The End of First Love - Chapter 26

“Heinz-sama, how is Elizabeth-sama doing?”

Having left Elizabeth in her bedroom, Heinz entered his office, where the butler spoke to him.

“Oh, she’s sleeping well.”

“What shall I tell the Duke of Baker’s household?”

“Tell them that she will be staying at the Schwein Duke’s residence tonight.”

“Then, wouldn’t the Duke realize what has happened to Elizabeth-sama?”

“I don’t mind. That was my intention from the start.”

“I see. I will relay it as you instructed.”

The butler bowed and left, and Heinz, watching him leave, began to think of the Duke of Baker’s face.

Knowing the sharp instincts of the Duke, if Elizabeth doesn’t return home tonight, he will undoubtedly sense what has happened.

This will cause some troublesome situations, but I do not regret it.

Elizabeth’s plea for me to take her away was sincere.

Had I hesitated in that moment, I would never have been able to completely win her heart.

To Elizabeth, William’s presence was far too significant. The more he treated her poorly, the stronger her feelings became, which could even be called obsession.

Just as Elizabeth longs for William, I, who have loved her, understand her feelings all too well.

Now, Elizabeth has finally made up her mind to put an end to her feelings for William and take a step forward.

By losing her purity…

However, even if she has decided to move on, as long as William exists, Elizabeth will be tormented by his ghost. Only when she has completely rid herself of him will she find true peace. The stage for that is nearly set.

The time for the final showdown has come.

Heinz picked up a report from the desk and opened it. As he read the contents, a dark smile appeared on his face.

He was already aware of the relationship between Count Marueil and Baroness Maria.

Count Marueil, who has a reputation for being involved in dark rumors—human trafficking, illegal drug trade, and illicit gambling—there’s a lot of dirt to be uncovered. And the corrupted relationship between the Count and the Baroness. When everything comes to light, I wonder how William will act?

When he learns that the woman he loved was a fraud, will he cling to Elizabeth, who stands before him?

He can regret it then, realizing that Elizabeth was the supreme being he should have cherished.

Imagining the finale, Heinz’s face broke into a natural smile.

But I cannot let myself get too carried away.

To win Elizabeth’s heart, I must first eliminate the second prince faction, whom I have left unchecked until now.

The local nobles’ frustrations are nearing their breaking point.

The many blunders of William, who is nothing but a puppet of the second prince faction, have caused significant damage to the weaker local nobles.

However, there are too many of them to discard.

Now that the engagement between the Schwein and Baker families has been made public in society, the power dynamics among the noble families are shifting drastically. It’s only a matter of time before the neutral faction joins the Crown Prince faction.

If the Crown Prince faction gains the upper hand, the downfall of the second prince faction will be inevitable. It’s hard to believe that the greedy consort will allow this. To completely wipe out the second prince faction along with the consort, I need evidence connecting Count Marueil to her.

Heinz thought of the beloved woman sleeping in the bedroom.

The Elizabeth who endured pain and accepted me. She was so beautiful, crying under the sunlight, touched by the moment. She looked like an angel fallen from heaven.

A poor angel, captivated by the devil. The pure angel, transformed by the devil’s hands. She was changing into a woman who radiated sensuality and lured men, a transformation so dramatic that it felt like an illusion. In my arms, when she climaxed, Elizabeth was breathtakingly beautiful.

I must not make Elizabeth suffer…

However, there are paths we must take for our future together.

I wonder, when it’s all over, will Elizabeth forgive me?

Shaking off the anxiety rising in his chest, Heinz reached for another report.

“Report on the location of the royal family’s church”

The secret of the royal family, investigated over many years, is the trump card that will bind the ducal families. To bring this hidden card to the forefront, I must trap Elizabeth. I am ready to spread a rumor.

How will Elizabeth react when she hears the rumor?

Will she cry, feeling betrayed? Or will she direct eyes full of hatred toward me?

Her jealousy will surely be beautiful. Just imagining her anger directed at me makes my heart race.

Heinz tapped the edge of his desk, and silently, a “shadow” descended.

“Did you call for me?”

“Give me the report on Leonardo Marueil.”

“It seems there’s a plan to trap Elizabeth-sama. It appears to be a request from Lady Maria Cashtol, the Baroness.”

It seems another piece on the chessboard has started moving.

The image of the woman with pink blonde hair, twisting it around her finger and casting a seductive glance, flashed in Heinz’s mind, and the corner of his mouth lifted.

She must have been basking in her triumph, believing she had stolen William from Elizabeth.

What a foolish woman, to not question anything.

If she knew the rumors circulating about her in high society, she would understand that a woman of her reputation could never get close to royalty.

Those who are overly self-conscious are the easiest to manipulate.

I’m sure she’s furious by now.

Well, with the pieces moving on the board, it’s time to finish the game.

“Send the information to Leonardo Marueil.”

“As you command.”

When the shadow disappeared soundlessly, Heinz left the office, heading toward his beloved’s side.