# 68
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The editor-in-chief opened his mouth in astonishment at this unexpected situation.
Investigate news sources? This was unheard of. Even a noble family had to go through legal procedures through the police to verify the sources of the press.
It was not expected that the Clifford family, who relied on their reputation, would act so cruelly.
“Sir, if you do something unprecedented like this, we-”
The editor unconsciously backed down when he tried to stop Kenneth.
Kenneth was smiling kindly.
But this smile made whoever faced him shiver with frightening coldness.
“Just as I did not expect to be suddenly shot at the age of twenty-one, or for my parents to be killed in an explosion...”
“S-sir?”
“No one can be sure what will happen in the next five minutes of their life.”
Kenneth took out his pocket watch and got up from his seat.
“But since I came here, you should have been sure of one thing.”
They should have remembered that he was not a man who rebuilt himf in elegant ways.
It was wrong for them to think they could bargain with him with such cheap writings. It must have looked rusty for a long time.
Kenneth left the building as aides and guards began to chaotically search the office, leaving screaming people in his wake.
This trivial article that the Crown Gazette intended to publish is nothing but bait to upset him. It was a trick that could easily be contained.
His mind was saying so.
If he stayed here steadfastly, there would be nothing he couldn't solve.
If there is something that needs to be checked, contacting Roger will suffice.
'I have to stay here.'
This was the right thing. He can ignore the ridicule of others.
But he gave his instructions to the attendants who followed him in a tone devoid of emotion.
“Deal with this, and let me know immediately after checking.”
"...! Yes, sir. Where are you going?"
“I'm going back south.”
He should have followed his mind, but his heart was telling a different story.
Go now. Look directly at her face.
You will see the end of this relationship.
* * *
Since Kenneth's departure, Ariana has ostensibly been maintaining a quiet life as a duchess.
This included hosting guests in the area appropriately and gradually preparing for the opening ceremony.
But one day, I heard something unexpected from an unwanted person.
It was while inviting Theodora to afternoon tea to see what she was up to.
“I will return to the capital soon.”
Ariana almost made an expression as if she saw something strange at Theodora's statement.
“I thought you would stay until the hotel's opening day, Mrs. Byrne.”
“Ha, should I continue to please you while Kenneth is gone?”
Theodora put down the tea spoon rudely and laughed sarcastically.
But contrary to her mocking appearance, she was internally tense.
'Andrew is making me lose my mind.'
She no longer even called him a prince in her mind.
She expected Amir to be elegant and calmly wait for the right time, but he became even more chaotic. Even his drunken beating of the maids got worse.
If this continues, a corpse may appear soon.
‘But since Kenneth is busy with the matter of the Crown Gazette or the Imperial Council, he will return to the capital for a longer period…’
A letter that imitated Ariana Aberdeen's handwriting would definitely be a big problem.
The news has not yet reached the south, but the Duke's family will be busy internally searching for its source.
'I made sure she wouldn't be followed.'
Theodora ignored her worry and emptied the cup of tea elegantly.
Ariana nodded reluctantly at Theodora's words.
“…Well, it’s unfortunate, but I can’t stop you while you’re busy.”
She had no regrets, but Ariana welcomed the change.
'This is an opportunity.'
When a person is calm, if you attack him, he may revolt, saying, “Why are you attacking me when I didn’t do anything?”
But when it moves, loopholes appear, so the surveillance network might pick up something when Theodora decides to leave.
When Theodora left, Emily quickly opened the umbrella behind Ariana and scoffed.
“This lady came like a storm and she will leave like a storm.”
“Maybe because she feels this place is comfortable.”
She was acting freely because she thought this place was her territory.
But Emily tilted the umbrella towards Ariana and asked cautiously.
“Ma’am, did you feel hot today?”
"What?"
“Your face looks redder than usual...Are you sick?”
Ariana touched her cheek cautiously. She felt a slight rise in heat, as if she belonged to a foreign body.
She wasn't tired of moving, but she felt a little feverish.
once again.
Emily led Ariana towards the bedroom, furrowing her brow.
"Perhaps you are tired. Unfortunately, Dr. Piyali has gone with the Duke... Shall I call for another doctor from the area?"
“...No, I'm fine.”
Ariana smiled deliberately with a bright tone.
"This happens every season. I'm a bit sensitive to these things."
"Ah! So, shall I make you milk tea with honey? With a little ginger?"
“Yes, please. Thank you.”
Ariana knew these symptoms before.
In the morning, she felt exhausted even though she had not stayed up late. It wasn't just that.
A slight fever on the face, not like a cold, and sometimes a strange cramping sensation in the lower abdomen.
She was supposed to start her period, but there was no sign. These early symptoms were enough to be sure.
In the bedroom where the sound of the distant waves was the only sound, Ariana let out a sigh she had been suppressing.
“Ha…”
Her baby girl is back.
She sincerely wanted to be happy, but reality had not yet settled.
Maybe when her body starts to change visibly, it will feel real.
If only this was a state she could happily share and celebrate with others…
'Don't be sad about what is impossible.'
She had to take care of Baby's birth herf, and she felt silly for feeling depressed over something like that.
'This is no time to be sad. Emily almost noticed.'
Since she was with her daily, Emily noticed the changes. But more and more people will find it strange.
They will ask her to visit another doctor here.
'Even if she lied and said her period was late due to exhaustion, it might be found out.'
Of course, there were some things that didn't end here.
See the article Edith Clarke will write against the Empire.
Revealing Theodora's suspicious actions.
But, does this matter?
Or rather, should she see this for herf “here”?
‘I want to see, but… no, I have to prioritize.’
No matter how much she hated the Empire, what was most important to Ariana was her life with Bebe.
In front of the “safety” of her child, her grudge had no meaning.
And now, while Kenneth was stuck in D.C., was the best time to leave.
Ariana slowly got up and looked at the sea through the balcony door.
The pink earrings were shining transparently on the woman's reflection in the window.
“My heart’s desire”
I remembered these words with the tide, but when the waves receded, Saint Colette's words echoed louder.
“Kenneth lived. He forgot your death well. He married a new woman, had more children, and lived a good life until he died.”
When I first heard those words, they were extremely painful.
But now, thinking about it, nothing pushed her forward more than these words.
Kenneth is someone who can be okay even if she dies tragically.
Although the memories of the “good days” passed, it was wrong to be affected by his fluctuations even for a moment.
Ariana took off the earrings and placed them in a box on the dressing table.
She wasn't going to take it with her.
* * *
While staying at the hotel, Ariana had already memorized the routine and movements of the people in her mind.
Her residence was under the strictest security and security, making it impossible to leave in broad daylight.
In the end, she had to leave in the middle of the night.