I Married the Mad Duke Who Killed My Husband - Chapter 87
As expected, as those words were spoken, I couldn’t help but harden my expression. Just like with the poison incident, they really do whatever they want.
“Finding me here was a coincidence, right? So you were planning to send a false message.”
“…I apologize. Since His Grace wasn’t making any moves, I had no choice.”
“Was that His Highness the Second Prince’s opinion?”
“No, this was entirely my own plan.”
By now, news of the attack on the Duke’s residence must have reached Cassion’s camp. That would have caused them to temporarily halt combat, and this man, wanting the Second Prince to gain the upper hand by quickly pressing the First Prince’s side, was trying to reassure him with false news about my safety despite not knowing my whereabouts.
“Ha. His Highness the Second Prince must be pleased. Having both knights who’ll go to war without dirtying his hands, and spies who’ll scheme behind the scenes.”
“Watch your words, Duchess.”
“Why? It’s not like it would harm the Second Prince’s ascension to Crown Prince – are you going to charge me with treason and kill me?”
“…You can hate me all you want, but I just hope your feelings toward His Highness won’t change.”
Even while saying this, his gaze remained sharp and cold when looking at me. Though I knew this wasn’t the time, I reproached him in a sarcastic tone.
“As if I would harbor other feelings toward His Highness. You’re the one who should watch your words.”
“Duchess.”
“What? Didn’t you say it was fine to insult you?”
I was incredibly angry, but this wasn’t the most pressing matter right now. I dusted off my clothes, which had become a mess with blood stains from crawling to escape, and retied my hair that had similarly become disheveled.
“Still, as a comrade who even ingested poison to fit your plan, you could at least take me to Cassion’s camp while you’re at it, right?”
“That was my intention when I saved you. If the message turns out to be true, it works for me as well.”
Ugh, every single word he says is irritating.
“Don’t you have a horse?”
“I rode one to get to this area, but from here on, it’s better to walk if we want to sneak into the Duke’s camp without enemies noticing. Follow behind me.”
After that, there was silence, silence, and more silence.
Very occasionally, soldiers from the First Prince’s camp who seemed to be on reconnaissance like before would appear, but the man in front of me would deal with them before they even noticed us. Besides matters of safety, we weren’t on friendly terms to engage in intimate conversation.
Just as I was beginning to doubt whether we were really heading to the right destination while walking down the winding forest path, the man finally spoke up.
“You’re not even asking for my name.”
“Do I need to know?”
I don’t even care. Why should I?
“Still, I’m the person who almost took your life. Aren’t you afraid?”
“Cut it out with the fear nonsense and stop casually calling me ‘you’. I won’t let it slide a second time.”
“If you won’t let it slide, what will you do, madam?”
This guy, really.
“Are you planning to use force against a delicate woman? Of course, I’ll have to report all your actions.”
“Putting aside that what I’ve seen is quite far from ‘delicate’, are you going to report to the Duke?”
“No.”
The man who had been walking ahead and attempting conversation without looking back at me stopped and turned around with a puzzled expression. I hit his back, signaling him to keep moving without stopping, and continued speaking.
“To His Highness the Second Prince.”
“What?!”
I irritably pushed away the man who, instead of moving forward, was bringing his shocked face right up to mine. What’s wrong with him, really?
“In the Empire, only the Imperial Family is higher than a ducal house. You not using honorifics with me is tantamount to coveting imperial authority.”
“No, how could you misinterpret it like that…”
“I’ll tell His Highness the Second Prince that you’re dissatisfied and aiming for imperial power. After that… you know what happens, right?”
I know it’s a ridiculous misinterpretation, too. But I threatened him while shrugging my shoulders, pretending not to know. I raised my finger and pointed at his brazen face, and amusingly, the man’s eyes focused on my fingertip.
“Your actions might be for His Highness the Second Prince, but they’re also an overreach of authority. If I just add a little fuel to this? Wouldn’t it look like you’re acting on your own because you’re dissatisfied with the prince’s orders?”
“Huh…”
“If you don’t want to be abandoned by your beloved Highness the Second Prince, you’d better be more careful with your words and actions from now on. At least with me.”
After giving the man with a dumbfounded expression one last glare, I hit his back again. The slapping sound hurt my palm, too, but it seemed the impact was properly delivered.
“Now shut your mouth and start moving again.”
***
“Oh, over there…!”
“My lady, wait a moment!”
After that, the man truly kept his mouth shut. However, he became more attentive in clearing branches blocking my path, and even offered his hand when we encountered small forest hills. Of course, I didn’t take it.
When we were at the cliff, the sun was at its peak, but by the time the surroundings began to take on a purple hue, we could see tents and flags not far away.
Excited at the sight, I gathered strength in my dragging feet to push off the ground, but the man walking slightly ahead quickly blocked my way.
“What! Isn’t that it?!”
“Yes, but don’t go yet! What if you get attacked rushing in like that? Let me go first and announce that the Duchess has arrived in person. Please wait a little before entering.”
Just as I heard the “Yes” and tried to dash forward again, the man hurriedly grabbed my arm. Yes, I suppose what you’re saying makes sense, but…
“Let go. It hurts.”
“Ah…”
He jerked his hand away like he’d touched a hot coal and awkwardly scratched his head when I motioned with my chin. They say the bathroom feels most urgent when you can see it – similarly, now that the tents were right in front of us, I felt even more impatient than during our descent.
“What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go.”
“Ah! Yes. Please come this way. Just in case, hide behind this tree, and I’ll return as quickly as possible.”
Why is he like this? Maybe because we’ve reached our destination, but he seems even more polite than before. Anyway, the man disappeared quickly and quietly into the camp.
But that’s not what’s important. I went behind a large tree and stretched my neck out, searching for Cassion, who must be somewhere in the camp.
However, Cassion was nowhere to be seen, and despite the sun not having fully set, the camp was suspiciously quiet. They said Cassion hadn’t been moving at all, and there was even a soldier sitting idly in front of a tent whittling wood.
“Oh… That was fast.”
That lounging soldier suddenly stood up, hiding his carving behind his back as knights came rushing over, and I emerged from behind the tree when I saw the man standing beside the knights.
“Duchess! Oh, heavens, thank God! Thank you!”
The knight who appeared to be the highest-ranking among them ran out to greet me with an expression that looked close to tears.
“How did you get here… The Duke’s residence was attacked. No, first, let’s get inside! Please come inside! You seem to be hurt…”
“Calm down, I’m fine.”
The man who had led the knights here blended into the group with surprisingly stealthy movements. I was slightly startled by his ability to seemingly disappear completely if he wanted to, as I tried to calm the knight who looked ready to fall to his knees.
“My husband… is Cassion not in the camp?”
“He’s been monitoring the First Prince’s movements at the front of the camp, so it will take some time. For now, let me guide you to His Grace’s tent.”
The knight seemed to swallow his overwhelming joy at my comforting pat on his shoulder. Why are they like this? I’m just their superior’s wife. Is this really something to be this excited about?
“You there! Quickly inform His Grace that the Duchess has arrived!”
“No, let me go. I’ll be faster.”
“Yes, yes. You go. My lady, this way…”
The man who had brought me here quickly volunteered. Did that fellow already figure out Cassion’s location? He’s irritatingly competent.
“You! Quickly call for a physician. Don’t we have any dresses? Preferably something of good quality…”
In contrast, the knight guiding me to the tent seemed to be making an excessive fuss.
As I walked between the tents, receiving the gazes of the knights, I stretched my tired body.
Though I’m in quite a disheveled state, this is when I need to appear most dignified. They’re my husband’s subordinates, so it won’t hurt to make a good impression.
“The clothes can wait. A glass of water will suffice.”
