My Novel Antagonist is My Husband
Chapter 21. Destinies

Brother Alfred, how are you? It's Simon. Long time we did not meet. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my departure one year ago. Actually, I would love to be able to fulfill Father and Mother's wishes, but Eloise needs me more.

I won't be able to be like Brother, but it's okay. Brother, remain a child that the Valcke Family can be proud of, so that I am not too expected to go home.

Brother, I and Eloise are currently living in a log cabin in the middle of the northern forest, at the foot of the Springborough mountain. It's very calm and cool here. I have a small garden behind the cottage and also some farm chickens. I completely abandoned the noble life and became a farmer here. We both live a simple and fulfilling life. Eloise is pregnant now.

My purpose in writing this letter is to tell me that I have a disease of Lamadur. As you know, it is a malignant disease. I have three months left. Right now, only my right hand is capable of being moved. Both my legs have been paralyzed for a long time.

No, I don't want Brother to pity me. There are no regrets at all in my life. Just, I want to ask Brother for help. Once I'm gone, Eloise and my son will be alone in this world. Please, take care of them. Give my son a good education, so as not to be a fool like his father, hehehe.

I can't write any longer. Eloise didn't know that I wrote a letter to Alfred. Please fulfill my request, brother.

Your sister,

Simon Valcke's.

…

Right now, my feelings are so mixed. The woman who gave birth to me six years ago is called Eloise. However, I only gave Alissa Valcke a background as an illegal princess or exiled daughter of a noble family. I really didn't know that Alissa was actually Duke Valcke's niece.

Now, I as Alissa suddenly learned of my other identity. I think I know everything that happens in this world, because I'm the author. However, it turns out that things could have gone differently than I had written. Is this because I am making changes to Alissa, who was weak now became very strong thanks to magic? Is it because I'm making those changes that the butterfly effect is happening here?

The butterfly effect is a term in chaos theory, where a small change in one place can result in a big difference later.

Because I changed Alissa's abilities, Cass, Theo, and Duchess Rinia became good to Alissa. Thanks to that, it was finally revealed that I was not the daughter of Duke Alfred Valcke's affair. Had I kept Alissa as a weak girl, all the facts about Alissa's parents would not have been known to anyone.

“After receiving the letter, I sent people to find Simon. But when he got there the cottage was empty. The garden and cattle sheds that Simon told him about were completely destroyed, like being attacked by a wild animal. I still think optimistically, because Eloise's body is found everywhere.

A few years later, after I became a full duke, I traveled the country looking for my sister-in-law. I just heard back, Eloise died after giving birth, and then I finally met you, Alissa. Next, you know for yourself the story.”

I was stunned to hear all Duke Valcek's explanations. What should I feel right now? I should what?

The storyline in this world is so different from what I wrote. Alissa's revealed background is indeed an advantage, because that way Duchess Rinia no longer has a reason to hate me. In the future, I won't be billed as anyone's bride. Everything's gonna go fine.

However, knowing everything like this made me so confused as to how it should behave. I don't know Alissa's parents. There was no empathy at all in me for the two of them, because I didn't write down the character. They're not my fiksi kids.

“Now, everything has been revealed. Rinia ... ,” says Father. “I am still faithful, from the past until now. You want, ‘kan, accept Alissa? Back when I was pregnant with Cass, you said you'd love to have a daughter.”

Father was smiling and Duchess Rinia was displaying a red tinge on her face in embarrassment. “You are right,” said the madam. Then, he turned to me.

“Alissa, once again forgive me. I should instead thank you for helping Theo a long time ago.” Duchess Rinia holds both of my shoulders.

I returned it with a smile. “It's okay, Mistress. I'm happy to help Brother Theo!”

“'Mistress'? From now on, call me Mom, huh?” pinta Duchess, it surprised me. So did Theo and Cass who were next to me. Finally, I can melt the heart of this last boss in the Valcke family.

“Mother ..?”

“Iya. He's your father and I'm your mother. Understand?” ask Duchess Rinia, whom I replied with a quick nod.

“Not a stray cat, but sister! You are no longer the youngest here, so keep your attitude!” exclaim Theo. Seeing Cass grumbling, everyone laughed at him.

***

Three years later, Alissa was nine.

Days changed by week. Month changed years. Three years have passed since I finally learned of Alissa's true identity. I thought that, with the receipt of me in this Valcke Family, as well as continuing to hone my magic skills, I could change many destinies around me. After the truth about Alissa came to light, I became more optimistic about avoiding death at the hands of Prince Rion in the future.

I used to think like that. Until finally, the news of Duke Valcke's death reached my ears.

Everything happened so fast. Suddenly a trooper who went to escort Dad to inspect the whole country reported that Dad had died attacked by a wild monster in the middle of the forest.

In this world, outside the city fortress was indeed not so safe. Magic-powered monsters appeared and attacked humans. Their strength certainly varies from the weakest like the horned rabbit, to the strongest like a giant sea serpent. Every now and then, a noble would go around to the towns and villages that were his territory to carry out inspections.

Usually, Dad would return home safely while bringing souvenirs from his trip. Normally, Dad would come home with a smile on his face, welcoming me who ran towards him to hug. Usually, like that.

This time, misfortune befell the Valcke family. We were all dressed in black from head to toe. The priest began to recite prayers at the temple, on the side of Dad's coffin. The photograph of Father was so large that it was plastered on top of the coffin, accompanied by the decoration of small flowers under the frame.

All the nobles were present at the ceremony of Father's death. Before Dad was cremated, Theo gave a final goodbye. Later, Dad's ashes were buried with tombstone markers in the garden of Valcke's residential mansion.

I thought I could change everything's destiny. Making Alissa stronger, bringing Alissa closer to the Valcke family members and until accepted as an official family member. I thought I had managed to make Dad avoid his death too.

However, my guess was wrong. Turns out to be wrong. Apparently, not all destiny can be changed. Duke Valcke died, though not of a disease and was delayed three years later. However, he died before Alissa grew up.

Now, I can only look at Dad's tombstone, raining in the garden. It seems, the universe is also grieving to usher in Dad's return from life.

“Alissa ..” My mother called me from behind my back. I looked towards him. At that instant, Mother hugged me tightly while sobbing.

“Mother ... don't cry, yes .. Mom should be strong,” I said. But my mother hugged me tighter.

“You should also stop crying, Alissa ...”

What did Mom say just now? Me, crying?

What did you talk to?” It's just rainwater ... rainwater alone .. .”, I said, then wiped the water on the cheek. Strange, the water was warm.

“Mommy will take care of you in exchange for Dad, yes. Don't cry, Alissa .”

“I do not ... do not cry .. huaaaaa ..”

In fact, since I can't see Mas Dion and Dimas anymore, I always feel empty. However, maybe all this time I was complacent with the existence of members of the Valcke family. I feel like my days have been replenished since being fully accepted into this family.

Tonight, I felt that void again. My soul is like being a child again. I slept with Mom in her room, as if afraid to sleep alone.

***