If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 182

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

While staying in Arta, fewer than thirty knights of Kristin had gathered to protect Agatha.

The key figures who were not already part of the Vernat Knights after Agatha’s marriage to Cain had already joined under Cain’s leadership. The knights who remained with her were the maximum number Agatha could gather at the moment.

Through them, she would need to recruit and train apprentice knights and squires to establish a new order of Kristin’s knights. One of her main tasks after returning to the capital would be the rebuilding of the Kristin Knights.

However, for now, the priority was ensuring the safe birth of the child growing inside her. Regardless of whether it was a boy or girl, this child would become an important figure who would carry on Kristin’s legacy. Had Agatha not left Cain, she might have become Young Marquis Vernat, but…

Agatha set the tea cup down. The morning sickness that had tormented her all day had disappeared, replaced by an unrelenting craving for sweets. Compared to before her pregnancy, she had clearly gained weight.

Charlotte had insisted that it was still too early to call her pregnant, saying that no one would think of her as such and that she needed to gain more weight. However, Agatha had been feeling unusually heavy and uncomfortable in her body lately.

Looking down at her belly, she thought to herself, “If I gain more weight, I might just start rolling around on the floor.”

Of course, given her small frame, even if she gained more weight, it would likely just look normal and not make her feel puffy. Charlotte added more honey to Agatha’s tea.

“Count Schuck’s people have come by again.”

After a hearty meal and a brief tea time, Karon arrived. It had been five days since their brief outing when they encountered the mercenaries, and Agatha had been holed up in the mansion ever since.

Count Schuck’s people came every day, inviting Agatha to his residence.

Having met the head of one of the most prestigious families in the empire by chance, it was understandable that he didn’t want to miss the opportunity. While Agatha understood the desire to meet and build a connection, she had no intention of accepting the invitation.

“Why do they keep coming, even after I’ve turned them down?”

“No matter how powerful he is, he can never compare to the name of Kristin. He can’t influence the central region where the capital is, so this is their attempt to build a relationship with you”

The most influential figure in the south, Count Schuck. Even if she politely met him and got to know him, it wouldn’t hurt Kristin’s name. However, Agatha had no intention of responding to his invitation, not because of the family’s power or influence, but because she had heard concerning things about the Count’s character.

Count Schuck had an adequate level of friendship with Agatha’s father.

Though Agatha didn’t know the full details, she was aware that after the conquest war, there had been some sort of connection between Duke Kristin and Count Schuck. This was something she had learned while studying the noble archives and her family’s history in preparation to inherit the title of Duke.

According to that information, Count Schuck was a man Agatha would never wish to associate with.

For a mere night of pleasure, he had no qualms about engaging in human trafficking and prostitution. Agatha couldn’t understand how her father, who had interacted with such a man, could have tolerated that.

However, as she learned the hard lessons of leadership and the necessity of occasionally putting aside personal feelings in order to form alliances, she came to understand her father’s actions.

“It’s no use sending them away; they’ll come back tomorrow. Shouldn’t we try something? Otherwise, he might even come find us directly.”

That point was valid. To gain influence in the capital, it would certainly be beneficial for Count Schuck to establish ties with Kristin, and as long as Agatha stayed here, he would likely keep trying to meet her. Agatha finished her brief thought and then spoke to Karon.

“Please tell the Count’s men to convey this: I will visit the Count myself at an appropriate time, so please stop sending people until then.”

“You intend to visit the Count directly?”

“For now, it’ll be enough to say that. He won’t come to us if he knows I will see him first.”

“Understood. I’ll relay the message.”

“Oh, and… any news from Rubens?”

“No, there’s still no news about any new outsiders arriving in Pahel.”

“I see. Alright then.”

Would they arrive today? Or tomorrow?

It had been nearly six months since Agatha last saw Liana. While Charlotte had been her emotional support, Agatha still felt uneasy about leaving Liana behind in the capital.

She couldn’t help but wonder if she had made the right decision by sending Liana off, feeling guilty that she might have made her lonely and struggling by punishing the Grand Duchess’ servants.

“Don’t worry, miss. Liana will arrive safely. She’s with Sir Rubens, after all.”

Charlotte quickly reassured her, knowing full well Agatha’s feelings. Agatha nodded. Yes, Liana was with Rubens, and there shouldn’t be any problems.

“Shall we take a walk now?”

Their short tea time was over, and it was time for their usual afternoon stroll after meals. Charlotte got up to collect the tea cups, and Agatha followed suit.

That night, Karon received news that a foreigner had arrived in Pahel. It was the long-awaited message.