If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 44
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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The nobles who supported the Empress were far superior to those on the Grand Duchess’s side. As the Emperor gained power through conquest wars, the difference became stark.
Count Calvino was undoubtedly aligned with the Empress. News that the Countess spent an enormous amount to link her family with the Empress had spread throughout Leden.
Such a Countess unexpectedly sent a gift to her. Could there be any other meaning behind it?
Well, who knows? It might be an unexpected move by that serpent-like Empress to send a gift to the Countess.
Because of this, she intended to reject and send back any gift the Countess offered. However, when the Count’s envoy opened the jewel box, Boudica changed her mind.
<“This is the legendary Black Prince.”>
The first thing that caught Boudica’s eyes was the brilliantly shining blue sapphire. Sapphires, primarily produced in the Kingdom of Amasril, had become rare and precious jewels since the kingdom’s demise.
And among the sapphires that filled the jewel box, a crown radiated a dazzling brilliance.
<“Is this, by any chance?”>
<“It’s the crown used in the last coronation ceremony of the Kingdom of Amasril.”>
<“No, I heard it disappeared entirely through the war. Where did you…?”>
<“We brought it as a family treasure to present to the Grand Duchess.”>
<“Are you giving me this precious thing?”>
<“It seemed fitting that such a rare treasure should shine brightest in the presence of its rightful owner. No matter how you look at it, this seems to be something that suits only Grand Duchess’s dazzling beauty.”>
Knowing it was a flattering remark meant to be pleasing, Boudica acknowledged it wasn’t unpleasant to hear. With a satisfied smile, she took out the crown and examined every detail.
<“To simply hand this over to me is out of the question. What do you want?”>
<“Wanting something? Certainly not, Grand Duchess.”>
<“You were the one who wanted to approach the Empress, weren’t you? If you thought I was an ignorant fool, would be better for you to take these jewels and leave immediately.”>
<“I am different from those foolish ones who cannot recognize a setting sun.”>
<“Setting sun… Are you daring to address the Empress of a country like that? A mere Count… How presumptuous. You should know that such words could be considered treason.”>
<“But I understand. The rising sun of the empire is now you, Grand Duchess. As a humble person seeking practical benefits, I cannot ignore the reality before me. I humbly bow before you, and hope you do not forget the fact that Calvino County is among those who wish the Grand Duke well.”>
<“That’s enough. Stop with the flattery. Speak up about what you want.”>
Offering the family’s treasure in such a fawning manner implies there’s a request that’s far from trivial. Boudica gestured for the attendants to take the jewel box.
The Grand Duchess accepted the gift. It meant she was willing to entertain the request.
<“I dare to convey a message to the Grand Duchess.”>
The Countess, who had been bowing on the floor, sat up. Her face, now lit up as she sat straight, briefly showed a hint of anger.
<“I have a niece whom I’ve been taking care of since childhood.”>
<“Who? Are you talking about Lady Kristin?”>
Boudica was well aware of the discussions regarding the last heir of the distinguished Kristin family. It was said that, following the unfortunate death of the Duke, Countess Calvino, his younger sister, took pity on the orphaned niece.
<“Yes. That niece was actually in a relationship with my son. They had promised a future together, and we had plans to hold their wedding before the end of this year.”>
Marriages between cousins for the consolidation of families were not uncommon.
<“However, unexpectedly, Marquis Vernat appeared and took my niece away from my son.”>
When Countess Calvino mentioned Cain Vernat, Boudica, who had been losing interest and indulging in idle thoughts, suddenly focused her attention.
<“Carrying the favor of the Emperor, Marquis Vernat has committed heinous acts. He took a lady who was already engaged and insulted the Crown Princess. Feeling sorry for my poor son, who lost his fiance in an instant, I humbly came to visit the Grand Duchess.”>
Boudica had no interest in how pitiful the son of the Countess was. Among the Countess’s words, only the part about ‘insulting the Crown Princess’ lingered in her ears and pleased her. But that was all.
<“So, you came to me because you want revenge on Marquis Vernat?”>
<“Revenge is not appropriate. How could I attack someone protected by the Emperor’s favor?”>
<“Then what exactly do you want from me? I don’t have much patience. I don’t appreciate beating around the bush.”>
<“I cannot stand by and watch my son deteriorate without expressing his feelings or getting closure. I want to create an opportunity for him to convey his last emotions.”>
<“And how am I supposed to arrange that?”>
<“I heard that Marquis Vernat has entrusted the wedding dress to De Borre’s dressing room.”>
<“So?”>
<“My niece, Lady Kristin, will soon visit the dressing room for a fitting. Since Marquis Vernat is unlikely to accompany her to the fitting room, please send someone to invite the lady to the Grand Duke’s estate.”>
<“Why should I do that?”>
