When I Took Back My Beloved Child Who Had Been Taken From Me, My Husband's Obsessive Love Began. Why? - Episode 52

The rebellion incident involving the Earls of Arment spread rapidly within the imperial palace, causing everyone to be unsettled and creating a great commotion.

Of course, the Kingdom of Tranji is claiming no involvement.

However, the evidence was secured by those who were trying to rectify the misrule of the previous era, leaving no room for excuses.

Among them, it was also revealed that the current Marquess of Arment and the Tranji Kingdom had killed the previous Marquess of Arment, making it look like an accident, because he had discovered their illegal dealings.

Even someone with the magical power of the previous Marquess Arment, it was probably unavoidable with the sorcerers of the Tranji Kingdom involved.

It seems that there are many other crimes committed by the current Earl Arment, and he is unlikely to escape the death penalty.

From now on, it was certain that negotiations would seek responsibility and compensation from the Kingdom of Tranji.

Nevertheless, it seems that the people within the imperial palace were more shocked by the fact that Claudine was captured while attempting to abduct Leoldo—the crown prince—than by those past misdeeds or the matters concerning the Tranji Kingdom.

However, in the public trial aimed at being fairly judged, Claudine vented her grievances.

“Why do I have to go through this!? Everyone said I should be the Empress! They said Lucienne isn’t fit to be Empress, she just had one child! It’s me who is loved by His Majesty!”

It seems the guards had a hard time calming down Claudine, who was crying and thrashing about with her hair in disarray in public.

Seeing that figure, even those who initially thought it was some kind of mistake realized that what they had believed was a lie and ended up reflecting on it.

And those who do not repent, as the sins of Marquis Arment and other rebels are exposed, start new rumors.

Speaking of which, despite saying you’re diligently taking care of His Highness, you were attending glamorous events every day, weren’t you?

――I thought it was strange from the very beginning. Even when walking around the palace, you acted so arrogantly that if any servants showed their faces, you would yell at them for being rude, right?

――My colleague and I were almost fired because someone threw something at us, saying we had bad attitudes.

――Everyone seemed to be worshipping her so much that I couldn’t bring myself to say anything, but even back then… yes, even when she was a candidate for the empress, she was a mean person.

Conversations like that were starting to be heard here and there.

At the same time, Lucienne has come to be praised for her devoted role as Leoldo’s mother, and by implementing personnel reforms, she has gained overwhelming support from the servants who were liberated from their oppressive superiors.

“Everyone is so selfish! Madame Lucienne has always been wonderful, just as she has always been!”

“Really, that’s true! Even I, who have only recently started serving you, can tell right away how kind and wonderful Her Majesty the Empress is!”

Regarding the recent rumors, Rite and the other maids prepare Lucienne while expressing their anger.

Lucienne didn’t know how to respond, so she just gave a wry smile to cover it up.

There, the visit of Leoldo was announced, and a cute face peeked in with small footsteps.

“Wow! Mom, you’re so pretty!”

“Thank you, Leoldo. You’re really cool too.”

When Lucienne praises her little son in his formal attire, Leoldo blushes with joy.

Everyone at the scene was feeling a flutter of affection at that cuteness, but Lucienne, who was the most captivated, desperately suppressed the urge to rush over to Leoldo and hug him.

Because Lucienne is also dressed formally and quite elaborately adorned.

Today, a ceremony will be held to celebrate the third anniversary of Craig’s ascension to the throne.

During the enthronement ceremony, it was not a grand occasion due to the mourning period for the previous emperor.

Therefore, we will grandly unveil Crown Prince Leoldo alongside the celebration party.

It had been a long time since Lucienne had appeared in public, and everyone had been eagerly anticipating this day for quite some time.

However, the celebration of the third anniversary of the enthronement was merely a pretext; the aim was to dispel the people’s anxiety caused by the recent rebellion incident.

Rumors within the palace always spread to the royal capital and then throughout the entire country.

Craig and his close aides, who have been implementing reforms over the past three years, decided to hold a ceremony to announce the end of the outdated system from the previous emperor’s era, usher in a new era, and give hope to the people.

For that, the presence of the Empress Lucienne and the talented Crown Prince Leoldo was indispensable.

“――I’m really worried if I’m the right person for this…”

Thinking that she was shouldering at least part of the nation’s expectations, Lucienne couldn’t help but let out a weak complaint.

Upon hearing that, Leoldo tells them to scold before Lite and the others.

“Mom, I want you. Everyone does too. Because Mom is so kind and warm!”

At Leoldo’s words, Rite and the others are nodding in agreement.

Lucienne, trying to thank Leoldo for encouraging her, couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

The face with furrowed brows was just like his father’s, and joy overflowed along with happiness.

Leoldo pouts his lips reluctantly.

“No, Leoldo. I wasn’t laughing at you. Thank you for encouraging me. I’m really happy.”

“But…”

“Yeah. It wasn’t right to laugh, but I was so happy that I couldn’t help it.”

“Are you happy?”

“Yes. I thought Leo looked really wonderful because he resembles Father so much.”

“Just like my father…”

After listening to Lucienne’s explanation, Leoldo repeated it slowly once, then smiled happily and said “ehehe.”

Once again, Lucienne and Rite clutched their chests at the cuteness and smiled together.

“But, Father is happy that I look just like Mother.”

Leoldo’s bashful charm, with its added impact, pierced the hearts of Lucienne and the others.

Rite and the other maids are busy covering their mouths with both hands and taking deep breaths.

Lucienne finally couldn’t hold back any longer and crouched down to hug Leoldo.

“Mother, what’s wrong?”

“I love Leoldo so much that I want to hug him.”

“I love you too.”

The sound of Leoldo’s giggle echoed in Lucienne’s ear again, and she couldn’t help but tighten her embrace.

Then, Leoldo lets out a cheerful scream.

“Mother, it hurts.”

“—Then, I will take Leoldo’s place.”

Suddenly, Craig’s voice cuts in, and Leo is swiftly snatched away from the startled Lucienne.

When I realized what was happening, I was already standing and being hugged by Craig.

At his feet, Leoldo is pulling Craig’s pants.

“Father! That’s unfair!”

Through Craig’s shoulder, who appeared without a sound, I can see the figures of the Rites quietly leaving the room.

Thinking that he would have to have the maids fix her dress and hair again later, Craig lightly kissed Lucienne on the cheek and picked up Leoldo.

Leoldo laughs with a satisfied and happy voice.

Lucienne’s heart was filled with joy from the happy turn of events, leaving no room for embarrassment.

At that moment, I see my reflection in a large mirror, filled with joy and laughter.

On Lucienne’s head, a tiara passed down through generations of empresses sparkled, and she squinted her eyes, recalling the previous empress, Aurelia.

Now, when I see myself standing next to Craig and Leoldo, I earnestly wish I could show this appearance not only to my parents but also to Aurelia.

“Lucienne? Are you okay?”

“Mother?”

Noticing that Lucienne is about to cry, Craig and Leoldo lean in with worried expressions.

The father and son’s similar faces bore the resemblance of the late empress, and Lucienne smiled with joy.

“I was so happy that I got a bit sentimental.”

“…I see.”

“Impressive?”

When Lucienne answered like that, Craig responded gently, and Leoldo tilted his head cutely.

When Lucienne turned back to the mirror, both Craig and Leoldo followed her gaze.

The reflection of the three people in the large mirror was the very portrait of a happy family.

Did Craig also notice that? He received a warm gaze in the mirror.

“Both Mother and Father are smiling.”

“Leoldo is also smiling, right?”

“Yes! The fairy listened to my request, so I’m really happy!”

Leoldo looks back and forth between his father and mother, saying happily.

Lucienne also gently looked at the two and, upon speaking, received a cheerful response along with happy words in return.

“Thank you, Leoldo. Thanks to you, Father and Mother are happy to have you here.”

As Craig continues to follow Leoldo, he snuggles up to Lucienne and kisses her again.

Suddenly, Leoldo cheered, and Lucienne and Craig kissed their beloved son on both sides.

After that, the imperial family, consisting of the three of them, appeared before everyone, radiating happiness, and everyone raised their voices in joy and celebration.

Eventually, as a cure for “magic intoxication” was established, many individuals with strong magical powers began to be born, and the empire flourished like never before, passing on to the next generation.