The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 116: Evidence Secured

Chapter 116: Evidence Secured

"Don’t worry, I’m here." He looked gently at her tear-stained face. There was a mix of emotions he was going through. Angry that she didn’t tell him, sad that she didn’t trust him enough, relieved that she was safe... Frustrated that he couldn’t get there faster!

Between her sobs and hiccups, she managed to get out some words, "Grab... Evidence... Paper..." Pointing toward the birth certificate that lay on the dusty floor nearby.

She couldn’t let that evidence get away, she worked so hard for it and she would spit blood if she lost it. Securing the evidence first is important, everything else can come later.

She was twisting and turning, and she didn’t want him to hold her. She felt embarrassed! She must have worried Dimitri, he looked slightly angry but mostly concerned.

He sighed, finally setting her down carefully, ensuring she didn’t hurt herself further. Adeline brushed off her dress, trying to ignore the sharp sting of pain in her knees and elbows.

Once she hopped down, she waited as Dimitri got the evidence.

Dimitri crouched to pick up the paper, dusting it off and inspecting it briefly. He finally realised how crucial this piece of information would be. It would put away the Duke for good!

"How did you get here?" Adeline wiped her tears with the back of her hand, only to gasp in horror when she looked down at her palm. The mix of tears and dust had smeared across her face, leaving her looking even more dishevelled.

My face! My cute little face! I hope it doesn’t have scratches on it.

She sniffled again, trying to regain her composure.

Dimitri wanted to reprimand her, how could she just leave without telling him?! But when he saw her she looked just like a racoon! The tears and dust made black circles around her eyes. He had to hold back from laughing.

"I swore to be your knight, Adeline. Whenever you’re in trouble I could sense it." He smiled bitterly.

From above, the Goddess’s voice rang out, her tone dramatic and proud. "*Sniffle* Such a loyal child!" She continued, "See, this is what happens when a Goddess such as myself acknowledges an oath! You get special perks!"

Adeline’s fists clenched immediately after hearing her voice! This Goddess doesn’t help you! She creates more problems and laughs at you!

Ignoring the Goddess, Adeline poured out her heart to Dimitri, her voice softened as she spoke. "Thank you," she said, her eyes glistening with fresh tears.

Without thinking, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Her small frame trembled against him. Dimitri was caught off guard but slowly hugged her back.

He didn’t mind the dirt or the tears that stained his clothes. Wrapping his arms around her, he let her cry until she calmed down.

Adeline didn’t want to admit but she was frightened to the core, she almost died! That Duke was ready to kill her! She could barely protect herself. She shouldn’t have come alone. Why did she come alone in the first place?

She didn’t want to be a burden. The things her parents used to say to her came to her mind. They always treated her like she was unwanted. She didn’t want her father to think she was nothing but trouble.

She didn’t want him to think of her as a burden, that was why she wanted to deal with the issue herself. Gain the Duchess’ favour and solve her own problem.

Once she had collected herself, they made their way outside. Adeline limped slightly. Her injuries made it hard for her to move. She was sure she sprained an ankle.

Dimitri hesitated, glancing at her worriedly. "You’re hurt, Adeline," he said softly. "Aren’t you going to heal yourself? You’re limping."

Adeline shook her head vigorously, a determined glint in her eyes. "No," she said firmly. "I’ll testify in court like this. I’ll make sure everyone sees what he did to me." Her eyes narrowed, "That man won’t get away with this. I’ll involve my father too."

A wicked smile spread across her face as she added, "He’s going to regret underestimating me."

Dimitri shook his head with a helpless smile on his face, even after getting hurt she could still think of plans. He admired her strength. Dimitri nodded, his heart swelling with pride and affection. "Let’s get you home," he said.

Once they stepped out of the mansion they discovered that they were cornered by a bunch of knights! Adeline’s heart raced as she instinctively gripped Dimitri’s arm.

Her initial fear turned into confusion when she noticed the insignias on the knights’ uniforms. She recognized the emblems, they bore the distinct crests of both the Eastern and Western territories.

Relief mixed with curiosity bubbled within her. What were the knights of the West doing here?

Wait, West?! Was Dad here?!

She looked around hoping to spot her father but to her disappointment, he wasn’t there!

Her wide eyes darted through the crowd of knights, scanning their ranks for a familiar figure. Her excitement dimmed when she realized her father wasn’t among them.

As the knights surrounded Adeline and Dimitri, a commanding figure emerged from among them... It was the Duchess of the East. Her presence radiated authority, and the air grew tense as all eyes turned toward her.

She was dressed in an elegant yet practical gown suitable for travel, her expression was stern and determined. It was clear she wasn’t here to negotiate or show mercy.

The Duchess surveyed the scene, her sharp gaze immediately fell on the lifeless form of the carriage driver near the estate’s entrance. She slowly realised what happened, her husband killed the driver...

Selfish... Arrogant... Disgusting... The Duchess gritted her teeth.

Her frown deepened as her attention shifted to Adeline. She was bruised and covered in dirt, the Duchess’ eyebrows furrowed. She failed in her duties, she couldn’t protect a child.

She couldn’t make excuses, a five-year-old slipped out from under her, what excuses did she have besides incompetence?

Adeline’s dishevelled appearance, the dirt-streaked face, and the trembling she tried so hard to suppress were enough to ignite a fury in the Duchess that she hadn’t felt in years.

Without hesitation, she motioned for her knights. "Escort Lady Adeline home at once," She ordered, her voice firm but laced with protectiveness. She approached Adeline, crouching slightly to meet her at eye level.

"I failed you," the Duchess said softly but loud enough for everyone to hear. Her eyes glistened briefly with regret before she suppressed her emotions. "I promised to keep you safe, and I didn’t. For that, I am truly sorry."

Adeline’s wide eyes filled with a mix of surprise and relief. "It’s not your fault, Your Grace! I sneaked out!"

The Duchess shook her head, ’Look at her attempts to try to make me feel better.’ She had a slight smile on her face.

The Duchess gently touched Adeline’s shoulder, she showed her rare tender side before immediately firming up.

"This matter is mine to handle now," She declared. "Rest assured, no harm will come to you again."

Yes, the Duchess gave utmost importance to status and lineage. But seeing Dimitri’s courage she was proved wrong, he was a true noble...