If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 203

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

The servants of the Count’s mansion hurriedly prepared to welcome the unexpected, important guests. The Count, hastily adjusting his clothes, ordered his attendants to prepare the reception as grandly as possible before nervously making his way downstairs.

Watching everything unfold from above, the Grand Duke instructed his subordinates to thoroughly report back all conversations the Count had with the Kristin family afterward, fearing that the Count Schuck might be secretly scheming behind his back.

Only after Karon’s second loud command, scolding the Count for keeping the Duke waiting so long, did the heavy doors swing open. The Count rushed out, supported by his servants, though his pace was more like that of a toddler taking tentative steps rather than a swift run.

Questions like, “What brings you all the way here? You said I’d never see you again, but it seems you’ve changed your mind,” tumbled from the Count’s lips as he struggled to stand before Agatha.

He then launched into a tedious monologue filled with empty talk about the Kristin name, only pausing when he noticed the knights’ watchful eyes.

Though the Count’s rank and wealth meant he had no reason to fear the knights’ scrutiny, he was far from noble at heart. When faced with those who valued loyalty and purity, he grew uneasy. Perhaps because he knew better than anyone the dark truths lurking within himself.

Standing by the Duke’s side, towering knight Karon’s imposing presence left the Count utterly intimidated.

Once again, Agatha and the Kristin knights entered the Count’s mansion.

“We’re here to reclaim the rights of the Borgia family.”

Agatha had no intention of engaging in lengthy discussion. When the Count gestured for her to sit, she cut straight to the point.

“Excuse me? What do you mean by that…?”

The Count, displeased at seeing such a young woman, barely older than his own daughter, holding her head high and speaking without any formalities, disliked her straightforward tone.

However, as a provincial count, he couldn’t openly show defiance toward the Star of Nikephos. Though blinded by greed and making somewhat foolish decisions, he was still shrewd enough to mask his reluctance and force a smile.

“I am aware that the Count unjustly imposed false debts on many and appropriated wealth. Yet, I shall overlook that and make no issue of it, demanding only the submission of the Viscounty Borgia family.”

“Hah, unjust means and false debts? That’s preposterous.”

Agatha’s blunt choice of words began to crack the Count’s mask of composure. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he quickly tried to regain his composure.

“Duke Kristin, you are mistaken about something. I have never lent money unfairly nor demanded improper compensation.”

“That’s not the kind of answer one would expect from someone who has grown their wealth through usury.”

“Usury? That’s absurd. I never demanded repayment in advance. Those who owe me money came to me first, begging for help.”

“Do you think I would simply take your word without any evidence?”

Cold steel filled Agatha’s voice. The icy determination coming from such a slight figure, barely as tall as his chin, was surprisingly sharp.

The Count cleared his throat, attempting to evade her accusation. Even if she was a young woman, she still bore the Kristin bloodline. The memory of the former Duke’s face kept flashing in the Count’s mind whenever Agatha stared at him, making it hard to meet her gaze directly.

His fortunes had turned sour since the sudden arrival of the Kristin daughter. From that moment, an uneasy feeling lingered. The Grand Duke had appeared and raged at him all day, and now the Kristin daughter had come again, speaking strange things…

It felt as if years of suffering were being compressed into a few days, and the Count grew dizzy.

Agatha’s resolute tone made it clear she had no intention of backing down. The Count quickly weighed his options in his mind.

The debts imposed on Viscounty Borgia were indeed somewhat forced, as Agatha had claimed. It was part of a strategy to neutralize the family that effectively controlled Pahel, bringing it under his influence. He remembered there had been some friction during that process.

But a small, remote family had little recourse to plead their case. At best, they might appeal to the capital’s military command or royal guard to mediate noble disputes, but Pahel was too far for such interventions.

So, the Count had long exploited the desperation of minor nobles too timid to approach the capital and extorted them with usury. He had never imagined that the head of one of the empire’s four great houses would personally come here to mediate.

If the head of Kristin sought to investigate the Count’s misdeeds, no evidence would remain undiscovered. Though dealings with the Grand Duke were conducted with great caution, leaving no trace, the Count’s own abuses were less concealed.

“…What would you have me do?”