Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 172
“If it happens that way… we could provide each other with some excuse for our flaws.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“But my lover is a commoner…”
“I know, Miss Casey. Sir Nigel and your lover are in different positions. If you reveal your lover’s existence before me and Sir Nigel, you could find yourself in great trouble.”
A commoner tutor, who was expelled from House Heens, is still meeting with the noble lady of House Heens. If this fact were to be revealed first, the two families would try to cover it up. They would likely deal with her lover discreetly.
“…That’s why I think timing and order are the most important.”
Casey opened her eyes wide, as if realizing something.
“Are you saying Sir Nigel should reveal his lover before me?”
Cecilia nodded in agreement.
“Yes, Sir Nigel should reveal his lover, and at the moment when a rift forms between the Heens and Rosencrantz families, Miss Casey, you can confess your long-time lover and completely disrupt the situation.”
This is something that must be done in the correct order. It’s something she could never do alone.
“Since the engagement is already strained, they won’t be able to hold your lover accountable for everything.”
“…”
“And you won’t need to worry about your lover’s safety. Since the Rosencrantz family will be the first to expose their faults in the engagement, they will ensure his safety, no matter what.”
“My lover has no connection to the Rosencrantz family. Why would they bother to protect him?”
“Because his very existence would become a weakness for House Heens and a sore spot for themselves. With both sides having their own lovers, the credibility of the engagement would be shattered, and then it would come down to who is more at fault.”
“…”
“One is a commoner, the other is the illegitimate child with gypsy blood. There’s no clear winner. House Rosencrantz would want to maintain this equal relationship.”
“Indeed…”
“And most importantly.”
“…?”
“If, by any chance, he dies under suspicious circumstances, neither House Heens nor House Rosencrantz would escape public suspicion. This case would surely become a hot topic in both the Central and Middle social circles for some time. Neither side would dare to take a rash action that could incriminate them.”
Casey remained silent for a long time. Long enough to make Cecilia feel tense.
Only after some time did she finally speak.
“…Miss Cecilia, you seem like a different person.”
“Do I…?”
Cecilia was flustered by the sharp observation. Fortunately, Casey interpreted her reddened face differently.
“I understand. Love makes a person strong… I’ll gladly accept your proposal.”
“Thank you so much, Miss Casey.”
“It is I who should thank you…”
She smiled shyly and hesitated.
“So, first, we need to persuade Sir Nigel, right?”
“That’s…”
“It’s obvious. I can tell at a glance. You’ve been worrying about this alone. Sir Nigel already knows about my lover, so he wouldn’t want to take the lead in this matter.”
In response, Cecilia deliberately put on a sad expression. Casey patted her hand and continued.
“But if that’s what you want, Miss Cecilia, I’ll also persuade him. I now understand for certain that timing is the most important thing for all of us to coexist in peace.”
* * *
Nigel, after hearing the situation, snorted in disbelief.
“Impressive.”
For the first time, he offered genuine praise.
“You’re truly not just an ordinary crazy woman.”
…A compliment, huh.
He stood up and approached Cecilia. Even in shoes, she had to look up at his tall figure.
As much as she didn’t want to admit it, this man was most intimidating when he was looking down on her.
He spoke, a man who seemed capable of crushing her entirely.
“You decide when I step in. I’ll follow willingly, on the condition that you don’t forget and keep my goal firmly in mind.”
“…I never break a contract.”
“Good.”
He nodded.
“If you can manage to kill that woman, I’ll make sure you get special treatment in prison until you die by beheading.”
“I have no intention of going to prison.”
“Then try not to get caught.”
She watched his back as he deliberately exited the room before her, leaving her with a cruel smile.
Lover.
The most ruthless and despised lover in the world.
