If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 113
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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Although it’s a common trait among nobles to curry favor with whoever might benefit them, understanding it intellectually didn’t make it any easier for Agatha to accept emotionally.
As the tedious task of accepting gifts came to an end, Agatha was about to leave her seat when Teschen’s puzzled voice stopped her.
“Madam, might you recognize this name?”
Teschen, who had been opening each gift to check and record the names, seemed puzzled by a name she didn’t recognize. Among the nobles of Leden, there shouldn’t have been a name she didn’t know.
Curious, Agatha turned to examine the jewel box Teschen was holding out.
“What name are you referring to?”
“Look here.”
Inside the jewel box was a palm-sized silver seal. The moment Agatha saw it, she felt an inexplicable sense of déjà vu, as if she had seen it somewhere before.
“And here…”
Teschen pointed to a card with birthday congratulations written on it.
“Gasp.”
After seeing the name on the card, Agatha dropped the jewel box to the floor.
John, C.
It suddenly came back to her. This was the seal she had thrust into John’s neck four years ago.
It was an item she had completely forgotten. Despite her efforts to erase the memory of that day, both the seal and the recollections of the incident had resurfaced unexpectedly. Agatha trembled as she confronted this horrifying reminder from the past.
“Madam? What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
Worried that the guests might notice, Teschen hurriedly picked up the fallen jewel box and noticed Agatha’s distressed expression.
“Madam?”
“…It’s nothing. Just a bit tired.”
“Shall I escort you to your chamber if you’re feeling fatigued?”
“No, there’s no need for that. It wouldn’t be polite to leave the guests unattended. Go back to your duties. Please make sure the gifts are properly sorted and put away.”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Oh, and set this one aside.”
“This jewel box?”
“Just keep this one in my bedroom separately.”
“Yes, Madam.”
John, C.
Could the C stand for Calvino? If so, does that mean John Calvino sent this to her? How on earth…?
Pretending to be fine, Agatha dismissed Teschen and thought quietly. The sight of the seal had startled her so much that she felt dizzy. She took a seat and composed herself.
Since that incident, she had never asked about John Calvino’s whereabouts. Nor had Cain ever mentioned what had become of him or where he had gone. Agatha had merely assumed that Cain had dealt with it in his own way.
She had heard rumors that John Calvino was imprisoned in a secret dungeon managed by the Vernat Order. In truth, no one had reported seeing him anywhere in the capital since the incident, so Agatha had believed the rumors to some extent.
Even if these rumors were just that—rumors—Agatha had figured that Cain Vernat would not have released him easily, and thus she hadn’t worried too much.
Now, after four years, and precisely at the moment she had decided to part ways with Cain, evidence from that day had arrived, along with a name that seemed to be John Calvino’s. Was it a coincidence?
If the name indeed belonged to John Calvino, then the gift was more likely a disguised threat than a present. People of that nature rarely admit their faults and often blame others.
Just like Stella, who had shown hostility towards Agatha at the late Duke’s memorial service. If John Calvino was anything like Stella, it was plausible he would act similarly.
If John believed that the diminished influence of the Calvino family and his branded status as a criminal were Agatha’s fault, he would likely be intent on exacting revenge on her.
With these thoughts in mind, Agatha raised her glass and took a drink.
“Madam, the drink…”
Liana, who had been standing by, was surprised by Agatha’s unexpected behavior, given that she had never previously touched alcohol.
“It’s fine. Just one glass.”
“Yes, Madam. If you need anything, please let me know.”
It might be a stretch. It could even be nothing more than a delusion. Realistically speaking, it would be impossible for John Calvino to bypass the tight security of the Vernat Order. How could someone who has never held a sword manage to evade trained knights and escape from prison?
“Liana, do you happen to know where Sir Ethan is?”
“Sir Ethan? I believe he went out with the Marquis this morning. I’ll check to see if he’s still at the mansion.”
“Yes, if he is at the mansion, please let him know I have something to ask.”
“Understood, madam.”
It would be ideal to ask Cain, the commander of the Order, about John Calvino’s whereabouts, but whether he would willingly answer her question was doubtful. In fact, it was unclear if he would even be willing to speak with her at all.
It was better to ask Deputy Commander Ethan instead. He would likely know about the Order’s matters.
Watching Liana hurry out of the banquet hall, Agatha set her glass down.
