Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

"Was she really your mother?" Evan was still staring at the empty space where the woman was standing just a while ago.

It felt like a dream that she saw something so ethereal.

"She said so. And I trust her.`` The words came so naturally from her mouth that amazed Evan since Leo is not an open person.

She nodded her head and looked at her child,

"Renee!" she creased her cheeks when the child leaned to her touch bringing a bright smile on her face.

"Have you ever thought of investigating it? She said that she is alive and suffering. As a son, should you not be trying to save her?" her voice was grim but when she leaned into his arms, it gave him a soothing feeling.

"I am looking into it. I have a hunch that they belong to the exiled wizards. Our empire had banished them long ago and if others found I am one of them.." he did not complete his words but she knew what it meant..

He would only be killed. There was no choice of banishment too since everyone thought that he did it intentionally.

He even knew the military and political secrets of the empire. There was no way he would just be thrown out.

"But.. I had never seen you using…" she stopped as she looked around with vigilant eyes.

Though they were alone, she did not dare to say such words.

"She told me I had a seal. I learned it only recently. Or.. how would I have reached home this sooner from training grounds and the parties of nobles!" he said with a proud look that surprised her.

Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with both hands.

So, he was using magic all along and never thought of telling her! This was not the first time he was hiding things from her.

Her eyes narrowed at his face with a cold look when she punched him.

"Do I ever deserve to know what is happening in your life?" her voice was harsh and accusing when a tinge of guilt filled his face.

He was worried for her and at the same time worried for himself too. What if she said that she did not want him anymore. What would he do then?

Though his face looked like an abandoned child with his dim eyes and down curled lips, she only hurramphed coldly.

If she would let him go this time, he was going to do it again.

"Renee is finally sleeping. So, I am going to have dinner with everyone.`` She stood up. Taking her child in her hands, she walked out of the room and closed the door shut leaving sulking Leo behind.

She could hear the chatter of family when she took slow steps towards the stairs.

They seem joyous. Would they have the same behavior if they would know who Leo was?

Wizards had magical powers that come from their mana and spells. They could be beneficial for any empire.

From opening the portals so that traveling did not take any time or making things by which you can talk to each other even when you are far away.

Healing, air, fire, wind. They have immeasurable power that is still not explored completely. To have such strength was power.

But.. they could not be trusted! She closed her eyes. Wizards had always thought that they were stronger than the emperor and nobles, so they have tried to use their powers to destroy the peace to usurp the empire.

Not only once when they were forgiven. It had happened more than four times until they all were banished.

Though often rumors were heard that people had seen others using magic and a few of the wizards were still hidden among them. No one will ever be able to prove it.

But what if.. She shook her head and looked at her child. If Leo is a wizard due to his blood then her daughter was a wizard too.

What if someone comes to know about it?

No! She hugged her daughter tightly as her steps paused.

Now she understood why Leo did not tell her.

"You are finally here!" They smiled at her. "You are looking tired though. Your face is still pale."

Ethan frowned when he saw sweat on her face.

"Is giving birth that difficult. It has been a day yet you are looking so pale and tired." he stood up and helped her in holding the child and even held her shoulders to support her when she shook her head.

"I will be fine after eating something though." Ethan nodded but he was not looking so sure.

When he looked at the table and saw Hannah bowing her head, his eyes narrowed and an ominous feeling filled his heart.

As they all sat on the small table, "I need to go. If i stay here longer, Someone would know about it. It would be better if I keep my distance." though Andrew was talking to Evan, his eyes were on Eli who nodded with a sigh.

"We shall go to. All of us. Lets leave for the palace where there are maids and guards to take care of things so that you can rest well." asked Ethan when Evan paused.

Going back? Means getting watched by many. Would it be okay?

"I will ask Leo about it and decide together." they still wanted to discuss it?

Ethan raised a brow. His eyes seem to be saying, "what is there to discuss. You were about to come today for our engagement already."

"I know but it would be better that we take our time since father is accustomed to this palace and I am feeling weak too. But you both go and prepare for your marriage too. We will be there before that." Leo, who had just walked down after sorting his thoughts, heard Evan refusing to go back and his steps paused.

Was she afraid that he would create trouble for her?