“You’re late, Niklas.”
“…I won’t apologize to you, Wahash.”
Jared, who had been holding Olivier, somehow felt a premonition as he saw Wahash and his grandfather exchange words and then a handshake.
“Hey, hey, could it all be—”
Wahash smiled wryly.
Jared was certain. This entire incident had been orchestrated.
“I didn’t know from the beginning, you see.”
“Duke.”
“Father.”
“Upon hearing that Lord Wahash was Jared’s grandfather and that Liz Murphy had committed suicide, I hesitated about how to tell you. Honestly, I even considered that it would be better if you didn’t know. I myself struggled with how to convey it to you, and in the end, I couldn’t. I’m sorry.”
Jared shook his head at Harald, who was apologizing. He could tell, without him saying it, that the Duke had been thinking of him and couldn’t bring himself to speak. He appreciated the clumsy consideration of his kind and caring fiancé’s father.
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness. While there were indeed painful truths, I’m glad I could learn everything. Besides—Olivier supported me.”
“Olivier, I’m sorry for involving you as well. You protected Jared’s heart well.”
“It is only natural for a fiancé.”
Olivier, tears of relief welling in her eyes upon confirming Jared’s safety, wiped them away. Harald realized how much his daughter had become womanly. She had stubbornly rejected men before. While he bore some of the blame, she had abandoned happiness as a woman and her future, yet tried to protect her mother. But that Olivier was no longer here. It was all thanks to Jared. He would be sad when she eventually left his care, but if there had been no unnecessary troubles, she would have been far away by now. Although there was distance, it was also true that they had had many years together as father and daughter. From now on, he simply wished for his daughter’s happiness, and he was convinced that Jared was the only one who could provide it.
“I would like to ask, setting aside your relationship with Wahash and the truth about Mother, where did Annette and the others’ schemes begin?”
“This too was information from Lord Wahash. Or rather, we had already noticed something suspicious about the Marquis Skinner Family, who were manipulating House Paggio. However, we had no proof, so we couldn’t intervene. If we made a hasty move, it would escalate beyond a dispute between families.”
“I understand.”
If the Ducal Family and the Marquis Family were to clash, the clans responsible for protection and defense would collide with the faction of the Knight Commander. The common people would suffer in such a scenario. Foreign countries might seize this opportunity and try to exploit their nation. Harald’s decision not to act, despite his suspicions, was the right one.
“Just then, we received information from Lord Wahash. It seemed to be a byproduct of his investigation into House Paggio, but it was invaluable information for me. However, while I was contemplating how to make them reveal themselves, Wahash and Niklas came to me with information.”
“And that’s why you did this?”
“I sincerely apologize for using you. However, it was worthwhile. We were able to apprehend the culprits behind the takeover of House Daum, the hostility towards our family, and the death of Liz Murphy.”
In retrospect, it was a good outcome. Nevertheless, the fact that he had been used remained. Furthermore, Olivier had also been in danger during the process, so he couldn’t be entirely overjoyed.
“Dad, you knew too?”
“No, of course not—I couldn’t possibly act.”
“Right. You seem straightforward.”
“…You’ve got some nerve.”
Being able to banter like this with his father might be proof that the resentment had disappeared. He met Olivier’s eyes. She gave him a gentle smile and whispered, in a voice only he could hear, “That’s good.”
“Now, I have something I want to ask the two old men who are the true culprits of this incident.”
“I, too, would be happy to ask, fathers.”
Niklas wore a troubled expression as he was glared at by his grandson and son. Wahash remained unfazed. “Damn old man,” Jared cursed inwardly, but he was sure that even if he said it aloud, the man wouldn’t be bothered.
“Later, all of it— I wish I could say that, but what the Duke has just told you is the whole story.”
“Why did Wahash fight me?”
“Partly because I wanted to test myself against you, but it was also a bet with Niklas. I still want to kill Annette and the others. However, Niklas and the others want them to be judged. The outcome is the same, but the process is different. Therefore, by fighting you, Jared, and confirming your intentions, I decided whether to spare Annette or kill her.”
“In other words?”
“Annette will be judged, not killed. I’m fine with losing.”
“Really?”
“I mean it. If I were to insist on my way by fighting you further, Liz would surely scold me.”
Jared couldn’t help but feel that perhaps Wahash had never intended to kill Annette and the others in the first place. While he couldn’t forgive Annette or Viscount Paggio, and might have been tempted to take action, he had never considered taking the lives of Rex, Claire, or Rena. Perhaps he had only used them to fight his grandson and gauge his intentions. He knew he probably wouldn’t get a straight answer if he pressed further, but Jared decided to believe that. It was better that way.
“Husband!”
“Father!”
Carina and Roik came running from the mansion. Johan also approached them and embraced them. Roik ran straight towards his father— Johan, who would not have normally embraced a child, now opened his arms wide, embraced, and lifted him. Roik rejoiced with delight, while Carina, as if surprised, brought a hand to her mouth. Then, tears flowed. Johan, noticing her as he did, gave a slight, embarrassed smile before conceding and saying just one thing,
“I’m sorry for everything.”
Carina shook her head, still in tears, and she too was embraced by Johan.
“Now Roik and Mother will be alright too.”
Johan would surely be a good father from now on. If not, Jared vowed to kick him.
“That’s wonderful, Jared.”
“Yes, truly.”
“I’m sure Mother would praise you too. As her proud, admirable son.”
Tears welled up at Olivier’s words, but he held them back.
“You’re so stubborn. You can cry if you want to,” she said.
“No, I’m just happy. Olivier, I have one request.”
“Anything.”
“Please praise me for my mother too.”
Jared, determined not to cry, said this with a mischievous grin. Olivier looked slightly surprised but quickly smiled with affection and replied,
“Of course. I’ll praise you a lot. You did wonderfully, Jared— you are my pride.”
She embraced him tightly with her slender arms. His body ached from Wahash’s ill-treatment, but his heart felt warmer. Filled with the realization that everything was over and the warmth of his loved ones, Jared welcomed the approaching fatigue as he hugged Olivier back.
