If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 211

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

The servant’s face showed disbelief at why such a high-ranking nobleman would show him this kindness. As he looked blankly up at Cain, he quickly bowed his head to avoid eye contact.

“There’s something you must do for me first.”

Just as expected. The excitement in his chest deflated abruptly.

“There must be documents within the estate that record the Count’s usurious loans. Find those…”

Even if he dies, all the evil deeds he committed must be fully exposed. Cain’s eyes hardened into a cold glare as he spoke.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Only two days remained before their return to the capital. The Kristin knights busily loaded goods onto the ship. They had used carriages coming south but would use a different means on the way back.

Though moving inland would allow a more direct and faster route from the south to the central capital, they couldn’t predict what dangers might arise along the way.

Instead, by traveling by ship, they could follow the coastline westward from the south, then transfer to carriages in Arta and safely reach the capital.

That was why merchants at the harbor were practically emptied of food and daily necessities. Since they had to stay aboard the ship for two or three months, they needed to stock slightly more supplies than necessary.

“Is the Vernat Knights not departing together?”

Agatha was chatting with Liana, who was helping carry luggage for her, when Charlotte’s surprised voice rang out from a distance, and she turned to look. Charlotte was talking with Lehman.

“Why aren’t they leaving together?”

“They say there is business to settle here in the south before leaving Pahel. It seems the Marquis must fulfill imperial orders.”

“What kind of duty is so important that they must send the Miss ahead by ship alone?”

“We don’t know what the duty is, especially if it was an order directly from His Majesty.”

Charlotte appeared visibly upset, unable to understand why Cain wouldn’t accompany Agatha.

That was understandable. During their stay here, Cain had been quick to move and resolve anything concerning Agatha, attending to her every move as if she was the most important person in the world.

Yet now, when she needs his protection most, he’s not accompanying her. Charlotte, who secretly hoped for their reunion, felt betrayed.

“We won’t leave together, but the Marquis will rejoin aboard the fast ship in five days.”

“Still…”

The problem was once she left by ship, it would be irreversible. Despite Lehman’s calm explanations, Charlotte couldn’t fully grasp the situation and her dissatisfaction lingered.

She had no way of knowing Cain’s plan to separate Agatha as much as possible before dealing with Count Schuck here.

Cain’s plan was to expose the Count’s decades-long tyranny, then stage his execution disguised as a rebellion by the oppressed common folk of the south.

A violent storm was brewing, and Agatha couldn’t be left in such a place. Nor could Cain rest knowing her carriage was moving in the south where the Grand Duke was lurking.

Of course, the Kristin knights would escort her, but Cain felt he could only rest if he personally guarded her with his own eyes and arms.

Using the ship was the best option for a safe journey. Considering Agatha’s condition, the ship she boarded could not move fast.

So, while her ship slowly sailed westward, Cain would remain here to deal with the Count, then board the fast ship to catch up with Agatha’s party.

Unaware of Cain’s true feelings, Charlotte felt betrayed by him after all she hoped for their reunion.

Eventually, Agatha quietly urged them to stop worrying about the Vernat knights chasing after them and focus on their own way, but Charlotte’s disappointed expression was hard to hide.

Two days passed.

During that time, the Kristin knights transferred all their belongings aboard the ship and informed Agatha that departure time had come.

Escorted by Karon and Rubens from front and rear, and supported by Charlotte and Liana on either side, Agatha boarded the ship.

If they moved quickly, they could reach Arta in two months. At worst, it would take no more than three months.

If lucky, they could arrive at the capital before the child’s due date. If unlucky, Agatha might have to give birth in Arta. But either way, it was better than moving around Pahel. She certainly couldn’t endure three months of carriage travel with a newborn.

Once aboard, Agatha glanced back unconsciously, searching for Cain who had not come to see her off.

Even if she looked, he would not be visible.

She withdrew her gaze.