Chapter 610: Lingering Proof
After listening to Livia’s story, Roland couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
The story wasn't particularly complex. Goron Wimbledon, as the commander of the Border Guard, had to go to the Coldwind Ridge every year to assist the church in fighting the Months of Demons. During this time, he met Livia, a barmaid, while enjoying himself in a tavern, and the two fell in love.
Of course, given Livia's status, it was almost impossible for her to marry into the royal palace. Goron didn't dare to publicize it either. He just quietly bought a house in the town as their secret love nest. Roland wasn't sure how true their love was, but in his memory, Goron hadn't looked for other "lovers" in the royal capital. All the aristocratic marriages were also rejected, and there were even rumors that the eldest prince was fond of men, which was quite unbelievable for an adult member of the royal family.
The secret letter that Livia handed over was even more shocking – Goron seemed determined to marry this commoner witch as queen. If it was just talk, that would be fine, but he also left written evidence. If it were leaked, Wimbledon III would definitely not give him the time of day.
However, good times didn't last long. After the news of the eldest prince being sentenced to death by Timothy reached the Northern Region, Livia's peaceful life was quickly broken. Misfortunes followed one after another. First, the guards left by Goron left without saying goodbye, and then the house was stolen. Having lost her source of income, she had to return to the tavern where she worked before and became a barmaid again.
But that wasn't the end of it. The tavern owner seemed extremely dissatisfied with her sudden departure and began to make advances on her. Later, he coerced and lured her, forcibly taking her into his room.
In short, Livia's life had been extremely miserable for the past six months. The owner's wife didn't dare to complain too much about her husband, so she vented all her anger on her, who was nominally a maid. The owner mostly turned a blind eye and sometimes even joined in on bullying her.
Roland certainly wouldn't blame her for not being steadfast enough. As an ordinary person with no support, there were too many ways to make her submit. After all, survival was the first priority. In addition, the disappearance of the guards and the subsequent theft were probably not accidental. Someone who knew her hiding place clearly and acted decisively while she was away was most likely an inside job.
"So what do you want me to help you with?"
He had no relationship with Goron at all. Counting the Fourth Prince's share, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him half an enemy. The reason he decided to help her was simply because of Livia herself – a woman who could endure all this way, insisting on waiting for an opportunity to save herself, her character was already worthy of admiration.
What's more, for Roland now, this kind of trivial matter was just a piece of cake.
As for the saying "Nothing is as good as dumplings," he definitely hadn't even thought about it.
He swore!
"I want to leave the tavern... Your Majesty," she whispered, "Can you help me find a new job?"
"Are you sure you still want to stay in the Northern Region? If the tavern owner is still obsessed with you, he won't let you go easily." Roland spread his hands. He didn't plan to personally intervene in this kind of civil dispute, as that would be too demeaning. "You can follow the fleet to the Western Region, where work, food, and housing won't be lacking."
Livia hesitated for a moment, her voice even lower, "Your Majesty... I, I want to stay here."
"I think she's afraid of you." Nightingale's murmur came from his ear, "For ordinary people, her appearance is at least half of Edith's level. It's normal for the tavern owner to covet her beauty."
"That's nonsense," Roland responded with lip movements, then nodded, "Alright, I'll notify Duke Calvin and have him send someone to pick you up to Eternal Night City. If you're worried about returning late today, Sean can find you a hotel for the night."
"I will never forget your kindness, Your Majesty," she knelt down again, "But... I have to go back today."
"It doesn't matter," Roland raised his eyebrows, looking at Sean, "Escort this lady."
As Livia reached the door, he suddenly asked, "By the way, did you and Goron... have any children?"
Her steps faltered. After a moment, she turned around and said, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty... I wasn't able to leave anything for him."
...
After the guard led her out of the room, Nightingale revealed herself, "Her last sentence was a lie."
"Yeah, I can tell," Roland curled his lips, "She's not good at hiding things, and that's the only way to explain why she would be coerced by the tavern owner."
"Because of the child?"
"The tavern owner should know that the one who took her away at the time was the eldest prince, Goron Wimbledon. He also knew very well that if Timothy found out about this, the child would definitely be dead. In order to protect her and Goron's love child, Livia could only accept his conditions. I guess that's how it is."
"Do you need me to investigate?" Nightingale asked.
Roland stared at her for a long time, gradually raising the corners of his mouth, "Are you worried that I'm like Timothy, planning to bury this secret forever? Even Duke Ryan's family is still under house arrest in Neverwinter City. Don't worry, I won't harm these innocent people."
He himself didn't like the ancient kings playing the game of wiping out entire families under the slogan of cutting grass and roots, let alone a bastard born to a commoner woman who posed no threat to the throne.
"If it's an order you personally issue, I will carry it out no matter what," Nightingale said slowly.
"I understand," Roland grabbed her hand and placed it on his shoulder, "Then... help me massage again."
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Livia returned to the wooden house where the migrants were temporarily staying. The sound of her footsteps startled the sleeping baby.
"Waaaaa—Waaaaa—"
The child cried loudly.
"Damn it, tell him to shut up!" The owner's wife roared from the inner room, "Otherwise, I'll stuff him in the toilet and throw him into the Silent River!"
"S-sorry, I'll quiet the child down right away."
Livia ignored the coolness of the Valley Town night and hurriedly took off her muddy skirt, holding the baby in her arms. The little one skillfully clung to her and began to look for a source of food.
She breathed a sigh of relief.
The owner hadn't returned yet. She had finally bet right.
Ever since leaving Coldwind Ridge, his temper had become more and more irritable, and he had focused most of his energy on the local taverns and casinos, even touching her less often. That was why Livia dared to sneak out of the wooden house after nightfall and go to the castle to beg Goron's brother for help.
She dared not reveal the existence of the child, nor did she dare to go with him to the Western Region. That was the king's territory. If His Majesty wanted to harm the child, she would be powerless to resist.
Livia gently stroked his head. In the dim moonlight, she could see the faint silver streaks on the top of his head – a symbol of the Wimbledon bloodline.
It was a pity that Goron didn't live to see this moment. When the news of his death was sent to Coldwind Ridge, she learned that she was pregnant with the prince's child.
After eating his fill, the baby made a satisfied hum and quickly fell asleep again.
Livia lowered her head and kissed the baby's forehead.
She would raise him alone, no matter the cost.