If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 89
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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Although she thought she should dismiss it, Agatha couldn’t shake off the sinking feeling. For several months, she struggled with these tormenting emotions without fully understanding what they were.
It led up to her fourth wedding anniversary.
In March of the year 523 by the Imperial calendar, Cain Vernat finally returned to the capital, Leden, leading his knights. It was a temporary return, mandated by the Emperor’s orders.
For the first time since their modest betrothal ceremony, Agatha prepared the mansion for her husband’s return.
Although Teschen and the servants had previously regarded her as nothing more than a figurehead Marchioness, they respected the Marquis himself and followed Agatha’s instructions to meticulously prepare the estate.
What should she say to Cain when she sees him? Agatha thought about this for days.
Should she offer words of comfort for his hard work, or should she casually ask about his well-being as if nothing was amiss?
While she deliberated, she received news that Vernat’s knights had safely arrived in the capital.
After hours of steadying her heart in anticipation of seeing her husband, Agatha was curious about her husband’s whereabouts. She then learned that he had headed straight to the imperial palace before coming to the mansion.
He must report to the Emperor as his duty, so she rationally tried to accept his actions. But a week passed without Cain returning home.
The servants who were sympathetic to the Marchioness was visibly anxious, while Teschen and those from the Grand Ducal household sneered at her who was left alone,
Their glances seem to mock her as an abandoned spouse.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
Immediately upon his return to Leden, Cain received an urgent summons to the imperial palace.
With no time to catch his breath, he went directly to the task. There are mountains to be done but none more pressing than obeying the Emperor’s command.
“Welcome back, Marquis.”
As expected, Joseph was the first to greet him at the palace. Cain responded with a faint smile.
“Have you been well?”
“There’s been no reason not to be.”
“Is it that difficult to respond with a simple ‘I’m fine’?”
“Why are you always nitpicking?”
“I’m just happy to see you after such a long time!”
“You’re still not very good at lying.”
“Who says I’m lying? I truly am glad to see you…”
Joseph finally surrendered to Cain’s indifference as he continued walking without looking back.
“Alright, alright. Just answer one question.”
Joseph looked around, lowering his voice as if about to share a great secret.
“Do you know why His Majesty called you today?”
“I have an idea.”
“Then, is that rumor true?”
Cain didn’t answer. It wouldn’t do any good to spread gossip before meeting the Emperor.
“Cain, have you really lost your mind?”
“No. Unfortunately, I’m perfectly sane.”
“Weren’t you supposed to eliminate the pirates and protect our citizens in the north? Why on earth did you start a reconstruction project?”
“If the sun of our nation neglects his duties, someone has to step in.”
“Shh, watch your words. There are ears everywhere.”
“If you wanted me to watch my words, you shouldn’t have asked such questions in the first place.”
Arguing with Cain was futile. Joseph had never won a verbal spar since their days riding into battle together.
Leaving Joseph behind, Cain hastened to the audience chamber.
This confrontation was inevitable.
Cain’s face hardened as he mentally organized his thoughts.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
“I greet the supreme sun of the Empire, Your Majesty.”
“Take a seat, Cain.”
The Emperor’s face showed clear signs of fatigue. Rumors about Vlahova’s declining health seemed to hold some truth. Cain bowed slightly before taking his seat.
“You must have a lot to say to me.”
It seemed that Vlahova had more to say than Cain did. As the Emperor’s lips moved slightly, then stilled with a firm resolve, Cain noticed that the Emperor’s commanding presence had waned significantly.
“Go ahead, explain yourself.”
The Emperor glared. His face flushing as he scrutinized Cain’s expression, trying to gauge his reaction.
It was understandable that the Emperor was displeased. According to intelligence reports, Cain had initiated a reconstruction project in the borderlands unilaterally.
Cain’s mission was to defend the border and eliminate the pirates, not to embark on a reconstruction and restoration project. Acting independently on such matters could potentially lead to accusations of treason.
Cain, however, was not one to act recklessly or without consideration.
He couldn’t help but see the resemblance between Cain and Duke Kristin. As much as he tried to avoid the comparison, Cain was increasingly mirroring the late Duke’s demeanor.
Vlahova found this realization distasteful, a bitter reminder lingering in his mouth.
He recalled an incident from four years ago.
Cain, in front of everyone, had humiliated Vlahova’s only daughter, Princess Alexandra. Cain then boldly approached Vlahova, declaring his intention to marry Duke Kristin’s daughter, who had been a thorn in his eye.
