The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 119: Farewell

Chapter 119: Farewell

The Duchess and Adeline looked at each other in confusion. Just what did this boy plan to do? How would he survive? He was not going back to the orphanage, that was sure.

Everett didn’t leave room for any questioning, he was firm in his decision. And the Duchess accepted it. If he was so sure about it, she wouldn’t involve herself.

"If you are ever in need of the title in the future, the offer will always stand." That was the only piece of kindness she could offer.

Adeline learnt from the knights that her father sent them, he seemed to have a sixth sense about when his daughter might get into trouble. Adeline didn’t mind, in fact, she was happy to get some extra protection.

After what happened the other day, she didn’t want to take any chances. As much as she hated to admit, she wasn’t strong.

The trial began a week later, held in the grand hall of the Eastern Duchy. Nobles and officials from across the region gathered to witness the fall of the once-powerful Duke.

Adeline sat in the audience, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her heart pounding as she watched the proceedings unfold.

His hands were cuffed and he dared not lift his head. He didn’t speak a word during the entire process. His eyes were lifeless as the reality set in. He was finished.

He spent a week in that cold, damp prison cell. From anger, to fright to slow acceptance, he went through everything.

The evidence she had gathered was presented piece by piece: the birth certificate, letters from Alice, and testimonies from servants who had suffered under the Duke’s rule.

Each revelation was met with gasps and murmurs from the crowd. Everett stood as one of the key witnesses, his voice steady as he recounted his experiences.

Adeline watched him closely, proud of his courage but also worried about the weight of his words. She knew how hard it was to stand up to someone who had controlled your life.

She didn’t expect that Everett would be an ally in this whole ordeal. He took control of his life and escaped the control of his father. He did this at such a young age, that requires bravery.

When asked if he had anything to say, any defence. The man only uttered one sentence, "I don’t regret anything."

The room erupted into whispers once more, the Duke’s lack of remorse shocking even those who had come to expect the worst from him.

The Duchess watched him with cold eyes, her expression unreadable. When the sentence was finally announced the room erupted into whispers. He was to be imprisoned for life, he wouldn’t see the Sun for the rest of his lifetime.

His only home would be the cold, isolated prison cell until he died.

Adeline felt a wave of relief wash over her. It was over.

After the trial, Adeline found Everett sitting alone in the garden, staring at the sky. She approached him slowly, unsure of what to say.

"You were brave," she said finally. She truly meant it.

He glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I just told the truth. It’s for my mother..."

Adeline sat down beside him, her bruises still aching but her heart feeling lighter. "What will you do now?"

Everett wasn’t ready to have a discussion with Adeline. He got up immediately after she sat down. "Whatever I do, it will not be anyone’s concern."

She had hoped they could find some common ground, some sense of closure. But it seemed Everett wasn’t ready to let anyone in.

Adeline sat rooted in place. She thought there was some progress. She couldn’t save everyone... The faster she accepted this, the better. There are some things beyond your control.

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"I am not sure about this..." Everett was nervous. This wasn’t something he wanted to do but he had no place here. He had no one and nothing. But still, the feeling nagged at him, telling him to not go through with it.

"You are destined for greatness Everett. We will make sure you reach great heights, you will be able to stand on your own two feet and bring honour to your late mother." His voice was smooth and persuasive, each word carefully chosen to chip away at Everett’s hesitation.

Everett’s flickered with hesitation, he looked at the ground where lush grass lay, and he slowly looked up at the hooded man in front of him.

Everett tried to see his face but he wasn’t able to. The hood covered him well. The same thing happened the first time they met, he didn’t know who this man was, what he looked like or where he came from.

When he ran away from the estate for the first time, he went into the forest nearby. The dense canopy hid him well from everything and everyone. He hated to admit it, but he was lost.

Just as he was hidden from everything, everything was hidden from him. Though consumed by panic, he tried to slowly retrace his steps when this man approached him.

With a flick of a hand, the forest made way for him and led him back to the estate. He was amazed and frightened by this display of power.

"Everett, the son of the present Duke... I know that we will be meeting again."

How did he know who he was? How did he know that he was in the forest? He was not someone from the Eastern Duchy... That was clear. He didn’t understand the man’s motives.

He seemed to know a lot of secrets, secrets about his life and his supposed future. His heartbeat quickened.

The logical part of him screamed that this man was dangerous, that he was stepping into something far bigger than himself.

The man reached out his hand and placed it on Everett’s shoulder, squeezing it he said, "Make your choice quickly child. I can give you elemental powers too..."

That caught Everett’s attention. He was always insecure about the fact that he didn’t have any elemental powers... His mother had earth powers but he got none of it... He wished for it...

Maybe it would be the thing that would connect him to his mother... Or he just wanted some power. Either way, the offer was tantalising. He already rejected the Duchess for this hooded man... He already made the choice.

So, why was he hesitating now? Taking a deep breath Everett made up his mind. "I will follow you, I will join your organisation."

As the man turned to lead him away, Everett glanced back at the estate one last time. A pang of uncertainty shot through him, but he pushed it aside. He had made his choice, and there was no turning back now.

"Farewell, Duchess... And Adeline." For him, Dimitri was not worth mentioning. That boy had everything he wished for, he was no better than his father. He wanted power too. A power that no one can dare to question.

This was the right choice, he kept telling himself. The hooded man carefully led him deeper into the forest before they vanished completely.