Brazenness Tames the Workaholic Trash

XXVII

"Your Majesty... the Second Princess, is currently in Henituse Territory," Felix reported.

Claude's eyes searched the redhead's gaze, "what is she doing there?"

"She's with young Duke Alpheus."

It's that child again.

The child of that wench and his older brother, Anastasius de Alger Obelia.

He leans back and contemplated what his next move would be. He had to be thankful to that wench. Her appearance broke the black magic he cast on himself. There are only two possibilities why black magic broke – an equal or stronger magic clashed with his.

However, his price, was his blood leaving.

"Tell that brat..." he's referring to Cale Henituse, "to keep that wench away from Athanasia."

Felix swallowed hard and asked, "you're aware?"

"who do you think I am?"

Felix frown and communicated with the Henituse Duchy through the device but they never expected to hear things from the other side.

"CHOSE ME!" The red hair screams as he holds onto her shoulders, shaking her in grief, "RATHER THAN THAT CHILD THAT'S KILLING YOU AND EVERYTHING THAT HURT YOU, CHOSE ME!"

Claude stood up and watched the scene unfolding. He remembers the same words that He uttered to Diana before.

"DON'T LEAVE ME! CHOOSE ME!"

"she is... with child?" Claude murmured, not averting his gaze from the communication device.

"This is the reason... why I don't want to expect..."

How pitiful. He thought. The man who said he'd be the same is breaking apart. But Claude did not find any faults in him.

"Falling in love is a miracle... a happiness..." he slowly said and finished it, "then why am I... miserable?"

He expected that everything will hurt.

"I'm sorry..."

He watched the redhead fall to his knees and grabbed both her hands. Athanasia stood there blankly as he slowly melts in her arms.

"I'm sorry too... but I love you... so are our children..."

The same words, that Diana said to him.

"I hope you understand..." Her words rang painfully, "they are our children, Cale..."

Hearing the word OUR, tugged something inside of Claude. The words that he failed to understand in grief were filled with hope and love – hope for the other to understand – love to tell the other how much she treasures everything he has given her.

Claude's eyes widen when Cale raised his head and said, "How much pain do I have to go through before giving up is okay?" His words were clear, "even so... I still can't give up on you... I can try, right? You'll hold out right?"

Even when it could be useless – that redhair is choosing the hardest path that Claude couldn't take.

"I am not like you."

"We can try, Cale..."

Their difference was because he gave up early but this man – is searching for some miracle he'll obtain by himself.