As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover Chapter 67

“Kalliod will not give up on you. I want both you and Kalliod in my hands.”

 

“…”

 

“It would be in your best interest to join me if you want to live a relatively peaceful life without being under the count’s control. Whether you return to the count or not makes no difference to me. Of course, Kalliod will eventually come into your hands, but having you by my side until the count dies would make it difficult for anyone to take you away forcibly. If there’s anything you desire, I’m willing to listen.”

 

This was precisely what Maxion needed. He did not wish to join Count Kalliod, but he did want to know the specifics regarding his mother’s death. He had heard that after the young crown prince had been dethroned for an unpleasant incident involving the dead empress, he had become the grand duke of Lindeman. Surely, he would have the power to uncover the truth.

 

“I’m curious about what I need to do.”

 

“Simply being on my side is enough. That way, Kalliod would eventually become on my side too, right? Besides, even without Kalliod, you’re a valuable talent, so it’s a no-loss for me.”

 

“Are you saying you would pardon my crimes for that reason?”

 

“You’re a murderer who has killed eleven people, but you’re decent and quite good. You didn’t hesitate to take on even non-profitable jobs for the elderly, children, disabled, and sick, even if it was guilt that drove you. In a world where most people live without feeling such guilt, it’s rare.”

 

 

“…Viscount Berg was a nobleman. Even among nobles, killing one is severely punished, as I understand.”

 

“Viscount Berg was less than human, indulging in human trafficking, abuse, and murder, so his death isn’t regrettable. Those he commanded were also the count’s henchmen who mercilessly killed the innocent, so they got what they deserved.”

 

“…”

 

“Of course, I’m not saying I’ll pardon your crimes just by word of mouth. Murder is a grave sin. So, you’ll pay for your crimes by saving 1,100 lives, including mine.”

 

Maxion’s eyes widened. The rising sun finally bathed the world in light. Flocks of birds took flight from the forest, now free of darkness.

 

“I will say it again. Maxion, become my sword.”

 

Standing there, Maxion eventually knelt. “I will follow your command, Your Excellency.”

 

That day, Maxion decided to pledge his loyalty to the dazzlingly handsome young grand duke, Edward, and protect him and the remaining 1,099 lives. Since Edward often ventured into dangerous places, saving lives wasn’t too difficult. Naturally, his nightmares began to subside.

 

Three years passed. Count Kalliod continued to send letters to their location upon hearing that Maxion had become Edward’s knight. After learning the truth about his mother’s death through Edward, Maxion sent a response that he would not meet and ceased all further communication. The count, confined by his hypochondria, could do nothing but send letters and representatives.

 

“This might mean Kalliod will never come to me.”

 

“It doesn’t matter, but with the count’s personality, you’re bound to inherit the estate, especially if you stay by my side.”

 

Although he didn’t send any more men, just like Edward said, Count Kalliod didn’t give up on Maxion. His story soon became gossip in the imperial social circles.

 

As time went on, Edward reached adulthood, and the emperor passed away, closing Edward’s path back to the throne. The new crown prince naturally ascended to the emperor’s throne…

 

 After that, Edward faced constant assassination attempts. His physical and mental health deteriorated, suffering from near-madness on some days and appearing normal on others. Assassins and spies were not only after his life but also the ‘something’ he knew. Attempts were made to plunder his memories with a magical orb that could store memories, deepening his insomnia.

 

“Everyone said I must love and serve the people as the only imperial grandson to whom the people of the empire look up and the crown prince who will become the future emperor. That’s my duty as the next emperor.”

 

Edward, wiping off a spy’s blood, spoke tiredly. “Do you still believe I have that duty now that I’m fading from their memories, having lost power and honor due to doubts about my lineage?”

 

Maxion couldn’t answer that. Without overthrowing the empire, there was no way for Edward to become emperor.

 

“Yet, I don’t want to let go of the empire. I promised someone. I’d make it an empire worthy of your gaze.” Edward smiled wryly. “I guess I’ll have to erase some of my memories. Sealing them away means they can’t be stolen.”

 

“Such magic is known to have severe side effects. It’s too dangerous.”

 

“At worst, I might lose my mind a bit. But you’ll take care of my body, right? The first of the 1,100 lives you promised to protect is mine.”

 

“…”

 

“Ah, and Maxion, congratulations. As of today, you’ve fulfilled your obligation. So from now on, I hope you can stand by me as a friend and colleague.”

 

“If Your Excellency wishes that, I will do so.”

 

Edward had already treated him as more than just a subordinate. Among his peers, Maxion was the most comfortable to be around him.

 

“Let’s start by calling each other by first names. I grant you special permission. It’s an order. Try it now.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Hurry up.”

 

Prompted by his superior, Maxion flustered, spoke. “…Lord Edward.”

 

Edward’s lips curled into a smile, and he laughed softly. “Sounds good. Though I plan to delete the condition to unlock the magic, the memories will return when the time comes. Until then, ‘I’ am in your care.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Edward, still smiling, snapped his fingers to dispose of the bodies. His magical prowess was astonishing, even more so than the empire’s most famous wizard.

 

The next day, Edward drank cold water, looking puzzled.

 

“Did you sleep well? I can’t quite remember last night’s events. Maybe because I finally slept after a long time.”

 

“…It seems so.”

 

From that day on, Edward appeared normal but often had a vacant look. However, he slept more than before, and once the emperor realized there was nothing to gain from him, the number of assassins and spies decreased.

 

Later, Edward returned to the capital mansion with his knights.

 

“That man is a knight from a mercenary background? Even the grand duke has really gone all out.”

 

“Besides, I heard he’s the only lineage of Kalliod.”

 

“What? But I heard Count Kalliod became unable to have heirs…”

 

“Apparently, he had a child with a courtesan before his marriage. I heard the North is quite lenient about such matters.”

 

“How scandalous. A courtesan!”

 

The interesting past of the man beside Edward, but an unwelcome commoner in the nobility’s circle. That was how Maxion de Kalliod was described. Regardless of what they said, it didn’t matter. He didn’t attend banquets unless necessary.

 

After returning to the South, he often thought of Luize. How was she doing, whether she still sprained her ankle, whether she was still leading a peaceful life?

 

“The emperor is practically hosting a feast for our deaths!”

 

Years later, the emperor ordered Edward and his knights to march to Perils. While everyone protested with pale faces, only Maxion was pleased. He had been unable to return to Perils due to many watching eyes. Now, he had a chance to meet Luize and Lensia again.

 

“…Gone.”

 

After arriving in Perils and getting permission from Edward, he quietly left for the cabin. But no one was there. It looked long abandoned, and even Allen’s grave looked like just another part of the overgrown field. He stared blankly at the empty cabin before returning.

 

“Maxion?”

 

“…Luize?”

 

He met her again at a banquet celebrating the knights’ safe return. Luize had become the wife of the empire’s biggest womanizer. He had wished for her happiness, yet he had drifted too far from the time when her smile easily made him blush.

 

And so, it came to this. Maxion left the bed and went to the window. After being examined by a healer and having potato soup for dinner, he returned to his room, and darkness had already fallen.

 

The moonlight softly illuminated the world. On days he missed Luize, he looked up at the moonlit sky. On particularly pale nights, the moon resembling her hair reminded him of her silver head staunchly defending him.

 

“Luize. Nothing is as precious to me as you.”

 

You are my only family, friend, and first love, and your presence is my ultimate destination. So, as the master’s sword, I’ll clean up the world for you to live in.

 

* * *

Luize looked perplexed at the white handkerchief in her hand. This plain, cheap white handkerchief, devoid of any design, was hurriedly bought at a souvenir handkerchief shop for travel.

 

“It’s too plain compared to what Edward lent me.”

 

But it would be too careless to wash and return the one she used to wipe her tears and nose. It would be embarrassing to give it back after using it for tears and snot.

 

She hadn’t joined dinner and diligently applied cold compresses, reducing the swelling around her eyes significantly. Though some redness remained, she looked presentable.

 

Knock, knock.

 

Luize believed it was important to show gratitude promptly. She wanted to offer her own handkerchief as thanks before it got too late.

 

The door opened, and the unique scent of freshly bathed skin wafted in.