Follow Your Heart [EN]: Chapter 70

#70.

The King and the nobles were locked in a fierce debate regarding the Southern Expansion Policy and the Bodor Peace Treaty.

The pro-royal faction nobles sensed the King’s inclination towards signing the treaty.

They also surmised the reason.

It was a strategic move to curtail the influence of the Duncan family’s eldest son.

If peace prevailed, the military’s power would inevitably diminish.

Because opportunities for valor and advancement would become scarce.

Of course, battles raged in the west, but the King intended to keep Albert Duncan occupied in the south.

However, many individuals’ interests were intertwined with the war’s continuation.

The nobles’ opinions were divided, transcending factional lines.

“How can we trust Bodor? They’ve already broken five agreements.”

Then, Marquis Meyer, whose son commanded the Southern Border Guard, responded.

“Bodor is rumored to be considering proposing a royal marriage.”

The conference hall buzzed with murmurs.

Not because the proposition was surprising—it was a time-honored diplomatic tactic.

However, each faction began strategizing how to politically leverage this potential union.

Rodrick found the situation irritating. He disliked the opportunistic calculations of the nobles. After listening in silence, he finally interjected.

“The kingdom has prohibited polygamy for two centuries. Are you suggesting I become a king who violates the great Cayenne law?”

Then, an anti-royal faction noble needlessly challenged the King’s statement.

“Your Majesty is above all laws.”

“You speak insincerely. I despise deceit.”

*Only the Queen is permitted to lie to me. Not you.*

Sensing the King’s sensitivity on the matter, the anti-royal factions began to nitpick.

“There are alternative approaches.”

The King chuckled in disbelief. He didn’t want to entertain the notion, but he inquired anyway.

He intended to address it decisively to prevent future resurfacing.

“What approaches?”

“Bodor likely understands the constraints when making the proposal. There’s no need to grant an official title.”

“Considering the succession, that might be advantageous. The Queen’s health is also fragile.”

“And…”

The noble hesitated as the King’s expression darkened. Surprisingly, a pro-royal faction noble added to the conversation.

Because the King cherished the Queen, the situation was becoming increasingly delicate, but the Queen was a Duncan.

If the Queen were deposed, the Duncan family would suffer a significant blow.

It was a prime opportunity to undermine the Duke.

“With all due respect, Your Majesty, Cayenne also recognizes divorce.”

He was suggesting a divorce.

Rodrick covered his forehead.

He struggled to contain his rising anger.

*Hailey, you asked me not to become a tyrant, but I’m not sure I can manage that.*

He glared at Duke Duncan, who remained impassive.

*Your daughter is being dissected by these vultures. And you, as her father, simply stand by? Why aren’t you using that silver tongue of yours?*

Suppressing his boiling rage, Rodrick said.

“Has my marriage to the Queen lasted a year or two?”

“………”

“It hasn’t even been three months. I will address the matter of an heir when the time is right, so silence those mouths that speak of succession.”

However, Rodrick couldn’t suppress his temper as he spoke.

He could tolerate insults directed at himself, but he wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect towards his wife—the mark of a true husband.

“You may attack me, but I forbid you from involving the Queen, who minds her own business.”

“………”

“I requested well-considered opinions, yet you offer only vulgar suggestions? Can I trust you to manage state affairs?”

“………”

“I am well aware of the names you call me behind my back.”

A crazy beast.

“I will accept that title with honor. But if you insult the Queen again, I will personally demonstrate that the title is well-deserved.”

“………”

“If you broach this subject in my presence again, I will imprison you all for insulting the royal family.”

The King kicked open the conference room door, muttering curses.

“Vulgar bastards. These are the Cayenne nobles.”

Jade and the attendants watched the King warily.

It seemed the King’s madness might truly erupt this time.

However, the King, upon reaching his personal study, managed to restrain himself, though his expression remained grim. Despite the vengeful spirit’s influence, he was inherently a patient man. That was why he had resisted succumbing to the vengeful spirit for nearly three years.

However, the moment his wife’s former lover visited the study, even the King’s remarkable patience reached its breaking point.

Rodrick smiled coldly.

“Jade.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Is the world descending into madness?”

Rodrick addressed Lawrence.

“How dare you appear before me? Did you not hear that I threatened to break one of your legs?”

Then Lawrence knelt before the King.

“Your Majesty, I resign from the 3rd Knights.”

“………”

“And I pledge my oath to Her Majesty the Queen. Grant me permission to become the Queen’s sword.”

Rodrick covered his forehead and closed his eyes briefly.

When the King opened his eyes, he abruptly lunged forward, attempting to throw a glove [a formal challenge to a duel] from his arms, but Jade and the attendants desperately intervened.

“Your Majesty! No! It would be a scandal! Don’t give the nobles ammunition!”

“Do you believe I care about that now…?”

“If you proceed, Her Majesty the Queen will also be subjected to gossip!”

Rodrick paused, slowly relaxing his posture.

Barely maintaining control, Rodrick glared at Lawrence.

“Do you believe the Queen would accept that? Do you comprehend the implications of your actions? You are creating difficulties for the Queen. Cease this.”

Jade sensed the murderous intent emanating from the King.

Lawrence, as a knight, likely felt it as well.

However, he continued to speak in a trembling voice.

“She will accept it.”

“………”

“Her Majesty the Queen instructed me to leave a month before the royal wedding. She inquired if we could flee across the border together, confessing her fear… she said that while trembling and weeping.”

Rodrick paused. The King’s loyal subjects watched his reaction in silence.

They were well aware of her aversion to the marriage.

They had heard the story of her attempted suicide by jumping into the water. She had also lamented that her father had ruined her life. She had even contemplated running away.

The King felt a merciless clawing at his insides.

“But when I considered fleeing with her, I couldn’t bear the potential repercussions for my family. My parents are elderly. So I pledged to Her Majesty the Queen that I would become her knight. She explicitly stated her understanding… but then Her Majesty the Queen jumped into the water.”

Lawrence lowered his head.

“You may dismiss me… No, please do.”

“………”

“She was enduring immense hardship. Please allow me to fulfill my promise. A knight’s oath is a matter of honor. Your Majesty cannot prevent that!”

Rodrick remained silent for a long time.

*What is this feeling?*

After reflection, he recognized it as misery.

Rodrick felt misery and anger simultaneously.

Because he was ultimately responsible for driving his wife to such despair. And because their bond was seemingly purer than his own with his wife.

Rodrick carelessly hurled the glove he held against the wall.

The voice he used to suppress his emotions was calm.

But within his heart, a spark persisted, refusing to be extinguished.

“It would be meaningless to crush you with my authority. Because it’s a victory I would undoubtedly achieve. Therefore, I had no intention of doing so.”

“………”

“And I actually prefer crushing with force rather than power. It’s elegant and leaves no lingering consequences.”

This time, he removed the silver badge bearing the royal symbol from his coat.

And tossed it onto the floor.

It signified that he was no longer acting as the King.

“But I can always assess my opponents. I knew I could defeat someone like you the moment I saw you. The only individuals I’ve ever felt I might lose to were the Knight Commander and the Queen. You wouldn’t understand this without crossing swords.”

Rodrick’s blue eyes turned cold. He affirmed.

“Lawrence Irvine, you can never defeat me.”

“………”

“I typically avoid engaging in serious combat with opponents I am certain to defeat.”

*But why do you persist in challenging me when you cannot win?*

*Does the Queen love you more than me?*

*I am angered by my inability to confidently deny that.*

“I will not hold you accountable for challenging the King, with the honor of the royal family at stake. If anyone objects, I will simply claim it was a somewhat intense sparring session.”

“………”

“…Are you willing to try?”

Rodrick nodded, detecting hostility and fighting spirit in Lawrence’s eyes.

And slowly unbuttoned his coat.

“Have you ever heard the Queen express such sentiments?”

“………”

“The Queen implored me not to become a crazy bastard. As you know, the Queen is more than a saint. While others whisper that I am a crazy bastard, she insists she knows that is untrue. Consequently, I have strived to heed almost everything the Queen says.”

“…………”

“But if you and I, and the people present, remain silent, wouldn’t our Queen have nothing to be upset about?”

“…………”

“Shall we engage in hand-to-hand combat, or swordsmanship? The choice is yours.”

The moment Rodrick threw his coat to the floor, Lawrence clenched his fist and charged.

Rodrick, attempting to evade, was struck first.

It was to gauge the opponent’s strength, and given his status as the King, it was natural for the opponent to hesitate.

He had no desire to fight an enemy who wasn’t fully committed.

Rodrick slightly bent his back and frowned at the impact of the blow to his abdomen.

Lawrence capitalized on the momentum, swinging his fist towards his face, but from that point onward, Rodrick ceased to hold back.

Rodrick ducked his head to avoid the punch and kicked Lawrence in the abdomen.

Then he struck the back of his head with his elbow. After that, it was almost a one-sided beating.

The knights and attendants were witnessing firsthand the consequences of a person driven by love-fueled madness.

Lawrence was a promising knight.

But because of a woman, he was jeopardizing his own path to success and attacking the King. And to compound matters, he was being mercilessly beaten.

The King was equally unhinged.

Because this was a fight from which the King had nothing to gain. It was not an honorable contest, and the Queen would not commend him for his actions.

But the King appeared incapable of tolerating any opposition.

He wore no expression, but his relentless beating of his opponent seemed almost deranged.

Lawrence stumbled back, clutching his stomach.

Rodrick grabbed his head without restraint.

And struck his chin with his knee. At that moment, blood splattered everywhere.

Rodrick attempted to slam Lawrence’s head against the wall.

The onlookers squeezed their eyes shut.

However, the sound of impact never came.

Lawrence was stopped just before colliding with the wall.

Rodrick, holding Lawrence’s head, trembled but suppressed his anger.

The King finally released Lawrence and carelessly threw him to the floor.

“Go.”

“………”

“Leave before I kill you here.”

“………”

“Last warning. Your actions are causing distress to the Queen. If you cause my wife suffering, I will sever your head next time, even if my wife attempts to intervene.”

“………”

“Leave if you understand.”

Lawrence, battered and bruised, was eventually escorted away by the knights.

Rodrick wiped his hands with the handkerchief offered by the chief attendant.

But it wasn’t his hands that were soiled, it was his mood.

He had anticipated feeling better after the beating, but he felt no relief.

Rodrick felt like he had become the worst kind of man.