Chapter 103. The End of Vengeance, Peace Regained

Camilla headed to the assembly hall with Aster for the announcement of Isabelle’s trial verdict. The divorce lawsuit and subsequent accusations had resulted in numerous charges, prolonging the trial.

It had been over three months since Samuel Blanche’s death. The imperial family had torn his body apart and displayed it in the palace and major cities with banners reading ‘The Fate of a Traitor.’ His body was left to rot and be eaten by crows for a long time.

Parents who had lost children threw stones at Samuel’s body, and nobles who had lost money spat on it.

Samuel, who had sought eternal life, met a miserable end. The matter of the Maved Stone he had sought was kept secret.

“It’s already crowded.”

Camilla murmured as she saw the crowd while heading to the entrance for officials. She was surprised by the crowd which was larger than she expected.

“Everyone must be curious about the trial’s outcome.”

Aster pulled Camilla closer and led her inside. The assembly hall was just as crowded as the outside. Among the crowd, some excited people began to raise their voices.

“Execute Isabelle Brilly!”

“Tear her apart like Samuel Blanche and display her body!”

“Hey, be quiet! If you cause a disturbance, you will be removed!”

The assembly officials tried to control the rowdy crowd, but they couldn’t completely silence the excited masses. The prolonged trial had only heightened their anticipation.

“Everyone, please be quiet.”

Bang, bang, bang—

Soon, the clear sound of the gavel echoed, and the judge took his seat. Alyssa and Isabelle, who had been standing on either side, also took their seats.

Isabelle’s face was so aged and haggard that she was unrecognizable. Her dress was stained, as if it hadn’t been washed in ages.

She looked pitiful, but no one felt sorry for her. Thanks to Alyssa’s revelations, Isabelle’s atrocities were known to all.

‘Even the Alive family refused to protect her.’

When they found out Samuel Blanche was involved in the rebellion, the Alive family tried to portray Isabelle as a victim to sway public opinion. But Alyssa’s continuous revelations led the Alive family to abandon her.

Isabelle, expelled from the Alive estate, wandered from inn to inn, selling her jewelry. Meanwhile, Paris, who was suffering from frequent seizures, relied on alcohol to cope.

While his condition worsened, he was hit by a carriage while wandering drunk early in the morning. After that, Isabelle seemed to have completely given up on appealing.

Having lost her husband, son, and daughter, all she could do now was pay for her sins.

Camilla turned her gaze from Isabelle and met Alyssa’s eyes. Alyssa smiled brightly and nodded slightly.

Alyssa now looked much more spirited. Thanks to Ayla Letia, who had comforted her during her grief.

“Alyssa looks calm.”

“She said she’d throw a party if she won the trial.”

“We should prepare some wine.”

Camilla smiled broadly and exchanged glances with Aster. Soon, the judge began to speak.

“I will now announce the trial verdict.”

Despite knowing the outcome, everyone’s attention was on the judge. After clearing his throat, the judge spoke.

“Ahem, this is the verdict for the defendant, Isabelle Brilly. The defendant is here for destroying her family and defiling the sacred institution of marriage for her selfish desires. She killed an innocent woman to become a duchess and repeatedly tried to kill Aster Blanche, the woman’s son…”

The list of Isabelle’s crimes went on like a long speech. Thanks to her obsessive collecting, even her assassination attempts on Aster and his mother were included in the charges. With evidence, there was no reason not to include them.

People stared intently, wanting to know the outcome. A guilty verdict was certain, the question was the severity of the sentence.

After listing the charges for a while, the judge glanced at the audience and delivered the final verdict.

“Therefore, the court sentences the defendant, Isabelle Brilly, to death by hanging.”

Bang, bang, bang.

The judge struck the gavel, announcing that the sentence would be carried out.

“Waaah!”

As the death sentence was pronounced, the crowd erupted in cheers. Camilla also exclaimed and hugged Aster tightly.

Aster’s mother, who had died unjustly, could now rest in peace. The thought that his revenge was finally complete brought tears to her eyes.

It was the end of a long and drawn-out revenge. Camilla shouted with a face full of joy.

“Aster, your revenge is finally complete!”

She jumped up and down with joy as if it were her own. Aster pulled her even closer and said,

“It’s all thanks to you, Camilla.”

Then he expressed his gratitude with a deep kiss. Aster was sincere. Without Camilla, he wouldn’t have thought to seek such thorough revenge.

Thanks to her support and choice, he had come this far. Aster kissed her cheek and whispered.

“Lala, will you stay with me forever?”

“Of course. Even if you try to run, I won’t let you.”

Camilla playfully threatened and kissed his lips firmly, as if making an unbreakable vow.

Then Alyssa approached them and shouted.

“Tonight’s on me!”

She seemed eager to throw a party immediately after winning the trial. Camilla and Aster looked at each other and burst into laughter.

“Alright! On a day like today, let’s drink to our hearts’ content!”

Christopher, who had arrived at some point, joined in encouraging the party. Camilla and Aster had no choice but to nod.

The celebration lasted all night.

* * *

The next day, a letter arrived from Sezad. It had been two weeks since they heard that Helen’s labor was imminent.

Sezad and Helen, who had left in a hurry, were doing better than expected. Helen had matured through her experiences, and Sezad had opened his heart to her.

“Ugh.”

I shouldn’t have drunk all the alcohol Alyssa gave me.

I read the letter with lingering effects from last night’s party. The letter began with news about Helen’s childbirth.

[Helen gave birth to a son.
He doesn’t look like me, but that’s okay. No matter what anyone says, Eden is my son.]

“Surprising. He always said he would never have a family.”

I smiled warmly at Sezad’s change.

Helen, who had been abandoned by her parents and closed her heart, was someone Sezad could relate to. Sezad, who had initially rejected Helen out of self-loathing, opened his heart to her courage in trying to save him.

Seeing the peace that had come to them as they looked only at each other on the sea was surprising.

[We need to settle down somewhere to raise a child. So, I bought a castle.]

Thinking about raising a newborn, Sezad, who once said he couldn’t be tied down, had changed a lot.

The rest of the letter was about how picky Helen was and how she kept him on his toes. At first glance, it seemed like he still disliked her, but—

[That’s why I have to take care of her. What else can I do?
Queen, thanks to you, I’m settling down.]

His love for Helen was evident throughout the letter.

“There’s no need to worry, then.”

I was relieved that they seemed to be doing well despite their bickering. Of course, it would be even better if they were always happy.

[Helen also found out about the duke and duchess.
I tried to keep it a secret, but she got suspicious and stole a letter.]
Helen’s letter is included as well, so read it.]

“Oh dear.”

It seemed she had finally discovered the truth I had been hiding to avoid shocking the pregnant woman. No wonder there was another letter inside the envelope. I hurriedly opened Helen’s letter.

Contrary to my worries that she might be saddened by her parents’ deaths, Helen’s letter was refreshingly straightforward.

[Serves them right. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest! If only my body were lighter, I would have confirmed it with my own eyes!]

‘She’s quite scary if you think about it.’

She was as cold-hearted as Duke Blanche. Following that, there were details about her sweet daily life with Sezad, which I didn’t bother to read.

Judging by how she kept flaunting their relationship, she still seemed to suspect something between Sezad and me. It was annoyingly persistent.

“What is it?”

“Helen gave birth to a son.”

I handed the letter I was holding to Aster. He frowned as he read its contents. It was clear that he had reached the part where Helen exaggerated their daily life.

“They seem to be doing well.”

He put the letter down on the table and shook his head. I moved closer to Aster and asked.

“No hangover?”

“It seems the hangover is affecting you, Camilla.”

He gently brushed my hair aside and whispered tenderly. I leaned into his embrace and pouted.

“I still feel queasy.”

“Then you should rest more.”

Aster lifted me up and carried me to the bed. I wrapped my arms around his neck and mumbled.

“Now I finally feel like I can rest.”

I had lived with constant tension for the sake of revenge. When I woke up today, the world was surprisingly peaceful.

Today, when I no longer had to fear for my life or threaten anyone, was incredibly sweet. Aster kissed my forehead.

“Rest well today. Don’t think about anything.”

“Aster, stay with me.”

“You won’t be able to rest if I stay.”

“I don’t care. We’re married anyway…”

Blushing, I pulled Aster under the covers. He obediently lay beside me and offered his arm as a pillow. Feeling his hand gently playing with my hair, I impulsively spoke.

“Hey… should we have a child too?”

“……!”

Aster flinched and looked down at me. His voice trembled as he asked.

“Is it because Helen had a child?”

“Of course not.”

I shook my head and snuggled into his chest. I had used revenge as an excuse not to have a child, fearing that the child and I might become weaknesses. But now, there was no need for that. I wanted to have Aster’s child.

“I want to have your child.”

“…….”

“Because you’re the one I love.”

With those words, I kissed him. Aster’s body, which had been tense, relaxed.

Amidst our deepening breaths, we shared love and warmth.

It was a day filled with the spring breeze that had returned after a harsh winter.