If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 45
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
read more chapters on luna kofi
The Countess showed a surprised expression, perhaps not expecting the Grand Duchess’s reaction. She seemed to have thought that the Grand Duchess would comply with her wishes just because she presented a few treasures.
She was sorely mistaken. Losing interest in the conversation, Boudica began to digress.
<“…It’s acceptable to betray just me. However, when I see my son in such distress, I cannot forgive the audacity of that child with the Marquis’s prestige on her back.”>
This was quite a different situation from when she lay flat on the floor to reveal the gifts. Boudica, reading the anger flickering on the Countess’s face, chuckled as if finding her interesting.
Marquis Vernat was someone Grand Duke Norfolk despised greatly. Since her husband disliked him, Boudica, too, did not hold Cain in high regard.
In her view, Cain was nothing more than a ruthless swordsman, lucky enough to catch the Emperor’s eye. She remembered how he openly ignored her, the Grand Duchess, despite enjoying the Emperor’s favor.
Still, she didn’t hate him enough to entertain the Countess’s unreasonable request. Even if Cain Vernat had the Emperor’s favor, he was no more than a low-born noble. His lineage was different from the pure blood of the high-ranking nobles like herself.
<“It’s hard to accept that such an inferior child is gaining attention in society.”>
Unable to elicit the desired response, the Countess decided to change her strategy to provoke the Grand Duchess. Believing that the woman who was proud and desiring attention, would respond more quickly to the tale of a young and beautiful lady gaining popularity in society than to a poignant love story involving a handsome young man.
<“What? Lady Kristin is gaining attention?”>
<“Yes, it seems that noble ladies seeking to learn the secret of snatching a man who almost became the Emperor’s son-in-law are lining up to visit that girl every day.”>
<“Huh. She must have been lucky enough to catch the Marquis, who’s a low-born and had a poor taste. What secret could it be?”>
Caught in the bait, the Grand Duchess, who had been nonchalantly responding as if the matter had nothing to do with her, now sat up.
<“…If I invite her to the Grand Duke’s residence, what happens next?”>
<“Please ensure that my son and Lady Kristin have one last chance to meet. He wants one last opportunity to confirm and share each other’s feelings as immature lovers.”>
It was a sincere request along with the gift. Behind this request, there was the tears of a young man who had been betrayed in love. How romantic a plea it was.
There was enough justification. If necessary, she could claim that she merely provided an opportunity for the young couple to talk, and she could easily withdraw her involvement.
If, as a result, Vernat’s marriage turned into a disaster, it would serve as a sufficient warning to the arrogant Marquis and the clueless Lady Kristin who had ventured outside their place.
Moreover, it was fascinating to see how the woman would react to a man who had once been rejected and abandoned by. The satisfaction of consoling the tearful heart of the young man, the pleasure of asserting dominance in front of the Countess, and the self-satisfaction of achieving it all—it was a gamble that could fulfill multiple desires.
Having completed her calculations in her mind, Boudica smiled cunningly.
<“I’ll arrange for a spy to be placed in De Borre. So I will coordinate with the day Lady Kristin visits. As for your son, well… I’ll think a bit more about how to subtly and naturally make him cross paths with the Lady without attracting the Marquis’s attention.”>
<“Thank you, Grand Duchess!”>
The Countess bowed down to the floor in gratitude. Boudica, who enjoyed displaying her authority, was thoroughly intoxicated with her own benevolence.
Had she been a bit more cautious, she might have consulted her husband, Grand Duke Norfolk, about this matter before proceeding. However, as someone who disliked deep thinking, she made her decision without even considering how much of the Countess’s words might be true.
She didn’t anticipate the consequences of her actions.
* * *
“These petty knights don’t scare me at all.”
The moment Cain’s name was mentioned, a spark of resentment flashed in John’s eyes. His face that was twisted with greed and desire, revealed not only anger but also a level of intensity that was almost unbearable.
The stench of alcohol wafted from the shabby clothes he wore as he pretended to be a coachman. John Calvino, who was already accustomed to a life of drinking, seemed to have indulged in alcohol again and caused such a mess.
A warning signal flashed in her mind. An individual with a violent disposition, fueled by alcohol, was reaching a point where restraint might be impossible.
She recalled years of experience watching John Calvino’s mischief. Trying to stop John Calvino, especially when he was drunk like this, was beyond her capabilities alone. The only effective methods were if Christian, who disliked fuss, appeared to scold his brother, or if Stella, concerned about her son’s exhaustion, intervened and took him to the bedroom.
She had thought she wouldn’t have to face such a situation again after the mockery she endured on the night of the princess’s birthday celebration.
However, John’s obsession far exceeded her expectations.
