Seduce the hero's mother (GL)

Chapter 186: Chapter 37. The Will

When Razor told me directly that the chances of a better future were slim, I didn't know what to do at first. My hands were dropping by themselves. But then… I still had to face the hard reality.

A reality that was different from what I'd imagined.

It might not end as well as I wanted it to. I had to be prepared for any outcome.

Besides, it wasn't just about my relationship with Rachel. As Archduchess, I was responsible for the fate of a lot of people. And if I did not make the right decision — they followed me sad fate awaited.

Problems, personal and general, came over me from all sides. But the main thing was the choice I had to make as soon as possible. Perhaps the last one I would ever make.

I spent the entire evening pondering this decision. After all, the wedding ceremony at the Imperial Palace would be tomorrow. I sighed heavily as I held the necessary paper in my hands.

It was already midnight outside. However, I was still awake, having just finished my main work. I asked the maid to call for Razor.

The second prince appeared agitated a few minutes later. I smiled as I greeted him.

— I'm sorry… Did I wake you? — I said guiltily.

— Not at all,» the boy sighed, «I couldn't sleep, either.

He went silently into the office, and we sat down opposite in the armchairs. There was a short silence. We both had something to say to each other, but neither of us dared to say it first.

— Leriana, you…

— Don't worry,» I smiled, «Nothing will change at the Manor from tomorrow. Everyone will live peacefully as before.

The prince looked at me questioningly.

— Did you… Did you have something in mind? — he asked me again at once.

I nodded affirmatively.

— It will be a little difficult, but I think you can do it.

Razor held his breath.

— «Handle it?»

I sighed and placed the answer to his question on the table in front of the boy. Before he read the contents, I informed him:

— Tomorrow I'm going to try to talk to Rachel one last time. And if it doesn't work… I'm going to entrust the Archduchess to you.

The prince's eyes ran quickly over the contents of the document. One line, however, would have been enough to get the gist of it. Razor was speechless.

— A will?! — He couldn't help but shriek, «What does it mean…?

Despite the stress of the situation, I remained calm.

— You can see for yourself.

Meanwhile, Razor went into a rage. I could tell by the look on his face that he wanted to tear my will to shreds. But I stopped him from that urge.

— NO! — he declared. «I refuse to accept it!

— Razor…

— Is breaking up with Rachel Cassius a reason to commit suicide?! — The other prince screamed frantically.

I sighed heavily.

— It's not just for Rachel… It's for all of you.

— What are you talking about? — He was dumbfounded.

— Camilla won't rest until she's done with me,» I smiled weakly, «and this revenge will probably not be limited to me.

The boy exhaled indignantly.

— Even so, we can still fight! Why make such a decision…?!

— Fight? — I grinned bitterly, ''Do you really think we can oppose the Imperial Family?

— I…!

Despite the change of generations and dynasties-the Imperial family was still the most powerful at all times. Their word was considered more important than the law. What to say about the fact that after the Cassius family joined the army — their military power increased many times over.

No noble bloodline in Azeroth-even united ones-could stand against Rachel. This explained why the nobles were so obedient after the change of power. All because they were well aware of their capabilities.

The Ashford clan was not worth mentioning. Military might was never our strong point. My father was a good politician and even a businessman — but not an army commander. So I didn't even think about making a coup d'état.

That left us with only one option. But Razor didn't like it at all.

— No…! — There were tears in his voice.

— Razor,» I smiled softly and took his hands, «you know this is the right thing to do.

— I…!

— If I give my life, there's a chance that Camilla will be merciful and let you go,» I said prudently, «It's better than if everyone died with me.

Razor shook his head desperately, refusing to accept my words.

— I don't want to hear it!

In spite of my conviction, the prince continued to resist.

I sighed and decided to ask him one last time:

— From the beginning it was my mistake… I must take responsibility and pay for it.

Then everyone warned me of the danger. Melinda, Maxie, and even my gut feeling. However… At that moment, I refused to listen to everyone and trusted Camille. My first impression-which turned out to be deceptive and ultimately led to such consequences.

I couldn't help but chuckle when I thought about it now. My overconfidence had led to this outcome. I thought I was a good judge of character. But as it turned out I was only blind.

I must answer for my naivety myself. As if the second prince understood my thoughts, he flinched. I turned to him again:

— Razor, if you're my friend… Please do this for me.

He moved and raised his tear-wet eyes.

— You are the only one in this world to whom I can leave the Archdukedom,» I assured him honestly.

— …

As I pondered this, I remained certain: that Maxie would certainly not want to take such a job. The girl had never liked authority, much less limitations. I didn't want to burden her with those responsibilities. So… I made my choice right away.

Razor sobbed.

— Don't tell Maxie of my decision just yet. I'm afraid she won't let me when she finds out.

He stomped his foot indignantly.

— Then you think I'll let…?!

I smiled and patted my friend's hair.

— You know me better than anyone in this world,» I said, «I'm sure you know the reasons why I do what I do.

The boy finally broke down and cried openly — clutching my will in his hand. We hugged each other.

— Leriane…! — Sobbing desperately.

I patted him on the shoulder, though it wasn't easy for me either. But there must be no room for weakness now.

— If I do not return tomorrow… Promise me that you will be a good Archduke.