The Baby Isn’t Yours

Chapter 146:

The first time Simon had doubts about Helena was shortly after the funeral of his father, Duke Terroan.

It was on the day when he, who had entered the masters program, bypassing all the usual courses at the academy, stepped into a magical barrier.

At that time, Jacob, who had been the butler of the Duchy of Terroan, came to the academy.

Jacob, whats happening all of a sudden?

Young master, how have you been? I brought some snacks that you used to like. I brought plenty for you to enjoy with your friends.

This is walnut pie, right? Well, Jacob, Kalia likes it more than me.

If you bring it, wont Kalia also enjoy it? She has a great appetite, so shell finish two pies in no time.

In truth, Simon had little appetite for food. He enjoyed watching Kalia eat more than eating himself.

In that sense, Jacobs gift was a perfect choice, considering his preferences.

That gluttonous one will love this. Well, Ill share it generously.

He said it as if there was no other choice, but the boy, who had just begun to realize his feelings for Kalia, couldnt suppress his excitement.

Dealing with Jacob, who always came without any apparent reason, and relentlessly asked for reasons every time, was also a hassle.

After accepting the pie from Jacob, Simon noticed that the butlers attire was different from usual.

It was awkward to see him wearing regular formal clothing instead of the usual butler uniform.

Why are you dressed like that, Jacob? Its a different look

Young master.

Yeah?

Suddenly, Im sorry, but I dont think I can continue to serve at Terroan House.

What do you mean

Jacobs brow twitched subtly as he awkwardly smiled.

Seeing his strained expression, Simon finally noticed his crooked posture and unusually pale complexion.

As he silently watched, blood seeped from one side of Jacobs chest.

Are you hurt?

Simon stared at Jacob with a pale face.

Just a little. Im fine.

A chilling breeze crept into the depths of Simons heart.

Everything he cherished was slipping away.

As he looked at Jacobs blood, a sinister thought came to mind now it was Jacobs turn.

With a pale face and seemingly forgetting to breathe, Jacob clutched Simons shoulders.

Young master, no, Simon. I apologize for not being able to stay with you until the end. I wanted to bid my final farewell.

What, what are you saying? Who, who did this? Who dared to harm the butler of Terroan House?

Jacob, who was silently watching the enraged Simon, pulled him into a hug and spoke.

I always wanted to hug you It takes courage for me to leave before I can do it.

What is this

Always stay close to Miss Kalia and keep a distance from the house, Simon. It seems like luck is with Miss Kalia.

Muttering incomprehensible words, he let out a faint sigh.

From Jacobs embrace, Simon could sense the scent of his fathers cigarette, which he had smelled once before.

Did Jacob burn a cigar?

Even amidst the chaos, such a thought crossed his mind.

I promise. I wont die. Jacob will definitely come back alive, so dont worry. But there is one thing I dare to say to you, Simon.

Enough. Stay still. What are you saying in this state? Ill protect you, just stay for a moment, Jacob.

No.

Jacob shook his head and delivered a shocking statement.

The former Duke was murdered. Im not entirely sure, but the culprit is within the Dukes estate. Dont forget that fact.

Releasing Simons shoulders, wide-eyed, Jacob checked the time.

What did you say? Wait Wait, Jacob!

I have to go. If I delay any longer, Ill be caught. Im sorry. I will return.

And so, Jacob left abruptly, keeping his promise.

Three years passed from that day.

One day, after three years.

Hello. I am Jacob, who will be guarding Miss Kalias mansion from today.

He had returned as promised.

As the butler of the Kalia mansion.

And Simon had already discovered the identity of the culprit within the Dukes estate before Jacobs departure.

* * *

Oh my! D-Did you just see that?

Hailey, the most obsequious member of the prestigious Hailey family, widened her eyes and turned to Helena.

With her vibrant blonde hair and lovely pink eyes, Hailey was the most talked-about young madam in society these days.

Always sticking close to Helenas side, she would share various rumors from the social circle, which Helena found quite adorable.

Wings, Madam Helena!

Yes, I saw. It seems that the rumors were true about that child.

The baby dragon! Thats the one! The rumor was that Miss Kalia found a dragon egg, and now seeing this, both of them seem like Miss Kalias children. My goodness, having a dragon child, how fascinating!

Her talkativeness, which now annoyed her, was quite irritating.

About 10 meters away?

Although he was within shouting distance, closer than anyone else, her son now felt like a stranger.

Were those eyes, staring at her with brilliant golden irises, really the eyes of a son looking at his mother?

When did it start?

Helena couldnt remember exactly, but as soon as Simon reached the masters level and could take his place in the Mage Tower, he left home.

It was common for a son to grow up and distance himself from his mother, but the coldness in his sons eyes was different from that.

Doubt, anger, scorn, disgust.

All those negative emotions

To think she would see them in her own child, born from her own belly.

Well, it didnt matter.

She didnt expect anything from her family.

Simon was just a means for her own benefit.

He should just walk the path of a splendid magician as she intended.

Build up his reputation, become a magician who could rewrite history.

But that foolish creature keeps pushing everything onto Kalia

Helena gazed at Simon with slightly chilly eyes.

Then, Simon raised his arms as if protecting Kalia and the baby, just like that.

Helena raised the corner of her mouth, smiling.

Kalia, who appeared in her gloomy dream a few days ago.

The precious person whom Simon couldnt kill.

Helena, who had experienced firsthand how profound deprivation, emptiness, and futility could make a person strong, knew it well.

She had made him that way, she had tried so hard, and yet that woman ruined everything.

And now she even went and had a child, without even letting her know, and brought that Hatchling along.

I should have killed her when I first saw her.

Yes, madam? What did you just say

Im sorry, but may I briefly greet my son and daughter-in-law and come back? It seems theyve been wandering around without knowing Im here. Even though theyre exceptional, they still have such vulnerabilities. This mother is always worried.

Helena smiled awkwardly and gestured for the crowd to follow as she slowly walked towards the terrace where Simon and Kalia were.

Kalia, sensing her presence, turned around and looked at Helena.

Meeting the sharp gaze of Simon and Kalia, Helena elegantly walked and stood before them, as always.

Long time no see. How can you be so absent-minded and not even greet your mother, you rascals.

Ignoring their gaze, which scrutinized her with guarded eyes, Helena looked at Sasha, whom Kalia was holding.

Oddly enough, Sashas fine, curly black hair resembled Simon, just like him.

Those olive-colored irises must belong to Kalia.

Helena, showing a faint smile, opened her arms towards the baby.

I became a grandmother, but I havent even hugged our grandchild once. Come here.

There were many eyes watching.

Even though it was a terrace where people were scarce, being such prominent figures, it was not uncommon for glances to wander and scrutinize.

So Helena thought they wouldnt push her away as she approached like this.

Our Sasha can be a bit feisty.

But that expectation was shattered as Kalia, still holding Sasha, took a step back.

Just a little while ago, Sasha used to happily play, going back and forth between Brik, Allen, and Louismonds arms. But now, he became unfamiliar.

Helena chuckled at that adorable excuse.

Oh I see. It must feel strange because you havent been in grandmas arms yet. Cute baby, come to grandmas embrace.

Even with Simon glaring at her with narrowed eyes, Helena boldly took another step closer.

In the moment when her hand was about to hold the babys hand.

Wahh! Wahh! Wahh!

Sasha, who had been a gentle baby all along, burst into loud crying.

It was a roaring cry that even startled Helena, who wasnt easily surprised.

It was loud enough to make those who were far away turn their heads, and Helena withdrew her hand in response to the crying baby, shaking its head.

Kalia smiled and said.

Did you see? He hides like this.

I see.

Sometimes babies have better instincts than adults. They can distinguish between those who harm them and those who dont.

The face of Helena, who had been smiling brightly just a while ago, turned expressionless.

Kalia asked Hemmie to take care of Sasha for a moment.

Then, as if it were a lie, the crying sound abruptly stopped.

Helena stared at Sasha with an even colder expression.

Simon blocked her gaze, which gazed at the child coldly.

I will visit separately later, so lets end it here for today.

Helena raised the corners of her mouth again, as if she was smiling, but her gaze remained cold.

And yet you continue to cause trouble? When will you open your heart to your mother? Since Felix left, this mothers heart has been so desolate.

Simons eyebrows twitched and moved at Helenas words, mentioning the former Duke.

How dare she affectionately call the name of her husband, whom she had killed with her own hands?

Power surged into Simons clenched jaw.

It was simply because she gave birth to him and did nothing else.

But if she were to lay a hand on his precious ones again

No matter who you are, I wont stay still.

As if reading Simons thoughts, Helena reached out her hand to his wrinkled brow with a worried expression on her face.

The wrinkles on your brow arent good, Simon

Madam Helena.

Tak.

Kalia grabbed Helenas delicate wrist as she reached out to Simon.

Kalia.

Just a moment, Simon. Just a moment.

Setting Simon aside, Kalia stood in front of Helena.

The voices of the two were so low that they couldnt be heard elsewhere.

Kalia pulled Helenas wrist that she was holding.

From a distance, it would appear as if the two were embracing closely. When they came close, Kalia whispered into Helenas ear.

I will tell you out of gratitude for the past favor.

Dont touch Simon. Helena.

You

You saw it in the dream, didnt you? Now its not your Simon anymore, but my Simon.

At the mention of the dream, Helenas shoulders trembled.

Wasnt that ominous dream just a dream after all?

Simon, no, dont come near my family. Isnt that the bare minimum as the mother who gave birth to Simon?

Of course, Im not sure if you know the bare minimum.

Kalias icy voice, which both Simon and Helena heard for the first time, quietly echoed as if she was talking to herself.

It was calm, eerie, and carried a warning in its firm tone.

Please keep your morals, Helena.

I should harm you if I go crazy.

Kalias hand, which was tightly holding Helenas wrist, moved away.

At the same time, Kalias body distanced itself from her.

Then, our family will take our leave.

Kalia turned away without a hint of laughter on her cold face and left with Simon and Hemmie.

She didnt want to see anything resembling the portrait of a wretched mother any longer.