What I Gained by Giving My Body - Chapter 3.15

“Since Her Highness the Princess has already proclaimed her purpose for coming here, if I, the Archduke’s fiancée, die or am seriously injured, the culprit will be obvious.”

“…….”

“It’s the same even if I go missing. Who would have caused me to go missing? Will people really not notice? His Grace the Archduke will try to find me no matter what.”

Princess Adelheid’s response came a beat late.

“……How arrogant. Seeing you speak like that, you must have completely bewitched the Archduke.”

She tried her best to act calm, but she couldn’t help her voice growing harsh with anger.

“But think about it. How long will the Archduke’s heart remain with you? You mentioned a few years earlier? From what I see, it’s only a few months. From then on, no matter what I do to you, no one will care.”

“Then you can vent your anger on me a few months later.”

Caitlyn shot back at the Princess. This woman was the type she hated most. Every word she spat, every action she took, was aimed at pressuring the opponent to gain an unfair advantage.

‘They are a well-matched pair, though.’

Roxias Akbar was like this too. Caitlyn truly prayed that her prophecy would disappear soon and the two of them would be together. Looking at it, Archduke Akbar needed someone like Princess Adelheid.

Even if Archduke Akbar were to suddenly leave for the world of the gods as he had mentioned before, Princess Adelheid would not be affected at all. Rather, as an Archduchess who became a widow, she could marry someone even more to her liking. Since there would be no reason to covet the Empress’s seat, there would be no war either. It was a direction that benefited everyone.

‘……Should I push them together?’

Caitlyn gnawed on her lip. Strangely, the thought of Princess Adelheid sitting beside the Archduke made her stomach churn. Perhaps it was because she didn’t want to personally help someone as arrogant as the Princess get what she wanted. Thinking so, Caitlyn waited for the Princess’s reaction.

“Ridiculous.”

An unexpected answer came back.

“You really think you’re the greatest, don’t you?”

“I’m not sure what you mean by that.”

When Caitlyn answered stiffly, a strange smile appeared on Princess Adelheid’s face.

“There are kids like you. Fools who, despite being born low, think they’re standing on top of everyone else.”

The Princess’s voice became soft again. A bad feeling washed over her. It was because Adelheid had definitely thought of something. And in a direction unfavorable to Caitlyn.

“I did some investigation. I heard you have a younger brother who could die any day?”

“……!”

Caitlyn’s entire body froze. She could endure any threat directed at her, but Edward was different. What Roxias Akbar wanted was her. Not Edward.

Even if Princess Adelheid killed Edward, he wouldn’t even blink. On the other hand, she would…… have to continue sharing her body with him just to save Leslie. Yes, this was a threat Princess Adelheid was highly likely to actually carry out.

“If a brother who’s suffering from an incurable disease dies, it would be sad, but not very surprising. Wouldn’t you say, Eugenia?”

“It could be called the natural order.”

Eugenia nodded with a satisfied face. Caitlyn opened her mouth, then closed it again. Because she realized there was nothing she could do. Was the only saving grace the certainty that her brother had a few more years to live? Even so, what if they fed him poison and he had to linger on in even worse health?

Caitlyn would never be able to forgive herself.

“……What is it you want.”

“Now we’re communicating.”

Princess Adelheid broke into a wide grin. It was a laugh that looked almost frivolous.

“Get away from the Archduke as quickly as possible. Even if it’s impossible to break off the engagement immediately, if your bodies are far apart, your hearts will also grow distant.”

“…….”

Caitlyn couldn’t bring herself to say it. That the Archduke’s purpose was only her body. So, breaking off the engagement would actually be easier, but her body at least had to remain by his side.

“Do you need money? I will pay all the necessary funds. If you want, I can even bring a doctor to look at your brother. You must know that Solaritian medical arts are far superior, don’t you?”

“……I will try.”

“No.”

The Princess shook her head.

“Write a letter to the Archduke right here. And from this moment on, you are to go into hiding. You’ve finally realized you were in a position that was beyond your station.”

“His Grace will not believe it.”

“Yes, of course he won’t believe it.”

The Princess chuckled.

“Archduke Akbar is no fool. But didn’t I tell you? If the bodies are far apart, the hearts will also grow distant.”

“…….”

Because he needed that very body, Archduke Akbar would search the entire continent to find her. Caitlyn swallowed hard. Princess Adelheid was demanding something she couldn’t fulfill. But…….

‘If it’s for Edward.’

It might be better to just endure the Archduke’s wrath. There was also the option of playing along with the Princess for now and then contacting the Archduke.

“Where do you plan to send me?”

“You don’t need to know.”

The Princess answered coldly.