Chapter 450

This time, Julian remained uncharacteristically still, making no move to stop them.

He stood rooted to the spot, his dark eyes tracking the retreating figures of the mother and daughters. A storm brewed in those obsidian depths as a quiet resolve took root in his heart...

Ethan had just carried the barely conscious Sophia back to her quarters when a thunderous crash echoed through the courtyard.

The gates burst open.

Whirling around, he saw Julian silhouetted against the sunset, his imposing frame casting a long shadow across the threshold.

"Ethan, I've made my decision."

"My lord?" Ethan hurried forward, only to freeze at the sight of blood trickling from Julian's temple. The metallic scent stung his nostrils. "You're injured?"

It seemed Evelyn still couldn't forgive Julian's actions. Another confrontation, then.

Julian waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing."

"I intend to publicly acknowledge the girls' lineage at my birthday banquet. You'll oversee the arrangements."

Less than a month remained until the celebration.

"You mean to legitimize the young misses?" Ethan's eyes widened. Regardless of whether the children were truly Julian's blood, this declaration alone would send shockwaves through the kingdom.

"My lord, the western court hasn't seen a female heir in a century. Announcing their status at your banquet would mean..."

It meant war.

The Emperor had decreed whichever prince first sired a daughter would become Crown Prince.

Was Julian finally making his move for the throne?

Ethan's pulse quickened with excitement. For years, the Roscente estate had endured relentless pressure from rival factions while Julian, despite his formidable talents, remained passive.

A military prodigy who commanded absolute loyalty, Julian's only weakness lay in matters of the heart—where love and hatred tangled into paralyzing indecision.

Julian understood the political ramifications perfectly. Yet court intrigue held no interest for him now.

"I've no desire for the throne. Claiming them means I can openly care for the girls and nurture our bond."

If they were his flesh and blood, why shouldn't he acknowledge them?

As for the succession, he'd make his position clear to the Emperor.

Ethan hesitated, though he wasn't entirely surprised. Then a thought struck him. "But my lord, while the young misses share your temperament, Evelyn has never actually confirmed their parentage. She likely won't consent to this."

Not once had Evelyn stated Julian fathered those children.

Were those little girls truly his?

Moreover, wouldn't unilateral action backfire spectacularly?

Given Evelyn's temperament, she'd wage all-out war against Julian!

"Evelyn's consent is irrelevant!" Julian's gaze turned glacial, his voice dripping with menace. "I must make this proclamation—unless you'd prefer to hear those girls call another man 'Father'..."