If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 165
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
read more chapters on luna kofi
Esther’s role here was to care for the orphaned children who had lost their parents in the war. It seemed that Cain had intentionally established the orphanage in Arta, as it was a relatively remote area, far from the capital, and also owned by Kristin, who bore significant responsibility for the war.
Since the war had left many children with nowhere to go, Agatha agreed that it was only right to take them in.
“But it wasn’t just that. She, Esther… is truly devoted to taking care of these war orphans, thankful for Kristin’s support.”
“That’s right.”
Rubens’s head nodded.
When Agatha had called him out of his retreat and back into arms, Rubens had again been grateful to serve Kristin loyally. He had vowed not to lose another master as he had before, and he was ready to do whatever it took to honor that promise.
No matter where she went or what she did, he would be her unwavering shield. He had sworn an oath in Kristin’s name.
That’s why the current situation saddened Rubens deeply.
While he didn’t know all the details of her marriage, Rubens could tell from Agatha’s demeanor that it wasn’t a life of complete happiness. The shadow cast over her face hadn’t appeared overnight.
Rubens suspected that the greatest influence on Agatha’s current state was Cain Vernat. The deep sorrow now evident on Agatha’s face was not just from the twists and turns of her life, but from Cain’s impact.
It was strange that Agatha didn’t show any joy after learning she was carrying a child. What could be the reason, if not trouble in her relationship with her husband?
When Rubens had heard that it was Cain’s sister, Esther, who was caring for the children here under Kristin’s name, he remembered how Agatha’s face had stiffened in surprise.
He had been surprised as well, but not nearly as much as Agatha. The flustered look on her face made Rubens suspect he had some inkling of why Agatha had come here.
“I intend to see with my own eyes what Vernat has done.”
“Can’t we take care of that for you? There’s no need for you to go to such a dangerous place.”
“No. I have to go. I’m Kristin’s last remaining family.”
Rubens recalled the conversation he had with Agatha in the carriage on their way to Arta. Agatha had expressed a desire to make sure nothing was done to dishonor Kristin’s name and to find the strength to protect herself in Arta, away from the prying eyes of others.
But now, Rubens thought, there might have been more to it than that.
Perhaps Agatha didn’t just want to avoid attention from others, but maybe, just maybe, she had wanted to escape from Cain Vernat….
It seemed that Agatha had decided she couldn’t stay here with Vernat’s bloodline, whom she had unintentionally come across.
“So, I’m thinking of bringing a few of the appropriate vassals from the Duchy and leaving the orphanage under Esther’s care. That way, there’s no real reason for me to stay here.”
As Agatha spoke quietly, her hand naturally drifted toward her abdomen. Whether she was consciously aware of it or not, each time she spoke, she gently caressed her belly.
“…I miss Charlotte.”
To her, Charlotte was like a mother figure. Rubens sensed the longing in Agatha’s voice. It seemed that after becoming pregnant, she was missing her mother.
Her mother, who had already passed, was no longer accessible. However, fortunately, the nanny, who had been like a mother to Agatha, was living somewhere in the Empire.
Rubens didn’t know the details, but he had sent people to the Borgia family regularly to check, and Charlotte was doing well in her later years.
“Yes, I understand. I’ll prepare the knights to move south as quickly as possible.”
Agatha, who now felt nauseous even from the smell of water, couldn’t travel such a long distance. Rubens had plans in mind to wait until she was more stable before she left here.
“And please send someone to the capital to bring Liana.”
“Yes. I will send someone immediately.”
It was time to bring Liana. After confirming her pregnancy, Agatha had grown increasingly anxious over the inner conflicts she was feeling multiple times a day.
She desperately needed someone to soothe her and offer her comfort. She didn’t want to rely on Esther, Cain’s sister, for that role.
Noticing the sudden exhaustion in Agatha’s face after only a few exchanged words, Karon nudged Rubens gently. It was a signal to give her some space so she could rest comfortably.
Rubens nodded and got up from his seat.
He was worried whether Agatha, already a frail person, would be able to endure this difficult period.
Beyond the closing bedroom door, the two men’s gazes lingered on Agatha with pity. They had watched her grow since the moment she was born. Though they served her as vassals to the head of the family, sometimes she felt more like a daughter to them.
No matter what happened, they swore they would not leave her alone, just as they hadn’t in the past ten years.
“First and foremost, her safety comes first. We’ll prepare for the journey south, but there’s no need to rush.”
“Right. In her current state, she would have trouble moving even outside the village, let alone to the south.”
