Chapter 97

Returning to our home in the Ashbury Kingdom, I thought I could resume the peaceful life I had before, but it's not the same. Jeff is often by my side.

"Jeff, I'm much stronger than you think. You don't need to worry about me."

"Yeah, you are strong. But the reason I want to keep you in my sight is more for my peace of mind than for your protection. Or does it bother you to have a big guy like me around?"

"No, not at all. I'm happy to have you, my beloved, close by."

Jeff smiled in relief at my response.

Seeing his smile, a strong urge to protect and pamper him welled up inside me. But I'll keep that a secret.

Nonna goes out every day.

The day before yesterday, she took Il to visit Miss Elizabeth's house. It seems Miss Elizabeth has recovered from the shock of the interrogation. They chatted energetically with Il. That's good to hear.

Yesterday, she went to Lord Clark's house for language studies. She's teaching Sheng language to Lord Clark. They are using the simple 'Ashbury-Sheng Dictionary' that I meticulously wrote down. It's nice to know that my notes are useful.

And today.

Lord Edward is visiting our home.

I was asked to join the conversation, so the three of us are talking.

"Jeff, His Majesty says he hasn't received your resignation. It's time to return to work."

"That's impossible. I handed it to His Majesty myself."

Lord Edward furrowed his brow and sighed softly.

"Since His Majesty says he hasn't received it, you must not have handed it over. You are currently on leave. Think about your subordinates. The young men in the military are all worried about why you haven't returned."

"!"

Oh dear, Lord Edward. He's hitting Jeff's weak spot, his concern for his subordinates.

"I'll talk to His Majesty about this. But, brother, tell me about your trip to Randall. You are the 'Commander of the Third Knight Regiment,' after all."

"Yes, let's discuss that as well."

Lord Edward glanced at me. I shook my head slightly.

I haven't told Jeff anything about Lord Edward's secret role. Jeff discovered the truth on his own. So, I'll leave it to the brothers to settle this.

"You should understand why I didn't tell you about my secret role. I didn't even tell my wife about it."

"That's not it. It's about making Anna do the Queen's shadow work."

"The reason is clear. At that time, there was no one more suitable than Victoria. I'm sorry, but I asked Victoria for the sake of the country. But Victoria is an outsider. If she had refused, I would have given up."

Jeff stood up slowly.

"You knew, didn't you? That Anna wouldn't refuse. You calculated her sense of responsibility and her kindness in helping a fellow woman and asked her."

"Yes, I did. I act based on calculations. But ultimately, she agreed. Isn't it unfair to direct your anger at me?"

Jeff slowly approached Lord Edward and stood right in front of him.

Oh no!

I had no choice but to stand up. Before Jeff could punch Lord Edward's cheek with a loud "Bam!", I placed my left palm in front of his fist, which was about to strike.

There was a light "Smack" as Jeff's fist landed in my palm.

It's rare for someone to control a full-force punch mid-swing. My husband can perfectly control his body. Impressive, really.

"Jeff, stop it."

"You can hit me. I came prepared for that."

"Even Lord Edward?"

"Anna wouldn't like it."

Jeff sat back down expressionlessly. Lord Edward looked as if nothing had happened. If I hadn't stopped him, he really would have hit Lord Edward. Both Jeff and Lord Edward are stubborn.

"I came today with important news. His Majesty wants Jeff to meet with Her Royal Highness, who wishes to see Victoria. It's at ten o'clock tomorrow. Don't be late. And... the Marquis of Harrows, who sent mercenaries to Victoria, died in a carriage accident after I returned. The carriage overturned on a muddy road after the rain. He and his incompetent son, who had become a commoner, died instantly. It's a pity. But it wasn't me."

With that, Lord Edward stood up.

"See you both tomorrow, and don't be late."

"Understood."

I answered alone and saw Lord Edward off alone, then returned to the living room. Jeff was staring at the table.

"Jeff, did you really intend to hit him?"

"Yes. I couldn't forgive the way he used your character."

"Then I'll say it again. I took on the shadow role for my own sake. I don't dislike that kind of work. I wanted to do it even if it worried you and Nonna. So don't be angry at Lord Edward. If you're angry, be angry at me."

Jeff looked at me with a resentful expression.

"If you try to hit Lord Edward again, I won't speak to you for ten days."

"That's a problem!"

"Then no more brotherly fights. Tomorrow, we need to dress formally and go to the palace. Don't defy His Majesty. The conversation will be long and complicated. Return to your position as Deputy Minister of the Military."

"I... I want to..."

"I want you to do that. I don't want you to give up your brilliant career for me. Understand, Jeff?"

Jeff sighed deeply and looked at the ceiling.

"Your charm lies in the fact that things don't always go your way."

"Hehe."

"And I'm the one who's captivated by such a person."

"I love you too."

A cough came from the door. It was Nonna.

"Ah! I'm sorry to interrupt."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Il has something to say."

Il peeked out from behind Nonna.

"I'm going back to Lord Edward's mansion soon. It seems there's no one targeting Victoria anymore. I'll end my role as a bodyguard."

"Oh, really? You're welcome to stay as long as you like here."

"I've found something I want to do."

I had a bad feeling.

"Can you tell me what it is?"

Il just smiled and didn't answer.

"Is it something you can't do here but can do at Lord Edward's mansion?"

"Exactly. I want to learn how to run an organization under that person."

"Il! You need your family's permission for that."

"No, Victoria. I'm an adult in both Sheng and Ashbury. I'm not the heir. I don't need anyone's permission to choose my path. I want to test my potential. I don't want to waste this good opportunity."

Nonna interjected, looking apologetic.

"It took me a while to connect the dots and suspect that Uncle Edward might be involved in special operations. Il figured it out right away. He recognized the unique aura that people who deal with life and death, even if they're not military, have. It's hard to describe, but Lord Edward has the same aura as my grandfather and father. He observed and suspected that Lord Edward might be in special operations. He's going to negotiate and see if he can get approval, but he's determined to persist."

"Il, what's your ultimate goal? You come from a family that has specialized in assassination for a thousand years. Once you step into that world, it's not easy to step out. You must know that."

"Yes, I do."

Il leaned against the wall and smiled brightly.

"Training started as soon as I could walk, and while other kids were playing, my brother and I were training all the time. I don't want to waste all that effort. To put it bluntly, 'No way. I wasn't born or raised to be a pharmacist under my brother.' I don't have a clear final goal yet, but now that I've found someone with the skills I want to learn, I'm going to pursue it."