and son were acting together because of them.
“You—”
“Answer truthfully, Annette. If I find out you’ve lied even once—I will banish not only you but also Rex and Claire from this mansion and disown you.”
In other words, death would await them. This last ultimatum might have been his final consideration as a husband.
“What are you talking about…”
Annette was bewildered by Johan’s serious expression, unlike anything she had seen before.
“Annette, you threatened Karina and forced her to kill Liz, didn’t you?”
“—Wh-What?! How could I possibly do something so dreadful! Even you have limits to what you can say!”
Annette’s voice rose in anger, but Jared didn’t miss the slight widening of her eyes and her momentary shock. At the same time, he knew it was futile to point it out. He understood that Annette, who didn’t get her own hands dirty but threatened Karina, would never admit guilt. Still, protecting Annette from Wahash was to ensure she wasn’t judged by the methods of an assassination organization.
“You threatened Roik and used Karina to poison Liz, didn’t you?”
“I did not!”
“Then let me rephrase. Do you remember when I intended to entrust Jared to an acquaintance?”
“Yes, I remember. I made the arrangements. But I never expected Jared to be attacked and go missing before that.”
*You say that well,* Jared thought inwardly, while Annette remained outwardly unfazed.
“I thought so too, which is why I didn’t blame anyone. However, I received information that you sent Jared to an illegal facility. Do you have anything to say about that?”
“I don’t know who told you that, but it’s absurd! I knew you were searching for Jared. I was honestly wondering why, but if I had known, I would have told you.”
“Is that so…”
Annette continued to deny it. Since the information came solely from Wahash, Jared was frustrated that he couldn’t present any concrete evidence. However, despite her desperate denials, he could sense her agitation, not confusion. If she were confused, he’d understand she was wondering why she was being asked these things. But her agitation suggested she was hiding something, perhaps wondering why this was coming up now.
Indeed, Annette was slightly sweating. Rex and the others looked stunned, not understanding what was happening, so they were clearly not involved and hadn’t been told anything. At least this would protect his younger siblings, even if they disliked him.
“About two years ago, a subordinate of mine involved in Jared’s matter resigned, citing poor health, but now works for your family, the Paggio Viscountcy, correct?”
“Y-Yes, I felt remorse too, and he couldn’t stay in this mansion due to his guilt over letting Jared act alone. I felt sorry for him and asked my father to hire him. Is there a problem?”
“No, if that’s the reason, then it can’t be helped. Then, lastly—is it true that the Paggio Viscountcy is trying to take over the Daum Barony?”
Annette visibly widened her eyes in shock at Johan’s question.
“Wh-What are you…”
“This is information from a reliable source. It states that you became my consort under the orders of the Paggio Viscountcy, who betrayed the Alway Ducal Family’s faction, and that they are trying to take over the Daum Barony. In the process, they plotted to kill Liz, who was in the way, threatened Karina, gained leverage over her, and finally, even tried to eliminate Jared.”
The children and their cousin showed shocked expressions at the accusations against Annette. Jared couldn’t tell if they were unaware of everything or if they were surprised that their mother had dabbled in such dark deeds more than they knew. However, only Rena looked at Jared with teary eyes. They made eye contact once, but she looked away without saying anything.
“I was foolish not to notice, but frankly, I’m impressed you went this far. Beyond anger, I’m even in awe.”
“It’s a misunderstanding! I, no, my father is not involved in anything you’ve said!”
“Is that the truth? Can I believe you?”
“Of course. I am your wife. We have two children. I would never do anything to harm you, or rather, the Daum Barony. Besides, Liz and Jared’s deaths were unfortunate accidents. I had nothing to do with them.”
Annette continued to assert her innocence. Frustratingly, without evidence, he couldn’t convict her unless she admitted guilt. However, Wahash would have the evidence—or so he thought. But Wahash intended to eradicate everyone involved, with or without evidence. If Annette had admitted her guilt, it might have been possible to place her in protective custody, but that seemed unlikely.
“You truly aren’t involved, are you? You have no connection?”
“Of course! Do you think it’s fair to doubt me when I keep denying it? Just as a wife should believe her husband, a husband should believe his wife. Even as a consort, I find this treatment unfair!”
“Is that so… Then all is well. I apologize for doubting you.”
“No, I had reason to believe you were still troubled by Liz’s death. It’s understandable to want to suspect someone. I don’t know who told you about threatening Karina or Jared’s situation, but please don’t take it too seriously.”
Annette let out a sigh of relief, unnoticed by Johan, but Jared saw it clearly. He knew she was lying without needing to ask. More than anger, he was disappointed by her lack of acting skills.
“By the way, who was the fool who fed you such nonsense? If you’ll permit me, I’ll take care of them?”
“Liz’s father.”
“—What?”
Annette was speechless. She couldn’t understand what Johan had said, or rather, she didn’t want to, and froze.
“You know him, right? The Assassination Organization Waalthe.”
“Y-Yes, I thought it was just a tall tale, but if you know it, does that mean it’s real?”
“It is real. And Liz’s father is the leader of Waalthe.”
“…W-Wh-What did you say?”
“Did you not hear me? Liz’s father is a man named Wahash, the leader of Waalthe. He is the only man who has fought my father on the battlefield multiple times and defeated him.”
Annette may not have known if Waalthe was real, but she must have heard rumors. Now, learning that the continent’s greatest assassination organization truly existed and was led by Liz Murphy’s father, Wahash, her feelings must have been in turmoil. It wasn’t Jared’s imagination that she was trembling.
“My father-in-law was investigating Liz’s death. In the process, he discovered that everything is connected. He has declared he will kill everyone involved and their associates. If he said it, he can do it.”
“B-But I didn’t do anything! I wasn’t even involved!”
“I know. Then stand tall. My father-in-law is cautious and a man of integrity. If you truly are not involved, he will do nothing to you. Rest assured.”
Hearing Johan’s words, his children felt relieved. No one wanted to be caught up in it and die while being innocent. However, Annette’s trembling didn’t stop.
“What’s wrong?”
“N-No, nothing—but, what if, just in case, Liz’s father mistakes me for someone involved and attacks me, will you protect me, my husband?”
“Of course. However, don’t get your hopes too high.”
“What do you mean?!”
“I don’t know anyone who can defeat my father-in-law. Even if my father and I, and Jared, were to face him together, I don’t know if we could win… But don’t worry. If you are truly not involved, my father-in-law will understand. With that said, I’ll ask again. You are truly not involved in Liz’s death, are you?”
Johan threatened them with the danger of death, giving them one last chance. However,
“Stop asking me! I have nothing to hide!”
Annette brushed aside the offered hand.
“…Is that so. I understand. I apologize for doubting you.”
Disappointment was visible on Johan’s face as he said that. Perhaps if she had admitted her guilt, he would have forgiven her. But he no longer appeared to have any intention of doing so.
“Let’s go, Jared.”
“Hey, wait, where are we going?”
“Just come along.”
His arm grabbed, Jared was forcibly pulled out of the room. Just before the door closed, he saw Annette’s pale face and met eyes with Rena, who was filled with anxiety. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but before she could, the door shut.
“Hey! What do you think you’re doing! If we leave it like this, Wahash will kill us!”
“I gave you a chance to atone. But Annette insisted on playing ignorant until the end.”
“Even so, your children will all be killed too!”
“I warned you! If you truly cared about your children, you would have sacrificed your own life to protect them. But you didn’t do that.”
“Don’t you say that! No matter how hopeless that woman is, you’re their father! Protect your children!”
Jared clenched his fist in anger at Johan when,
“Stop it, Jared!”
A quiet but strong voice halted his movement.
“…Olivier.”
“Honestly, what a pair of incorrigible parents. It was good I came to check on you.”
Olivier, looking at them with a somewhat troubled expression, sighed at the father and son who were on the verge of a clash.
