Dark Dad's Rebirth - Chapter 15. What lies behind Hope (1)

Chapter 15. What lies behind Hope (1)

“This is all happening so fast,” echoed Goshen’s voice in the office.

However, Caelius remained firm in his decision. He had promised Aria that they would head south the following week, and he intended to keep his word, regardless of any obstacles.

Aria has shown significant improvement since that day. She now willingly eats her meals and medications, and while she still requires assistance with feeding, her willingness to cooperate is a stark change from her previous behavior, when she refused to eat at all. Caelius prioritizes Aria’s well-being and cannot consider postponing their departure.

Aria had become more important to Caelius than the throne, which used to be a very important part of his life. He found himself arranging accommodations for her on the grand estate without even realizing it. The mansion’s halls looked emptier now, reflecting the reduced number of occupants.

Caelius asserted firmly, “I understand if it seems sudden, but my plans remain unchanged.”

Goshen did not object to Caelius’ firm words. His behavior was oddly accommodating, causing Caelius to decide to keep his final destination a secret, even from Goshen.

He organized the Knights, the last remaining force at his disposal. Once all the knights of the Grand Duchy were gathered, Caelius would no longer be able to engage in a full-scale war with Azekrisis. It would be like facing a heavily armed enemy while being unarmed.

Perhaps that’s why Caelius had prioritized clearing out the other matters first, leaving the Templars for last.

“But we’ll need to address this matter soon,” he acknowledged.

Though he couldn’t deny feeling some regret, there was also a sense of relief. Something that had held him back for so long was finally being resolved.

With that in mind, Caelius wasted no time and began organizing the Templars.

* * *

To prove that he was serious about heading south, the Grand Duchy recently underwent several changes. Although outsiders may not have noticed these changes, Aria was more aware of them than anyone else.

It was a unique feeling, unlike anything she had felt before.

“Will we be able to go south so peacefully?” Aria asked. She lay back on the bed, gently stroking her belly.

Initially, she didn’t have a strong desire for it. However, the mere mention of going south reduced her resistance. Now, she can’t help but envision a future for all three of them.

“Whether it’s a girl or a boy,” she murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for her earlier harsh words toward the child, “I’m sorry, baby.”

In a soft murmur, Aria expressed her thoughts. Although her voice was quiet, her heart was filled with hope as she gently caressed her belly, lost in thoughts of the future.

The idea of living a simple life with Caelius in the South still seemed unreal to her. It was almost easier to believe that a god had descended to the mortal world.

Aria felt both excitement and fear about the sudden peace and the future she had always dreamed of.   She wondered if Caelius and peace were incompatible, like water and oil, which made her question the reality of it all.

She feared that it would all shatter like a dream when she woke up some days later. On other days, as she looked out at the empty Great Ducal Mansion, she found comfort in the love and peace she held in her hands.

Aria felt her heart’s dryness ease gradually as hope trickled in like rainwater.

* * *

Aria was no longer plotting against Caelius, and the Grand Duchy’s organization was progressing smoothly and without problems.

Caelius found himself in a deep sleep in their bedroom. He had never experienced such a peaceful sleep. Upon waking up, he felt light and refreshed.

Birds were chirping happily outside the window, and sunlight filtered through the curtains, giving the room a serene glow.

Imagining this peace as a permanent fixture in her life felt strange. It seemed more natural to think of him on the battlefield for eternity.

Caelius was used to war, but peace was new to him.

Caelius felt that something was wrong as he got out of bed. Despite the peaceful morning, his instincts were on high alert, warning him of impending danger. Without hesitation, he hurried to Aria’s room.

He tried to reassure himself, but a sense of dread gnawed at him. He opened the door without knocking and saw a bloodied Aria lying all over the bed and floor.

“Lily!”

His painful cry echoed through the room. It was a horrifying sight, one Caelius wished he hadn’t witnessed.

Aria’s torn clothing suggested that this was not a repeat of her previous suicide attempts. The weapon responsible for her wounds was not visible.

Caelius’s eyes lit up with madness as he realized.

* * *

“Thankfully, the princess is safe,” the doctor said with relief, causing Caelius’s tense expression to calm momentarily. However, he became uncomfortable as soon as he heard the next piece of news.

“But the baby in her tummy didn’t survive.”

The words hung in the air, and their meaning was clear even before the sentence was finished. Caelius clenched his jaw tightly, his anger simmering beneath the surface. It was an expected outcome, given the circumstances.

Struggling to contain his emotions, Caelius took a deep breath, forcing himself to regain composure. Otherwise, he feared he might lose control and take immediate action against Azekrisis.

“Perhaps Aria will be happy.”

It was a grim reality to face. Aria had recently shown signs of resenting the child growing within her, but despite Caelius’ best efforts to reassure himself, the recent spate of disturbing events kept pulling him back into the past.

He felt compelled to grab his sword as if an unseen force were driving him.

Caelius’s patience had worn out, and he felt as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff. He was still reeling from his recent argument with Aria, and his mind was clouded. He lingered for a while, unable to come to a decision. He looked at the motionless figure in front of him. She lay there, sleeping peacefully. Her complexion was pale and calm, devoid of worry or distress.

“Lily…”

The Caelius of today had a clear understanding of what Aria desired, and he couldn’t afford to hesitate any longer, just as he had done in the past.

“You said you wanted complete freedom from me.”

Caelius muttered to himself. His eyes, once proud, were now empty, devoid of any discernible emotion.

He watched Aria intently. His thoughts were a whirlwind of insecurity. Occasionally, he tenderly stroked her cheek or gently squeezed her hand. But beyond that, he remained still. There was nothing more he could do.

Caelius gathered the few remaining loyalists of the Great Duchy. He issued a command in a voice devoid of emotion.

“Take Aria immediately and head for the Duchy of Lepta. I will pay you generously, more than any nobleman’s wealth.”

He kept only a few trusted men to help him hide their departure.

“The luggage will be sent tomorrow.”

Despite the urgency of the situation, Caelius appeared calm. It seemed as though he had accepted his fate.

* * *

Caelius anxiously entered his office, where Goshen promptly began his report as if anticipating his arrival.

The imperial authorities appear to be aware of our actions. We have reduced the number of knights, and rumors have spread as a result. It is difficult to determine the exact source.

Caelius narrowed his eyes in concern. Several knights had been relocated to other groups within the same organization, along with generous compensation and letters of recommendation.

It appears that someone has leaked information about the recent plans of the archduke.

“It is believed that he is reducing the number of knights out of fear.”

Goshen paused. He noticed Caelius’s reaction. The room fell silent. Caelius ran his hand through his hair.

“Careless,” he said, revealing his frustration.

Looking back, I realized that my recent actions had been reckless and self-destructive. I left myself vulnerable and exposed to my enemies, fully aware of the dangers but blinded by the illusion of love. I underestimated the gravity of my decisions, and now I am paying the price.