I Should Have Read The Ending - Chapter 41

Chapter 41 –  Diana’s Redemption

With Aaron’s approval, Diana was legally recognized for her right to the inheritance. The duke also added a rule that would acknowledge her decisions as equal to that of an adult.

Now, the laws of the empire guaranteed Diana’s rights. Diana, therefore took full control of her parents’ legacy, except for the Duchess.

Charlotte hurried to Diana’s room and informed her, “Lady, the Duchess is making noise outside.”

Sylvia did not surrender so easily. After the legal process was over, she persuaded Aaron, but when it was not possible, she rushed to the mansion and looked for Diana. It’s been an hour since Sylvia was shouting outside the door.

“Let her in now.” Diana said.

“Will you be alright?”

“Yes, she must have lost her energy by now. And you… accompany me, Charlotte.”

“Yes, lady.”

Soon, Sylvia entered Diana’s room, her face flushed from hours of screaming. She stared at Diana, exhaling deep breaths. This time, her face was bare without her usual elegant sieve fan.

“Diana! I couldn’t sleep because I was worried all night.”

Sylvia would have been extremely worried; she had three children and Diana’s wealth was considerable. It was clear how desirable the mansion and her niece’s legacy would have been, if only she could inherit it.

“I think your uncle’s got something firmly wrong right now. He keeps telling me to manage the properties. I don’t know if he had ever dreamed of anything. He had only read books, but it doesn’t help you in real life.”

It wasn’t wrong. Diana stared at her aunt’s face, pursing her lips.

“You’re still seventeen. You’re too young to manage that much property. And, you’re about to enter the palace. The Crown Princess doesn’t need any personal property. No, I can help you even if you need it. Huh? It’s better you talk to your uncle and let me help you manage again.” Sylvia’s words almost made no sense.

“Don’t worry about your aunt…This aunt will take care of everything.” Desperate, she grabbed Diana’s arm. However, Diana took her arm off in a gentle yet resolute manner, leaving the duchess shaken.

“You just have to leave it to me and think about living happily ever after. How comfortable it is, right dear? If you don’t like your uncle, leave it up to me to take care of everything,” Sylvia pleaded.

“No,” Diana refused her desperate aunt calmly.

“Diana, It’s because you don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“No, I understand everything.”

“Just because you have it doesn’t mean it’s always good. If something goes wrong, you’ll be in big trouble.”

Until now, Diana was clueless with her properties, which resulted in her becoming an easy prey for cunning, greedy people like Sylvia. Consequently, she had been through so much as an empress. She had lived a life in which one cannot even take a walk at one’s own pleasure despite one’s noble status as Crowned Empress — a vain and despicable life.

“I know.”

“Yes, you understand? So, your aunt…”

“No, I don’t need your help anymore.”

“Diana!” Sylvia was exasperated. She felt it was so absurd that she couldn’t speak.

“I will take care of my parents’ legacy as they wish. And I don’t need your help.”

“Diana, you’re wrong. You should listen to your aunt, right?”

“No, I’ve told you so many times. I’ve already decided. Now, please don’t come to the mansion now. I will take care of my father’s legacy and my life.”

“I’m…for you…”

“Yes. Now do nothing for me.” Diana stood up first.

“If you really think of me, you shouldn’t do anything for me anymore. Okay?”

Sylvia looked at little Diana in incredulity. Not long ago, she was a modest and manageable child, but this heartless attitude did not seem real, it was as if she had become an adult in a moment.

“Diana…” Sylvia could barely finish her words.

“No, I don’t want to. I don’t like your thoughts, your plans, and everything you want to say from now on.”

Diana held Charlotte’s hand, which had been waiting in advance. Now she has the strength to face Sylvia on an equal footing. Diana also wanted to show clearly that even a person of low status could not be belittled by anyone if she had rights.

“And I didn’t like my aunt either.” A cold smile crept in the corner of Diana’s lips.

***

Edwin was advised by a close aide who monitored the Carl’s to refrain from going out tonight. In the afternoon, there was a big commotion regarding the Carl’s property.

But Edwin couldn’t sleep easily. His eyes, chest, and his whole body were reminded of Diana.

Edwin’s sword swished as he swiftly sliced through the air. It was his thing to swing a sword with his top off under the moonlight. The night breeze was quite chilly, but his torso was drenched in sweat.

“Whoa…”

He found physical activities the most effective solution to chase away the ideas that swarmed in his mind. But today, the effect felt minimal. Edwin swung his sword in the air again, droplets of sweat accumulating on his chest.

His build was much more buff than others had guessed. Below his firm chest were solid abs and prominent pelvis.

“Stop.”

Tonight, Edwin couldn’t stop thinking about her. No matter how much he wielded the sword, Diana’s figure did not disappear. A gleaming platinum blonde hair, rosy cheeks, and blue eyes came to his mind.

Edwin was honest. That’s why he was able to face up to his feelings. Edwin felt the scent of a woman when he thought of Diana.

He already wanted to drag that slender wrist into his arms at first sight. The thought of it made him feel hot all the time.

“Hah.”

Again, Edwin’s sword parted the moonlit night. He had no choice but to overwork himself to force the heat to cool down. That way, he would not imagine her. Edwin shook his head vigorously, as memories of the sweet dreams of Diana’s smile that came to him every night flooded his mind.

For Edwin, the night was extremely long.