If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 15
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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“…I felt it earlier, but you certainly have a knack for making cruel jokes.”
Cain stared intently at Agatha as she spoke.
Was he expecting a more dramatic reaction, like a startled jump or a blushing face? If so, he might need to apologize for not meeting those expectations. Agatha continued slowly.
“I’ve heard that knights enjoy their marital lives freely. Sir Cain, if that’s what you desire, you don’t need to worry about me. Quite literally, our relationship will be governed by a contract.”
This time, Cain’s brow furrowed.
Agatha’s response did not seem to please him. Regardless, Agatha was more curious about the real reason why he intended to go through with this contract marriage than about his feelings.
“If you won’t be honest with me, I won’t sign any documents.”
Holding hands with Cain was definitely a better choice than not doing so, something even a three-year-old could understand, but Agatha said so with determination.
“You’re not in a position to make demands like that.”
“I don’t see much difference between a knight who keeps his feelings hidden from me and a distant cousin who reveals his true intentions.”
“Well, that’s a bit unfair.”
“If it feels unfair, then explain it.”
“Lady, you’re not one that I can beat.”
Cain held both his palms forward, a sign of surrender.
“It’s to uphold my promise to Duke Kristin.”
Duke Kristin. As Cain spoke of that name, nearly forgotten for many years now, with such formality, Agatha suddenly recalled the events of over a decade ago.
Back when he was still a member of the Kristin Knights and a humble, young squire of a minor noble family, Cain held immense respect and admiration for Duke Kristin. Even at his young age, Cain’s exceptional spirit and integrity were recognized by Duke Kristin, who also held him in great affection.
As evidence of this, Cain had the honor of participating in Duke Kristin’s funeral procession. Despite being only fifteen years old, he played the role of one of the four knights bearing the casket.
It was the day of Duke Kristin’s funeral. That day happened to be the same day as the first proposal Cain mentioned. Agatha tried to recall what he had said, but the exact words had escaped her memory.
Perhaps he had said something like, “I will protect Lady Agatha in place of Duke Kristin.” To think of that as a proposal was quite amusing. While reminiscing about that time, Agatha almost burst into laughter.
Regardless, Cain remained silent regarding what agreement he had made with her father. The carriage, which had fallen into silence, had reached its destination in no time.
<“I’ll be back to get you soon, Lady.”>
Cain whispered as he kissed Agatha’s hand when she stepped out of the carriage. Uncertain of how to respond, Agatha nodded her head slightly, and the carriage departed, leaving her behind.
“Phew…”
Before entering the mansion, Agatha let out a tense breath. She was certain that Stella would have various questions, expecting her to return with approval for the marriage with John. If she didn’t come up with suitable answers, Stella would likely torment her all night.
Tonight would pass quietly, but if news came from the palace tomorrow, the tranquility of the Count’s mansion would be shattered in no time. It felt like standing precariously on fragile glass, knowing that the fragile peace would last for only a few moments.
Agatha looked up at the mansion. Except for a few rooms with dimly lit candles, the mansion was cloaked in darkness. She couldn’t believe how quickly time had passed. It seemed like just moments ago when the ballroom had been brightly lit before she left.
Despite the late hour, there was no one to welcome the lady’s return. The guards had finished their duties, and not a single servant was present. Even the maid who had gone out on an errand wouldn’t return. At least there were two worried maids waiting outside.
Agatha couldn’t help but smile at how clearly her position in the Count’s mansion was reflected in this situation. It was fine. She had no reason to expect any special treatment. After all, this is a luxury to expect anything
“Miss!”
As Agatha carefully watched the dark path to avoid stumbling, her head suddenly lifted. Liana, holding a lamp, was running towards her with a smile.
It seemed that, even though no one from the Count’s mansion had waited for her, Liana, the maid who had followed Agatha from the Duke’s estate, had been patiently waiting for her mistress even until this late hour.
Agatha’s lips, which had remained stiff throughout the night, softened.
“Liana.”
