Wicked Husband-Chapter 125 - 124

As the reporters stood frozen, trying to process his words, Cesare calmly strolled past them. None of the journalists managed to stop him or ask another question. It wasn’t until after he had entered the parliamentary building that they snapped out of their daze, realizing what had just happened.

Cesare had never directly answered a reporter’s question before. His statements typically came through the royal palace or the newspaper *La Verità*, making this the first time he had ever personally responded. Desperate to be the first to report on his historic words, the journalists scrambled to write their articles on the spot.

While chaos erupted outside, the scene inside the parliamentary building was no less tumultuous. Senators and assembly members, all gathered for the day’s session, flocked to greet Cesare.

It was a full session of both the upper and lower houses—an unusually large gathering. With so many people crowding around Cesare, the atmosphere became noisy and chaotic, resembling the scene outside with the reporters.

"Your Grace, I trust you’ve been well? It’s been since our last meeting in Natalio..."

"Grand Duke, congratulations again on your victory! I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to personally offer my congratulations."

"Your Grace, do you remember when we met in the palace..."

The noblemen, eager to catch Cesare’s attention, crowded around him, attempting to strike up conversations. Cesare handled their advances with politeness but kept his eyes scanning the room. In the distance, he spotted Count Domenico conversing with the Duke of Farbellini, while an older nobleman stood nearby.

That elderly noble was Count Bonaparte, the one who had proposed today’s agenda to reduce the military budget. Bonaparte was also among the first aristocrats to establish ties with the royal family of Kalpen during earlier political negotiations.

Sensing Cesare’s gaze, Count Bonaparte turned his head. When their eyes met, the old noble flinched. Cesare, watching him closely, momentarily licked his lips.

There were times when Cesare felt the urge to act as he once had—gathering everyone in one place and having their heads removed. But he knew better than to indulge such impulses; he had long mastered the art of restraint.

With the war over, reducing the military budget was only natural. However, it was unacceptable for parliament to make that decision unilaterally.

As a member of the imperial family, Cesare technically couldn’t participate in parliamentary proceedings. Yet today, he attended as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, determined to block the budget reduction.

"Your Grace, the Grand Duke of Erzet," came a voice nearby.

Unlike the Duke of Farbellini, who ignored Cesare’s presence, both Count Bonaparte and Count Domenico approached him, offering their greetings. Count Domenico looked particularly anxious, casting nervous glances at Cesare as if ready to leap into action at any moment.

Though it wasn’t yet publicly known, Domenico had become a loyal supporter of Eileen, the Grand Duchess. Today, it seemed he had steeled himself to act as her faithful servant in the parliamentary session, though Cesare had no intention of calling on him just yet. Domenico was a tool for Eileen’s benefit, and Cesare already had plenty of people under his own control.

"We’re grateful for your effort in attending today," Count Bonaparte said, his subtle smile laced with condescension. Domenico, standing beside him, frowned slightly at the tone. Cesare, however, remained unfazed, accepting the greeting with a calm demeanor.

"I should be the one thanking you, Count. After all, it’s because of you that I’m here today."

Cesare stepped closer to Bonaparte, his tall, imposing figure casting a shadow over the older man and exuding a quiet but unmistakable menace.

His striking red eyes locked onto Bonaparte’s, causing a twitch in the count’s thin cheeks. Cesare’s lips twisted into a crooked smile as he continued to observe him. Though Bonaparte recognized the smile as one of contempt, he found himself momentarily captivated by it.

"This gathering is for those who approved my triumphal arch, isn’t it?" Cesare said, his tone deceptively casual.

"...!"

Count Bonaparte’s discomfort was palpable, his face twisting in response. Cesare reached out, patting the older man’s shoulder as if encouraging a subordinate.

"I look forward to seeing what you accomplish today, Count," he said, his words laden with implication.

***

Eileen had secured a promise from Cesare for a full day together. At first, it seemed like the perfect idea, but now that the day was confirmed, a wave of uncertainty washed over her. She began to worry about how to best spend the time Cesare had offered. It wasn’t quite enough time to travel far, but staying inside the mansion all day felt like a waste.

While simply being with Cesare would make her happy, she wanted to make the most of the time they had. Moreover, she wanted to ensure that Cesare enjoyed the day too. The challenge was that he rarely expressed clear preferences, making it difficult for Eileen to discern what he truly liked.

Despite endless contemplation, she couldn’t come up with the perfect plan. The only decision she made was to request they spend the day together after the hunting festival.

Today, as she read the latest newspaper, however, Eileen found herself fuming quietly.

[Parliament Rejects Military Budget Cuts: Is Traon the Grand Duke’s Empire Now?]

Eileen pursed her lips tightly and set the paper down with a small thud. The assertion that the empire belonged solely to the Grand Duke was outrageous. If the journalist who wrote the article were in front of her, she might have demanded an explanation.

"Don’t let it upset you," Senon said gently, noticing her reddened face.

"But, Sir Senon..." Eileen began.

"I understand how you feel," he replied, adopting an expression of frustration to match hers. He pointed to the newspaper as he spoke, his tone quickening.

"After all the sacrifices made during the war, they treat us like we’re disposable. The moment we return, the first thing they want to do is cut the budget. Do they not realize how much we still owe in compensation to injured soldiers and those retiring from service? His Grace can only do so much with his own resources! We had to survive on one can of rations for three days during the war!"

Catching himself before he got too carried away, Senon cleared his throat and concluded, "Anyway, that’s how it is."