TEWRIT 57

Episode 57

Damian’s shameless words left Adel speechless, and Oliver’s face showed outright disdain.

“How can someone leave his other half in that state? Are you really twins? I’m beginning to doubt your birth!” Adel said, hurt and angry.

Flint’s eyes flashed with contempt as he stepped forward.

“You think it’s okay to abuse her just because she’s illegitimate? You and your father are disgusting and uncivilized.”

Damian gave a cold smile.

“Exactly. Eliano is not his father’s true daughter. She’s her father Dimitri Rosana’s illegitimate child.”

Adel and Oliver gasped in shock. But Flint remained calm, his voice dripping with contempt.

“You’re mocking an illegitimate child? How shameful.”

“Will you really take an illegitimate woman as your Grand Duchess? A fool who doesn’t even know her own birth?”

That was enough. Flint drew his sword and pointed it at Damian’s throat. The knights reached for their swords—but Damian raised his hand to stop them.

“I know you were born in Zacador, where illegitimate children have no value. You grew up there, so you’d know…”

Damian paused only briefly—and Flint saw blood forming at his throat. Damian continued coldly:

“My sister isn’t the noble princess everyone thinks she is. If you can’t accept that, don’t even reach out to her.”

Flint slowly lowered his sword, his silver eyes steady.

“Her unhappiness is having a father like Dimitri Rosana… and brothers like you.”

Damian sneered.

“You have no family, so what do you know?”

Adel and Oliver bristled—but Flint spoke quietly, resolutely:

“Know this: no one touches the Howard Grand Duchess.”

“Good for her,” Damian replied, tone neutral.

“She will never visit the Rosana household again—not even if she wants to.”

Flint’s cold words made Damian scoff.

“So you’re going to force her anyway, like your father did? You’re just like him.” Damian spat.

Flint grit his teeth. Damian continued.

“She listened and obeyed. Just like a Zacador noblewoman might.”

“Your Grace—the duchess is in critical condition!” Adel broke in. Flint turned his attention to them. Damian brushed past the knights to speak calmly but firmly.

“Stand down, all of you.”

“But—my lord!”

“You dare call me your lord and ignore me now?”

The tension was thick. Adel and Oliver parted to make way.

“If you harm the Grand Duke of the Empire, Rosana House will pay dearly. He who walks in sunlight is immortal. Disarm yourselves now!”

Damian’s voice cut through the chaos. The knights dropped their weapons and stepped aside. As Flint strode out, Damian’s voice echoed:

“If you ever let go of my sister again… kill me instead.”

At Howard Manor, capital city

The final grand ball was abruptly cancelled.

Heraith—who came to advise Flint to ask Eliano for the first dance—found the manor unusually quiet. Gilbert told him politely the ball was off due to an emergency.

“An emergency? Did something happen to Flint?”

“He’s safe and well, Your Highness… it’s something else.”

Gilbert hesitated.

“Hurry, then!” Heraith pressed.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. It’s a personal matter of the Howards… I can’t explain.”

Just then, another butler, George, appeared and bowed to the Crown Prince.

“Princess Eliano is critically ill. The physician and holy clergy are attending. The Duke is in her bedroom.”

“Princess Eliano ill? What do you mean?” cried Heraith, rushing inside. Gilbert glared at George.

“Grand Duke Flint ordered absolutely no one enter the manor without permission!”

“But Heir, this is a house matter!” George replied.

“This house is provided by the Sun Emperor. Don’t forget that, Gilbert.”

George led Heraith to the bedroom. Gilbert followed him.

“Prince Heraith—please respect Grand Duke Flint’s wishes.”

Heraith ignored his warnings and stepped into the room. There was Flint, standing with the physician and a holy cleric, his face solemn. His silver eyes locked on him.

“Gilbert,” Flint said softly. “Ensure the healer is well compensated.”

The holy cleric lowered his head.

“Your Grace, no payment is needed. I serve by divine will.”

“My words were imprecise. I apologize. I wish to offer a donation in gratitude for today’s miracle. I cannot visit the temple myself, so this is a substitute.”

“Our Lord understands your sincerity. I will pass your message.”

The cleric bowed and followed Gilbert out. Heraith looked at Flint with confusion.

“What happened to Princess Eliano? And why is she here, not at Rosana Manor?”

“Duke Flint cannot speak of family matters,” Flint replied without emotion.

Heraith hesitated for a moment.

“Flint, I’m sorry for this morning’s rude behavior. I intended to apologize… but…”

“My wife is too ill to receive anyone. Please understand.”

Flint’s tone brooked no more interruptions. He then spoke to Adel.

“Countess Evans—guard the hall. Never allow anyone near Madame the Duchess.”

Adel dropped to one knee and saluted.

“Countess Adel Evans stands ready, Your Grace. I will protect Her Grace with my life.”

Her voice echoed in the hall. Heralice let out a heavy sigh and bowed his head.

“Your Highness,” a calm voice called from behind. Heraith turned—and there was Flint, standing firmly.

“Prince Heraith,” Flint said respectfully. “I have a request—only you can fulfill it.”