The Quack Lady - Chapter 34
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 34
* * *
After riding the carriage for a short while, we came upon a truly small forest. It seemed to be used for noble recreation or hunting, as signs warning of falls or indicating animal habitats were posted here and there.
Having been confined to my room for the past few days without seeing a ray of sunlight, the strongly beating sun felt painfully harsh.
Since I was breathless to the point of my chin, Eruten offered to support me several times, but I stubbornly refused.
For some reason, the fellow I thought would keep pestering me obediently granted my request.
‘This is it.’
Around the small mound that looked like a grave, weeds grew abundantly.
Most importantly.
‘It really is a sunny spot.’
The mound created next to a large tree even gave the feeling that it had been waiting for us for a long time.
“Eruten. From here, I’ll go with just the Young Baron. Please wait a moment.”
“Are you really going to be okay?”
He immediately grabbed one of my arms and asked worriedly.
“Yes. I’ll be fine.”
I smiled faintly at Eruten to reassure him.
When we pushed through the grass that came up to our knees and ran forward, Demian predictably stopped firmly in front of that mound.
The child knelt down and gazed endlessly at the grave with eyes full of longing.
‘He must have missed it terribly.’
His finely trembling hand gently stroked the top of the grave.
It was a touch full of affection, as if he were caressing Tete.
Soon, an unbelievably tremendous amount of tears began pouring from the child’s eyes.
I went to the child’s side and silently patted his shoulder.
“Miss Tete to your heart’s content, Young Baron. And remember her forever. Tete.”
“….”
“Express all the feelings you’ve had of wanting to see her. Young Baron. You’ve suffered from holding it in.”
Just as he had fully accepted their meeting, he had to fully accept their parting as well.
It was then, as I was forcing down my bitter feelings and staring blankly at the mound.
“Sob…! Hic…!”
“…!”
“Hic…! Waaahhh!!”
Finally, the child’s emotions burst outward.
* * *
He was a dazzling man.
A man with precious silver-like hair and shining blue eyes beneath it, unbelievably beautiful.
When I later learned he was also a knight, there was no longer any need to hesitate.
‘I need to marry him.’
The naive man seemed unable to withstand her aggressive pursuit and gave in, and thus they succeeded in one of the few love marriages in noble society.
Warm eyes like a spring day, echoing bell sounds and cascading flower petals.
And herself smiling happily among them.
Before the happiness that had vanished like bubbles, Ditten slowly opened her eyes and faced the man who had changed.
The man facing her with changed eyes, though his hair and the emblem symbolizing knighthood remained the same.
‘I’m tired now.’
It was then, as she let out a low breath.
“I don’t mind you roaming around inside the Count’s Manor, but I can’t just overlook ignoring an arrest order.”
“Then don’t overlook it.”
“What?”
“Say you won’t just overlook each and every thing like that. You always have. Just look at Demian’s situation.”
“….”
“You were excessively angry that day. There was no need to kill what Demian treasured most right before Demian’s eyes.”
“That was…!”
The Count gritted his teeth and turned his head away.
At that sight, Ditten also turned her gaze in the opposite direction.
“You should have apologized.”
“What’s so great about some mere dog…!”
“Is it because the dog was great? It’s because it filled your empty place for the child!”
“What do you mean….”
Ditten pulled out several letters she had prepared in advance, as if she couldn’t bear it any longer.
The crooked handwriting was clearly written by Demian.
“He shared all his longing for you with that dog called Tete. While you weren’t by his side, it wasn’t me or Rudel the nanny who comforted the child, but that mere dog Tete.”
“….”
The Count carefully picked up the letter placed before his eyes.
I miss Father, but I’ll endure it. When I grow up, I want to become someone like Father….
Finally, instead of the word “love” that had been written and erased countless times, even the words “I miss you.”
Clint’s eyes trembled finely upon discovering this.
“When you do wrong, whether you’re a Count or a Count’s grandfather, you must apologize. Whether the target is a young child or my one and only child.”
“…It’s not a matter that requires an apology. It was just a mistake, and if the child was hurt, I just need to fill that part. Since he’s my child, he’ll understand me to some degree….”
At those words, Ditten smiled bitterly.
‘Is this how that little doctor felt?’
On one hand, it was bitter. However, she couldn’t hesitate. She reminded herself once more of her firm resolve and shouted at him.
“Does Demian do that? Understand everything? Say he understands?”
“That’s…!”
“Don’t assume parts that Demian hasn’t directly said. I’m also a parent, so I know what you’re saying, but if we don’t change….”
Demian will never return to our side.
Only these words wouldn’t come out, as if a thorn was stuck in her throat. She barely caught her breath and spoke as if giving up.
“This is the last time. I won’t say it twice. Whether you’ll keep me as Ditten Bernov or as Ditten Rubenoa depends entirely on your choice.”
“What? Do you know what you’re saying right now, Madam?”
“Yes. I know it too well. I know it so well that it’s a problem.”
What would be said about her after divorcing in noble society was as clear as day.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t afraid. Even so, she just wanted to protect everything of hers, even if it meant enduring all of this.
“I have one demand. Apologize to Demian and comfort Demian’s wounds.”
“….”
“Have a sincere conversation with Demian.”
At his wife’s firm words, Clint clicked his tongue.
Every word was right.
It was an undeniable fact that he had neglected his family under the excuse of having to take responsibility for the domain.
However, there had never been a single time when he didn’t treasure his family.
“I too! Poured massive donations into the temple while praying for the child to be okay! But to think that apologizing for something that’s already past will make a child whose condition has become strange better. Do you think that makes sense?”
“…Have you tried it?”
“….”
“Try it and then talk. Now I’ve decided not to believe in much other than hearing it from Demian’s mouth.”
Then, Ditten seemed a bit dizzy and pressed her temple firmly with one hand.
“I’m not feeling well today, so we’ll have to have a detailed conversation next time. I’ll get up now.”
It was then, as Ditten was slowly trying to rise from her seat.
“I’m not finished talking yet, Madam!”
The Count turned around, loosened his cravat, and looked at Ditten.
At the oppressive gaze and the weight of his low rumbling voice, Ditten unconsciously shrank back slightly.
Soon, as if he had been waiting, the Count approached her with heavy steps.
“I don’t know what thoughts make you take out your anger even on me, Madam, but I swear I never told the child to keep quiet when problems arose.”
“….”
“Rather, isn’t it because you educated him poorly that the child learned such bad habits and is making things difficult for me?”
“Right now… what do you mean!”
That’s when it happened. The Count grabbed Ditten’s slender wrist that had been clutching her skirt hem, snatching it tightly.
“Then tell me! What exactly did that swindler-like brat say to make me like this…?”
It was a fleeting moment. The slender wrist that had some strength in it, however faint, went limp downward.
Ditten collapsed unconscious just like that, and Clint caught her while shouting.
“Someone! Is there no one outside! Bring a doctor immediately! Immediately!”
Behind him, who had turned pale, knights and maids poured into the study.
Everything was a mess.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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