I Decided To Abandon My Family In My Seventh Life (Dropped) - Chapter 12: May He Be Saved
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Chapter 12: May He Be Saved
■ Meltreza of Woodstock’s Perspective
“Suu… suu…”
Hugh, who had cried himself to unconsciousness, is now breathing softly as he sleeps on my lap.
It must have been quite a shock for him to learn this truth…
“It’s because I said something unnecessary…”
These crimson eyes of mine not only have the ability to perceive malice and lies, but they also possess the characteristics of a skilled vampire, allowing me to understand the flow of magic power and the structure of spells.
Regarding the remnants of the mental magic I found on his back, its effects had already been shattered when I discovered it.
This is because mental magic not only relies on the abilities of the caster but also on the mental strength of the target.
Likely, it was because Hugh had given up on everything in his sixth life that the mental magic no longer had any effect.
“…To do something like this to their own son, Hugh…!”
Thinking about his circumstances, my heart aches, and I’m filled with a sense of helplessness.
Why should someone as gentle as him have to suffer like this…!
Seeking nothing more than the right to receive a family’s love, why must Hugh be the only one subjected to such treatment…!
Overwhelmed by sadness and frustration, I gently stroke his hair while biting my lip.
—Knock, knock.
“…Excuse me.”
The one who entered after knocking was Grandfather.
“!? What on earth happened to Hugo!?”
“Shh… He’s just exhausted from crying and sleeping.”
Seeing Hugh lying on the floor with his head on my lap, Grandfather exclaimed loudly, so I put my index finger to my lips to hush him.
“Huh… What do you mean by ‘exhausted from crying’? Could it be that…?”
As he said that, Grandfather’s expression grew stern.
He probably misunderstood, thinking that Hugh had collapsed in fear upon discovering my true identity.
“…It’s not what you’re thinking, Grandfather. He… he’s…!”
“M-Mel!?”
Thinking about his situation, tears welled up in my eyes. Seeing me like this, Grandfather became flustered.
“Sniff… Well, actually…”
I proceeded to explain his circumstances to him.
About how Hugh has been mistreated by everyone in the Glenville family to the point where his honor, dignity, and even his life are disregarded.
About how Hugh has already lived six lifetimes through his abilities.
And… how in all those lifetimes, his family has taken his life from him.
“Hmm… Unbelievable…”
Upon hearing my words, Grandfather stroked his chin beard and growled.
“However, Grandfather, you should be well aware of my abilities. There was no deceit or falsehood in Hugh’s… in what Hugh said.”
“Yeah…”
Yes… not once did he direct any malice or lies towards me. Hugh has always directed only the truth… only his sincere feelings towards me…
And then…
“…So, what does that imply? Are you suggesting that young Glenville plotted against me?”
While his tone remained casual, it was evident that Grandfather was furious. At least, I’ve never seen him like this before…
However,
“Grandfather, were your words just now directed at Hugh…?”
“!?”
Sensing my demeanor, Grandfather seemed taken aback. I wouldn’t forgive even Grandfather if he said something disparaging about Hugh.
“T-that’s not what I mean! I actually have rather favorable feelings towards this young man!”
In a flurry, Grandfather began to explain, and it appears that, at least in this regard, he isn’t lying.
“He spoke to me. The reason Glenville Marquis sold Hugh was to take over the Woodstock Ducal Family.”
“I see… Just as I thought. And young Hugo was sent here under his orders?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Not it?”
With a shake of my head, I denied his assumption, and Grandfather looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Yes… First of all, the decision for Hugh to be sold into this family was entirely his own calculation.”
“What, what do you mean? Are you saying that young Hugo himself was planning to take over this family?”
“No, it’s not like that. Hugh, considering it dangerous to remain in the Glenville Marquis family, chose a family that they couldn’t touch… in other words, a family with a status higher than that of a Marquis.”
“I see…”
“And it’s because he saw the highest possibility of acceptance here, within the Woodstock Ducal Family.”
“I understand now…”
Seemingly convinced, Grandfather nodded repeatedly.
“However… Hugh choosing this family was the greatest fortune for me…”
Yes, that’s right…
To have met him, to have been accepted by him… no, to have been wanted by him, how much joy that brought me…
“Haha! Never did I expect to see such an expression on you, Mel!”
Grandfather chuckled heartily while stroking his chin beard.
However,
“Grandfather… I did ask you earlier to keep quiet because Hugh is sleeping.”
“O-oh… indeed, you did…”
As I softly reminded him, Grandfather’s shoulders slumped.
“…In any case, tonight, I intend to have Hugh stay in this room. Could you convey this to the Glenville family, Grandfather?”
“O-Okay! However, the two of you are not officially engaged yet, so it’s…”
It seems Grandfather is uneasy about the two of us spending the night together.
“It’s alright. Hugh is an honorable young man; he won’t act rudely.”
“I-I see… ‘What’s that?’… N-no! I agree as well!”
Although initially skeptical, Grandfather quickly fell in line under my piercing gaze.
“Well then, Grandfather. Would you please leave this room now?”
“Hmm… While it’s good that you’ve grown fond of young Hugo, it seems… well, I feel like you’ve become a bit cold toward me…”
Muttering such words, Grandfather placed his hand on the door handle with his shoulders slumped.
“…Grandfather.”
“Hmm?”
“Tomorrow… please listen to Hugh’s story, okay?”
“Haha, of course.”
Fluttering his hand, Grandfather left the room.
“Now then…”
Gently lifting his head from my lap, I carefully laid Hugh’s body onto the bed.
“Fufu… Seeing this strength of mine, Hugh might be disappointed, I wonder..”
Murmuring such thoughts while gazing at his sleeping face, I know that Hugh wouldn’t actually think that way…
“However…”
“Suu… suu…”
Hearing his quiet sleeping breath and looking at his swollen, tear-streaked face, my heart aches, and I can feel my heartbeat quickening.
“Excuse me…”
With those words, I lay down next to Hugh.
And then…
“!?”
“… uuuh…”
He clung to my chest, tears streaming down his face even in his sleep.
“Hugh…”
I continued to gently stroke his hair, comforting him.
Hoping, even if just a little… even if only in his dreams, Hugh could find solace.