If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 205

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

The Count bowed deeply, pressing his forehead almost to the ground, and secured a half-day grace period. The Grand Duke warned him not to have any foolish thoughts because by evening, he would demand an answer. Only then did the Grand Duke release the Count.

Soon after suspecting that the Kristin family intended to return to the capital, the Count sent mercenaries to check on the situation at the port, and to observe the atmosphere on the island where Kristin’s daughter had stayed.

Since the town was quite small, the mercenaries quickly returned with the information the Count wanted. It was just within half a day.

“So the Kristins are planning to leave here?”

“Yes. It seemed like they urgently needed to wrap up something here, so I sent mercenaries to investigate. The merchants at the port said the guests staying at the Borgia mansion have been buying large amounts of food and light clothing over the past few days. What do you think that means? They’re preparing to leave, packing provisions and comfortable clothes.”

The Count was clearly frustrated at being underestimated as someone who could only handle money but lacked capability. He promptly gave a detailed report of what he had uncovered. It was information gathered by putting his keen observation skills, his only real advantage.

The Grand Duke’s expression darkened after hearing that the Kristin party was leaving Pahel. Their departure meant that Cain Vernat would leave as well. The Grand Duke had planned to nip any trouble in the bud while Vernat was still in the area.

But this unexpected variable had complicated matters.

“If Kristin leaves, Vernat will leave too. You should have listened to me earlier…!”

The Grand Duke’s simmering anger, despite briefly quelling, flared up like wildfire again, causing sweat to pour down the Count’s forehead.

Was the only thing this lumbering man capable of doing to shake his heavy body and sweat profusely? Deep furrows that seemed impossible to smooth out formed between the Grand Duke’s brows.

“There’s no more time. Today ends your chance to think things over. Whether you send mercenaries or take any other action, start planning how to eliminate Vernat.”

“Y-Your Grace…”

The order, which the Count had tried to push far away out of fear of backlash, had finally landed right in front of him. He hesitated, searching for a reply. But if he resisted the command again, the Grand Duke would show no mercy.

What was he to do? The Count’s clothes were soaked through with sweat.

“No. If I leave this to you, you’ll lose Vernat before you even finalize a plan…”

It would be better if you just give up the plan, the Count anxiously awaited the Grand Duke’s next words.

“Me and my men will devise the plan. You hand over all your mercenaries to me.”

“E-excuse me?”

“Why? Do you intend to personally go after Vernat and kill him?”

“N-no, I will do as you command. Take them all and use them however you see fit, Your Grace.”

At least he might be able to step aside from the assassination of Cain Vernat. If he had to manage everything from planning to execution, he risked getting scapegoated alone. But with the Grand Duke personally taking charge, it was actually fortunate. The Count’s eyes darted nervously in every direction.

The Grand Duke could clearly read the Count’s thoughts.

‘What a petty little man.’

He briefly reconsidered his relationship with the Count, but knowing it was pointless to undo what was already done, he let the thought go.

By now, they shared too many secrets. He might consider confiscating the Count’s fortune and eliminating him, but recklessly crossing him would bring nothing but trouble.

If he could remove all threats and seize the chance to reclaim the throne, then he could deal with the Count later. The Grand Duke withdrew his sharp gaze from the Count.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

The mansion buzzed with activity as preparations to depart were underway. Charlotte’s excited voice echoed through the halls.

Having received the documents proving the Borgia family’s reinstatement, she couldn’t contain her joy and pulled Agatha into a sudden hug. Agatha lost her balance and stumbled, but was caught simultaneously by three large figures; Karon, Rubens, and Cain.

Charlotte scolded asking if she would really hurt Agatha, Karon and Rubens coughed awkwardly, but Cain remained stoic.

The brief commotion ended, and the knights busied themselves with their duties. Some packed luggage without missing a thing, others checked all necessary supplies for travel, and some prepared their weapons to ensure Agatha’s safety during the journey.

Amid all this bustle, only Cain stood still beside Agatha, motionless.

Feeling uncomfortable with Cain’s stone-like presence, Agatha subtly gave him a look.

“Why are you just standing there? Why aren’t you gathering your weapons like the others?”

It was a reproach. Asking why he, too, a knight, was standing idle.

“Sharpening weapons now, just before leaving, means you’re an unseasoned knight. I am always prepared to respond immediately should a battle break out, Agatha.”