If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 177

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Lehman, dressed in casual clothes instead of his armor, hurriedly finished his task and returned to the wagon. The black cross-shaped mark he left was placed on the underside of the wagon Rubens was riding in.

After confirming that it was the Bruden Trading Company’s wagons, the Imperial Guard soldiers allowed them to pass through.

“Wait, stop!”

Cain’s driver, chasing after the suddenly moving wagons, raised his whip, but the Imperial Guard soldiers stopped Cain’s wagon.

“Show us your permit. Which company do you belong to?”

While the inspection was happening, the wagons from the trading company started moving farther away.

He can’t let them get away this early. Cain nervously looked out the window.

“Sir, do you wish to reveal your identity?”

“If I keep showing my permit and getting it checked, we’ll lose track of them.”

Ignoring Lehman’s plea, Cain opened the window. There was no better way to prove his identity than showing his own face.

“Mar, Marquis Vernat!”

“Shh. We’re on a secret mission, so lower your voice.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The Imperial Guard soldiers recognized Cain immediately as the commander of the guard. Using his secret mission excuse, Cain quickly passed the inspection after silencing the soldiers.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

For the first time in a long while, there was a lively atmosphere in the Imperial Palace. The Emperor hosted a banquet to celebrate the birth of Crown Prince Mernich’s son.

Since Princess Alexandra left for marriage to a foreign country, there had been little joyous news from the palace, so Emperor Vlahova, in his excitement, ordered a lavish banquet in celebration.

Throughout the banquet, Emperor Vlahova proudly held his grandson, singing joyfully about how much he resembled him. Although the newborn, now 100 days old, had no resemblance to the Emperor, the guests played along with the Emperor’s joy.

The Emperor’s happiness could be seen from the guest list. Even Grand Duke Norfolk, who had been mostly sidelined and whose life had barely been spared, was invited to the banquet to celebrate the birth of the Crown Prince’s son.

It had been a long time since the Grand Duke had entered the palace. With his arrival, the imperial family members at the party began whispering among themselves.

After all, the Emperor had once decisively weakened the Grand Duke’s power. What could be the Emperor’s intention in inviting him back into the fold?

On the surface, it seemed like the Emperor simply invited as many family members as possible to celebrate the birth of his grandson, but the imperial family members, who knew well that Emperor Vlahova was not someone to act emotionally, suspected there was more to his invitation for Grand Duke Norfolk.

“Your Majesty, the majestic sun of Nikephos, I greet you.”

“It’s been a while.”

The tone with which the greeting was received was surprisingly warm, but Vlahova’s gaze remained fixed on his grandson, who was cradled in his arms. The Emperor didn’t even look at him while accepting the greeting.

The Grand Duke, feeling insulted by the neglect, lowered his head and his upper lip twitched in frustration.

“It’s been a while, Uncle.”

Next, it was Crown Prince Mernich, who greeted the Grand Duke. He was seated next to the Emperor.

“Yes, it’s been a while.”

The smile on the Crown Prince’s face was gentle. Unlike his father, the Emperor, Mernich had a calm and kind nature, rarely showing signs of anger. The palace attendants often praised him, saying that his noble birth also reflected in his virtuous character.

But the Grand Duke had a different opinion.

Unlike the Emperor and the Duke, who had to fight for their lives every day growing up, Mernich had been the Emperor’s only son. He had never known the fear of losing the throne, and having been loved by everyone, it was hard to imagine any anger or resentment inside him.

The Grand Duke always held a negative view of his nephew, thinking, A lucky child who was born and lived his life in happiness.

Moreover, the Grand Duke and the Emperor both shared similar thoughts regarding Mernich’s temperament. Vlahova believed his son’s nature wouldn’t help him rule the Empire or control his subjects. To govern and lead vassals, mere kindness wouldn’t be enough.

There were whispers among the people comparing the Crown Prince with Cain Vernat.

The two were often compared because of their similar ages—Mernich, born to noble blood, and Cain, who, aside from his lineage, possessed everything one could ask for. Despite being regularly compared to someone outside the imperial family, Mernich seemed to hold Cain’s authority and influence in high regard, even recognizing it.

Though his father was displeased with this, Mernich’s inherent nature was something beyond his control.

“By the way, I don’t see Marquis Vernat.”

Cain, who was once common even at exclusive royal events, was now absent. The Grand Duke quickly scanned the banquet hall, wondering if he had missed him.

“The Marquis couldn’t attend.”

Vlahova finally looked at the Grand Duke after handing his grandson to the nanny. The Grand Duke couldn’t help but smirk inwardly at the Emperor’s most stable expression in years.

“Why isn’t he at Your Majesty’s side? With the war over and his return to the capital, he surely has no reason to be so busy.”

“I made him take on the role of acting commander of the Reden Guard. He’s quite busy.”