The Baby Isn’t Yours

Chapter 133:

In the pitch-black darkness, Kalia opened her eyes.

No, it felt like opening her eyes, but it could have been her imagination.

She couldnt see anything at all, so it wasnt clear whether her eyes were still closed or open.

Have I not woken up yet?

With a vague thought, white dots gathered in front of her.

The white dots quickly merged and grew larger, forming a massive surface, which soon turned into a solid wall, revealing its majestic presence before her.

Kalia felt her dim vision brightening due to the towering white wall.

Colors spread over the white wall, gradually taking on a distinct shape.

Within it

[Father.]

There stood a young Simon dressed in a jet-black mourning attire.

In the midst of the spring sunlight shining down, dressed in his neat black clothes, the young Simon solemnly performed his fathers funeral.

Only fifteen years old, Simon stood without crying or smiling, conducting his fathers funeral with a composed face.

Why is this suddenly?

Kalia looked at the image on the wall with a bewildered expression.

The unfortunate accident that occurred suddenly one day.

The Dukes carriage, riding on a rainy road, plunged off a cliff, resulting in instant death.

Just a few days ago, the Duke had lived an ordinary life, but in an instant, his fate changed drastically.

Everyone found it hard to believe.

The Duke, with such a promising future, had died so abruptly.

Moreover, people wondered where he had gone, piercing through the rain.

Simon, who lost his father in an instant, stood alone.

Not belonging to any family or nobility, she simply observed the funeral from a distance.

It was clear he would be devastated, but the young Simon, without shedding a single tear, weighed heavily on her heart. Unable to return to the academy even after the funeral ended, she took the opportunity of the night to knock on his door.

Just like that.

Kalia looked at the image floating on the white wall with a bewildered expression.

There she was, standing on the terrace railing, knocking on the window of the room where Simon was.

[Kalia?]

The surprise on Simons face, frozen as he looked through the glass, was evident. He blinked his shining golden eyes in disbelief.

Then, as if belatedly regaining his senses, he quickly opened the window.

[How did you?]

Surprised, Simons face turned towards Kalia, who scratched her head as if unsure and cautiously asked.

[Um, are you okay?]

[Werent you supposed to go back to the academy?]

[Oh, well I went, but then I came back.]

[Why?]

[Um I forgot something.]

[What did you forget?]

As Simon questioned her with suspicion, Kalia rolled her eyes for a moment. After hesitating for about a second with a doubtful expression, she opened her arms and embraced Simon.

[What are you doing?]

As Simon felt his stiff shoulders in her embrace, Kalia tapped his shoulder and back awkwardly, speaking.

[Somebody told me that if someone is sad, you should hug them. That you should share body heat.]

[Who told you that?]

[That I cant remember very well. Anyway, somebody said that. To hug them. To share body heat.]

[]

Simon remained stiff in Kalias embrace.

After a while, leaning his forehead against Kalias shoulder, Simon mumbled in a soft voice.

[Dont ever die before me.]

[What?]

In response to her question, Simon replied with a weak voice.

[Everyone dies before me. Grandma, father, my Larry, and even the nanny.]

Larry, it was a name she hadnt heard in a long time.

On the day Simon turned three, the elegant and sleek Doberman that the Duke brought.

Kalia had caught glimpses of him a few times as well.

It was unfortunate that he died while hunting a wild boar last year

Come to think of it, it seemed like unfortunate incidents befell those around Simon every year.

It was even more heartbreaking because each of them had a strong attachment to him.

Why did these unfortunate events only happen to this beautiful and talented young Duke

[So, never die before me. Youre strong enough, Kalia.]

Although she was not someone to be pitied, Kalia felt sorry for the Duke in that moment.

So, facing him, she retorted in a light voice.

[Dont worry. I dont think Im destined to die so easily.]

Simon laughed as if he was about to cry at Kalias words.

[Yeah. Even if it seems like youre going to die, Ill do whatever it takes to save you.]

[Well I feel very reassured.]

[Of course. Im going to become a great sorcerer. You know Im an amazing person, right?]

Simons eyes, which had been sinking, returned to their usual self-assured gaze.

As always, he stared at Kalia with his self-confident gaze.

At that moment, they heard a presence.

A knocking sound on the door and a chilly voice that accompanied it.

[Simon, may I come in?]

As Simon turned around, the door opened, and the beautiful black-haired lady entered.

It was Helena.

Before Helena could see her, Kalia quickly jumped out from under the window.

In that brief moment as she passed by,

Kalia felt a strange sensation from Helenas face.

The upright posture, the elegant gaze searching for her son,

A peculiar sense emanating from her appearance.

Ah

When she was young, she didnt know, but now Kalia somehow felt like she knew.

The true nature of that peculiar sensation she felt back then

There was no sadness in the eyes of the Dukes wife.

Her face was filled with sadness, but her gaze was not soaked in it.

It wasnt the gaze of someone who had lost their beloved husband in a tragic accident.

In her eyes as she turned towards Simon, there was anticipation rather than sorrow.

A faint flame nestled between her pupils.

What is that?

But Kalia couldnt observe her gaze any further.

Her body was already plummeting towards the floor.

As her body fell from Simons room, it descended to the floor, deeper and deeper, until it plopped onto a large and beautiful chair.

On the dazzling white table, adorned with fancy tea cups, sweet desserts, and cakes.

Kalia blankly stared at the suddenly changed scene.

An elegantly dressed, she in a glamorous dress called out to young Kalia.

[Kalia.]

Startled, Kalia stiffly raised her neck, and Helena smiled at her.

[It was always nice to see you getting along with Simon. Thank you for always taking care of the young Duke.]

When was that Right, was it when she was about to embark on her first expedition?

When the expedition order came out earlier than expected, and she was busy preparing, Helena called her from the Dukes residence.

It was Helenas call, not Simons.

She provided various items necessary for the battle, supporting her with things she might need.

And those were the words she conveyed.

Thank you for always taking care of the young Duke.

At that time, Kalia couldnt feel the thorns in those words at all.

It was like bidding farewell to Kalia, who was about to die.

[Simon will be very sad. Its the first time youve been away for so long, isnt it?]

As she said that, Helena lightly smiled at the corner of her mouth.

At that moment, Kalia didnt know what to say and could only gaze silently at her.

Helena, who was savoring the aroma of the hot tea, suddenly looked at Kalia.

[No, Kalia?]

[What are you talking about?]

[Tragedy dramatically elevates human potential. It stimulates a sense of helplessness within oneself. Especially for geniuses who cannot control their talents, even more so.]

Did she say such words?

Kalia couldnt recall them well.

Suddenly, Helena placed something on the table.

The purple gem looked like a magical item at a glance.

As Helenas fingertips touched the gem, a faint light flowed from it.

When Kalia looked at the gem, Helena pushed it between herself and Kalia as if showing it off.

The light grew stronger and stronger.

[So, I pushed him into sadness several times, and every time, you comforted that child. How strange.]

At those words, Kalia raised her head and stared directly at Helena.

[What are you talking about, madam?]

[You should have shown loyalty, Kalia.]

Sugar poured into Helenas tea.

She stirred it with a golden teaspoon and spoke in a light tone.

[You dared to try to ruin my Simon. Im truly annoyed. Do you know how much effort Ive put into that child? How dare someone like you. Do you know how much trouble youve caused?]

Her smiling smile was as sweet as the dessert in front of her.

[According to the magicians words, someone touched your memories when you were young. Thanks to that, it was convenient for me to suggest things to you But come to think of it, I dont know when my successor, Archmage, will find out.]

Helena, sipping her black tea, spoke absentmindedly.

[So I just hope you die.]

[Now do you know what youre saying, madam?]

[I do. Ive always been clear about what I want. Well, it doesnt matter. Anyway, youll forget this moment as soon as you leave this room. And youll perish gloriously on the battlefield.]

Kalia calmly listened to Helenas words that pierced like a dagger.

It was somewhat surprising, but not shocking.

Perhaps instinctively, she had already sensed Helenas animosity towards her.

Thats why her thorny words didnt hurt or torment her.

It was just that the boy who always hovered by her side caught her attention.

Stubborn, arrogant, and yet incredibly beautiful, the sadness of the boy caught Kalias eyes.

[I wont die easily, madam. I promised so.]

[A promise? With whom?]

In response to her sharp question, Kalia smiled and spoke.

[With Simon.]

Thump.

The cup Helena was holding fell to the ground.

Casually gazing at it, Kalia continued her words.

[I promised that I would never die easily.]

[Well, endure it then. Anyone I tried to kill me has surely perished by now.]

Helenas cruel laughter briefly revealed a glimpse of Simon on her face.

Sadly, the boys beauty resembled his mother a lot.

Perhaps thats why Kalia felt even angrier.

Observing that scene beyond the screen, Kalia approached the white wall closely.

Standing right in front of it, as if pressing against it, her body suddenly seeped into the image, resonating with the young Kalia.

She wasnt startled or confused.

What filled her more than anything was anger.

Kalia stared at Helena, who was right in front of her, with cold eyes.

Helena raised an eyebrow in annoyance at that gaze.

Looking straight into Helenas eyes, Kalia spoke in a calm voice.

When I return to the capital, you wont be able to come near my Simon anymore.

[What did you say?]

Youre using Simons sadness for your own purposes Im restraining myself from kicking you.

[Arrogant!]

When I return, I will make it clear. He is no longer your son, but my man, my family. And I

Kalia stood up.

Brushing off her clothes as if getting rid of dust, she faced Helena and spoke.

I will never use my family as a tool, Helena.

In that moment, the surroundings enveloping Kalia began to crumble.

Helena, with a pale face and eyes reddened with anger, opened her mouth.

[Kalia, you]

Before she could finish her sentence, Kalia firmly planted her feet on the ground.

And then, the illusion of Helenas face shattered like sand, pouring down.

A beam of white light descended from the pitch-black sky.

Kalia.

The light contained a voice, calling out to her.

As Kalia reached out her hand with all her strength to grab it, a large, firm hand clasped hers.

And in that moment, a very small, very soft babys hand covered the backs of their hands.

The darkness completely shattered, and light filled the surroundings.

!

Kalia woke up from her dream.