Meanwhile, Jocelyn responded to Sedilroy’s call without knowing why he was summoning her.

No, it wasn’t that she had no idea at all. Her fingertips were still trembling with anger and humiliation. She tried to stop the trembling by force, but as in her youth, it was difficult to quickly feign calm.

“Did you call me, Your Grace the Duke?”

“Jemero, you may leave.”

The loyal Jemero bowed his head in silence, then exited the room, closing the door firmly. Sedilroy, who had turned his back on Jocelyn the entire time, finally looked at her as he heard the door close.

“Jocelyn.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Please speak.”

Silence flowed. Sedilroy was like someone who didn’t know what to say, barely uttering her name and saying nothing more.

Jocelyn looked at Sedilroy with a selfsatisfied smile, lifting her chin in an even more dignified manner. That’s not to say she didn’t respect Sedilroy. Rather, Jocelyn was someone who, more than anyone else, would prioritize Sedilroy, even if the king was on parade.

Like a faithful dog. Sedilroy thought, grinding his teeth.

“I’ve told you before. Your loyalty to the Duke’s family, where does it come from? Do you remember?”

Jocelyn blinked.

“Of course, I remember, Your Highness.”

“But you seem to not remember that I accepted Ariante as a member of the Duke’s family, as my daughter.”

Sedilroy’s voice was cold and dry. Jocelyn concealed her trembling fingertips by wrapping them in her palms, responding with a rigid expression.

“That cannot be, Your Highness. I remember every single word you have said. But…”

“No need for more words, Jocelyn. I command you never to talk about Ariante herself or her birth to anyone ever again. Ensure all the other employees maintain their silence as well, and if I hear a report of you behaving rudely to Ariante again, be prepared. You personally.”

“Your Grace, the maid you brought is only having a bad influence on the princess. If you only listen to that maid, something irreversible will happen someday!”

“Irreversible?”

Sedilroy’s eyes shone fiercely. About to approach Jocelyn, he took a step and then clenched his fist as if trying to calm his anger.

“What’s this irreversible thing you’re thinking about, Jocelyn?”

“Your Highness, I only do for this family…”

“Berbo and Liriya’s absurd death was the irreversible thing. What’s this other thing you’re talking about?”

Jocelyn’s face turned ashen, her wrinkled mouth quivering. Sedilroy clearly saw this, but Jocelyn did not break down. Rather, she became even more solid, like a statue, or like a massive wall.

“It was a trivial event compared to the future of the Duke’s family, and if anything, it was fortunate for the Duke’s honor.”

“Jocelyn!”

Sedilroy struck the decorative shelf with all his might. A vase on it, one that Gretae had polished, fell to the floor and shattered into pieces. Fragments flew, and water spilled. But neither Sedilroy nor Jocelyn blinked an eye.

“I cannot help it if you are angry with me, Your Highness. It is indeed a pity that Lord Berbo had such an accident. But if you had not taken such a woman as a wife in the first place, Lord Berbo would not have died.”

Jocelyn’s words were harsh. There was no faltering in them. Sedilroy felt an overwhelming sense of defeat… like trying to tear down a massive wall with a pocket knife, like doing something reckless and absurd, or like falling endlessly somewhere.

Sedilroy said,
“I know well why you can’t drive me out of here.”

“Because of the former Duke’s will. I know.”

A moment of silence passed. Sedilroy suddenly felt a dull and uncomfortable pull at his chest. The unbearable truth tightened around him like oppressive shackles. He wanted to blurt out the real reason he wasn’t driving her away right away.

But he couldn’t. Not yet. He couldn’t ruin everything here.

He said,

“Yes, but my father has long passed away. No one can blame me now, even if I don’t keep the will. Do you understand what I mean?”

Joslyn’s cheek trembled as she looked strong. Her stubborn black eyes flashed as if to shoot fire.

“If Your Grace finally drives me away, what means do I have to resist? But Your Grace will also know. My life has no use other than loyalty to the Valterminster Duke’s family.”

Sedilroy gave a hollow laugh. It sounded very sad and suffocating, like someone who couldn’t breathe was finally breathing.

“Are you threatening me?”

“I am simply telling the truth.”

Joslyn’s gaze dropped. But her expression only looked more arrogant and cold, without a trace of reflection or fear. Rather, it was Sedilroy who seemed to be at a disadvantage. He was the one trapped in conflict and torment.

“You’ve hated Berbo since the old days, haven’t you?”

“That is not true, Your Grace.”

“No! It’s true. You didn’t love that child like you loved me. Why did you do that? If I had died, Berbo would have become the master of this house.”

“That would never have happened.”