Spring in My Grasp - Chapter 47

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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(47) A Twist of Misfortune

-But why?
The Belloa Family, if investigated thoroughly, would surely yield something. Yet the High Priest’s curiosity lay not in that, but in Alexis’s resolve. At the High Priest’s question, Alexis’s eyes darkened with shadow. And from Alexis, the High Priest heard the full account of what had transpired.
-If that is the case, then there is no help for it.
The High Priest granted permission to investigate the Belloa Family. The circumstances themselves confirmed that they were indeed trafficking in illegal substances.
The Belloa Family, having conducted such affairs for so long, had left no evidence behind—yet as the saying goes, a long tail will always be caught. The High Priest gathered these circumstances and presented them to the King, who granted permission to interrogate Count Belloa directly. At the High Priest’s words, the King opened his mouth.
-It is difficult for me to accept your words. Surely you did not interrogate Count Belloa without cause.
-No, that is not so! My father—!
As Audrey hastened to protest, Countess Glister suddenly seized her arm and pulled her back.
The moment Audrey turned to look at the Countess’s face, she realized what she had done wrong. Drained of all color, Audrey covered her mouth with both hands and gazed up at the King with eyes wide with terror.
The King said nothing, yet his heavy, rigid expression was suffused with displeasure. The Royal Palace Hall was filled with such profound silence that breathing itself became difficult. Only Alexis maintained that same composed countenance, his eyes unreadable.
-Would you still insist on your claim even if I myself had verified it?
The King spoke. Audrey trembled, her mouth sealed shut by her own hands. As the suffocating silence continued, it was Alexis, unexpectedly, who broke it.
-Your Majesty, as your sword, I have one request.
At this, the King, who had been regarding the people of the Glister Family with displeasure, turned his gaze.
-Speak.
Alexis stepped forward. His footsteps echoed briefly against the black marble floor. He did not kneel. Instead, he kept his spine straight and bowed his head—as one who would demand what was rightfully his.
-In this moment, I ask that you—
He spoke in a voice of perfect calm.
-grant me severance from the Glister Earl Family.
Someone drew in a sharp breath. But Alexis did not turn around.
-I wish to exist independent of the Glister Family.
At these words, the Countess’s hands trembled. Francis’s face contorted. Count Glister’s expression betrayed shock as his fists clenched tightly.
-Allow me to live as your sword, Your Majesty, by my own name and merit alone.
Having spoken thus, Alexis slowly lowered himself onto one knee. He planted his sword upon the ground and rested his hands upon it.
-I hereby entrust my name and all rights to Your Majesty.
The King said nothing for a long while. He merely looked down upon him. Then, after some time had passed, his lips finally parted.
-Do you understand what that means?
Alexis did not lift his head.
-I do.
An answer without the slightest hesitation. From this moment forward, he would be freed from all the influence that the Glister name conferred. To be raised in the ways of nobility, only to cast aside all the power and prestige of one’s own house, was no simple matter. Yet at this resolute answer, the King’s lips curved ever so slightly upward.
-Very well.
A single, brief word. Yet it carried the weight of a judgment. All those present could not conceal their astonishment at the King’s pronouncement.
-Your Majesty!
Count Glister cried out involuntarily, but could say no more. The King continued with surprising ease.
-I cannot refuse the request of an honored Holy Knight.
The King’s gaze swept across the Glister Family, then settled once more upon Alexis.
From this day forward, you shall bear the name of Glister no longer.
The King’s words fell upon Alexis like a pronouncement of fate.
As for the title and rights you are to inherit, I shall make them known in due course.
In that moment, something between them shattered completely.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Alexis, having paid his respects to the King, did not once look back at them until he departed the Royal Palace.
Upon returning, Alexis held Rowan in his embrace for a long while.
Now no one shall ever trouble you again.
Seeing Rowan startled by his words—that he had severed ties with his family by the King’s decree—he spoke to her thus.
So I will protect you, no matter what it takes.
His voice wavered slightly at the end.
Stay by my side. Always.
Rowan could not speak. Like someone who had sensed her own preparations to leave, she could no longer refuse his plea to remain at his side.
Yes.
Rowan embraced him in return. In her previous life and since arriving in this world, she had nowhere to depend upon. But that was no longer true. With time, a quiet certainty had begun to bloom within her—that Alexis would protect her.
Yes, us.
Thus they held each other, sharing warmth for a long time. Yet from Rowan’s perspective, lacking knowledge of the full circumstances, the Glister Family’s protests seemed almost contrived.
Why would Alexis go so far as to destroy the Belloa Family and slander Francis? The Belloa Family had paid the price for their crimes, and Francis was simply incompetent. With such thoughts, Rowan finished her meal and rose from her seat.
“My appetite has been so good lately. I’ve cleaned my plate entirely.”
“Indeed. Perhaps it’s because you’ve stopped accepting those dreadful cookies—your appetite has been insatiable these days.”
“Our castle’s chef truly is skilled at cooking.”
Rowan spoke as she and Lea exited the Glass Garden.
“Last week, you even had me prepare a midnight snack while Alexis was sleeping. And you hadn’t even skipped dinner.”
Lea giggled.
“Truly, these days I’m hungry the moment I turn around. I’m not even working like I did back in the Annex, yet at this rate I’ll balloon up and roll about.”
Rowan chimed in agreement.
“I suppose it’s time I said something.”
“It does seem about time.”
Rowan and Lea locked eyes and broke into knowing smiles.
“At this point, it’s certain enough.”
***
That evening, Alexis stood rigid, his entire frame frozen by the momentous news. Across from him, Rowan sat upon the sofa, her face suffused with a gentle, radiant smile.
“Why are you standing there like that, Alexis?”
Rowan said.
“Aren’t you happy?”
She caressed her belly with a serene expression.
“It’s been nearly two months already. The Physician confirmed it just now.”
“….”
Alexis could not speak. He simply gazed at Rowan with a frozen countenance for a long moment. Unable to bear the silence any longer, Rowan rose and approached him.
“Won’t you tell me how it feels to become a father?”
At that, Alexis’s violet-blue eyes trembled visibly. He hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly.
“You… aren’t suffering, are you?”
At his words, Rowan crossed her arms and laughed playfully.
“Is there such a thing as a pregnancy without hardship?”
“If you’re in pain, what will I do?”
Rowan exhaled softly. She too harbored her fears—childbearing and delivery were daunting prospects for any woman. And yet.
“Of course it will hurt. Giving birth is no trivial matter.”
But Rowan took Alexis’s hand and held it gently.
“Still, I wanted to have a family. To think that our child will be born—I am truly happy.”
“….”
“Aren’t you happy?”
At that, Alexis shook his head urgently.
“I am. I am happy, but….”
“Then let’s just be happy together now, shall we?”
At Rowan’s words, Alexis nodded softly. The word family seemed to stir something within him. As Rowan nestled into his embrace, Alexis carefully placed his hand upon her belly.
“I cannot fathom that there is a child here.”
He spoke in a voice grown rough and low.
“Neither can I.”
Rowan replied, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
“You have given me so much.”
Alexis gazed down at her belly tenderly.
“In exchange, I’m spending your money quite freely, aren’t I?”
Then those beautiful violet-blue eyes turned toward Rowan’s face.
“It’s all yours.”
“Why would it all be mine?”
Rowan questioned.
“It’s the money you earned diligently as a Holy Knight.”
“No. It’s all yours.”
He insisted like a child.
“If you hadn’t been injured, I would never have had reason to demonstrate my strength.”
Did he truly believe that? Rowan found herself mildly astonished.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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