When I Took Back My Beloved Child Who Had Been Taken From Me, My Husband's Obsessive Love Began. Why? - Episode 18

The next morning, when Lucienne woke him up, Leoldo still couldn’t believe it. He reached out repeatedly, as if to confirm his mother’s presence, and touched her.

Even though that gesture is endearing, my heart aches knowing that I have made you feel lonely until now.

However, without showing those feelings, I cheerfully called out and finished my morning preparations.

Starting today, I plan to gradually change Leoldo’s daily routine.

Therefore, in the morning, I informed the teacher about the shortened schedule and invited Leoldo for a walk during the free time until lunch.

“A walk…?”

“Yeah, that’s right. The weather is so nice today. Why don’t we go outside?”

“I’m, I’m coming out!”

As if to say that if he didn’t answer quickly, the walk would be canceled, Leoldo answered in a hurry.

And then, after looking around as if to think about what to do, I run towards the door on the hallway side.

“Leoldo, it’s okay. There’s no need to hurry; the weather won’t get bad today. Instead, let’s get ready for our walk.”

“Preparation for a walk…?”

Lucienne was surprised and couldn’t help but look at Namia, who reacted as if she had never been for a walk before.

Namiya, with a pale face, stammered.

“Um, well, you see… I didn’t get the permission…”

“Is that so?”

There were more things she wanted to ask, but since she was keeping Leoldo waiting, Lucienne just smiled and answered.

It’s pointless to blame Namiya.

“Leoldo, it’s better to wear a hat when you go for a walk. It’s good to be in the sun, but if you stay out too long, your body will get too hot. I’ll get ready too, so you should help Namia get ready as well.”

“Yes!”

Bending down to meet Leoldo’s gaze, I explain the preparations for the walk.

Leoldo replied with an excited demeanor and then ran over to Namiya.

After we both got ready and left the room, the guard waiting outside seemed surprised.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should have told you beforehand. I’m going for a walk in the courtyard now, but my knight will be my guard, so it’s fine. Could you keep an eye on this room to make sure no intruders sneak in?”

“Y-yes, understood.”

The guard, who was likely under Claudine’s influence, was flustered but had no choice but to comply with Lucienne, the empress.

However, as a bodyguard, they are far too unreliable.

This time, I really thought it was a good idea to bring Lucienne’s guard from the detached palace, intending to force my way into Leoldo’s room.

Even when Claudine barged in last night, she was on standby in the next room, ready for action at any moment.

Even that presence seemed to go unnoticed by Claudine and the others.

“Mother, where are you going?”

“Today, I think I’ll explore the garden visible from my room.”

“Is that what a walk is?”

“That’s true. It’s a walk, but the walk has already begun, hasn’t it?”

“Huh…?”

Although Leoldo has acquired knowledge far beyond that of a two-year-old, it seems he doesn’t know what a “walk” is.

Despite the dissonance causing her heartache, Lucienne smiled at the puzzled Leoldo, who was looking up at her while holding hands.

“Walking is not always about reaching a specific destination. It’s perfectly fine to stroll aimlessly, stop to see what catches your eye, and enjoy walking and chatting while holding hands like this. Even if we don’t reach the garden, this is already a walk. So, if there’s something you’re curious about or want to see more of, don’t hesitate to say so. Mother also wants to know what you like and are interested in.”

When Lucienne briefly explained the walk, Leoldo slightly pursed his small lips and fell silent.

Lucienne had realized over the past two days that it wasn’t sulking, but rather a quirk of Leoldo’s when he was thinking.

That gesture is cute, but unfortunately, it’s a habit that will have to be corrected in the future.

“You too, sir.”

“Huh?”

“Father also took me outside…”

Lucienne was surprised and asked back at the words of Leoldo, who had answered after thinking for a moment.

Then, as if he thought he had said something wrong, Leoldo answered with his eyebrows furrowed.

Lucienne hurriedly smiled to reassure.

“Leoldo, Mother was just a little surprised. Craig—Father is a busy person, right? So, I thought he might have had time to take a walk with you… You see, Mother has been ill for a long time and hasn’t been able to see Father. I would be happy if Leoldo could tell me about Father.”

Lucienne suppressed her rising joy and asked Leoldo to tell her about Craig.

The late Emperor Bertrand not only had no interest in his son but also disliked him because he was more talented than himself, but Craig might not be the same.

Rather, I heard that when Leoldo was suffering from magic intoxication, Craig was compensating for his magic.

Even though Craig was busy, Lucienne was happy to see that he was still properly taking care of Leoldo.

“Father… when I’m in pain, he comes to me and holds my hand. So, I don’t like the pain, but I like him just a little bit.”

Lucienne was even moved by Leoldo’s words, just as reported.

Even if Craig doesn’t like Lucienne, he definitely loves Leoldo.

“Father cares about Leoldo, so I think he wants to be by his side even when things aren’t really tough.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Because Mother also cherishes and loves Leoldo, she has always wanted to cure her illness quickly and be by her side. That’s why I’m so happy that it has finally come true.”

“I am even more, more happy.”

“Oh, Mother, I’m even more, more, more happy!”

When I picked up the delighted Leoldo, another joyful scream of “Kyaa!” erupted.

But soon, as if realizing his mistake, Leoldo covers his mouth.

It seems that because of last night, he thought he would be misunderstood by Claudine and the others again this time.

Lucienne smiled at the endearing sight and gently leaned her face against the soft cheek.

“Don’t worry, it’s okay. Anyone can see that Leoldo is having fun right now. Even yesterday, Aunt Claudine and the others were surprised and worried.”

“But… won’t Mom get angry?”

“You won’t get angry. After all, Mother is Leoldo’s mother.”

When Lucienne confidently stated the obvious, Leoldo chuckled softly.

Their appearance was that of a mother and child filled with love, and those around them let out a sigh of admiration.

Even though no conversation could be heard, everyone was surprised and watching intently as Leoldo and Lucienne walked down the hallway.

“Even my father carried me three times from the room… and took me for a walk.”

“Well, that’s great!”

“Yes. I was happy.”

“Well then, when Father comes back, it would be nice to go for a walk together.”

“Yes!”

Even remembering the number of times shows just how happy they must have been.

Lucienne was genuinely happy, and the tension about Craig’s return had slightly eased.

Perhaps, if Craig loves Leoldo, he might accept Lucienne as a mother.

In that case, wouldn’t you also trust me with matters concerning Leoldo?

With that expectation, Lucienne headed towards the courtyard while holding Leoldo.