A Barbaric Proposal Side Story 27

※A Predicament※

[Dieren] "Please, can't you reconsider just once? Come on, we’re brothers, aren't we?"

Even as the arm was gripping him and practically dragging him along, Dieren refused to let go of his lingering hopes and pathetic pleading.

[Black] "Shut your mouth and just move."

Black was employing a sophisticated technique: while holding Dieren’s arm, he used the movement of his own thighs and knees to nudge him forward with every step.

To an outside observer, it appeared as though they were walking in close, friendly proximity, as if Black were merely seeing his "sworn brother" off.

[Dieren] "No, please. I didn't actually do anything wrong. It was the Grand Duke who wanted the marriage alliance. I didn't lift a finger!"

[Black] "The very sound of your breathing irritates me."

[Dieren] "Ha... damn it. That actually hurts. Don't you think you're being a bit much?"

[Black] "Not at all. If you want to see what 'being a bit much' looks like, I can show you."

Black didn't even shift his gaze, but Dieren reflexively flinched, his legs twitching at the memory of how they had nearly been severed once before.

Dieren stayed silent for a few more steps, but when the carriage came into view, he couldn't help himself.

[Dieren] "Look, brother. Please, think about it one more time. It’s not like I committed a crime, right? In a way, isn't this a good thing? A marriage alliance would strengthen the ties between our nations, and we’d be in-laws... Ah, right! And we have to respect the children's wishes! Prince Dief clearly likes my daughter! Won't he resent you if you force her away like this?"

[Black] "Hardly."

[Dieren] "What? How can you be so sure? He’s eight; he might look like a toddler to you, but he’s grown. A scar like this lasts a lifetime."

[Black] "To be honest,"

He shook his head, looking utterly exasperated.

[Black] "I’m getting tired of mocking your stupidity. If you're going to be this dense, at least keep your mouth shut. Do you believe my son would hold anyone dear who has caused Liene pain?"

[Dieren] "No, that was my sister, not my daughter—"

[Black] "It seems your head is filled with nothing but rocks."

[Dieren] "Ugh, damn it. I’m telling you, I didn't breathe a word to them!"

[Black] "Then one of the people you brought with you wagged their tongue. Either way, the result is the same. This would never have happened if you hadn't come. Open the door."

The last command was directed at the knights of Alito standing by the carriage. They didn't even hesitate; the door was flung open instantly. They seemed just as terrified and tense as their master.

Thump!

Black practically shoved Dieren into the carriage with enough force to send him flying.

Dieren, who had intended to grab the doorframe and make one last stand, suddenly found himself unceremoniously seated.

[Dieren] "Hey! Wait, wait a minute!"

He hurriedly grabbed the door as it began to close.

[Dieren] "If I go back like this, Grand Duke will kick my daughter out! Don't you feel any pity for that poor little thing?"

[Black] "None."

[Dieren] "You cold-blooded monster. Are you even human? How can you be like this to an innocent child—"

[Black] "Watch your fingers."

The warning meant that Black was about to slam the door regardless of whether his hand was in the way.

Slam!

[Dieren] "Gah!"

Dieren yanked his hand back and jumped in fright inside the carriage.

Click.

The carriage door was locked. Black turned around.

[Black] "And the others?"

[Guard] "They are... on their way now, Your Majesty."

Black leaned his back against the carriage door where Dieren was held. He was effectively barring the exit with his body.

After a short wait, the rest of the Alito family members filed down. At the very end of the line were Shellan and Dief, accompanied by Madam Flambard.

[Black] "Hmph."

Black let out a dissatisfied grunt. He found it bizarre that the children, who were so sharp and hostile toward him, showed no particular emotion toward the Alito family—the very people who had caused this mess.

What are those two thinking?

Actually, he knew the reason. Finding out their father had a past was a shock. They felt pity and guilt toward their mother, which translated into anger toward him. He understood that.

But why only at me?

It felt undeniably unfair. If they were going to be angry, he wished they would direct some of that fire at Dieren as well.

[Shellan] "We regret this early departure. We wish you a comfortable journey back to your country."

Shellan offered a polite, formal farewell to the Alito children. Dief’s goodbye, on the other hand, was a bit softer.

[Dief] "It’s a shame we couldn't stay together longer. Everyone, please travel safely."

[Alito Child] "Thank you for your kind words. We hope to see you again."

[Alito Child] "Goodbye."

[Alito Child] "Thank you for the hospitality."

The other children exchanged greetings. Dieren’s daughter, who bore a resemblance to Blini, avoided Dief’s gaze with an awkward dip of her knees. Dief did the same.

That was a relief. Just as he had told Dieren, his son would never hold a face that reminded him of Liene's pain close to his heart.

In any case, things would improve once these troublesome people were gone.

The children's anger—which he wanted to call an "unfair misunderstanding"—would surely simmer down soon, and then he would finally take that long-awaited trip with Liene.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Maybe we should just leave now.

Could he convince Liene that since the children were angry, it would be better for them not to see him for a while?

......Probably not.

He racked his brain, but he knew Liene would never allow it. Their misunderstanding had to be corrected.

Damn it, that’s the problem.

Dief might be manageable, but Shellan would be difficult. Moreover, she was already nursing a grudge against him for assigning the task of hosting the guests to her before they even arrived. She had likely added that old resentment to her current anger.

......Damn it.

Everything had become a headache. And it was all the fault of Dieren and that timid but wretchedly greedy old Grand Duke.

Just you wait. I’ll pay you back for this.

When it came to never forgetting a grudge, Black ranked among the top three on the continent. It was obvious where Shellan’s temperament came from.

I should have Fermos look into what’s left to take from Alito.

The troublesome visit had left a small mess, but the result wasn't bad. He would no longer have to host Dieren, nor would he have to watch that man salivate while stealing glances at Liene.

Black waited a while longer, but Liene did not come out to see them off. It was a wise decision. The absence of the host was the clearest possible signal that the invitation had been revoked.

[Dieren] "Ugh......"

From inside the carriage came Dieren’s faint, dejected sigh. He was a fool, but at least he was a fool who understood why Liene hadn't shown her face.

[Black] "Be on your way."

Black pushed himself off the door. The Alito knights, who had been eyeing each other nervously, scrambled to their positions.

Black turned away. There was no need for him to offer a farewell that even Liene had withheld.

The nuisances were gone. Now, all he had to do was clear up the misunderstanding with the children.

But he didn't know. He didn't realize that Shellan would move much faster than he did.

---

To talk to the children, he first had to consult with Liene. He felt a bit awkward bringing up the past, and Liene possessed a talent far beyond his own for softening words for the children’s sake.

By the time he had washed, changed, and prepared a bouquet for Liene, it was slightly past eight o'clock. It was a good time. A bit early for bed, but providing plenty of time for a conversation.

The bouquet, a mix of veronica and lavender, carried a lush scent of early summer. She would undoubtedly love it.

Knock, knock.

He knocked on the door.

[Black] "Liene. It’s me. May I come in?"

[Liene] "Right now—"

[Black] "......Liene?"

Her voice cut off abruptly, as if someone had interrupted her.

[Black] "I’m coming in."

Thud!

Black pushed the door to open it. However, through the widening crack, he caught a glimpse of a thick bar being lowered into place.

[Black] "Liene? Is something wrong?"

In that single moment, at least ten different thoughts flashed through his mind. The most "logical" and horrifying possibility was that Dieren had harbored a grudge and sent trained assassins to lock Liene in her room.

[Black] "Liene!"

[Shellan] "Nothing is wrong, Father."

But it wasn't an assassin. It was the children.

[Black] "......Shellan?"

[Shellan] "Yes. Starting today, Mother will be sleeping with us. You should go back, Father."

He pressed his thumb between his brows. The furrow there was beginning to ache.

[Black] "Shellan. This is crossing the line."

[Shellan] "No. We don't think so."

[Black] "Let’s just talk. Open the door first."

[Shellan] "We can't do that. We are too deeply disappointed in you."

[Black] "......"

Damn it. Fine, I get it.

But that disappointment was her own; why was she dragging Liene into it?

[Black] "Then that is an issue between you and me. That is no reason for you to bother Liene. Open the door. Now."

[Shellan] "Father, you betrayed two people. Making someone a lover when you didn't even love her was the first betrayal. Insulting Mother because of that was the second."

A vein throbbed at Black’s temple.

[Black] "Insulting her? Your choice of words is incorrect. I did no such thing."

[Shellan] "Fine. Then I’ll say you made her sad. Either way, it’s a betrayal. A betrayal of love."

[Black] "Stop exaggerating for your own benefit. I have no intention of making excuses for my actions, but that is something Liene needs to hear, not you."

[Shellan] "Then say it from there. We aren't opening the door."

These kids, seriously...

[Shellan] "We’re going to sleep now, so please be quiet."

......Liene.

Black wore a look of mild resentment. He needed to know why Liene was staying silent while the children were being so unreasonable.

The thought occurred to him:

What if she is actually angry at me again, just like the children are?

The moment that thought took hold, his eyes grew dark.

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