The Queen Who Shares Love
S2 Chapter 31 Statement

"Why do I obey all your will?" challenge Judith.

Marquis Loid would not give the antidote to the poison, even if Judith complied with his request. After all Arion and Ariana had been healed by the Pope, the Marquis did not expect Judith to be able to bring the priest that quickly. 

"It's a shame if you don't want to. Your sister must be in pain." Marquis Loid put up a swing to slam a bottle containing the antidote.

It doesn't look like Judith will stop the Marquis. He was still sitting watching the Marquis's increasingly stupid behavior.

"Just slam it, I don't need it" said Judith cynically.

Marquis Loid's anger exploded. The poison bottle was thrown almost on Judith's face if it did not tilt the head.

"Stop being arrogant. You're just a snot kid that's okay. If not for you being the son of the previous Emperor, I wouldn't have approached you!" shouted Marquis. 

Not willing to waste any more time, Judith issued a warrant for Marquis Loid's arrest. He asks Gerald for a warrant after learning of the Marquis's plot of rebellion, but the evidence is lacking. This was the most opportune time to capture the Marquis.

"You were arrested on charges of rebellion and plotting to assassinate the imperial family, Marquis Loid," Judith said.

"You don't have enough evidence."

"I recorded my conversation with your slave. Evidence of the rebellion I'm going to search this residence." 

Judith rose to the door. A sword was drawn beside Judith's neck.

"Don't pretend!" Marquis Loid prepares to slash Judith's head.

Quickly, Judith fended off the Marquis' sword. The sound of swords clashing sounded in the room. Judith avoided attack after attack from the Marquis. 

"Why didn't you attack? Are you scared?" taunted Marquis.

Judith was not provoked, she waited for the right time to strike back. The left side of the Marquis was wide open. Judith kicked the Marquis in the stomach. The sword of the Marquis removed the sword from his enemy. He struck the one Marquis many times, venting his accumulated annoyance. Had there not been a law that shackled the killing of nobles without trial first, Judith might have killed the life of Marquis Loid earlier.

"Punish me," said Marquis Loid.

A bruised wound filled the face of Marquis Loid. Blood came out from the corner of his lips. He continued thrashing but Judith mercilessly continued to raise her fists until the Marquis was unconscious.

Judith dragged the Marquis to a horse-drawn carriage that would deliver the criminals to the palace. He returned to the Loid residence to look for evidence of Marquis Loid's rebellion. Judith's steps came to a halt in the middle room. It feels like someone is around there. 

Without looking at the man, he said, "What are you here for? Is it to see the downfall of Marquis Loid or witness my pitiful self?"

The sound of footsteps approaching. Leonard appeared with a sad look. He opened his mouth and closed it again. Leonard knew he was going to meet Judith at the Loid residence. He wanted to explain everything, but words could not be spoken.

"I let you go as long as it doesn't appear before me again" said Judith coldly.

Leonard's feet were stuck to the floor. He clenched his hands tightly. One sentence escaped his mouth.

"I'm sorry."

Judith clucked, still turning her back on Leonard. "Sorry for what? I myself am a fool to trust mercenaries who only attach importance to money and have no loyalty like you"

"You're wrong, I want to serve you. The thought of revenge never crossed my head right now. I used to hate you because all the nobles I know have always demeaned commoners, but you are different. You opened my eyes that not all nobles are cunning, greedy, and full of lies" Leonard explained.

"My trust in you is over."

Leonard. He mustered the courage to speak the truth.

"I never knew Idris would poison your sister. If you know I'll definitely prevent it because you love Ariana and Arion so much."

Judith did not speak, did not want to see Leonard's face. His heart was wounded.

Leonard awaits Duchess's reply. But that answer did not come. Leonard closed his eyes, it was time for him to leave. His hopes of getting an apology from the Duchess were already shattered.

"I'm sorry, Duchess. I hope one day you'll be happy." 

Leonard walked away from the Duchess. He was held back by the small voice behind him.

"The person without loyalty and with only importance to power is the person I hate the most, because it reminds me of my real father. And. You're one of them."

Leonard twisted his body. Duchess's back in sight.

"But your attitude sometimes confuses me. You always tried to save me when you were obviously working with the Marquis. I'm putting hope in you that maybe you'll change. Over time that hope turns into wishful thinking of being happy with you."

The duchess slowly turned around. His eyes were fixed on Leonard, who was smiling.

"Tell me clearly why you want to be a noble" Judith pinta said.

"I want to have you, Duchess." Leonard approached Judith. His hands grabbed the Duchess's waist and nape. He put his lips on Judith's lips.

Judith closed her eyes and returned Leonard's kiss. His hands were coiled around Leonard's neck, not wanting to take off that one mercenary.

Their kisses are increasingly demanding of each other, hoping more can channel what they feel. Leonard moved away, wiping away Judith's dripping tears. He held Judith as if afraid of being left behind.

"I love you, Duchess."

Both corners of Judith's lips lifted. "I love you too, Leonard."

"Can I call your name?"

Judith nodded. Leonard felt Judith nod and whispered, "I love you, Judith."

Judith loosened the embrace. He looked at Leonard and put his lips closer together. The love-drunk couple continued their romance until they forgot time. 

***

The night grew colder, evidence of Marquis Loid's rebellion had already gathered. Judith to the horse-drawn carriage. Leonard reached out to help Judith get on the horse-drawn carriage. Judith grabbed it without hesitation. 

Leonard sat beside Judith linking their hands. Judith's smile expanded while leaning on Leonard.

Leonard's lips landed on Judith's head. That one bodyguard still does not believe that his love is reciprocated. If he feels like a dream, he hopes it lasts forever.

"Next time don't ever cover anything from me again, Leon," Judith said as she rubbed her head against Leonard's arm.

Leonard chuckled at being able to see the other side of the Duches. "Okay, I promise." 

Leonard held Judith's hand even tighter. "If you want to cry, cry, I can't watch you hold back that cry" Leonard continued.

"I don't want to look weak in front of others. Only my mom and dad ever saw me cry."

"I'm also one of them."

Judith laughed softly. His eyes were getting sleepy, he had gone through a very long day. "I'm tired."

"Sleep, I'll take care of you." Leonard took off his grip. He embraced Judith while stroking the Duchess's arm.

Judith fell asleep all the way to the Hillbright residence. Even though he had arrived, Leonard could not bear to wake Judith. Leonard carried Judith out of the horse-drawn carriage. In front of her stood the Empress who was already waiting for the Duchess' arrival. Leticia's question mark was fixed on Leonard.