Chapter 43
IV.
Everything had been going smoothly. Logan was more satisfied than ever. There were many things to take care of because the schedule had been pushed forward tightly, but it was worth enduring. Once the wedding date was set, detailed discussions began in earnest.
Just when it seemed a decision might be finalized at any moment, the process suddenly slowed down. It wasn’t entirely strange. The Avery family must have had their own plans as well.
The day Logan sensed something was wrong was one morning, while he was resting in his bedroom, several letters arrived. He recognized the names written on the envelopes. Shops where he had recently placed special orders. Logan immediately opened them.
“We hope this letter does not cause offense…”
The senders were all different, but the contents were almost identical. Each began with cautious greetings and then asked whether the order was still valid. Logan couldn’t understand. Unless they had failed to secure the materials, shouldn’t they simply prepare the goods?
He handed the letters to the attendant standing beside him.
“What is this?”
The attendant respectfully received them. After skimming them, he made a troubled expression. Logan frowned as if pressing him. The attendant lowered his head deeply and answered.
“It seems the shops sent these to confirm.”
“Confirm what.”
“I do not know, sir.”
The attendant closed his mouth tightly. But his expression clearly suggested he knew something more. Logan ran a hand through his hair in irritation.
Those who served the royal household had to keep their mouths tightly shut, and that applied both inside and outside the palace. Anything that could become a crime just by being spoken was never said. He could threaten and force it out, but he had no desire to torment a powerless attendant.
Clutching the letters, Logan headed straight for his office. The aide guarding the empty room jumped in surprise the moment he saw him.
“Oh, you’re here, Your Highness.”
The reaction was like someone caught stealing. It was obvious everyone knew except him. Throwing the bundle of letters onto the desk, Logan said,
“Read them.”
“Yes? Yes.”
Benjamin picked up the letters. As his eyes moved down the lines, his expression changed moment by moment. Logan asked as if probing,
“What do you think this means?”
“Well…”
Benjamin’s eyes rolled around. Logan slammed his hand down on the desk.
“What is it?”
Benjamin was at a loss for how to handle the situation. In the past, the prince had usually become furious over anything related to Anne Agnes. Recently, however, he had been excited, practically dreaming about married life with her. In short, if he told the truth now, it was obvious Logan would lose control.
But it wasn’t something that could be hidden. There was an order from the queen not to speak of it yet, but staying silent felt like betraying the prince. He would learn the truth sooner or later anyway.
The soft-hearted aide finally opened his mouth.
“Well, it’s just… that is, His Majesty… no, Her Majesty…”
At the mention of Her Majesty, Logan’s eyes sharpened further. Benjamin squeezed his eyes shut and continued.
“The wedding has been canceled…”
“What?”
Logan’s eyes widened. What kind of bolt from the blue was this. Until recently, the queen had been satisfied, saying the marriage would soon take place. Naturally, Logan’s suspicion turned not toward the palace, but elsewhere.
“Duke Avery. Did he demand it?”
“No. That’s not it.”
“Then why.”
As Logan pressed again and again, Benjamin grew even more troubled. He should have kept his mouth shut from the beginning.
“I cannot say anything beyond this.”
“Have you confirmed that you’re getting a second life?”
“Why are you like this!”
When words didn’t work, he went straight to threats. Unable to hold back his frustration, Benjamin’s shoulders shook. You should’ve treated her properly from the start. With that handsome face of yours, how could you fail to hold onto a woman’s heart.
Still, he held onto one small assurance. No matter what he said, the prince wouldn’t take his anger out on him. With a sigh, Benjamin spoke again.
“There are already rumors spreading outside. Lady Avery, that is… ha, why do you have to ask me of all people…”
Stammering, Benjamin revealed everything he knew. Sighs slipped out between his words. It wasn’t something one could talk about with a clear mind.
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