Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 107
He didn’t expect monsters to come up as a topic again. And not just any monsters.
Gatpolla. The island of monsters.
If the monsters there are eradicated, the West would be completely freed from the threat of monsters, as it would eliminate the source.
If the monsters disappeared, a direct sea route to the western archipelago would open up, and Gatpolla would become a key stopover, greatly enhancing international exchanges.
The Western Sutton Archipelago is predominantly inhabited by indigenous people. If we could deepen cultural exchanges with them, one day we might be able to annex the archipelago and expand our maritime territory.
The territorial waters would then be defined by the archipelago, potentially doubling the size of Caswick’s borders.
‘Is she asking me this question with all that in mind?’
Probably not. She might know that Gatpolla is an island of monsters, but most don’t think that colonizing the island is aimed not just at subduing monsters but at annexing the archipelago.
The kingdom has declared war on monsters under the banner of national security—at least outwardly.
Therefore, Logan gave a response that matched that level of understanding.
“Of course, I believe it will happen someday. If the monsters are gone, our work would decrease.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
The Count laughed heartily, and Logan joined in with good humor.
However, Cecilia did not laugh.
She looked at Logan as if she had never seen the floor, her gaze sharp as a needle.
The conversation continued, stinging as sharply as the gaze that struck him head-on.
“If Gatpolla is occupied, the sea route would also be shortened. I’ve heard there’s a wealth of unique traditional culture there; I hope it continues for a long time.”
None understood; they knew little about Gatpolla. Only Logan grasped her implication.
As he silently regarded Cecilia, she gave a faint smile.
“I’d like to see it myself too. It seems interesting.”
Logan mirrored her smile.
“Soon, you might be able to see it. I’ll try to make that happen.”
At that moment, one corner of her lips twitched.
But it was only a fleeting second.
Then she nodded.
With a mask-like smile, they gauged each other.
No, only he was gauging her.
* * *
“How was it?”
Mary asked with an excited expression.
“Did you like it? He’s much more handsome in person…”
Cecilia tossed the pins stuck in her hair one by one onto the bed. Finally, pulling out a ribbon, several strands of hair came loose, and her long hair cascaded down.
She threw the ribbon onto the bed and collapsed beside it.
Staring blankly at the ceiling, she responded.
“Like hell.”
* * *
It’s said that he would stay a week, but in reality, it would be two weeks. A seasonal downpour was expected to burst forth.
Two weeks.
Two entire weeks with that man.
‘It’s vexing.’
But perhaps it was fortunate there was ample time.
It meant more time to secretly bring up breaking off the engagement.
‘There’s no rush.’
But she wanted to end it quickly.
Before the rain.
Before she’d tell him.
You don’t have to marry me.
We will never see each other again in this life.
So leave early.
Before the rain.
Before it becomes impossible to leave even if you want to.
She closed her eyes tightly. She felt Mary taking off her shoes for her.
“Start with the dress. It’s so tight I feel like I’m going to vomit.”
“I know, right? Why did they lace it up so tightly?”
Changing into comfortable clothes eased the discomfort somewhat.
“Why don’t you just change into a nightgown, Miss?”
Mary cautiously spoke, having been gauging Cecilia’s reactions since she commented on the engagement.
‘Clueless, really.’
Cecilia draped a light shawl over her everyday clothes.
“I have somewhere to go.”
Mary’s eyes lit up.
“Where?”
“…Where do you think?”
“Could it be…”
Her blushing face was irksome.
See, clueless.
Cecilia grabbed the end of her shawl and sighed.
“I’m going to the annex.”
Lilith was there alone. All this time, in that lonely building.
Everyone in Lasphilla, even Adam, had ignored Lilith today.
After locking her up like that.
Cecilia clutched her stomach. It really was upsetting. Inside, it felt as if lava were bubbling.
* * *
When Cecilia arrived at the annex, Lilith was already drunk. She did not recognize Cecilia.
“Who said you could just walk in!”
She charged with droopy eyes, grabbed Cecilia’s shoulders, and yanked down her shawl. The short shawl fell to the floor, exposing her shoulders.
“Miss Lilith.”
“Get out!”
“Miss Lilith, stop drinking.”
“Can’t you hear me telling you to leave? Do you think my words are a joke?”
