If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 62
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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As over twenty letters from Cain accumulated at the Marquis’ residence, a small change occurred. The chief maid Izelle had to leave due to health issues. Teschen from the Count Alexei House who was sent from the Grand Duke’s residence, naturally succeeded Izelle as the new chief maid. She was the highest-ranking among the servants at the Duke’s residence.
On the day Izelle, who always worried about the Marchioness’ well-being, left the residence with her personal maids, Agatha once again faced the weight of loss, struggling alone with her grief.
Liana, noticing her distress, stayed by her bed all night, trying to offer comfort. But the absence of someone couldn’t be filled with someone else’s consolation.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
“Miss! A letter has arrived!”
Cain’s letters always arrived at the beginning of each month.
Agatha, despite pretending otherwise, eagerly awaited his letter. As expected, it arrived on time.
“It’s amazing how it never misses a day,” remarked Liana, holding the neatly sealed letter.
Her face brightened, prompting Agatha to smile as well.
“What does it say this time?”
“Who knows. Probably not much different from last month.”
Agatha opened the envelope with a letter opener, with Liana eagerly hovering behind her.
Despite knowing Agatha wouldn’t share Cain’s letter, Liana still hoped she might catch a glimpse.
As the envelope opened, a neatly folded white paper fell out, along with several dried flower petals. A sweet fragrance filled the air upon opening the envelope.
“Oh my, how beautiful. Are these hydrangeas?”
Agatha wondered if Cain was known for sending such romantic letters. She pressed down her curling lips to suppress a smile.
Liana’s loud exclamations about how thoughtful Cain was for his distant wife attracted the attention of the nearby servants, who pretended to be busy but were clearly listening in.
As Agatha looked around, the servants nearby quickly resumed their tasks, pretending as if they hadn’t been eavesdropping. However, it was evident that they were still keenly listening in. Agatha let out a small chuckle at this scene and unfolded the letter from Cain.
“Dear Agatha,” began the letter.
It was similar to the ones from previous months.
Asking about her well-being, was she sick, anything new at the Duke’s residence, and updating that he was doing well. Despite being routine pleasantries, they always brightened her mood.
Feeling someone’s careful attention and thoughts for the first time was a new experience for Agatha. And when considering that this person, Cain, was far away, risking his life in battle, the letters felt even more touching.
“Did you receive the letter alright?”
It was Ethan.
When Cain left for the capital, he had left Ethan and a few other knights behind. Their primary mission was to guard Agatha.
The number of guards for just one Marchioness might seem excessive, but Cain’s will was firm. There were concerns due to the incident with John Calvino and the presence of the Grand Duchess’s people in the residence, so he argued for the increased security.
Of course, Cain wasn’t in a position where he needed to seek approval for his actions, so all his persuasions and explanations were solely for Agatha’s understanding. He wanted to ensure her safety and peace of mind in a situation that he deemed required extra caution.
“Did you receive a letter too, Sir?”
As Agatha casually slipped the letter back into its envelope, she subtly observed Ethan.
She was aware that Cain also sent important letters to Ethan each month alongside hers. While her letters were always filled with similar greetings and mild concerns, Ethan, holding a significant position in the knights, likely received more substantial information.
Agatha was curious about the actual state of the front lines. She wondered if the situation was as secure as Cain’s letters suggested, if the war was indeed turning in favor of the Empire, and ultimately, if Cain would be able to return safely to the capital.
Sensing Agatha’s prying eyes, Ethan quickly checked his letter and then concealed it in his pocket.
“Yes, he just briefly updates me on the situation at the front.”
As expected. Agatha nodded.
“Sir Cain has assured there is nothing to worry about, and that the war is turning in favor of the Empire, is that true?”
“Erm, yes, well, that’s correct,” Ethan replied, but his response was unconvincing. It was neither here nor there, an ambiguous answer that left room for doubt. Suddenly, Ethan hurriedly left the room.
“….Sir Ethan really has no talent for lying.”
Ethan’s retreating figure as he walked away hastily, was suspicious. To anyone observing, it looked like he had received some disconcerting news from Cain and was rushing as a result. This stirred a seed of worry in Agatha’s heart.
What could have happened to Cain? Was the situation on the battlefield not as favorable as he had led her to believe? If that were true, what would she do? The small seed of anxiety quickly grew, filling her mind with concern.
