When I Took Back My Beloved Child Who Had Been Taken From Me, My Husband's Obsessive Love Began. Why? - Episode 9

The sudden visit from Claudine unsettled the villa, and it was not calm for a while.

Why did you let her through to Lucienne’s room without permission? Rite scolded the other servants, but there was no way a mere servant could stop Claudine, the marquis’s daughter and the master’s cousin.

Rite understood that too, but she couldn’t calm her anger.

After that, Lucienne, who had been bedridden for several days, has been feeling down more often.

It felt as if I had lost the only emotional support I had, Leoldo, to Claudine, and I felt like I had lost my reason to live.

No, no. You shouldn’t think of it as being taken away. Leoldo is not an object. Craig seems to be quite busy, and Claudine… Having someone close who loves you should be good for Leoldo’s mental well-being.

Even after his ascension to the throne, Craig, who was dedicated to reform, seemed as busy as ever.

There are always some people who dislike change in everything.

When it comes to national politics, even if one tries to reform the system, for those who have benefited from the shadow of bad governance until now, the reformer—Craig—becomes the enemy.

Moreover, it seems that friction has also arisen with the neighboring country of Tranzi, which had a close relationship with the previous emperor, Bertrand.

I remember that the places Craig visited on his two-month inspection, starting with the Earldom of Arment, were also territories that traded independently with the Kingdom of Tranzi.

The trade between the Kingdom of Tranzi and the Earldom of Arment began during her uncle’s time, but Lucienne was not well-informed about it and felt anxious.

Well, there shouldn’t be anyone who would try to do anything against someone with as much magical power as Craig…

If we unravel the records of the temple, it is said that Craig probably possesses power equivalent to that of the first emperor.

Therefore, they wielded numerous powerful spells and boasted overwhelming strength.

Such powerful magic, even stronger than Craig’s… Is Leoldo really going to be okay…?

When my health improves, I feel more mentally at ease, and I start to worry more about my son than about myself.

I had heard that her magic was a bit unstable because it was too strong, but now I felt frustrated because I couldn’t be of any help to Lucienne.
I’m really such a terrible mother…

Quickly recover both magical power and physical strength, meet Leoldo, hug him, and then raise him with these hands.

Lucienne kept telling herself this over and over, trying to somehow come to terms with her feelings.

And finally, when I had started to recover both physically and mentally.

In the nearly deserted detached palace, a messenger from the imperial palace arrived.

“—Is His Majesty coming here?”

“Yes. We have finally managed to arrange a time for the Empress’s visit.”

“…Is our son—Leoldo with him too?”

“No. His Majesty is alone.”

“Right… Thank you for your hard work.”

Ignoring the envoy’s sarcastic remarks, Lucienne’s spirits were lifted.

It’s very disappointing that I can’t meet Leoldo, but since he’s not even one year old yet, it’s probably better not to take him out, even if it’s to the outskirts of the royal capital.

Above all, Lucienne has not yet recovered enough to meet Leoldo.

After sending the messenger away, Lucienne, suppressing her excitement, conveyed to Rite that she should quickly prepare to welcome Craig.

Aman, upon hearing the story, rushes over.

“Lady Lucienne! I heard His Majesty is here; do you intend to meet him!?”

“Of course. My body has been feeling much better… Unfortunately, I still can’t meet Leoldo.”

“Of course! Just meeting His Majesty would be a burden on your health… Refusing is…”

“Don’t say such foolish things. How disrespectful it would be not to meet with His Majesty, who is here.”

Lucienne laughed off Aman’s complaint.

In my true feelings, more than anything else, I want to see you.

I thought I no longer “liked” him. Still, I couldn’t easily drive Craig out of my heart.

“Then, to reduce your burden as much as possible, please lie down on the bed and meet.”

“That’s impossible too. When I met the messenger earlier, I was sitting, right? I couldn’t stand up, so he probably thought I was being rude or something… Anyway, with His Majesty coming, I can’t just lie down. I intend to greet him properly on my feet.”

“Please stop such reckless behavior!”

The back-and-forth between Lucienne and Aman continued for a short while, but in the end, Aman gave in.

Even this exchange is a burden for Lucienne.

Aman kneels beside Lucienne, takes her arm, and stabilizes the disturbance in her magical power.

Originally, interfering with the magic of others who are not related by bl00d—let alone stabilizing it—was nearly impossible, even for powerful sorcerers.

However, it was precisely because of this ability that Aman’s father allowed his daughter to become a doctor, even if it meant dressing as a man.

“Thank you always, Aman.”

“I should be the one to express my gratitude. It’s thanks to the support of the late Empress and Madame Lucienne that I can be myself like this.”

Aman held Lucienne’s hand and smiled gently.

Suddenly, a low voice interrupts.

“You seem to be doing better than I expected.”

“…Your Majesty?”

I thought Lucienne was dreaming, so my reaction was delayed.

For almost a year now, even though I haven’t been able to see them in person, my first love, who has appeared in my dreams countless times, is standing at the entrance of the room.

The physique that had become even more robust than she remembered, the golden hair shining in the sunlight streaming through the window, and the green eyes like young leaves sprouting vigorously once again captured Lucienne’s heart.

However, just as Lucienne was about to think that this too might be a dream, she was startled by the fact that Aman had hurriedly let go of her hand.

After blinking a few times, Aman, still on his knees, bowed deeply, and behind Craig, who was standing at the entrance, Rite could be seen looking pale.

“Is it really that surprising? Didn’t you send out a warning?”

“However…”

There was no news of their arrival, nor any sound at all.

Not understanding the situation, Aman hurriedly supported Lucienne, who was trying to stand up anyway.

“……You’re quite dedicated.”

“Because Aman is a doctor. It’s only natural for him to worry about me.”

Lucienne wondered vaguely if Craig, who was talking more than ever, was the real deal.

As I thought, my brain isn’t working well.

Craig, who had just entered the room, stood in front of her, staring down at Lucienne with his expressionless face, but his green eyes seemed to be seeping with anger.

So, I realized that not only had I not been hospitable, but I hadn’t even greeted them yet.

“Your Majesty, thank you for coming despite your busy schedule. Please, have a seat.”

Somehow, I bent my knees and lowered my head slightly, but perhaps because I hadn’t recovered from the earlier discomfort, my consciousness began to fade.

Even so, Lucienne smiled with sheer willpower.

Craig squinted as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he silently sat down on the sofa.

Finally, Lucienne was able to sit down, let out a sigh of relief, and settled into her seat.

Aman, though worried, left the room, and Karite was not there to prepare the tea.

It had been a long time since it was just the two of them, and Lucienne, though nervous, tried to ask about Leoldo’s condition.

Even so, the dizziness only gets worse, and I can’t speak properly.

“You don’t even ask about Leoldo, do you?”

“…No, of course…”

Of course I want to know.

I’ve been receiving reports all along, but I still wanted to hear it from Craig himself.

Even though I want to say that, not only do I feel dizzy, but I also feel nauseous.

Moreover, it seemed to be getting worse and worse, and Lucienne unconsciously turned her face to the side and let out a deep sigh.

“When I heard the story from Claudine, I couldn’t believe it at first, but it seems to be true after all.”

“……Huh?”

“They say she gave birth to the child out of obligation, but she really didn’t want to. She has no intention of taking care of it, so she said she would leave it to Claudine.”

“…!”

No. I’ve never even thought about such a thing.

However, unable to even open her mouth to speak, Lucienne placed one hand on her forehead.

I feel so unwell that I can’t even open my eyes.

Rite, who brought the tea there, lets out a scream.

“Lucienne-sama!”

Hearing that voice, it felt as if my body had become slightly lighter, but I still couldn’t open my eyes.

And then, Aman, who had apparently been waiting after hearing Rite’s scream, bursts into the room.

“Lucienne-sama! Are you okay!?”

The warm hand of Aman touched her cheek, and Lucienne slightly opened her eyes, trembling her eyelids.

Aman also seems to be looking quite pale.

Even though the emperor is right in front of him, it’s only natural that he is completely ignoring him and treating Lucienne.

If Craig were an unreasonable person, it would even be possible for him to be tried for contempt of court right here and now.

Lucienne wanted to say she was okay but couldn’t, and Aman turned around, glaring at Craig.

“Your Majesty, I apologize, but please withdraw for today. Lucienne-sama cannot bear any more burden!”

“……Understood.”

In response to Aman’s rude complaint, Craig nodded obediently and stood up.

Craig realized that his intention to discuss things calmly was disrupted when he saw Aman holding Lucienne’s hand, and that his uncontrollable, overwhelming magical power had harmed Lucienne.

Lucienne, who had already lost consciousness, did not see Craig’s regretful expression as he quickly walked away.

And from that day on, Craig never came to see Lucienne again.