Baby Prisoner of the Winter Castle Chapter 110

One month since then.

 

The season was still winter, and a new year was quickly approaching.

 

In the meantime, several changes occurred in Brielle.

 

First of all, the best part was that she now had two mothers.

 

Mrs. Woods and Mrs. Curno, who loved Brielle more than anyone else, and who had been talking about her daughter from morning to evening, had now decided to live together in a house they had purchased within the second castle walls. 

 

While it was regrettable that Brielle had to set aside separate time to meet her two mothers, it seemed that more than anything, the two had become very close friends, relying on each other. 

 

Another change was, of course, status.

 

After a quick reconfirmation by the wizards, it was officially confirmed that she was indeed the daughter of the Marquis Curno.

 

However, she was the ‘previous Marquis’.

 

Although she didn’t know she was the Marquis herself, since the late King had appointed her as the Marquis, no one could deny it. 

 

Briel fulfilled the first and final duty of the ‘previous Marquis’, which was to cooperate with the royal family in selecting a new Marquis. 

 

Maximilian also participated and helped in this important task as her husband.

 

Of course, the Marchioness also helped her daughter carry out her final duties as a ‘Curno’. 

 

So, in the afternoon, she was watching the snow fall peacefully with her two mothers. 

 

Brielle asked Mrs. Curno.

 

“Aren’t you disappointed that I’m not continuing the title?”

 

“It would be a lie to say otherwise. But you achieved the position you had wanted since you were young.”

 

She smiled as she spoke of her childhood, a story Brielle barely remembered. 

 

Apparently, Brielle from her childhood was overjoyed about their engagement, saying, “So, does that mean I get to play with Max every day?”

 

If it were Brielle today, it would be a bold word that was somehow unimaginable.

 

To think she said such a thing to a prince who wouldn’t even allow an ordinary person to catch a glimpse of his face.

 

“Perhaps that’s why the Duke found you adorable too. He used to take you around, holding Lysander on one hand and you on the other.” 

 

It was still remarkable to think that Brielle was such an extraordinary lady, growing up alongside the royal siblings. 

 

“The three of you cause trouble wherever you go. Although the ages are different…” 

 

Mrs. Curno rolled her eyes and smiled happily.

 

“Like Clarisse and the handsome gentlemen. Are the three of them still troublemakers together these days?” 

 

“Oh my, what are you saying?” 

 

Brielle quickly lifted her chin with a determined expression. 

 

“At least Clarisse doesn’t cause trouble. If anything, she’s truly a wonderful lady.” 

 

As if she had been waiting, she handed over Clarisse’s report card that she had brought with her. It was the result of the end-of-month evaluation conducted recently.

 

Brielle’s eyes sparkled as she pointed at each little graph with her finger.

 

“See? The average score has improved compared to the last exam. Can you also notice the significant rise in rank? The Duke and I have been debating whether to make a big chart of Clarisse’s grades in front of the entrance every day.”

 

“…It would be better not to make it.”

 

Mrs. Woods, who was knitting baby socks a little way off, quietly offered her advice.

 

“But mother!”

 

Brielle quickly looked back at her with a crying expression on her face.

 

“I want to show off Clarisse! My goodness, I want to show everyone what a hardworking child she is! Ah, really… It’s because Clarisse is just so adorable. It would be such a waste to keep her cuteness to myself!”

 

“You can’t just recklessly expose such an adorable child to the world.”

 

“That’s right, Mrs. Woods’ words are wise, Brielle.” 

 

Despite the two mothers’ conclusions, Brielle looked down at Clarisse’s report card and stamped her feet. 

 

“…Clarisse is truly the most admirable person in the world. I feel sorry for those who live without knowing her.”

 

“Brielle, you don’t have to worry, there is a child like that in every family.”

 

Mrs. Curno also nodded her head at Mrs. Woods’ story.

 

“Of course, we have one at home too.”

 

“Shall we also write down the child’s achievements and display them at the entrance? I want to proudly show off what a hardworking child she is.”

 

“That’s a really good idea, Mrs. Woods!”

 

“I, I won’t put it on!”

 

Brielle quickly shook her head with a horrified expression.

 

And besides, lately, there have been many guests coming to congratulate Marchioness Curno, but if Brielle’s achievements were posted in front of them…

 

‘I wouldn’t be able to lift my head in shame!’

 

The two women looked at each other for a moment and laughed, perhaps amused by Brielle’s pale expression.

 

* * *

 

One month since she stepped down from the position of queen.

 

Even today, Lysander’s desk was filled with portraits of great young ladies from the continent.

 

He showed several portraits to Maximilian and commented on their appearance in an unflattering way.

 

Maximilian was about to give advice to be careful of such words and actions, but stopped.

 

“…What is it?” 

 

It seems that such a lukewarm response was somehow not amusing.

 

Lysander threw the portraits across the desk and stood up.

 

“So now you don’t even think it’s worth nagging me?”

 

“…It’s not like that.”

“But why aren’t you saying anything! Damn it!”

 

“Don’t you already know?”

 

Maximilian picked up the fallen portraits one by one and arranged them neatly on his desk.

 

“You shouldn’t say that.”

 

“…It’s not fun. Go back.” 

 

Lysander roughly swept the portraits he had organized across the desk.

 

Maximilian was worried about his younger brother who was becoming more and more eccentric. But there was nothing he could do.

 

Even coming here like this wasn’t really right.

 

The Great Queen will definitely come to see Lysander and ask him what he was talking about.

 

And from a very young age… Lysander loved and feared his mother more than anyone else.

 

“I came today to ask you a favor.”

 

Nevertheless, the reason Maximilian visited him was to talk about a fact that could no longer be put off.

 

“Ask me a favor?” 

 

Lysander asked with joy.

 

“Yes.” 

 

Maximilian bowed a little deeper than usual.

 

Considering that he was once the heir to this country, this was an earnest gesture that was no different from kneeling on his knees.

 

“Please pardon Clarisse Lennon Grezekaia… Your Highness.”

 

Lysander didn’t answer. 

 

Maximilian spoke again in a soft tone so as not to ruin the situation with his harsh words again.

 

“You are a kind person, Your Majesty. I vividly remember how you used to show pity even to a single insect when you were young.”

 

“…I would have told you.”

 

“Your Highness.” 

 

Maximilian interrupted his cruel words again.

 

“I will do anything.”

 

“…” 

 

“If you ask me to kneel, I will do so, and if there is anything you desire, I will risk my life to obtain it.”

 

It was essentially a pathetic plea, but Maximilian didn’t consider it shameful.

 

“…Why?” 

 

Lysander’s voice, barely returned, was cracked as if suppressed with deep pain.

 

Maximilian finally raised his head and looked at his younger brother.

 

As their eyes met, Lysander asked again.

 

“Would you do that much for that child?”

 

“That…” 

 

This is because Maximilian came to care for Clarisse more than anyone else.

 

Despite denying it for a long time, there was one thing Lysander realized upon hearing the news of Brielle’s pregnancy. 

 

The joy he felt upon learning about the child was no different from the emotions he felt when Clarisse smiled at him.

 

So now…he had to admit it. 

 

Maximilian loves Clarisse very much.

 

“Your Highness, I am.”

 

He tried to explain, but now Lysander interrupted him.

 

“You didn’t even hesitate when you left me here alone!”

 

“….” 

 

“You knew what would happen to me if I was left alone! My mother, me…!” 

 

Lysander grabbed Maximilian by the collar and pulled him. The touch was so rough that the huge body stumbled for a moment.

 

“I can’t tolerate it, I absolutely can’t tolerate it!”

 

In the king’s eyes, which had turned red, tears welled up unexpectedly.

 

“….Lysander.” 

 

Maximilian raised his hand to wipe his eyes, but Lysander slapped away his brother’s touch with a sharp sound.

 

“You said you would do anything if you wanted to save that child, right? Okay, fine! I will tell you one possible way.” 

 

He took out a decorative sword hanging on one side of the room and threw it at Maximilian.

 

Lysander stepped in front of him, instinctively grasping the handle. As if rushing in front of the sharp tip of a sword.

 

He stopped at a narrow gap and smiled at Maximilian.

 

“Kill me.” 

 

“….!” 

 

“You know? If I die, the next king is you, brother.”

 

Lysander quietly closed his eyes.

 

The tears that had been hanging around his eyes until the end quickly flowed down his cheeks and down to the nape of his neck.

 

“If that happens, you can pardon anyone you want.”

 

And he took one step closer to the tip of his sword.

 

Clank.

 

Maximilian dropped the sword he was holding to the floor.

 

“….” 

 

Lysander, who was looking down at this, smiled crookedly and soon left the office.