If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 54
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
read more chapters on luna kofi
Cain’s original intention was to set the wedding date earlier. When the weather warms up and the sea level rises, pirates appear in the northern border zone. In other words, it meant that the Vernat Knights were about to leave Leden to guard the north.
His schedule was to hold the wedding and immediately depart. It had already been explained and agreed upon when the contract was drawn up.
However, he hoped she wouldn’t pay attention to other matters, especially since comforting her own wounds was already burdensome. Yet, Agatha was diligently counting the days until she left the mansion.
When he returned to the north, he had to depart for the border zone immediately. Perhaps, it was a burdened attempt from him to be with his newlywed wife alone, feeling sorry for leaving her alone.
“I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? It was agreed upon from the beginning.”
“Because it seems I can’t keep the promise to protect you.”
“It’s not necessary. You’ve already protected me twice.”
The first time was from Stella, and the second was from John Calvino. Since Agatha had been protected by the ones she hated and feared the most, Cain had already fulfilled his promise.
She couldn’t understand why he felt guilt and indebtedness, but Agatha sincerely responded that way.
“Is that so? Thank you for saying that, my lady.”
Then, the two of them walked through the garden without saying a word for a while. The sound of grass leaves rustling beneath their feet was ticklish. The breeze brushing against their faces and the lingering scent of flowers in the air were peaceful.
Walking like this sometimes made the tremendous events involving her feel like distant dreams. Cain might suggest walking together every day knowing that. He denied it, but Cain was truly a benefactor to her.
“Um, I have something I’m curious about.”
“Ask away, anything.”
“… Why do you treat me so well?”
It was a curiosity that has been lingering in her mind for a while. Cain said it was to find legitimacy with the Kristin Knights with this contract marriage, but she knew it wasn’t the whole story. She had just pretended to believe that explanation, because it was all she could do alone without holding his hand.
“It’s because of the Duke.”
“Are you talking about….my father?”
“Yes. About ten years ago, when I was just nine years old.”
It was the first time she heard Cain’s old story. Agatha unintentionally exerted pressure on her toes. She was worried that the sound of her stepping on grass leaves might be disturbing.
“I lost everyone and became alone. Parents, sibling, and even vassals.”
She had heard from the Duke, her father, about Cain becoming an orphan at a very young age. At that time, she had vaguely thought that maybe his family members were suffering from an illness. The idea that his sibling and vassals left the world too sounded a bit strange.
“I met the Duke on the day when all that was left was despair in the world.”
Cain stopped. Agatha also stopped in her tracks, waiting for what he would say next. Cain’s gaze wandered through the air as if he were contemplating his next words. Agatha absentmindedly looked up at his face, which sparkled under the sunlight, and then followed his gaze to the sky.
For a moment, Agatha knew exactly how it felt to lose a family and be left alone in the world. She vividly remembered the vague fear she felt when she learned that her parents had passed away, as if she were left alone in the world.
But she could endure it because she had those who were like family. Charlotte, who warmly embraced her whenever tears welled up, and Liana, who covered her with a blanket when she slept.
However everyone left his side and no one remained. The depth of sorrow that Cain must have felt was beyond her comprehension.
“The image of my dying mother, father, and sister is still vivid in my mind. Sometimes, they appear in my dreams.”
Agatha gasped in surprise. It was not just about letting go of family; he had witnessed their dying moments. The enormity of the secret made her heart pound. It was such a frightening story to hear, yet Cain’s face showed no emotion.
“Sister…”
“My sister is the same age as Lady Kristin.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you had a younger sister.”
Cain resumed walking, and Agatha followed suit.
“When I see Milady, I am reminded of my younger sister.”
“Is she similar to me?”
“Well, no. She doesn’t resemble you in appearance.”
A faint smile crossed the end of his words. Agatha wanted to see if he was smiling, but she did not turn her head.
“But the gaze is similar.”
“The gaze?”
“Yes. So when I face Milady, I always think of that child.”
I see. She nodded silently. If he felt a connection because of the similar gaze, it made sense that he cared for her more than necessary.
“Well, what does that mean with my father being your benefactor?”
“He saved my life. If it weren’t for the Duke, I might not be here today.”
There were questions she wanted to ask, but fearing that it might stir his buried wounds, Agatha kept her silence.
The conversation did not continue. Still, the two of them walked on for a while.
