The Abandoned Prince’s Ghost Bride - Chapter 169

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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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The Ghost Bride of the Forsaken Prince
Special Side Story, Episode 3

“What on earth—”
“Good heavens, Dio!”
“It’s been ages. How’ve you all been?”
Lia led Dio toward Lucian’s office.
Lucian, who had been working busily with James, jolted to his feet in shock so profound his eyes threatened to pop from their sockets.
“I don’t even recognize you! What happened to your face? You look like a full-grown man now!”
“A man? I’m barely in my twenties, still single, thank you very much.”
“How did you even get in here?”
“Through the side gate in the walls. I tried the main entrance, but they wouldn’t let me through—they said I was claiming to be your friend and didn’t believe it.”
Judging by his rough appearance, it seemed the gatekeepers had turned him away.
“We need to tighten security on that side gate. Common thieves could slip in and out without anyone noticing.”
“That’s rich coming from you, barging in uninvited.”
“I didn’t have much choice if I wanted to get in.”
The two bickered with genuine warmth, then suddenly embraced each other tightly.
“Regardless, it’s good to see you. How long has it been?”
“You’ve been gallivanting around the world, leaving your best friend behind. I’m heartbroken.”
“I’m sorry. But I sent you letters regularly, didn’t I?”
“You only sent letters to His Majesty.”
“Please don’t be like that, Dio. His Majesty has been unrelentingly busy.”
James, who had appeared with refreshments, spoke with an amused chuckle.
Dio glanced at the stacks of documents piled everywhere and nodded in understanding.
“Well, you’ve had your fun. Time to get back to work. Oh, and Lia.”
“Yes?”
“I brought you a gift. I heard you’re expecting?”
Dio fished from his messy bundle a gift wrapped in layer upon layer of fine paper.
Inside was a tiny child’s garment, and upon seeing it embroidered with a red dragon, a ghost, and Lucian’s face in delicate detail, Lia’s expression grew tender.
“Goodness, it’s adorable! Thank you so much, Dio.”
“Thank me? How could your uncle not do at least this much?”
“Dio’s here!”
Bang—
As Dio laughed, Kaiser burst through the door with enthusiasm.
He greeted Dio warmly and, seeing his own embroidered likeness on the garment Lia proudly displayed, his mouth curved upward.
“Well, well, someone’s got taste. And here I thought you were swamped as Guard Captain—when did you have time to prepare this?”
“Ah, I’m not Guard Captain anymore.”
“Huh?”
Everyone’s eyes widened as they turned to stare at him.
“I resigned.”
“…You what?!”
Everyone was shocked, but Lucian most of all—he shot up from his seat in disbelief.
“Is there a knight order in the Grand Duke’s territories? I want to join.”
Whether or not Dio perceived the collective stunned silence, he grinned with the innocent cheerfulness of old.

* * *

This is how the matter had unfolded.
One: Lucian’s letter reached Leopold.
Two: Leopold showed it off to Harry and Dio.
Three: Unable to restrain himself any longer, Dio submitted his resignation.
Four: He came straight to the Tilan Territory after submitting it.

Lia, who had been listening quietly, waved her hand.
“Wait, wait. Something’s missing from the middle of this story, isn’t it?”
Leopold showing off Lucian’s letter was one thing, but why Dio would resign on top of that was another mystery entirely.
“That was just an excuse. I’d been planning to quit soon anyway.”
“Why? Being an Imperial Guard was your lifelong dream.”
“I served that dream for several years, so now I have no regrets. Besides, I wasn’t just an Imperial Guard—I was your guard. A knight should serve his lord, not someone else. So you’re going to stay here and govern the Tilan Territory? Then do your old friend a favor and create a position. I got shuffled around in the Imperial Palace enough to know how to build a proper knight order.”
Dio flashed Lucian—who sat there bewildered—a playful smile.

Whether it was audacious or simply good-natured was anyone’s guess.
For a moment, Lucian was at a loss for words, but Kaiser broke the tension first with a burst of laughter.
“A loyal retainer like that would be perfect! You even said you wanted at least someone like Dio around.”
“Really?”
Lucian couldn’t help but smile at the sparkle in Dio’s hopeful eyes.
“Yeah… I’ve been so swamped lately, I genuinely could use your help.”
“Hmm… I left the Imperial Palace because I hated the work hellscape, but surely you won’t have more work than that? Tell me anything—I’ll help. But first, let’s make a proper contract?”
“Leave that to me. I’ll see you’re given excellent terms.”
James pushed his glasses up and produced an employment contract he’d apparently prepared in advance.
The contract was drawn up in a flash, and Dio signed it almost immediately.
“Oh, right. His Majesty said to give you this when we met.”
Dio tossed something, and as soon as Lucian caught it, a brilliant light flooded the room.
—Lucian!
And the face of Leopold, who looked identical to Lucian, suddenly filled the air before them.
“Brother!”
What Dio had given him was a Communication Artifact.
—Take a look at my face before you head down to the territory. No way you’re leaving straight for Tilan—I’ve prepared everything! I knew you’d all be coming!
Leopold, contrary to his public reputation as a stern emperor, began to whine.
Of course, those who knew him well found it entirely familiar.
“I’m sorry, brother. With Lia expecting, we had to be careful.”
—Oh, I heard about that. Congratulations on the pregnancy, Miss Lia. Or should I say… sister-in-law?
“Just call me as you wish, Your Majesty.”
—Hmm… hearing formal speech from my sister-in-law feels strange. Please speak comfortably with me.
Apparently, the memory of his body being possessed by Leon made Leopold uncomfortable with Lia’s formal tone.
—I’d love to throw an Imperial celebration for our new nephew, but I know you’d hate that!
“Absolutely.”
—I thought as much, so instead of a celebration, I’m sending a gift to the Tilan Territory for our nephew. It should arrive within days.
“You didn’t have to… but thank you, brother.”
—It’s only natural as an uncle. So, when’s the due date?
“About six months from now, so early to mid-February?”
—February… If I work hard enough now, I should be able to make it.
“You’re coming?”
—Of course! There’s no way an uncle’s missing the birth of his nephew! Even if the world split in two, I’d make it there!
—That’s something you should say after you’ve finished your current duties.
A cool voice came from beside Leopold’s spirited declaration.
Naturally, it belonged to Harry.
“Harry! How are you? Staying well?”
—Not really. I’ve been miserable since Dio disappeared.
Dio, who was standing nearby, flinched and quietly slunk behind the sofa.
—Maybe I should resign too…
—No, no, Harry, don’t say that. We agreed not to talk about this anymore. Sorry, I’ll call you again later.
At Harry’s sincere mumble, Leopold panicked and shut off the Communication Artifact.
It was clear he was preoccupied trying to soothe Harry.
“…Heh, I was just like that two weeks ago.”
Dio rubbed the bridge of his nose nostalgically.
One could only wonder how much Leopold had been put through to react that way.

* * *

Time flowed like water, the new year passed, and February—the due date—arrived.
With the care of Kaiser and Beatrice, who were as devoted as Lucian himself, Lia delivered without major complication.
The child she bore was a boy with Lia’s black hair and Lucian’s golden eyes.
At first, his puffy face reminded everyone of a burnt potato, and they thought him homely—but then the swelling faded, his eyes opened, and he began to captivate everyone around him.
“This child is an angel. A heavenly angel sent down to us, no question.”

Notably, the one most smitten was neither parent—not Lia or Lucian—but rather…
“Your Majesty, people are watching. Do consider your dignity…”
“Harry! Are your eyes not working? This adorable, precious Grand Duke’s Son is right here!”
Leopold.
True to his word, he had arrived precisely one day before Lia went into labor and had been planted in the territory ever since.
At first, he’d declared he’d stay to catch up with Lucian on everything they’d missed—but that seemed to have changed.
“If you ask me, he just doesn’t want to be separated from our Persio.”
“Right? Honestly, my brother looks more like the father than I do.”
Lucian chuckled softly as he stroked Lia’s swollen hand.
Leopold wasn’t the only one being excessive, though.
“You two, quiet. You’ll wake the baby.”
Kaiser, rattles in both hands, released a wave of Pressure as he fixed Leopold and Harry with a glare—and both men snapped their mouths shut instantly.
“Ehhhh…”
But the moment the baby whimpered, they both broke into grins as if they’d never been stern at all, shaking the rattles.
“Look at the grip on this little one. We should definitely teach him Swordsmanship.”
And beside them stood Dio, grinning like an idiot.
Did Persio know? Did he understand that he was being blessed and beloved by the Empire’s Emperor, its Prime Minister, its Guard Captain, and a Red Dragon?
But perhaps the affection was too much—Persio’s face crumpled, and suddenly he wailed.
The four men tried their best to soothe him, but then black hair appeared, and Leopold’s arms were suddenly empty—Beatrice had taken the child.
“The baby’s hungry, you fools. Out, all of you. I’m feeding him.”
Beatrice ushered the dejected men from the room, then placed Persio in Lia’s arms.
“Honestly, you all have no sense of moderation. I’m sorry, Lia. Your mother hasn’t even held you yet…”
“No, don’t be. I’m actually happy having all these people help care for my son.”
Lia smiled gently as she began nursing Persio.
Raised on so much love, Persio’s cheeks had already grown plump and round—soft as a ripe peach.

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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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