If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 261

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

According to the marriage contract between Agatha and Cain, their first child would become the heir to the ducal house, while any subsequent children would be heirs to the marquisate.

When she first agreed to these terms and signed the contract, Agatha hadn’t really imagined she’d ever have a child with him, so she hadn’t thought much of it.

Now, it seemed Cain was following the contract’s terms, making no claim whatsoever to rights over their first child—the young duke. Agatha herself felt neither displeased nor disappointed by this.

Still, the reason she hadn’t yet named the baby was because she wanted to choose the perfect name together with Cain—as the child’s father, it only felt right. It was almost funny, in a way.

After all, she was the one who’d drafted the divorce papers and insisted on breaking the marriage contract, yet here she was, thinking about its contents.

It had already been over a week since she’d resolved to discuss the baby’s name with Cain.

Today, she really will… Agatha brushed her hand gently over her sleeping baby’s head, nestled in her arms.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Restoring Teschen to her former appearance after over a year in prison was, as expected, no easy task.

One week simply wasn’t enough. It took well over two weeks before Teschen even slightly resembled her old self as head maid. She still looked much thinner than before, but since the Grand Duke’s household surely knew she’d spent time in prison, Cain figured that was acceptable.

After Teschen was safely placed in the Grand Duke’s residence, a few more days passed. She hadn’t sent any real information yet, but Cain was content to wait a little longer.

No matter how flighty the Grand Duchess’s reputation might be, she wasn’t foolish enough to immediately spill secrets to a servant returning after such a long absence.

“It’s been a while, Commander.”

Cain immediately knew who had arrived from the familiar voice. He looked up.

“Ethan.”

“You look well, sir.”

Ethan flashed his usual boyish smile—a bright, genuine expression, truly glad to see his old commander again.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s my pleasure, sir.”

While Cain had been away from the capital, Ethan had been handling all his affairs and keeping busy. Even after Cain returned to Arta and then to the capital, he hadn’t seen Ethan.

Ethan had been occupied with his duties as city guard commander, resolving disputes on the northern borders.

Ethan was an excellent, loyal knight. Cain didn’t ask too many questions; he trusted Ethan’s abilities, and had already received reports from Lehman and the others about what Ethan had managed in his absence.

“Congratulations on the birth of the young marquis.”

Ethan said, bowing formally. Not knowing the exact details of Agatha and Cain’s marriage contract, he clearly assumed Cain’s son would inherit the Vernat title. Cain managed a bitter smile.

“Thank you, but actually, he’ll be the heir to Kristin, not Vernat.”

“Sir? Why is that…?”

“Agatha is the head of the Kristin family. Naturally, her son should inherit that title.”

“But he’s also the son of Marquis Vernat.”

Ethan looked genuinely puzzled. In the empire’s history, there had been couples where both husband and wife held titles, but without exception, the eldest son would inherit the father’s title.

Ethan had simply assumed that would be the case for this couple as well.

Cain simply looked at Ethan, offering no further explanation. That was the agreement and Agatha risked her life to bring this child into the world. The choice is hers. But Ethan clearly didn’t quite understand.

“So, then—would any children born after this one be your heirs, Commander?”

Cain’s hands stilled. He’d never really considered that possibility. Could there ever be another child between him and Agatha? It seemed unlikely. Still, the words—’any children born after this’—lingered in Cain’s mind far longer than he expected.

“Let’s get back to your report on the border.”

“Oh, yes, Commander.”

Cain reminded Ethan of his visit. Ethan cleared his throat and began his belated report.

“There’s been suspicious activity in one of the three cities along the northern border near Leden’s walls.”

“Which one?”

“Ganam.”

“What kind of suspicious activity?”

“Ganam stretches northeast, a region of harsh mountains and high stone walls—so most citizens can’t live there. Since it’s largely uninhabited, few supplies are ever sent in, and wagon deliveries are rare—just a handful of times per year.”

“And?”