45 - 50

< — Damian — > (16)

"The family registering process isn't that complicated so it should be done within a day or two."

"I see…"

Lucia's heart fluttered. Damian was really becoming her son. Now that Damian was on the register, he was family now. It wasn't an adoption but an entry as a biological child so their relationship couldn't be dissolved.

Even if she divorced her husband, her son in the family register was forever her son. She couldn't claim custody rights over Damian as she had already handed over those right but whether or not she had those rights would not affect their mother-son relationship.

"He's my son…"

"That is correct. He's you son so you can do as you like. Can bully him if you want."

"…Hah? You are such a bad father."

Lucia's eyes widened and she criticized him.

"What?"

"Are you trying to persuade me to be the evil stepmother now?"

Her word choice made him laugh.

"Do you have the ability to be hard on him?" (Hugo)

"What do you mean?"

"I mean it'll be the boy causing you distress instead."

"Damian will not cause me distress. You still don't know Damian, he's such a nice child."

Hugo chuckled lightly. Even if the boy looked meek and docile, he was of Taran blood. His brother seemed like the kindest person one could ever meet but had enough malice to murder his biological father.

"Plus he's your son."

Lucia thought she had mumbled that to herself but when he fixed an odd gaze on her, she realized she had spoken out loud.

"…to whom do you have faith in?" (Hugo)

"…Damian…who is very much…like you." (Lucia)

He moved closer placing his head close to Lucia's face. Then he spoke in a subdued tone as though making a threat.

"If he is like me then you should be more careful. Haven't you heard the rumors about me?"

"…rumors that you drink blood?"

"…What?"

Lucia was flustered. She didn't mean to say that but the words suddenly escaped from her mouth.

"Ah, erm… I mean…the rumors of you…"

"Say that I drink blood?"

Hugo studied her face as she nodded her head then he turned towards her, took her into his arms and buried his head in her shoulder. Then he began to laugh.

Thanks to Fabian's constant reports, Hugo knew all sorts of rumors concerning himself but as for someone telling him directly that he drinks blood? She was the first.

"I know it's just a rumor."

Lucia's face was burning with shame and she gave an excuse.

"It's not completely a lie. When at war, sometimes one has no choice but to take it in."

"Ah…I see…"

"Were you curious about that?"

"No…maybe a little…but that was a long time ago. I definitely don't think about that now."

He just kept on laughing. Lucia was glad he wasn't offended but she didn't think her words were that funny. She just couldn't understand his laughing code.

"What of other rumors?"

"…I don't know."

"You are really such a daring woman. What were you thinking asking a blood-drinking monster to marry you?"

Listening to his teasing, Lucia blushed in silence. Since she was the one that misspoke, she couldn't say anything.

"Is it really okay if I meddle with things concerning Damian?"

"Do as you like."

"You told me not to last time."

"When did I?"

"You said, 'Although it's nice and cute, don't go over the line'."

"Like I said, when did I?"

Lucia blinked, studying his expression which had 'what in the world are you talking about?' written all over it. His expression was telling her that he really had never said that before.

Lucia carefully scoured her memory. When she thought about it, he really did not use the expression 'go over the line'. But he did say something like that.

She'd had a hunch about something and had been wanting to ask and she finally realized that instead of guessing his thoughts or words, it would be much better to just ask him outright.

"By any chance…do you hate Damian?" (Lucia)

"I do not."

Lucia gathered her courage and asked this question very carefully and in return he answered very readily.

"Then…why did you send Damian to boarding school?"

"I already told you. I couldn't take care of him so I sent him there."

"But still, there hasn't been a precedence of one being sent to boarding school. Moreover, one that is a duke's heir."

"I don't care what others do."

"…What you mean is that you determined that to be the best course of action to take."

Hugo nodded.

Lucia felt as though something had been lifted off her chest. Like she'd been wandering in the dark and her fingers finally grasped onto something.

'I think…I know about him a little bit more now.'

When one thought about it, when Lucia asked, he did not delve into a generous explanation but most of his answers were concise.

"Why did you send Damian to boarding school and not contact him once?"

"A report on what the boy does arrives on my desk every week so I know he's doing fine."

It was fascinating. His incomprehensible actions all had a reason behind them and when she asked, he told her everything.

Lucia's mind was racing. To what extent would he keep answering? Would it be okay to ask a little more difficult questions?

"Then…"

He lowered his head, biting her neck and she let out a little scream in response.

"Can you stop talking about another man?"

"…What? He's your son, an eight year old child. He's not a man!"

"So ruthless. Do you know how much those words have crushed the boy's pride?"

"…Goodness me. I was too rash."

Even though Damian was a child, he was a boy. If she were to change positions with the young boy and put herself in his shoes and someone were to tell her, 'since you're young, you are definitely not a lady', her feelings would be hurt.

It was unintentional but she couldn't help but wonder how much she must've hurt Damian's feelings.

'Truly this child. He could speak his mind and tell me he didn't like it.'

When she thought about it, Damian wasn't the type of child speak up on something like that. Then, could it be that he told Hugo? When did their relationship become so close?

"Did Damian say so?"

"No."

"How do you know then?"

"If I were in his position, that's how I'd be."

Lucia narrowed her eyes at him. But he wasn't wrong. Since he's a man, he would understand the male mind better. Lucia began to wonder if she'd made any other mistake with Damian. In the meantime, Hugo's hand kept wandering around.

His sneaky hands fumbled across her waist, while his lips trailed persistent but light kisses from her ear to her neck.

"You should get back to work."

At the same time, her words came out spoiling his exploration and his expression crumpled intensely.

"You went out due to an urgent matter, didn't you? And after you return from outings, you get busier."

"…"

Translator's corner

1) For those curious, Chapter 38.2 was where they had this discussion.

< — Damian — > (16)

Hugo's expression was full of obvious complaints but Lucia simply took his hands off her waist and stood up. She knew what he wanted but she was exhausted all day due to a number of reasons and had no confidence in handling him right now.

"Vivian."

"My head feels a little heavy so I want to take a walk."

Hugo tries a few more times but was turned down so he eventually headed to his office with unwilling steps. He hadn't found work enjoyable before but today, he really did not want to work.

He didn't comfort her in hopes of being rewarded but still it wasn't right to repay one for one's services in this way. He continued grumbling till he reached his office.

***

Later that night, Lucia said to the man who came into her bedroom after she finished bathing.

"Go to your bedroom and sleep."

"Today again? Why!" (Hugo)

Lucia stared at her complaining husband.

"I have no energy so I won't be able to handle you today. Hence, I don't think it'll be quite enjoyable."

I have no energy. It won't be enjoyable. Two times, she mercilessly and consecutively struck him down.

"…Alright. Fine. Today again, I'll sleep next to you, won't do anything."

He muttered gloomily. Those damned noblewives. They definitely won't be getting off easy. He ground his teeth in anger.

"Really?"

"I kept my promise yesterday, didn't I?."

All the more reason not to believe. Her gaze was telling him that she didn't believe him at all. Hugo abruptly took her into his arms and fell onto the bed with her in tow.

"Hugh!"

He hugged her tighter the more she flounced around.

"I'm sleeping like this. Enough, stay still. You'll get me excited if you keep moving." (Hugo)

"Where are you touching!" (Lucia)

After tossing around for a while with no result, Lucia finally went silent. She couldn't even fidget because he was hugging her very tightly from the back. His hands gallantly slid into her nightwear and squeezed her breasts. Even if she asked him to remove his hand, he would act like he didn't hear anything so she just gave up.

"Vivian."

It was especially nice to hear him calling her name right next to her ear. Lucia's lips curled slightly.

"Yes."

"Vivian."

"Yes."

Again, he said,

"Vivian."

And this time, Lucia said,

"Yes?"

And turned to look at him, her gaze asking why he was doing that.

"When I first called you by that name, you felt awkward, right?"

"Mm…Yes. I did."

"When I call you now, you're unaffected."

"Well, yes, I've been hearing it for a while so I've gotten used to it."

Now, Lucia did not hate the name 'Vivian' as before. The name of the Duke of Taran's wife was Vivian, not Lucia. She had found new happiness in her life as Vivian. The life of Vivian that was full of pain ended within her dream.

When he called her 'Vivian', it made her feel like she was his one and only 'Vivian' and her heart would throb. He was the only one that could call her Vivian. Whether that was now or in the future.

"…Is that so?" (Hugo)

Why didn't you tell me your childhood name? Hugo wanted to ask. However, he was afraid to hear the answer to that question. If she said something like 'I didn't want to.' Or 'Don't call me by that name.' his heart would sink.

'You don't hate me, do you?'

'Or it is that we're married so you simply tolerate being with me in bed?'

'Is there absolutely no leeway in your decision to never love me?'

All the things he wanted to ask suddenly rose up in his throat, hovering at the tip of his tongue. It was a very strange and unfamiliar experience of holding back the words he wanted to say in his heart. He was afraid to hear the answers that could come out from her mouth.

[I will never fall in love with you]

He felt like if he heard those words one more time, he would lose his mind. He dreaded the thought of not knowing what he would do to her if he lost his mind. If he were to hurt her in any way then he would really go crazy.

"Vivian."

He held her even tighter and buried his nose in her back. He loved her scent that always intoxicated him and drew himself closer to her skin.

"Yes…"

It was strange. Even though he was holding her, it felt like he had lost her forever. His chest was overwhelmed with pain causing him to knit his brows. It was as if something unknown had dug into his heart and trampled on it.

Had he ever felt this sick before? He couldn't remember. When he was young and dragged away as a mercenary slave, there were many times he had come close to death but rather than feeling sick, he had felt relief at being alive.

He held onto her as she fell asleep, breathing peacefully but he was unable to fall asleep for a long time.

***

The next day, Hugo gathered his vassals and informed them that Damian was now formally entered as his legal son.

"I have already announced that Damian will be my successor. Even if all of you show that you don't accept my decision, it would be better to throw that attitude away since you won't be changing my decision anyways."

It was the first time for the Duke to officially mention the young Lord ever since he announced that he would make Damian his successor, so his vassals looked very tense.

"The formally registered Young Lord is now my legal son. If you have a complaint, come and find me. I'm always ready to talk."

The word 'talking' from the Duke's mouth was more frightening than being threatened to be killed. Hugo threw a document in front of his vassals.

Lucia had repeatedly asked him to not interfere but he didn't want to just sit back and watch so he order Jerome to bring him a list of the garden party attendees.

Jerome had brought up the madam with a very awkward expression but once Hugo clicked his tongue, Jerome promptly brought the list. Hugo had only picked out the names of people among his vassals.

"It will be beneficial to those whose names are on this list to put more effort into supervising their household."

From Hugo's standpoint, this much couldn't even count as light reprimanding. He felt satisfied with himself for fairly complying with his wife's request to not interfere.

When the Duke left the scene, the ghastly pale vassals ran towards the list. To the vassals, 'Anyone whose name is on this list can think of themselves as dead' was what they heard.

They would definitely go home and interrogate their wives to get to the bottom of this. Through word of mouth, it would soon spread among the nobles that the noble wives who attended the garden party at the time were taught a severe lesson by their husbands.

It was only a matter of time before rumors spread that if one touches the Duchess, the fire-breathing dragon behind her, the Taran Duke would come forward.

***

A week had passed since the garden party and Roam was calm as usual. Lucia did not go out riding and was in the castle all week but this wasn't the first time she had stayed in the castle for a long time.

From the day after the garden party, Lucia acted as though nothing had happened and soon enough, the people around her forgot about the incident.

Damian sat reading a book in his room then turned his head to the feeling of something on his feet. Damian smiled as he watched Asha who had probably bumped into his leg as she was playing with her tail. These days, the baby fox was fastidiously following Damian around and was with him almost all day.

As the week passed, Damian thought about a lot of things. Rather than hurting him, the incident at the garden party had shocked the boy.

He had never felt so weak before. In that moment, his first thought was, 'If only my father was here.' In conclusion, compared to his father, his existence was comparable to dust.

Of all times, on that day, his father had gone out. Damian did not know yet that even if the Duke was in Roam at that time, it would have been hard for him to interfere in a women-only social event. However the boy realized that the absence of his father could occur at any time, and it would be up to him to protect his mother.

Damian knew very well that he was young. In the Academy, Damian was the youngest of his peers. Everywhere he looked, it was filled with people older than him.

No matter the will of the boy, nothing could be done about the flow of time but it was possible to increase his strength by having the will to do so.

Using the reason that Damian was young and his identity was unclear, there were many petty-minded and insignificant people who treated him as a joke and tried to provoke him. Such sloppy and foolish people were not even worth his time so Damian ignored them but ignoring made them fussier.

It was Damian's outstanding performance that made them not want to mess with him anyhow.

Ability is power.

This was the most useful realization Damian had come to at the Academy. Damian took Asha in his arms and stood up. He handed the fox over to a servant and asked for the fox to be taken back to its house then asked for Jerome to be told that he wanted to meet his father.

Translator's Corner:

*Young Lord/Little lord is a title and my only alternative was prince which is a no go. I am using the literal translation but does anyone have better ideas?

< — Truth & False — > (1)

TN: WE ARE ON BOOK 4!!

"You may enter, young master."

Jerome led Damian till they reached the front of the office. Damian took a deep breath in front of the large door then pushed the heavy door aside and walked in. Before leaving for boarding school, he'd only been inside this room once.

The Duke had called the boy to tell him he was going to boarding school.

[I have done my part and declared you as my successor. The rest is up to you. Graduate. Then this place is yours]

From that day on, it became Damian's life goal to inherit the title of the Duke, someday. He'd never thought of the reason or what he would do after he became the Duke. The goal was just the boy's meaning for existence. It was his worth for living.

Now, Damian had found a true goal. Becoming the Duke was simply a means towards that goal.

Power.

He wanted to have power. Only with power could one protect whom they want to protect. Just as his father was able to protect his mother because he had the power, Damian wanted to have it too.

Damian admired his father. His father was a great knight and the strongest man in the world. However, he had no confidence of becoming like his father so he had to find a possible way for himself to become stronger. The greatest power the boy could obtain from his efforts alone were the abilities/knowledge he could gain at the academy.

The air inside the office was a little breezy. The unique shallow fragrance of wood drifted off the furniture and documents were piled up on the spacious desk positioned diagonally to the entrance. In the quiet office, only the intermittent sound of pages being turned could be heard.

Damian walked quietly and stopped a few steps away from the desk. Hugo lifted his head and saw Damian then lowered his head back to his document.

"Is this going to take a while?" (Hugo)

"No. I came to tell you I will be returning back to the academy."

"I believe it will be difficult to keep up with this semester's courses at this point."

"Yes. But if I return now, I will be able to listen to the session for the semester break. I can replace the semester I missed with this session."

"You can graduate even if you don't complete one semester."

"I want to have the best grades."

"I told you, you only need to graduate."

"I just want to do that."

"Why?"

"I want to gain power by increasing my knowledge."

Hugo lifted his head.

Damian was a little nervous receiving his father's gaze. Hugo carefully studied Damian. The boy stood upright and his gaze was lowered to the floor but there was no sign of intimidation.

It was much better than his vassals that turn timid once he laid eyes on them. Hugo recalled the first day he saw Damian. The eyes of the child Philip brought were clear and pure. That was why he couldn't help but believe Philip's words saying that he was his brother's son.

A child of the Taran blood would not have such eyes unless it was his brother's child.

"Power, huh."

Hugo chuckled and turned his gaze back to the document. He signed it with a pen and moved it to the side.

"Scholars do not rule the world. How do you know that the knowledge you'll learn and nurture from the Academy will become your strength?"

Damian was taken aback by the unexpected problem presented to him.

"If you graduate, regardless of your grades, this place is yours. If it is as the Duke of Taran then that should be significant power."

Whether the boy kept his grades and graduated or earned the best grades and graduated, the position of the Duke was the boy's. Hence, no matter how much effort was put into it, the result was still the same.

Damian wanted to gain new strength, not one given to him by his father but one he gained with his own hands. As for the greatest strength that student Damian could gain from the academy with his efforts alone? There was only one thing that came to mind.

There was an organization called 'Conference' consisting only of students in 'Ixium', the academy which Damian attended. In Ixium, the power of Conference was remarkable. The Chairman of 'Conference' was called 'Sitha'. Damian was still quite young so he'd had no direct encounter with them and members of Conference were mostly senior students.

Every once in a while as he walked the school grounds, he got to witness students watching the road for these 'conference' members as though they were kings. Even when he saw that, at the time Damian did not have much interest.

Because then, the boy's goal was simply just to graduate. However now, he was interested.

"I will become 'Sitha'."

Translator's Corner

*This one is super short but the next one is twice its length.

< — Truth & False — > (1)

TN: I honestly don't know what to translate this(시타) as: Shita? Chita? Cyta? Sitha? Ugh! I can't tell, we'll stick with Sitha. It's a title for sure but…

Hugo looked up to face Damian, an intrigued look in his eye.

"'Sitha' is the Academy's…" (Damian)

"I know what it is." (Hugo)

Hugo never attended the Academy but he held interest in it. It wasn't just because he sent Damian there but because of its inclination. It wasn't just the nobles of Xenon, nobles of other nations were increasingly sending their children to Ixium. Because of personal connections.

In about ten years, the completion of a course in Ixium would become an indispensable process for nobles. As a place where people lived it was somewhat similar to others. The Academy had its own powers and rankings. Even so, in a restricted environment like the Academy, one might wonder what the big deal is with a time-constrained power but in fact, the more enclosed an environment is, the more absolute the power.

As far as Hugo was concerned, it was better than being the king of an insignificant minor nation. The power of the Academy's Sitha was greatly strengthened by the war and as time passed, it became even stronger. By the time Damian graduates, it would become a force that could not be ignored.

The experience and status from becoming the Academy's Sitha would be able to overthrow the limitations of his birth status as an illegitimate child. The child may not have thought of such a distant future but Hugo was very intrigued by the conclusion the boy had reached.

When Hugo received reports on Damian's life on the Academy, it detailed that the boy was studying very hard but apart from that, he showed no interest in anything else. So why did he suddenly want power? How much could he accomplish? Hugo wanted to see.

"It's not a position one can get by just studying."

"I understand."

"Keep this in mind. Inadequate power is worse than non-existing power. If one wants to be the best, one has be high enough that others wouldn't even dare to look."

"Yes."

"Did you know of your mother entering you into the register?"

"Yes. Mo…ther told me."

"Go tell her you'll be returning to the Academy"

"Yes."

"Anything else is fine with me but don't go killing people at the Academy. That one's a little troublesome to sort out. If you do end up doing so, contact me first before informing the Academy."

His father was a scary person indeed. Damian once again realized this fact.

"…Yes."

Damian bowed his head and left the office. A while after the boy left, Hugo chuckled lightly and muttered to himself.

"Your son is a dozen times smart than you."

Whenever he recalled his brother, he always felt pain but strangely this time, he only felt good inside.

***

It was afternoon tea time when Damian went to find Lucia. Lucia was on the way downstairs to have her tea when she encountered Damian. She greeted him with a smile and walked with him to the receiving room.

The two of them sat in the receiving room, drinking the tea that Jerome had skillfully prepared.

"Do you need me for something? What's the matter?" (Lucia)

Around this time, Damian was usually studying in his room.

"I have something to tell you. I'll be going back to the Academy."

Lucia's hand lifting the teacup to her lips froze and she didn't say anything for a moment then she lowered the cup back to the table.

"Could it be you still have the garden party on your mind?"

"No, I have to go back now to keep up with my course."

It wasn't strange for children at Damian's age to throw a tantrum that they didn't want to go to school. Lucia felt somewhat sorry for the overly mature Damian. Her initial thought that it was cute had changed. After conversing with the child numerous times, she'd come to realize that the child's thinking ability was like that of an adult's. Damian was a genius.

Because his intellect was extremely high, the usual babyish childhood did not suit him. Lucia knew a child similar to Damian in her dream. It was Bruno, the third son of the husband in her dream, Count Matin. A tutor who had taught Bruno for only a short while called him a genius.

'At that time, he was only one year older than Damian.'

Lucia met Bruno for the first time when he was 12 years old. Bruno did not resemble the Count Matin whether it was in intellect or appearance, making one doubt if he was really Count Matin's son. His rebelliousness against his father was also quite huge so he caused both little and big troubles. One of these troubles was chasing out his tutors with clever and mischievous plans.

In the end, Count Matin drove Bruno out to study as a scholar. The Bruno who was cynical and rebellious in everything was very precocious. So Lucia knew a grown up genius child was like. Apart from the name of 'genius', Bruno and Damian were completely different. Damian was a much more, cute, loveable and kind child.

"Right. I should be glad you're going back to study. When are you going to leave?"

"Preparations will be done quickly so I will be setting out tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow morning? So soon?"

Lucia did not expect to be suddenly separated from Damian. To her, Damian was her son and friend. Just like Damian was comforted by Lucia, Lucia was also comforted by him. Because of the appearance of the boy that looked just like Hugo, she was able to endure her longing and as her affections for the child grew, she realized her love for Hugo grew even more.

"Then…"

Will you be back next year? Lucia was about to ask that and stopped herself. Next year, the King would die and they would have to go to the capital. After which they would have to call Damian to the capital but if Damian wasn't even accepted in the North which was the Taran Duke's fief, one could not say how much he would be accepted in the capital.

Until Damian got older and could debut in the social circles, it would be better for him to stay in boarding school, that way he wasn't under the gazes of people like now.

'Maybe things will change as time passes.'

She didn't think that Hugo appointed Damian to be his successor without putting any thought into it. He must have some thoughts of his own.

"Since you are setting out tomorrow, is there a lot to prepare?" (Lucia)

"I just have to pack my books."

"Then, do you want to talk a bit more? Tell me about your life at the Academy."

"Okay."

Over the course of the afternoon, the mother-and-son pair stayed in the receiving room and talked about several things.

The next day, people were gathered around a carriage that looked set up for an early morning departure. A coachman sat ready to depart on the journey, a servant stood waiting and all the employees were out to send off their young master. Even Hugo was outside too.

After hearing the boy was leaving, Hugo sent his well wishes but Lucia nagged him saying 'what kind of send-off is that' and dragged him outside. In front of the open door to the horse carriage, Damian and Lucia stood face to face to say their goodbyes.

"Take good care of your health. And study hard." (Lucia)

"I will."

"Take your meals regularly. Don't get hurt. Ah…I've already mentioned health…"

It was quite the sight to see Lucia looking for the words to keep going. Damian's heart grew warm and a smile naturally formed on his lips.

"Milady."

A servant came up to them with a basket. Lucia received the basket and held it out to Damian. Asha was in the half-open basket. When its eyes met the boy's, its ears perked up and it moved.

"It seems Asha already thinks of you as its master. You should take him."

"You are raising him for the fox hunt, aren't you?"

"It's fine. I can just watch the hunt."

"But…at the academy, pets are…"

"Don't worry about that. Your father took care of it."

Right? As though asking, Lucia turned her head to look at Hugo standing a few steps away and Hugo nodded his head. For Hugo, it was simply killing two birds with one stone. There was no better way to take care of the baby beast.

Changing something like the school's regulation of no pets allowed was nothing much to Hugo. It was not widely known but he had contributed a considerable amount of money to Ixium when he placed Damian in the school and so he was entered onto the executive board.

And because Hugo had bought out many of the board members who could make decisions beforehand, he was able to change the school regulations as much as he liked. People may think of the Taran Duke as a power-seeking knight but in actuality, he was a pretty thorough person.

"I hope Asha will become a friend close to your heart in your life at the academy."

"Yes. Thank you."

A servant received the basket and placed into the carriage.

"I'll be leaving now."

"Ah…Right. You have to go. Damian, can I hug you as my last farewell?"

"…Yes."

Lucia reached out and embraced Damian. Damian's hands floated in the air for a bit then he relaxed and placed his hand on her back.

Damian was a tactful child so he knew quite well that the Ducal couple's relationship was good. He had already thrown out his previous idea that the Duke only married out of necessity. He also knew that a child would be born someday from a good couple relationship.

If a child was born from the ducal couple's relationship, Damian's position would become like that of a sandcastle. A legally registered illegitimate child. There was no way Damian could stand up to a child truly born from the legal wife. But it didn't matter. The position as the Duke, no matter what, was good.

If his younger brother was born and wanted to take his place, he would gladly give it to him. All Damian wanted to do was to protect. He wanted to protect the caring warmth that surrounded Roam and he would try his hardest to gain the power to protect his mother's laughter. The two of them separated after the hug.

"Mother."

Lucia's eyes widened to circles and she looked at Damian, stunned. The boy suddenly took a huge stride forward and Lucia was slightly startled. Damian grabbed Lucia's hand, leaned down and politely kissed the back of her hand.

"I don't know when I'll see you again so please remain with peace and comfort."

Damian smiled as he looked at the frozen Lucia who was unable to give a reply. It was the first time she had ever seen a mischievous smile on the boy's face.

Translator's Corner:

*4/week effective starting next week. Huge thanks to all my patrons!!

< — Truth & False — > (2)

Hugo's lips turned crooked watching this scene but after a moment, he chuckled.

'I'll let it slide.'

If someone else had done that, he would've broken all their limbs. Damian climbed onto the carriage and it began to set off and Lucia stood watching until the figure of the carriage could no longer be seen. Hugo came up to her and patted her shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"…he called me 'mother'."

"If he doesn't call you mother, what would he call you?"

"B-But, that's the first time he's ever called me that…"

'This child honestly, till he leaves, he only calls me once.'

When he called her mother, her sad feelings over him departing and her touched feelings over being called mother were in conflict.

Lucia abruptly turned her head to face Hugo, revealing reddened eyes that were as if she would start crying at any moment.

"Did you see that?"

"What?"

"He's your son indeed. Already being a ladies' man."

"…"

Lucia looked regretfully in the direction the carriage disappeared, mumbling about how her son must not grow up into a bad man that made women cry and how she wouldn't raise her son like that.

Hugo stealthily moved away from her and quickly headed to his office.

***

'Damian is gone.'

When Lucia thought about it, it made her depressed.

'Mother.'

The memory of him calling her that floated to the forefront of her mind and she held her reddening face.

'But I can't hear it anymore now.'

With this thought, she became depressed again. After sending Damian off, Lucia spent all day in her thoughts, going back and forth between to opposite extremes of emotions.

"Milady, the bath water is ready."

The maid was already repeating it for the third time. For some time now, Lucia had changed into her night chemise to bathe and was sitting on the bed.

"Okay."

Lucia gave a reply but her head hung low as she continued to be absorbed in her thoughts. The maid was cautious to not keep urging her madam so she kept standing there, unable to do anything.

Suddenly, a strong force caught Lucia's chin and lifted it up, causing her head to lift. As some point, Hugo had entered and was lifting up her chin to look at her.

His slightly chilled red eyes swept over her face. As soon as Hugo walked into the bedroom and saw her on the bed with her head lowered, he was shocked. The thought that perhaps she was leaning over to cry made him uncomfortable so immediately lifted her head to check.

When he saw that her expression was good, the rock on his chest was lifted.

'Why's he here already?'

Lucia glanced around looking for the maid but the maid had already made herself scarce the moment Hugo entered. She then remembered the maid's urging while she was absentminded.

'I haven't washed up yet.'

Lucia freed her chin from his grasp to vocalize this to him but before she could speak, he drew closer and blocked her lips. He moved to swallow her lips and grabbed her shoulders. In that motion, he knocked her down onto the bed. She tried to push away from his chest in surprise but her strength wasn't enough.

He pounced on her at once. His hand lifted her chemise up to her thighs and he placed his knees between her legs, separating them. He did not let go of her lips, following with a deep kiss. His tongue occupied her mouth, moving skillfully and stimulating the insides of her mouth.

As she was drawn into the kiss, the strength in her hand grabbing onto his shoulders gradually weakened. But when his hand began to take off her underwear, Lucia came to her senses.

"Ung…!"

When she began to rebel fiercely, clasping her legs over her excited lower body, his movements stopped. He detangled himself from her chewy tongue, licked her lips lightly and moved a bit away. His gaze swept over her red face and misty eyes and his eyes quivered with desperate desire.

"What is it?" (Hugo)

"I haven't bathed yet…"

"I don't care."

"I care."

"So. In this state, you're saying you want to take a bath?"

"Yes."

Her expression was filled with will showing that by all means, she must have a bath, right now. Hugo sighed.

"Are you doing this on purpose?"

"…What?"

"…Nevermind."

Really driving someone crazy in all sorts of ways. He lifted his body up from the bed and at the same time, picked her up and lifted her onto his shoulders as though carrying luggage.

"Kyaa! Hugh?!"

He wrapped one arm around her wriggling on his chest while his other hand was placed on her back, holding her onto his shoulders as he went forward with big strides.

No matter how much she struggled, his footsteps did not waver.

"Stay still. You said you wanted to bathe." (Hugo)

Just like that, he went straight to the bathroom. The bathroom was foggy due to the steam coming off the bathtub filled with boiling water. When he opened the door to the bathroom, the maid inside was surprised but he didn't pay it any attention.

Seeing the back of the maid, Lucia mumbled, 'I don't know' and covered her face with both hands.

Hugo let her down onto the bathroom floor. She fixed him a heavy glare with a red face while he stripped off her chemise with an indifferent expression.

"Kyyaa-k"

In the blink of an eye she was left with only underwear and quickly covered her chest with her arms. He took one step back and folded him arms, slowly looking her up and down.

Seeing her in full view standing up instead of on the bed was a magnificent view in its own way. Receiving his satisfied and appreciating gaze, she blushed all the way to her neck and took a step back.

He raised a brow and came closer so that they weren't too far apart. Then she moved backwards again. After repeatedly taking steps backwards, her back reached the wall. He stood in front of her, obstructing her so she wouldn't escape anymore. He pressed his arms against her sides so she couldn't escape sideways.

Lucia felt like her heart was going to burst. It wasn't like it was her first time in his arms but the situation and her appearance were so embarrassing and she couldn't look him straight in the eye.

The edges of his lips curled upwards as he watched her looking down, not knowing what to do. She really made him go crazy. He slowly lowered his head, tilting it slightly to the side and kissing her lips lightly. Then again, he brought his lips to hers, giving her another light kiss. Then, he kissed her a little longer. Then, he sucked her lower lips and swept his tongue over her lips.

Her lips separated slightly, hoping for a deeper touch and he gladly responded to her invitation, weaving his tongue into her mouth.

"Ung…"

Her hands that were covering her breasts had at some point moved to lean against his shoulders. The sound of their tongue's entwining and their saliva mixing sounded through the bathroom and gradually grew louder.

Hugo took off the bathrobe he was wearing and threw it onto the floor. His hand slid down her abdomen, lightly pressing down on it as his hand went into her underwear. When his firm fingers pressed inside, the shoulders of Lucia who was absorbed in the kiss shook.

His fingers gently rubbed her wet center and his finger went into her tender entrance. Her arms, wrapped around his neck, tightened in response. In the meantime, he persistently coveted her lips. He lightly nibbled on her small lips then sucked strongly. In a hurry that wasn't a hurry, he meticulously licked over her teeth with his tongue.

At the same time, his fingers went in and out of her moist entrance. He felt the sensation of slippery fluid covering his fingers and he gradually felt himself reaching the limit of his endurance. From his fingers, he could feel her hot and narrow insides.

He pulled down her underwear and grabbed her thigh, lifting it up a little. As her leg was suddenly in the air, she clung to his neck tighter and her leg swayed. He hugged a little bit upwards and took off the underwear completely. He placed her down against the wall, pressing his body tightly to hers. His lips fell to her ears and his breathing echoed beside her, causing a shiver to run through her skin.

"Hugh…haven't yet…"

"Prepared bath water is right in front of you. Wash and do or do and wash."

"How is that the same-"

"Just this once. Your husband is about to wither and die here." (1)

At his exaggeration of pain, a giggle escaped from her and she stopped pushing him aside and leaned onto his shoulders as though giving permission.

'Nothing like a good scare.'

He mumbled while sighing then lifted one of her legs with his hand.

Translator's Corner:

1) This could be translated as 'your husband is really thirsty'. Just means he wants it baaaaaaaaaaaaad.

*Underwear was originally panties but I felt like the word panties kills the mood.

< — Truth & False — > (2)

Hugo mumbled while sighing and lifted up one of her legs with his hand. For a while now, his center had already grown extremely stiff. He lifted up her lower body and plunged inside her with one heavy thrust. Lucia let out a scream at the sudden force coming from below.

"Ah!"

He clenched his teeth and shuddered at the pleasure filling him as he entered her. Her insides always felt like a new experience. He could endure it a little when he'd already moved his waist a few times, but whenever he entered her for the first time, he always had to restrain his desire to rampage inside her.

He moved his waist back and thrust inside her again. His movements were impatient. Every time, he thrust into her vagina, it was intense and her entire body shook.

"Ah! Hk!"

She hung her arms around his neck, clinging to him. She was barely holding herself on the floor with one leg, and every time he pushed, her feet barely touched the floor. The little anxiety when she couldn't touch the floor contributed to her pleasure. His huge member repeatedly and incessantly plunged deep inside her.

Her ravaged inner flesh felt feverish and every time he touched a sensitive part, she felt like she heard something snap in her head. His desperate movements told her that he eagerly wanted her. In this moment, he want her and she also wanted him.

She put more strength into her hands clinging to his neck and lifted her body up. Her hands fumbled upwards from his neck and grabbed onto his hair. She put her lips on his ear and nibbled on his earlobe.

'I want to taste him.'

She stuck out her tongue and licked the rim of his ear, trailing down to his neck.

"Ng…Vivian."

His body flinched and he called her name reprovingly. But she did not respond and licked his neck with more effort. Her lips found where his muscles moved on his neck and she bit it.

"…You started it."

After saying this, he grabbed her thigh, brought his waist closer and gripped her buttocks. She let out a short scream due to the sudden grasp and held him tighter. He lifted his head and began to thrust in and out, quickly and intensely.

"Hk! Ang! Aah!"

Lucia let out a coquettish cry and her body shook intensely, her eyes unable to focus. Her buttocks were squeezed tightly enough to be distorted and ached and his rough caresses as he kissed and bit her shoulder were scorching. At the same time her head was filled with pleasure and her tears began to fall.

The sound of moaning, screaming and heavy breathing blended together, echoing throughout the bathroom. The nakedness of both man and woman were entwined, moving together in a rhythm. The bathroom was full of steam and heat and their bodies were soaked with sweat.

Hugo set her up against the wall, and tirelessly opened her up. He wildly tore through her vaginal walls as his desire rampaged inside of her without mercy.

"Ah! Hugh!"

Lucia clung onto him with flushed eyes, nuzzling against his shoulder. She wanted to hold him firmly but the sticky sweat on their skin hindered her. She hung onto him with both arms so as not to slip and her body spasmed with pleasure every time he thrust into her.

"Hk!"

Her head tilted backwards as she reached an intense orgasm. Her consciousness momentarily disappeared, plunging her into darkness as she was consumed by the peak of pleasure. Fervent vigor coursed through her whole body, instantly filling her with searing heat. It felt like the insides of her body had been set on fire.

Her inner walls began to spasm like crazy. His body grew rigid and he let out a suppressed groan. His manhood reached its limit and released semen deep into her womb. Her vaginal walls squeezed and clenched violently, accepting the scorching fluid.

His legs seemed to shake so he leaned a little further on the wall for support. The pleasure filling his head was so intense he closed his eyes and breathed roughly. Her body quivered a little and she panted in his arms.

"Haa…Haa." (Lucia)

"Huu…damn. I'll really die like this. You really…" (Hugo)

If they don't do it, he'll die, if they do it, he'll die. (1)

He'd tired out the fragile body of the woman in his bosom. He propped her up as she seemed to have lost all her energy. Hugo hugged her to his chest and the sound of each other's heart pounding reverberated through their chests.

The sounds of their beating hearts blended together and he couldn't distinguish between his heartbeat or hers and his emotions were heightened. He hugged her till the heat in their bodies cooled down a little then he stood up with her in his arms and entered into the bathtub.

The boiling water in the bathtub had cooled down to moderately warm during the time they were busy. Lucia sat in the water that was filled to the brim and leaned back on his chest before brush her skin lightly with water.

Apart from the sound of the moving water, the bathroom was quiet and Lucia deeply enjoyed the peacefulness and the feeling of being alone with him, as if they were alone in the world.

"Why did you do that earlier? You looked like you were angry as you checked my face." (Lucia)

"I thought you were crying because the boy left." (Hugo)

"What crying. He's going back because he needs to study."

When Hugo was able to get rid of the baby fox as a free addition with Damian, he had initially felt completely refreshed but later when he thought about it, she had suddenly lost Damian and the baby fox so she would probably feel dejected. He wondered if he would have to acquire a new cub for her to be affectionate with. He didn't want to though, so he was worried for a while.

Finally he concluded that if she asked, he would comply but he definitely wouldn't ask her first.

"I will send him letters and gifts. Even if he cannot hear me directly, I would like for him to hear a mother voice from the letters." (Lucia)

'Don't pay him so much attention.' Hugo grumbled inwardly and reached out to squeeze her breasts with his hands. Her body shrunk a little he began to trail light kisses from her neck to her shoulders.

His hands fumbled around her chest and he repeatedly knead her breasts. She let out a small sigh and leaned her head on his shoulders. He lowered his head and softly kissed her lips.

He licked her lips with the tip of his tongue and gave her several short kisses. His fingers kneading her breasts moved to her nipples, twisting it with light force and she let out a small moan.

As she sank into his moderately soft and stimulating caresses, she felt the presence of something poking at her butt and her face flushed red. She stealthily moved her butt forward but he clung to her, drawing closer.

Since she kept inching forward little by little to avoid it but he kept inching forward too, she put her hands behind her and grabbed the annoying thing poking at her behind.

Instantly, his body stiffened and she realized what she had done so her body stiffened too. She couldn't pull the thing caught in her hands nor could she abruptly let it go. She wished he would show some kind of reaction but he stopped and wasn't saying anything so she was very embarrassed and so flustered that she couldn't figure out what to do.

She turned to him slightly and found his red eyes fixed on her.

"Y..You kept moving so…"

It would be better if he laughed mischievously. In his eyes, she could see a huge wave of fierce passion coursing through it. Vividly feeling his manhood in her hand grow bigger, she mumbled, 'Oh no' and made a long face. She couldn't bear the feeling of it stirring in her hand as though coming to life so she let go.

The moment she did, he grabbed her arms, turning her to face him and captured her lips. Without any time to breath, he poured kisses and his large hand caressed her whole body. He pressed her shoulders and lifted her waist, placing her on him.

The water made a loud noise as it lurched in response to the movement. Facing her, he grabbed her thighs to lift it up but his hand slipped because of the water's buoyancy. He wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her body then he turned her around and place her hands on the bathtub's handle.

He nibbled on her ear and whispered to her in a subdued tone.

"Hold tight."

Lucia pushed against the handle with shaky hands. She was swept up in his frantic pace and felt out of breath. From behind her, he grabbed her waist firmly. She bit her lips, readying herself for the incoming shock and feeling the heat coming from behind her, her breath caught in her throat and a shudder ran through her skin.

"Hk-!"

He penetrated her in one stroke from behind and her body shook greatly. Her hands that were supporting her felt like they would break so she put more strength into them. He pulled out and he heavily thrust inside again and her eyes grew misty.

"Ung!"

His firm desire continuously plunged deep inside of her. It filled up her insides completely and her inner flesh wrapped around him tightly. The tip of his penis intensely scraped against her sensitive part. Goosebumps rose on her skin and a refreshing tingling sensation coursed through her body. The pain and pleasure tormented her at the same time.

"A-! Ung! Hugh! Ah!"

Her legs and arms trembled unable to keep up with his unceasing movements. He reached out and placed his hand over hers, weaving them together while his other hand supported her waist.

If it weren't for his support, she would have lost strength in her arms and their position would've collapsed and her body continued to trembled immensely from his repeated waist movements, back and forth.

***

Lying down on Hugo's upper chest, Lucia placed her fingers on his chest wanting to trace a circle but hesitant. She had something she definitely wanted to ask him but she kept flipping back and forth between 'should I? or 'should I not'.

She was curious as to whether Damian had met his biological mother since he came to Duke and if he hadn't, then whether it was because his biological mother did not want to see Damian or because Hugo didn't want him to see his birth mother. No matter how hard she tried, she wouldn't be able to overcome a child's yearning for his birth mother who carried and bore him. ­

Unless they rejected each other, it would be good for the child if he could meet his birth mother from time to time.

"Hugh, umm…"

Lucia paused, hesitant to continue and Hugo spoke with his eyes closed.

"What is it?"

"Damian…"

He furrowed his brows slightly.

"Don't talk about another man."

"Another man? You said this last time too. He's your son."

"But he's not a daughter."

"…But still, we can't just not talk about Damian at all."

"Don't do it in bed."

'Then when?' Lucia thought to herself, pouting her lips.

The time she could talk with him was limited so if it wasn't at night then when could they talk? He said he didn't hate Damian but she didn't know why he didn't show the loving affection of a father. There was an extent when it wasn't simply inexpression of affection, his was closer to indifference.

The more she thought about it, the more she found Damian commendable. The child grew up so sweet and honest.

"Then, just one thing. There's something I'm curious about." (Lucia)

"Mm."

"Damian's birth mother…has she never asked to see Damian?"

"…"

Was that a question I shouldn't have asked? Lucia was a bit nervous.

"She's dead."

"Ah…"

Lucia was a little shocked.

"So you brought back Damian?"

"Something like that."

"Must have been a beautiful person. Damian's mother, I mean."

"Don't know. Never seen her."

"…What?"

Lucia lifted her head to look at him. At that moment, a troubled expression flashed across his face.

Translator Corner:

1) He's referring to sex and just exaggerating. For those who couldn't tell.

2) Question: Shall I rename this arc to Truths & Lies? Now that we're getting into it, this seems to be more fitting? Lies and False are same words in Korean.

*Should I start giving smut warnings?

< — Truth & Lies — > (3)

If he said he didn't remember, Lucia would have simply accepted it. But saying that he had never seen the woman was strange. A chilling sensation ran up her spine.

How do you make a child with a woman you have never seen? (1)

As her silence grew longer, Hugo grew anxious. His slip of the tongue could not be reversed. He had already shown her a troubled expression and the pause was too long to fix it. If he were to make up an excuse now, she would pretend to believe but remain suspicious.

"Vivian."

After calling her name, he didn't say anything for a long while. He didn't know how to start the discussion and couldn't get a sense for how much he could tell her and how much she would be able to accept. The thoughts in his head were getting jumbled up.

"Is it difficult to explain?" (Lucia)

"…"

"…Let's go to sleep."

In Lucia's mind, no matter what relationship he had with Damian's birth mother, she had no right to interfere. She knew he had a son before she married him and also knew that his relationship with Damian's biological mother was a past thing before their marriage. In addition, Damian's biological mother was already dead so there was no need for her to question the subject any closer.

Hugo felt like a dreary wind swept over his chest and gazed vacantly into the dark. His heart ached at her clear attitude of drawing a line. When he realized his slip of tongue, he knew should explain something to her but in that moment, his feeling of bewilderment was rather huge.

'Act like you didn't hear anything' Lucia made her mind up like that and tried to fall asleep but she just couldn't. No matter how hard she thought about his words, she couldn't make any guesses. There was no way that Damian who looked so much like him could not be his son.

Was it his way of saying that he didn't remember anything because it was just one night of passion? After all, it wasn't like a child could only be born from an intimate relationship so it was possible. But still, it was the woman that gave birth to his child so not even knowing her face was too much.

The thoughts simmering deep inside her mind spilled out.

"I guess…you'll forget my face later too."

She projected herself onto Damian's biological mother. His words seemed to say that even if the woman in his past gave birth to his child, she wasn't worth remembering. If so, the worth of Lucia who couldn't even bear a child would be worse.

Hugo who had been unable to gather his senses because his mind was unsettled felt his heart jump out of his chest at this sudden bombshell. He had to think it over several times to understand what she was talking about.

"…How did you come to that conclusion?" (Hugo)

"You can't even remember the woman that gave birth to your child." (Lucia)

"It's not like that."

Lucia always told herself over and over, 'You must not be impatient'. The road to loving him would be very long and sometimes, difficult. If she didn't want to tire out, she had to look ahead and take one step at a time.

Any else was fine but when she chanced upon his heartless and cold side, she would realize that his heart was still freezing cold and her strong will would falter little by little. It was also like this when he behaved indifferently to Damian.

She knew now that he simply didn't express his feelings but before she knew this, she thought maybe he didn't know about feeling affection for someone.

And so she felt confusion at his attitude towards her. She knew he didn't hate her. Perhaps he might even like her quite a bit. But he behaved too affectionate and gentle, like a man who was completely in love. From time to time, Lucia would wonder if he was testing her.

"Then, what do you mean by you've never seen her? Can a woman you've never seen give birth to your child?" (Lucia)

She felt her indignation rise as she spoke and sat up. Hugo then sat up too.

"Vivian, I think you're a little heated…"

"I'm sorry. I dare to get heated up when it's not my place."

Hugo felt his head ache. He had seen her like this before, not too long ago. She was usually mild and gentle but once she became upset, her words became sarcastic and prickly. It was like taking someone off guard and suddenly biting their hand. The surprise was bigger than the agony so rather than feeling upset, he felt absurd.

"Vivian."

For the time being, he held her shoulders to calm her down. She spun, shaking of his hands off and turning her back to him. The moment she turned her back to him, sparks flew in his eyes. Lucia suddenly felt a strong grip on her shoulder and scowled at the pressure. The strong force pulled her back and in one swift motion pressed her down on the bed. It happened so quickly and when she came to her senses, he was above her and holding her down.

She flinched at the sight of him looking at her with a piercing gaze.

"Don't…turn around that way."

"…Huh?"

"Don't turn your back to me."

His voice was level and he spoke in a rather low tone but Lucia could somehow grasp his emotional state.

'He…he's angry.'

When she thought about it, she had never seen him get angry. When he got angry, he seemed to become calm and rather chilly. Why did he get angry?

'Because I shook him off and turned away? Could he have been betrayed by someone in the past?'

"I won't do it again."

Lucia replied calmly so as to not stimulate his anger even more.

"Let me go. You surprised me." (Lucia)

"…Sorry."

His rising anger was quickly subsided in a moment. His grip on her shoulders also lessened and as he withdrew, Lucia sat up slowly. The atmosphere had suddenly come to a lull. In this odd atmosphere, the two of them sat facing each other, not saying anything.

Lucia composed her mind and thought about herself acting up on him out of nowhere.

'I should apologize for being impolite…and go to sleep already. I don't need to put him on edge with pointless psychological warfare.'

"The boy…he's not my biological son."

"…What?"

Hearing his colossal and blunt words, Lucia suddenly felt dizzy.

"Do you mean…Damian? That child…is not your son?"

She couldn't help but try to confirm if the words she heard were correct. Hugo let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through his hair. He didn't want her feelings to be hurt over this issue. He didn't want her to greatly misunderstand him over Damian's issue and picture him even worse in her head.

"I heard you asked Jerome about the west tower incident. Did you hear that I had a brother?"

"…Yes."

"Damian is my brother's son. In more accurate terms, he's my nephew."

In front of the tremendous truth, Lucia's heart was pounding loudly and her mouth went dry. Suddenly, dozens of questions came to her mind but she couldn't organize any to formulate a question.

"This fact…Damian…"

"He doesn't know. Me. And now you too. Other than that, nobody else knows."

To be more accurate, one more person, Philip, knew but Hugo had no intention of mentioning him.

Translator's Corner:

1. Be blindfolded during sex?

"So…what you're saying is, Damian is your older brother's son."

"…Right."

Hugo didn't exactly know who was the older brother and who was the younger brother. It had never been an issue and no matter who was who, they were brothers all the same so they never had a quarrel as to who was older or younger.

If Hugo had to rank it, his dead brother was a slightly more of an elder brother, than a younger one. It wasn't because of superiority or power. He learnt after meeting his brother that the relationship between people couldn't always be separated by force.

"Do you…plan on telling Damian later on?"

"Unless the boy asks me first, I do not want to."

"Ah…then, I will keep the secret too."

Lucia nodded earnestly.

'Then, since Damian isn't his illegitimate child, there is no reason for Damian to be treated like that.'

Then she thought about it a little more.

'It would be better to be known as the illegitimate son of the Duke than to be known as son of the immoral individual who murdered the previous Duke.'

Lucia came to an understanding.

"I know you must have thought it strange when you heard about the west tower incident. The incident happened slightly different from what is known. That guy was cornered to a dead end and made an inevitable choice. It was something the previous Duke brought upon himself."

Lucia's eyes widened. From his manner of speaking, Lucia could grasp several things. According to the well-known rumor, his twin brother, who was abandoned at birth, came back for revenge and murdered his biological father.

But to that brother whom he had supposedly never met, he said 'that guy' expressing their closeness in intimate terms and when mentioning his dead father, he said, 'previous Duke' and chose the phrase, 'brought upon himself'.

When Lucia first heard about this rumor, she got chills thinking of the dead duke's ruthlessness to be able to abandon his own child. She didn't know the exact details but for some reason, she didn't feel the slightest bit uncomfortable by his brother's actions.

"It seems you were close with your elder brother."

Hugo nodded his head after a slight pause.

"Quite close?" (Lucia)

"…Very." (Hugo)

Lucia's heart bubbled over. He wasn't alone with nobody to call family. Although his brother was no longer of this world, there was once family he shared love with. It always weighed on her mind that his childhood was a lonely one and the fact that there was someone he opened his heart to, filled her heart with a warm sense of relief.

"And so you made Damian into your son. Since he's the one and only blood of your brother."

"…It wasn't exactly like that but I can't say it wasn't a reason. There are a lot of complex issues concerning my brother and Damian but I can't tell you everything. What I mean is, it's not that I don't want to tell you because it's you, but I don't want to tell anyone at all. These are things I don't want to reveal even when I die."

His words were longer than usual. Lucia drew closer and placed her hand on the back of his hand.

"It's okay. It is enough to just tell me what you can."

Sometimes, people have secrets that they bury in their heart till the day they die. A secret that they would never share, no matter if it was to someone they loved or to their family. Lucia has such a secret. That fact that she saw the future in a dream, married another man and lived like that, it was a secret she would bury in her heart for the rest of her life.

"If someone knowing your secret brings you pain, you don't need to tell anyone."

His gaze on her quivered.

"…But the secret…could cause you pain." (Hugo)

"If that happens, I'll turn to you for answers. Then at that time, you can think it over again. Consider whether you can tell me or not." (Lucia)

"…Okay, I will." (Hugo)

He grabbed her arms and pulled her into his embrace. He hugged her tightly and placed his chin on her petite shoulders. Lucia wrapped her arms around his back in return and leaned her head on his shoulder. Without saying a word for a while, they remained hugging each other. It was comfort towards the other and comfort for oneself.

"Damian is your son and also my son. That won't change. Isn't that right?"

"En."

"Is Damian a child born from his parent's love?"

"So I heard."

"Then when Damian has grown up and is old enough to understand, let him know. It will be good for the child too."

"…Alright."

She leaned on his wide chest and buried her face in his shoulders, feeling a slight sense of shame.

'Why am I like this…'

The fact that he had never had a child with a woman he loved in the past gave her greater joy than compassion for Damian who didn't really know his parents. Damian was dear to her heart, whether it was before when she thought Damian was really his son, or now that she knew the truth, her feelings hadn't changed.

However, sometimes when she looked at Damian, she couldn't help but wonder who his birth mother was and become curious of the person that gave birth to Hugo's child. And at the same time, the thought that she couldn't bear him a child made her heart ache. She could now understand his reluctant words for a child, regarding it as a 'trace.'

This was his sincerity. He had secrets and wounds in his heart. A cold-hearted father and an elder brother who murdered that father. He may be afraid that his family history may be reoccur if he leaves a bloodline behind.

Just like how she was afraid of the future in her dream repeating and chose to make herself infertile.

'I will not be able to become a mother to my own child.'

She had given up vaguely. Although she still had some expectation of a chance, it was understandable to give up having learnt of the reason behind his reluctance.

A day may come when his wounds heal and he's ready to become a father or that day may never come and he remains of the same heart, forever. It was easier on the heart to think of the worst case scenario.

'But I have become a mother.'

Even if she didn't carry him in her stomach, Damian was her son. She diligently put her rueful heart in order. She tried to transition her mood and pushed away from his chest, looking up at him.

"No wonder I thought Damian somehow didn't resemble you."

"Didn't you say he resembles me exactly, some time ago?"

"His appearance, yes. But inside is completely different. Damian is gentle and sweet. But I don't think the words gentle and sweet suit you, don't you think?"

He made an unhappy face then he grinned, lifted her face by the chin and placed a kiss on her lips.

"I am sweet and gentle to you instead."

His sweet-talk was surprising. Lucia's heart felt tickled and she burst into laughter. He began kissing her all over her face as though asking 'what's so funny?' and Lucia was really tickled this time and burst into laughter again.

"Seeing how much Damian resembles you, late brother-in-law must have looked exactly like you. How fascinating. There were two of you."

"Why am I 'two'? That guy looked okay on the outside but inside was totally…"

When he saw her brightly watching him, he slurred the end of his sentence.

"…a bit weak-minded…"

Lucia understood it as a different expression of the word 'nice'. As expected, Damian was adorable and sweet, resembling his real father.

"May I ask the name of late brother-in-law?"

When he didn't say anything for a while, she added, "It's okay if you don't tell me."

"…Hue."

"Oh wow. It's similar to yours."

"Where is it similar?"

"Hue, Hue, Hugh. If you say it fast, they sound similar." (1)

"…"

"Hugh. Your name is similar to yours and your brother's."

His gaze shook considerably and he threw his arms around her.

"Vivian."

"Yes."

"Vivian."

"Yes."

'If this woman is gone, perhaps I would die.'

He realized his heart was no longer his own. His throbbing heart was painful but sweet.

Chapter 49 [part 1]

< — Truth & Falsehood — > (4)

TN: I don't think I've ever mentioned it but things in brackets like this: [], are conversations from the past. Brackets like this: () just tells you who is speaking. I mix it up sometimes but you can usually tell.

After taking a break for a while, Lucia resumed her activities in high society. Just as before, she opened light tea parties. Nothing changed and just like she'd always done, she invited a wide range of people. Except from a few of the party-break leaders, she put the rest on the invitation list without exceptions.

Lucia showed the authority of the Duchess with her intimidation at the last garden party now, it was time to appease them after her oppression.

She did not wish to reign over the northern high society. But ultimately, she needed to plant herself as an existence that should never be taken lightly.

"Duchess, when do you plan on having a party on a huge scale like last time?"

"My thoughts exactly. I wasn't invited then so I definitely want to attend next time. When the time comes, can I also get introduced to the young lord?"

"I'm afraid the child is no longer in Roam. He left to go study. But if there's an opportunity next time, I will introduce you."

Lucia replied with a smile and secretly took a glance around. She studied the uneasy expression of the ladies who looked like they were being chased and wouldn't be participating in the discussion anytime soon. They were attendees of previous garden party.

This was already the third tea party but people's behaviors remained similar. They were split into two sides, those who attended the garden party and those that didn't.

The ones that attended all looked uncomfortable and helpless. Their countenance didn't display reluctance to attend or arrogance, on the contrary, they looked sorry and thankful as they greeted Lucia.

Lucia had no intentions of rebuking them. Just as a soldier's disobedience to command resulted in death, normal women had no power to contest that of leading figures in high society.

And so, Lucia did not mention the events of the garden party so as to not make them uncomfortable but they remained excessively careful of her mood.

In comparison, the ones that did not attend the garden party raised up the topic of Damian as though showing off. They showed no reluctance and constantly and implicitly brought up the child's title of 'young lord'.

The sudden reversed attitude of the women was surprising.

'Is it because he announced publically that Damian is formally entered into the register?'

That was the only guess she could make. As always, the majesty of the Duke was amazing. Lucia did not know that the northern high society went through an enormous stir following the garden party.

It was rumored that the Countess of Wales as well as the tempered elderly wives of the high society that attended the garden party at the time were all secluding themselves at home and when one looked at it, it seemed to be that way. Those crafty old wives seemed to have somehow done something to upset the Duchess' pride and thought to hide themselves.

The rumor that the Taran Duke seized and killed every last one of the regional lords that rebelled against him, including their families, was also secretly spreading in the high society and so the fear that the northern nobles had towards the Taran Duke reached an extreme high. (1)

Hence, the explosive incident at the garden party that occurred in the meantime struck terror into everyone's heart. They imagined the Taran Duke learning of the Duchess' humiliation, and furiously summoning them to all be clubbed to death. After all, there was a connection between the Lady of the House losing face and the Head of the Family's pride.

Whether the rumor of the Ducal Couple's intimate matrimonial relationship was true or not, the Taran Duke had proved to at least belong to one of the examples. Originally, the House of the Taran Duke was closed off.

From generation to generation, the Taran Dukes were not interested in having close relationships with northern nobles as well as entering into politics in the capital.

The Taran Duke was an existing but intangible ruler. When the Taran Duke was not in the north due to war, the northern nobles held little interest in their intangible ruler. However, when there was a show of force and someone actually died, the social circle was shaken and people became desperate.

They wished to grasp the heart of their ruler and guarantee their safety. Presently, the only private connection to the current Duke was the Duchess who was engaging in social activities.

The ladies were given special instructions from their husbands or fathers and attended the Duchess' tea party. It was a scene of chaos trying to secure a position on the list of invitees just before the Duchess threw her third tea party.

Even though her surroundings were as if attacked by a typhoon, the one at the center of the typhoon, Lucia, was calm. Nevertheless, the one who usually informed her in detail of the happenings, Kate, was shutting her mouth and watching the situation unfold.

To be exact, it wasn't that something precise had happened but that the atmosphere in high society had become restless so what to tell Lucia was vague. She couldn't say to Lucia, 'your husband is terrifying so everyone is shaking in their boots'.

"The Duchess shines more beautifully as the days goes on."

Someone leaked out flattery and a competitive spirit could be felt rising in the air among the women.

"Oh, I have admired the Duchess' beauty since the day we first met."

"Hoho. Appearance isn't all to a person. The Duchess has a mind beautiful beyond appearance."

A flame was lit amongst the women. The shameless and smooth tongued women heaped praises on the Duchess without exception and the timid women could not come forward as they were indecisive and couldn't find a proper time to butt in. It was war.

Lucia took no regard of their overheated atmosphere and carefreely drank her tea. She wasn't an immature child that would become giddy and graceless from a few words of flattery. She had watched this situation happen enough times in her dream to be sick of it.

In her dream, she had never been at the center. She also couldn't become a follower as her personality wasn't one to beat around the bush. However, while observing the ridiculous spectacle from a distance, she either found it amusing or pathetic.

'The position of the Duchess is truly incredible.'

When Lucia did not show any reaction, the women began to close their mouths one by one. Those with tact gradually became aware that unlike her appearance, the Duchess was not an easy person to deal with.

"I'm truly thankful for all your kind words. Rather, is there anything interesting in the circles lately?"

"Let me tell you. Some time ago-"

"You can't call that interesting. I heard…"

This time, the women were trying to up on another with hot news in the social circles.

Lucia tilted her head, 'Today's tea party is really strange.'

Lucia Chapter 49 [part 2]

< — Truth & Falsehood — > (4)

TN: Hello, hello. Enjoy!

In the afternoon, Captain Elliot submitted a report. Its contents were related to the past poisoning incident that was mistaken for an epidemic. The incident was resolved smoothly.

After finding the root of the problem and digging into it, there was no sign of ill will. All the mushrooms obtained were retrieved and disposed of. The upper-end person in charge was to be fined a large amount of money as punishment for gross negligence.

"Any other villages harmed?"

"Apart from the two villages discovered at early stages, none yet. Since the upper levels has been mostly examined, I don't imagine there will be further damages in the future."

The report was requesting approval from Hugo so that the incident to be finalized. The top figure at the root of the problem was under investigation and their feet were bound.

If Hugo were to give his approval, the principal figure would have to pay compensations plus fines and would be able to restart their activities in the upper levels.

It was practically the same asking the principal figure to pay a significant amount of money without complaints and expecting no more problems. However, having a certain name enter Hugo's eyes was the start of misfortune for the top figure waiting for the trade approval to come through.

"…Wales? Is the principal owner the Count of Wales?"

"Yes."

It was the rule that no matter the owner, upper-end affairs were to be resolved by commercial law. A business transaction issue was resolved with money and as long as the owner did not go bankrupt, no responsibility was given to the owner's family.

The fact that Hugo now knew the name of the person at the top was related to the reason of having no need for concerned.

A dark spark was lit in Hugo's eyes. Because he saw her crying figure, he harbored a huge grudge towards the ringleader of the garden party incident. Because of his wife's beseechment, he couldn't interfere time and time again so he felt vexed. Since he'd finally chanced upon a case, he clung tenaciously to the long-awaited opportunity.

Through one channel or another, he knew about the garden party incident in relatively good detail. Naturally, he also knew that the prime leader at that time was the Countess of Wales. Just as he was considering how to warn the old snake, he caught an unbelievable case.

Hugo commanded with a grave expression.

"This case cannot be passed over lightly."

"Then…"

"I'm afraid I cannot erase the thought that there was a certain intention behind this matter. Thoroughly investigate the past transaction details, including the taxes paid."

"By thoroughly, you mean…"

"Down to the last detail. Shake the dust out."

Elliot was a typical knight, insensitive to plots or trickery however in this matter, his Lord seemed to have noticed something to watch for. He didn't know why but that top figure was certainly marked by his Lord. Somehow he felt sympathetic.

"Understood. I will investigate thoroughly."

Subordinates who assisted the Duke in close proximity were rather familiar with the Duke's character. The Duke was definitely not a magnanimous and virtuous person. He was indifferent in most cases however once he locked onto something and began to dig into it, he was closer to persistent and obstinate.

In other words, he held long grudges.

***

It was a month and a half since Damian left for the Academy. Damian was hardly gone before Lucia wrote him a letter and received a reply to it about 20 days later.

Today, she received his reply to the second letter she sent him. Lucia's heart pounded as she opened the envelope. Its contents, full of pages fell out. When she read the first line of the letter starting with, 'To Mother,' she trembled and hugged the letter to her chest.

As she read the letter step by step, her face blossomed, full of smiles. The letter's contents seemed like some sort or report. What was taught in class, what was eaten, who he had a conversation with. Lucia felt happy as she read the rigid contents that expressed no emotions. She felt like she could see into the child's livelihood.

― The day is getting colder. Be careful about your health. Sincerely, Damian.

When the lengthy letter came to an end, she felt a sense of huge regret.

"He seems to be doing well so I'm glad."

The end of the year was approaching so Lucia was preparing a gift to send to Damian.

"Milady, a guest requests to see you."

A maid announced to her. If it was Lady Milton that came, the maid would not say it was a guest.

"A guest? Who?"

"It is the Countess of Wales."

Lucia knit her brows slightly. She didn't know why the Countess of Wales would commit an act of rudeness and suddenly come to find her. She considered sending her back but finally settled on listening to what business the Countess had and if it was nonsense, to kick her out.

The maid served tea. Lucia did not call for Jerome. She didn't want to serve the delicious tea that Jerome prepares to the Countess of Wales. Unlike Lucia who sat with a slightly chilled attitude, the Countess of Wales looked intimidated. In the time they hadn't seen, her face had grown quite haggard.

Perhaps a cold? Lucia was suspicious of the Countess' very different complexion from the past garden party.

"What brings you here?" [Lucia]

"It was discourteous of me to suddenly request to meet you like this. Has Duchess been well in the meantime?"

"There's no reason I wouldn't be well. Frankly, I am dissatisfied with Countess. It was my first party prepared on a grand scale. Surely madam won't deny holding a sizeable responsibility for it ending in such a way?"

"What can I say? When one gets old, sometimes, one's ability to judge falls. I came to find Duchess in hopes you can generously overlook this matter."

Lucia, who'd purposefully come on strong, weakened her icy expression at the Countess acting humble.

"Is this what today's visit is in regards to?"

"Yes. I came to apologize."

Lucia didn't know the Countess of Wales would docilely lower herself like this. As the Countess was older and a leading figure in the circles, Lucia tried to gradually apply pressure rather than having a head-on confrontation.

'Something is strange here…'

The rather unusual intimidated attitudes of the other ladies was already weighing on her mind and since even the Countess of Wales was like this, perhaps there was something she was missing.

"If that's all you really want, I understand. I will accept Countess' apology. But I do not wish to talk for too long today." [Lucia]

"Ah…I…"

"Do you have more to say?"

"To Duchess…there is something I would like to sincerely request…"

A request? Really, how shameless. Lucia inwardly chuckled sarcastically. In any case, the Countess of Wales seemed to see her as meek and naïve child. Lucia was not a good girl that wouldn't take any action. She had a fairly cold side in entering a relationship with people.

"I do not privately take special requests."

"It's not a special request, Duchess. Please relieve the anger of his Grace the Duke."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

The Countess revealed that the top-levels owned by her family were currently encountering difficulty. The explanation was lengthy and mostly self-justification. However, from the congested story, Lucia grasped the key point.

"The top committed a blunder and was punished. Are you now associating your personal feelings with the official work of his Grace the Duke?"

"No. No. The guilt is not being denied. I know the Duke is indeed a thorough person that separates business and pleasure. But he is a little strict so I ask of you to have some mercy. Please forgive this old one for rushing over in a hurry without principle."

After the Countess of Wales left, Lucia fell into deep thought. In the first place, from the perspective of the one being punished, a generous punishment did not exist. From what she could tell, it wasn't that fault was being found with an innocent man.

Punishment of crime was within the scope of authority of the Taran Duke, the overseer of order in the North. The thought that maybe he was punishing them excessively because of her did not cross her mind for a second. She wasn't that conceited.

'So he's quite strict on the people under him.'

She couldn't imagine it since she'd never seen that side of him. In any case, the reason the ladies have been so careful of her mood lately must also be because of this. Perhaps they happened upon his strict side several times recently. She filed it in her head to ask him in passing. She did not really take it seriously.

Chapter 50 [part 1]

< — Truth & False — > (5)

The weather grew cold so it became hard to take a walk in the garden after dinner. Lucia didn't have to worry about what to do with her spare time though, rather, every time she was free, she fell in love with knitting.

It was a scarf wanted to send to Damian as a year-end gift as well the for New Year's. She worked diligently so she could send it at approximately the right time.

Since she couldn't care for the garden or take a walk, she poured all her remaining time into the completion of the scarf.

After taking a bath, Lucia waited for Hugo in the bedroom but even after more time than usual passed, he did not come. As the end of the year approached, he grew remarkably busier.

He either came into the bedroom late or sometimes sent word through the maid for her to sleep first.

Then he would try to stubbornly demand for the one-in-five rest day to be replaced with the missed day but Lucia did not listen to that demand.

This was because she knew that once she listened, there would be no end.

She asked the maid to bring her knitting basket because it seemed like he would be coming in late. She sat on the bed and began to weave the wool into the shape of a scarf.

"What's that?"

At some point, Hugo came in and was attentively watching the knitting in her hands. She had been completely engrossed in knitting and did not notice him when he came in.

She quickly clean up and arranged the materials into the basket.

"Knitting. I'm knitting a scarf. I want to send it to Damian."

A wool-knitted scarf. It was an item that was never necessary for Hugo. He wasn't sensitive to cold so even in the winter, he didn't wear special winter clothing, much less a scarf for children. Perhaps even the gift recipient Damian would have to make conscious effort to wear that around.

Her choice of white pattern on a red background showed how much she treated Damian like a little child. He felt a little sorry but he had no choice but to have Damian wear it throughout the winter.

He'll have to check through the escort planted at the boy's side to make sure the boy really wear it. Hugo entertained villainous thoughts in his mind.

Although Hugo didn't want a scarf, he couldn't move his gaze from where she moved to place the basket of knitting wool under the bed. He sent off Damian, got rid of the baby fox as a free bonus but she did not return to being entirely his like he thought.

He didn't know why there was so many places for her to devote her attention to. When she got a letter from the boy, she was full of obvious excitement for a few days.

'She's my woman before she is the boy's mother.'

He was dissatisfied with the attention she poured on Damian. He couldn't exactly put it in words so he grumbled inwardly. Moreover, she still had not told him her childhood name.

'But I told you my secret. Although not all of it.'

It wasn't like there had to be a trade-off but…

'Why does that boy, Damian know but I don't?'

He could never understand where that kid was better than himself.

"Did you learn knitting at a young age?"

Lately, Hugo used any opportunity he had to ask about her childhood. He was stubbornly determined to hear her childhood name directly from her mouth. He didn't want to ask upfront as he felt like if she told him personally, it was evidence that she'd opened her heart to him to some extent.

"Yes. Which is why my skill isn't that great. I learnt from casually observing my mother at the side."

"You said you lived alone with your mother when you were young, right?"

"Yes. Until I entered the palace."

"Then your mother…what did she…"

Hugo hesitated slightly then threw out a thinly-veiled question.

"Usually…what were you called? By your mother…"

This wasn't cheating. He didn't directly ask what her childhood name was.

"As a child, rather than call my name, she called me, my baby, cutie or daughter."

Since he didn't grow up feeling his mother's affections, he was probably curious of normal mother-child relationships. This was how Lucia thought of it. As she recalled memories with mother, a smile rose onto her face.

Today again, his leading questions failed. Hugo sighed inwardly, disappointed.

"Ah, there's something I want to confirm with you. You didn't forget your promise with me, right? The promise that you won't interfere with the matters of the garden party." (Lucia)

"I didn't forget."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Hugo answered confidently. There wasn't a single thing on his conscience. Summoning his vassals and telling them to put more effort into supervising their household was well enough within his capability as a superior giving advice.

There was no hesitation in his replies so Lucia believed him. Her husband was more trustworthy to her than the Countess of Wales.

"I heard something weird but it guess it was just a groundless rumor."

"What rumor?"

"It says you struck a blow to the Count of Wales' upper-end businesses because of the garden party issue. Well, something like that. But there's no way that's the case. You're someone who thoroughly distinguishes between private and public matters, after all."

"…Of course."

He really had nothing on his conscience. Even though the upper-end was thoroughly investigated two-fold and three-fold because of the problem caused by the poisoning case, it was an official matter. The fact that the principal owner was the Count of Wales was just an added bonus. Despite that, he couldn't answer without any hesitation. Lucia was unable to catch the sour look that flitted across his face.

Not long after this, the upper-end businesses of the Count of wales' family were acquitted after a persistent investigation.

The originally imposed levy was as before however, simply being able to resume activities in the upper-level before the New Year came around was something to be thankful for.

The rumor that the Taran Duke stood behind the Duchess was now solidifying into an established theory in the northern social circles.