When I Took Back My Beloved Child Who Had Been Taken From Me, My Husband's Obsessive Love Began. Why? - Episode 4

While the entire empire mourned the passing of the empress, Lucienne remained holed up in her room as usual.

Normally, I would spend my time reading books or doing embroidery, but no matter what, I can’t help but think vaguely about the Empress’s funeral.

At the solemnly held empress’s funeral, of course, Lucienne also attended.

In reality, I was so shocked by Aurelia’s death and reminded of the time when my parents passed away that I felt like running away from the pain, but that’s precisely why I quietly approached Craig, wanting to comfort and encourage him.

The hand that held mine during my parents’ funeral was so warm and strong, it gave me so much encouragement.

Even though I couldn’t comfort Crown Prince Craig in the same way in an official setting, I thought that maybe I could do something, at least be by his side as a candidate for the position of empress.

However, as soon as Craig saw Lucienne, he glared at her with eyes full of anger.

“You knew that my mother—the Empress—was ill, didn’t you? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“That is…”

“Can’t even make an excuse? Well, of course!”

Spitting that out, Craig walked away.

To comfort Craig like that, Claudine rushed over, pulled his arm, and stroked his back.

Seeing Craig, who never rejected Claudine, Lucienne realized that there was nothing she could do and hid in the shadows with her wounded heart.

But, what does that word mean…?

I didn’t understand the meaning of Craig’s words, “Of course it is!” which he spat out in anger.

I just know that I will soon be removed from the list of potential consorts.

No matter how strong your magical power or how good your compatibility is, if you are disliked, that’s a problem in itself.

Moreover, the finalist Clodine is close to Craig.

I want to be free soon…

My feelings for Craig still haven’t disappeared.

On the contrary, seeing the smile directed at Claudine makes my heart tighten, so it’s nothing but foolishness.

In that case, I want to be physically apart.

The three years of mourning my parents, during which I heard stories about Craig from Claudine, only made my feelings grow stronger instead of fading away.

However, if I could be separated from Claudine, I wouldn’t even have to meet her.

I already understand my uncle’s scheme.

As long as she is removed from the list of candidates for the queen, Lucienne, who is nothing but a nuisance, will surely be married off to a place far away from the royal capital.

It seemed rather convenient, and Lucienne had started to look forward to the temple’s notifications.

However, even during the mourning period, she was not removed from the list of candidates, and Lucienne turned eighteen a step ahead of Claudine.

In about two months, Claudine will also turn eighteen.

Lucienne thought that if she did so, she would undergo the final magic power test and be freed from this torment.

Even during that time, tea parties and dinners were being held with Craig, but only Claudine’s cheerful chatter dominated the atmosphere.

The occasional glances from Craig, which seemed to suggest he had something to say, made Lucienne feel uncomfortable, and she had lost the liveliness of her childhood.

How long is this going to last…?

I want it to end soon.

But that’s just a little more patience.

I thought so, but――.

As a result of the final magical power test at the temple, it was Lucienne who was chosen as Crown Prince Craig’s fiancée.

“That’s a lie! Why Lucienne!? I’m much more suited to be the Crown Princess!”

Inside the mansion, Claudine is rampaging, and her mother is trying to calm her down.

Lucienne, unable to believe it, wanted to scream just as much.

If it takes this long to judge the strength of the magic and the compatibility, there probably isn’t much difference.

Then, it’s obvious that a couple who care for each other will get along better.

Even from the clearly frozen relationship between the emperor and the deceased empress, it seemed to me that the priests had no heart.

Or should I just take a concubine?

As if to affirm that thought, Claudine burst into the room and shouted.

“You will become nothing more than a decorative consort from now on! His Highness loves me! Just like the previous empress, you should stay confined in the palace at best!”

Lucienne was so taken aback by the fierce intensity that she couldn’t say anything.

Taking it as fear, Claudine snorted and her face transformed from one of anger to one of satisfaction.

“Lucy thinks she has ingratiated herself with the former empress and is doing well, but His Highness is still angry. Even if she gets married, a miserable life awaits her. Well, at least she should give birth to a healthy child in my place!”

After saying that, Claudine laughed heartily and left the room.

Rite hurriedly rushes over to Lucienne, but Lucienne tells her to step back, saying she’s fine.

So, Your Highness was still angry about me keeping silent about Lady Aurelia’s illness after all…

And she knows it, Claudine does.

Lucienne slumped down into the nearest chair.

Aurelia, who was quite close to her mother during her lifetime, took a liking to Lucienne, invited her to the detached palace several times, and continued to care for her even after she fell ill.

It must have seemed to those around that it was being incorporated.

However, more than anything else, Lucienne felt guilty that Aurelia and Craig had parted ways forever without improving their relationship.

Even if I apologize now, it won’t change anything. If I forcefully act as a mediator…

It was a mistake to appeal to Aurelia in the letter.

It’s always the ones left behind who regret.

Lucienne, thinking about the future, deeply bowed her head.