20 The In Laws

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of s*xual assault, ab*se, and p*dophilia!!

Everything hurts.

He can't tell whether it is hot or cold but he is sweating.

He isn't sure but he seems to be hearing and seeing things.

Something soft and cold was placed on his head and he felt some comfort over that.

He also felt a refreshing liquid going down his throat and when he tried opening his eyes, he swore he saw somebody in his room but if that is true, he doesn't have any more strength to fight back.

He hopes it isn't that man! He can't believe that man came back!

He made sure to barricade his room before he collapses through the delirium of his raging fever.

Getting sick isn't new for him but it's just too much. Just too much! He just wants for once to rest.

*****

His baby is hurting. HURTING! Victor is livid!

"Hey! Hey! Don't break me! Don't break me! Stupid human!" Ariel cried angrily when Victor almost squeezed the mirror to the point of breaking. He just couldn't help himself.

The image on the mirror shows Julian Monet. He is ill. His long straight icy blue hair is disheveled and matted. When was the last time the poor man has a bath? He looked emaciated, he is sweating and breathing so harshly, and his clothes looks too big on him. The bed he is lying in and the room itself is filthy, old, and coarse. His room looked old and he assumed it is the basement since the only window is high above near the ceiling and you can see some soil on the base outside the window.

He could see his shadow guards trying their best to comfort his wife and try to control his fever and keep him hydrated. They even summoned one of the medics to keep an eye on him even though the medic is not supposed to be there as it is risky to bring someone who does not have shadow magic into another person's home but he couldn't be angry at them because they were trying their best. They couldn't exactly call anybody else because breaking, entering, and spying on another noble household is not exactly legal in a sense and if they are caught, Victor and his entire army would face severe punishment. He noticed that one of the shadow guards pick up Julian and they all disappeared into the shadows.

Victor is not mad at them for taking the initiative. They were supposed to be there as spies and not reveal themselves or get involved. When he came back to the capital, he made arrangements to gather as much information as he can about Julian and his family mostly to ensure his safety and his well-being. The shadow guards are the new unit Victor made. They were composed of the former scouts who has inherited shadow magic during the war of Berdun. And because they were former scouts, they are very good at gathering information and hiding in plain sight. Although most of the army know who they are, for the sake of anonymity, they wear animal and beast masks (that Rufus bought at the trade market) and call themselves based on the animal they wore when on duty. He got the inspiration from a popular ninja anime he used to watch as Jeffrey during his anime-obsessed teenage years.

He is aware that Julian was not treated well as a bio son and the shadow guards' job is not to do anything but watch unless it is a life and death situation. But it turns out they were too late. Julian is suffering from a fever and is severely ill. Considering his poor health already he might not make it. Just because he survived in his first life, doesn't mean he will this time. Victor wanted to hit himself for taking his time to get Julian.

At first, he thought he could wait for the Monets to run their schemes about him being engaged to their daughter and then surprise him that it turns out he was engaged to their bio son on the wedding day, humiliating him in the process. Victor did not care that he will be humiliated now but if he can't do anything, then Julian won't be present at their wedding. The shadow guard who stole the contract from the noble consort also gave him their report.

Julian Monet is the youngest son of Baron Monet. He is currently 18 years old. His mother used to be his father's servant whom he had an affair with and married to be his concubine when she got pregnant to avoid a scandal. She is his third wife. At first, she was doted because she was a beautiful woman. However, all that changed when she gave birth to a bio. That woman, Esfel (no last name), was what Victor would call a gold digger and has a sense of entitlement despite being born from a commoner's background. She couldn't accept that she was born a commoner and longed for the riches that only the nobles have. Both her parents used to be servants of the former baron's household and she seduced the current baron to her bed.

Ever since Julian was born, she ignored and neglected the baby. Leaving it to the servants to take care of while she wallows in alcohol and tries to get the baron to gain interest in her and scheme against his other wives. She continued to fail, as the other wives were of noble birth and are not amateurs in the scheming game. The servants did not also do a good job raising Julian since they are also jealous of the part that Esfel became one of their masters and that they also do not think highly of a bio child. Because of neglect, Julian grew up very poor in health. Always getting sick and has to deal with hunger and abuse not just from his mother, his stepmothers, and his siblings, but also from the servants.

According to the shadow guards, they apprehended one of the Monet guards and imprisoned him in one of their army's warehouses. That guard has been stalking his wife and according to the information, they gathered, years ago that guard almost s*xually assaulted Julian. Julian managed to fight him off and ran away. But when he told the baron household, his father didn't believe him and his wives blamed Julian for being a whore and for "seducing other men, just like his mother". Julian was only thirteen at that time.

So not only does he have to deal with a r*pist, but a p*dophile as well. Julian has to live in fear, afraid that man will come back to get him especially as he has no protection in the household. Imagine your whole life looking behind your shoulder like that in your own house. But that man, thankfully, was sent to guard one of the mines for a few years and has just come back this month and is now stalking his wife. Luckily, Victor's shadow guards knock him unconscious and kidnapped him.

But that wasn't just the end. No. A few days ago, Julian was beaten for trying to escape the manor. The guards were unable to gather any information as to why Julian tried to escape. That was why he was punished without food for a few days and imprisoned in the makeshift basement-looking room. Then yesterday, Julian's sister, Juliet Monet stole his necklace. A beautiful necklace that was supposed to be Julian's inheritance from his grandfather the former duke.

Baron Justus Monet was one of the prides of the Monet house. Generations ago, the Monet family suffered financial issues and it wasn't until Justus came that he was able to bring back Monet's riches through good investments and businesses. Of course, the current Baron is not as well versed in business as Justus and they are also suffering financial issues again. Justus was still alive when Julian was born. Although he did treat the bio child coldly, he did ensure the boy has access to food, a clean room, and an education. Julian talked to Victor about his grandfather when they were in prison in his first life. Although Victor did not think his grandfather has done enough the man did give Julian a better life. But that all stopped after the death of the old man and his inheritance was seized from him by his stepmothers, siblings, and even his mother. His father did not bother to stop them. The only thing that he managed to keep was the necklace.

That necklace was a simple gold chained one with two crescent moons as a pendant, one larger, another smaller. It represented the two moons of Astoria. That wasn't exactly an expensive necklace but it was very pretty. The pendants looked like thousands of blue crystals that were crushed together and arranged in that form. It reflects different shades of blue depending on the angle and lighting. As Julian's husband, Victor should have demanded those things for his wife but because of the scheme, he was too focused on his selfishness to care for protocols to follow during marriage and the wellbeing of his wife. In the end, Julian never got his inheritance or the necklace even after his death.

"If I could turn back time, I promise I would take those things back for you," Victor said in the darkness of the prison. It was an empty promise at that time as he could not get those things back. They were in prison and there was no end in sight for their incarceration and he was bound to a death sentence. But now he has this chance. He can get those back for Julian. That isn't an empty promise anymore.

Julian got worst today because he was very sick early in the morning. But was forced by the servants to work and serve his stepmother who went screaming and hitting him when he accidentally tripped and spilled the drinks on her dress. One of the servants intentionally tripped him but he suffered abuse for it. Then there was that man who stalked him and Julian out of desperation has to barricade his room and collapse on his bed. His baby went through all this for the entire day.

Victor is not going to wait any longer.

*****

The ballroom is lively. Lots of people are now dancing and socializing with each other. No child is in sight as they are in a separate room for their social events. This allowed the adults to enjoy each other. The emperor and the second prince are together talking with the different nobles. Some people have noticed this as usually the emperor does this task by himself. But everyone saw the emperor call the second prince to his side when he greeted the various families. Those with a faction against the second prince did not look very happy as they seem to think this is a power play against the princes they supported.

The Monet family is looking as glorious as ever with their expensive gowns and beauty. Many men are eyeing Juliet Monet. She is a beautiful woman, looking so charming, graceful, and soft – something many men considered a standard when looking for wives. Not to mention she comes from a rich family. But all they can do is watch. Everyone knows she is already betrothed to the third prince. What a shame. They all heard the rumors about him. From being a tyrant to a demon king, or that he is a pervert who knows other people's secrets. Plus, he is not as well-loved by the emperor and empress or so they thought. As the emperor seems to have a good relationship with him lately. They were not sure why. But many have speculated that it could just be guilt. After all the third prince was punished for something, he didn't do. It still can't change the fact that compared to his brothers, he is uneducated because he did not go to the academy and lacks money as his brothers have already started businesses as young as fifteen while he is already 20 and has no businesses or investments. He needs money to run his affairs, territory, and assets after all and he has no revenue stream.

As the emperor slowly approached the Monet family, Prince Victor came in.

The air around the man was ice cold. Some of the nobles tried to approach the prince but the sight of his gaze scared them away. It was like looking at a dragon trying to eat you. What or who made the prince very angry? Would they finally see the "tyrant" they all have heard about?

Victor has to inhale deeply before reaching the side of the emperor. He needs to calm down. Raging out in a public space will only make people think of him as insane and not take what he says seriously even if it is valid. While emotions can drive emotions, a clear, cold, and calm voice can be easily heard. And Victor wanted himself to be "heard".

"Ah, Victor. Here you are. I know you have not met yet but this is the Monet family." The emperor smiled looking oblivious to the look his son is giving (or was he ignoring it?).

"Greetings, third prince. I am Baron Jerel Monet. It is an honor to finally meet his royal highness." The man greeted and even gave a polite bow while his son and daughter bowed behind him. "And this is my official children, Julius and Juliet Monet."

"You already know this but they are your future in-laws." The emperor said but was not happy with this. He seemed annoyed by the fact that a prince's official wife is from a baron family. But this is also his fault for signing the contract.

"Ah yes," Victor said, giving them a cold grin. "I have been meaning to meet with the in-laws and my betrothed. I was kind of hoping for a dance."

The Monets smiled. Including Juliet Monet who is looking very interested in Victor's face. She blushes. The woman could not believe how handsome the prince is. She never expected to be betrothed to such a man. He even noticed the prince looking at her bosom and she blushed even more. Not realizing the prince was eyeing her necklace. That same necklace belongs to Julian. Of course, she knew that she and the prince are not technically engaged but that trash brother of his and now she is envious that the trash brother is the official wife of this very handsome prince. Ugh!

"So, where is he?" Victor asked.

This confused the baron but he gestured his daughter to come up front. "This is your fiancé, your highness. My daughter, Juliet Monet."

Victor only frowned his eyebrows. Making it look like he is confused. That is when the second prince piped up, "Did you just say, "he"?"

The people around them who have been eavesdropping went silent.

Victor turned to his brother and father. "Yes."

The emperor and second prince turned to Juliet Monet as if expecting him to be a man in disguise or a woman. Or could he be a bio dressing up as a woman? Juliet looked insulted.

"I'm sorry, your highness. I don't seem to understand." The baron said confused and his son behind him looked even more confused.

"I checked my records," Victor stated. "My betrothal contract says "Julian Monet". Julian is more likely a man's name. Or should I say, a bio's name in this case?" Victor revealed the scroll in his hand and even opened it, showing the name written very clearly, "Julian Monet".

….

"Wait. WHAT?!" The emperor turned towards the Monet family all looking very stunned and the baron is sweating.

"There must be some sort of mistake, your highness. That could be a typo." The baron defended.

"I have checked the information and I am also aware that your youngest son is a bio and his name is Julian. So…" Victor pretended to look around. "Where is he?"

"Your Highness, that contract could be a fake." The noble consort, Margaret Elrose interrupted.

Victor rolled his eyes again. This woman again. Why does she always try to butt in their business? Victor could only grin at the sight of that woman. No wonder she needed her mind-altering perfumes to influence the emperor. She isn't smart enough to scheme properly. Even the empress didn't think of her so highly.

"I got this from the archives," Victor said and lied. "It has the official seals and signatures. How could it be fake?" Of course, he stole it from Margaret Elrose. The woman was too confident thinking nobody would dare steal the contract from her in the palace. She didn't even bother to use sigils and wards. It made it easier for his men to steal the contract.

Margaret Elrose paused. She seems to have realized this was a trap. The truth was, the contract is not in the archives. By law, any royal, betrothal, and commercial contracts are required to have a copy in the archives. The purpose is documentation and to avoid any hearsay and misuse of contracts. Margaret Elrose' didn't want the prince and the public to know about the contents of the contract so the Elrose family who realized her plan got along with it and bribed the officials in the archives to say that there was a copy of the contract in the archives. Even if people will look, they would assume someone borrowed the contract if it is not there.

But the sixth prince just realized something. That contract was with her mothers and yet the third prince manage to get a legitimate copy of it. The only thing that could explain it is that he stole it and they could not say anything without compromising their positions in admitting to hiding the contract. A contract they are legally obliged not to hide.

The emperor grabbed the contract and glared at the Monets. "Is this true?" he growled at them.

The baron gulped and even tried to glance at Duke Elrose and their faction for help but they all turned their heads away and ignored him.

Baron Monet immediately bowed. "I apologize your majesty. I could have sworn it was my daughter's name. Out of my excitement, I might have not checked the spelling correctly."

The emperor then turned towards Margaret Elrose. "And you? You set up the betrothal contract. Did you also coincidentally not check it or is this another one of your schemes? What outcome do you expect to have one of my children married to a bio!"

"But your majesty!" Margaret tried to protest.

"This contract has to be annulled or I will submit a dispensation to have you demoted!" The emperor growled.

Margaret lost the strength in her legs and collapsed to the ground. The entire ballroom has now become quiet and is all looking at the drama. Some even looked far more interested in it. Annulling a contract is close to impossible, even more so if it is a blood contract. This is why most people don't create betrothal contracts so easily nor is it popular to use a blood contract.

"Bu-but. You also did not check the contract as well before signing it!" Margaret tried to argue.

"Shut up Margaret." Duke Elrose came out from the crowds and yelled at his daughter.

Most of the people around them were amazed at how the noble concubine even dared to blame his majesty.

"I do not blame the emperor," Victor said. "He has too many contracts and papers to sign daily." The emperor only flinched. The noble consort was right. This was also his fault. Even if he did it in a haze, it will still be his fault. He is the emperor and he was more appalled at the part that he was easily manipulated like that.

The emperor did not realize that Victor was partly insulted. Mostly because his father and in retrospect, everyone in the ballroom, felt that his wife just being a bio – something he has no control over is considered an insult to them instead of treating him like a human being.

"As compensation for this error, your majesty. I, Baron Monet, would like to offer to his highness my daughter Juliet Monet as his second wife." The baron declared with his head still bowed on the floor.

"W-what?!" Juliet asked in disbelief. She does not want to be the second wife! The unofficial wives are directly under the control of the official wife and that position is in her brother's hand right now. She refused. If she wants to marry, she has to be the official wife. Her mother will not allow this. She does not allow this. What is this old man doing?

"There is no need," Victor said, surprising everyone again.

"I do not need a second wife," Victor stated. "I am not against marrying your bio son. As a monogamist, I practice the belief of having only one wife at a time. Having a second wife at the same time is against that belief of mine."

"What?" Everyone in the ballroom is staring at the third prince like he has a second head. Monogamist? Some of them have never heard of this. But having only one wife? And a bio at that! Would that mean…?

"But Victor. Your future wife will be a bio." Lysander said. A bio-wife is not a problem. But a bio as an official wife is rare and in the case of the princes, is a declaration of basically stepping down from the race towards the throne. This was also the case for Lucius. Even worst, having a bio-wife means that Victor will more likely never have children, or if they do, they will mostly have bios which mean inheritance can be a problem if Victor were to die. It is practically unheard of! Having a second wife will guarantee the birth of a qualified successor especially as Victor has a territory to run and passed down.

"I don't see any problem with that," Victor said "It's better than trying to break an unbreakable contract". He wanted to declare that he is not running for the throne but this will cause problems for him because the other nobles might not want to establish a relationship with him which he also needs mostly for rapport for any future business he plans. They already think he is crazy for accepting a bio-wife. For some of them, they needed it for protection, until the new emperor is fully seated on the throne.

"Also, since the baron intentionally or unintentionally tried to hide the fact that I am engaged to his bio son, I would request the emperor's father to give a different punishment for the baron's family for their mistake," Victor said, giving them a grin and looking at the back of the baron's head in glee.

The emperor is already feeling so guilty, he looked at his son and asks, "What do you want them to do?"

"I will marry their son. But you have to give the inheritances from the baron family that you own to my future wife." Victor said.

"Wh-what?"

"I heard that the baron has not given his Julian Monet's inheritances yet (technically they did but they stole it). He is already eighteen. The stipulation of the will stated that he should have received it back when he was sixteen." Victor smiled. "Your lawyer was kind enough to provide me the details of the will." This is not private information after all so the Monets could not argue against him. Also, the Monets have an inkling that the prince already knows what is going on around their own home.

"Ahh, yes, yes." The baron nodded.

"The compensation you wish to give me for your so-called mistake will depend on the dowry for the marriage. Since my future wife is not present at the banquet, I would like to visit your manor tomorrow."

The Monets went stiff. Julian Monet is in bad shape. They have beaten him for trying to escape and the baroness also beat him today for messing up her gown. The baron and his children could not help but glance at the baroness who has been hiding behind some people. The bio is sick, has bruises around him, and if the prince comes to the manor, the prince will call for abuse and might ruin their family.

"I apologize your highness but my Julian is ill at the moment which is why he is not present at the banquet." The baron gives an excuse. "I think it would not be a good idea for the prince to not meet him in such a condition."

My Julian? Victor frowned but he knew they need time to get everything in order. "All right, when should I meet him?"

"Maybe a week from now? The child could be feeling better by then."

Victor only smiled. Well, the "child" is no longer in your home but he does not mind them running around in panic.

"Five days," Victor said.

The Monets can only agree.

After the banquet is over, stories came flying around about how the Monets tried to cover up their mistake, how they scheme against a royal to get them to marry their bio child who they say is an ugly person, and how the prince has grown a third head for declaring that he will only marry the bio and will not take any wives. Distorted versions of what happened in the palace.