If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 270

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

“It’s a little shameful, really. To be relying on my mother for help at my age. I can’t help but feel embarrassed.”

Cain said nothing.

“But you… you seem to know everything that happens in Reden.”

“As acting commander of the Leden Guard, that’s my responsibility.”

“I suppose so. Then I’ll be direct: I need your help.”

Cain had expected this, but the prince was even more straightforward than he’d imagined. Unconsciously, Cain glanced at Christian standing behind the prince, but there was no change in the knight’s expression. He’d clearly known this was coming.

“It is an honor to serve at Your Highness’s command.”

“No, that’s not what I mean. I want you to take my hand and work with me, side by side.”

“I am merely acting as a guard captain. How could I possibly…?”

“I need someone strong, like you.”

“But Your Highness already has strong knights by your side.”

Cain’s answer was partly for Christian’s benefit. After all, a knight trusted enough to be brought to a secret meeting surely deserved such praise. Except for his Calvino bloodline, Christian was, in fact, a remarkable knight. He was objective, reasonable, and deeply loyal.

“I need someone who isn’t publicly known to be mine.”

“So… you’re looking for someone who can move in secret.”

“Exactly. In a palace full of watching eyes, I need someone trustworthy and highly capable—someone who also happens to bear some animosity toward my uncle.”

“And you believe I harbor ill will towards Grand Duke Norfolk?”

“Don’t you?”

This time, Mernich leaned back in his chair, shifting from his earlier posture. He clearly meant to project both ease and authority, as if hinting he knew something about Cain’s hidden history with the Grand Duke.

“How could a mere knight feel anything towards the Grand Duke?”

“We can skip the formalities. There are no listening ears here; let’s be honest. You know as well as I do what my uncle did to the previous Duke Kristin, don’t you?”

It was jarring to hear Kristin’s name spoken aloud in such a place, and in such a voice. Until now, Cain had only seen Mernich as a timid Crown Prince, fearful that his father’s illness might keep him from inheriting the throne smoothly. But something new flashed in his eyes.

How much does he really know? He seemed unaware that the Empress had personally opposed the Grand Duke and Marquis Durer, yet here he was, referencing the Grand Duke’s past with Kristin. Cain was momentarily thrown off by the prince’s surprising knowledge.

“Oh, I suppose that was a mistake.”

The prince added quickly, perhaps hoping for a bigger reaction. When none came, he shifted topics.

“I should make you an offer you can’t refuse, shouldn’t I?”

At his nod, Christian stepped forward, reaching inside his coat for something.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

<I’ll think about it. If I’m worthy…>

That was the awkward answer Cain had given when Agatha asked him to name their child.

Worthy… what did that even mean, besides being a father? It was clear Cain still felt tremendous guilt about how the child had come into being—enough to doubt whether he deserved to name his own son.

“Sweetheart.”

The baby, full and content, drifted off to sleep again. According to Charlotte, babies this calm and well-behaved were exceedingly rare. Some inherited their mothers’ gentle nature, but a child this peaceful was practically a blessing from the gods.

Agatha smiled, stroking the baby’s soft cheek and breathing in the sweet scent of milk, feeling her heart overflow with happiness.

The only regret that lingered was knowing her parents never got to meet their grandchild. But even so, she wasn’t alone—she had Charlotte, Liana, and the loyal people of Kristin, all willing to lay down their lives for her.

But what about Cain? Was he one of hers now?

Gratitude for all she had eventually led her thoughts back to him. The moment he learned about the baby, he’d sworn to protect Agatha and their child at any cost, even his life.

At first, she’d dismissed that promise, thinking it meant little to her now. But nearly a year had passed, and Agatha had to admit that her feelings toward Cain had slowly changed.