Chapter 19. The Price of Silence

When I replied politely, a smile appeared on Ayla’s lips.

Christopher was a sociable person. Perhaps because I was Aster’s fiancée, he always welcomed me warmly, and I was grateful. Ayla said,

“Did you check the guest list I gave you last time?”

“Yes. I memorized the details of the individuals you underlined, especially.”

“That’s commendable. Understanding your counterpart’s situation is crucial for a conversation. Knowing what they like and what topics to avoid makes it much easier to continue a dialogue.”

“Thanks to you, I was able to obtain valuable information easily.”

Such information was hard to come by unless one had deep connections in the social circles. Especially for someone like me, who was just entering the social scene, it was invaluable.

Even though Ayla Letia had left the capital for recuperation, her past fame as a socialite flower remained.

Thus, many tried to bring her in as a chaperone.

“Many people want to meet you in advance, knowing I’ll be your chaperone.”

“I’m willing to meet anyone you recommend, Mrs Ayla.”

“No, there’s no need to greet every noble before the debutante. It might give an impression of being too easy. It’s better to selectively meet only those necessary.”

Ayla smiled and handed me an invitation. The familiar seal on the gold-embossed card caught my eye.

“This is the seal of the Vogt family.”

“That’s right. It’s a prestigious family from which the Emperor’s guards are traditionally selected. Their son is having a birthday celebration. Making an impression there will be very beneficial.”

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve received a precious invitation.”

The Vogt family, even among the counts, was quite influential. Being a family favored by the Emperor, it held power comparable to a marquisate.

Just as I was thinking it would be good to know them, Ayla said,

“Oh, by the way, the young duke of Blanche was also invited. You go together.”

I was surprised and asked again when Aster was suddenly mentioned.

“What? The young duke of Blanche has connections with the Vogt family?”

“Oh, didn’t you know? The second son of the Vogt family and the young duke were schoolmates during their studies abroad. They were in the same swordsmanship department.”

“Ah.”

Now that I thought about it, I had heard that the second son of Count Vogt had also studied abroad. Since he was around Aster’s age, it made sense they were academy mates.

They must have crossed paths frequently, since they’re both from Ahivith. Given that he received an invitation, they seemed to be quite close.

‘He’s unexpectedly well-connected.’

I thought he had no interest in social circles since he rarely came to the capital, but it was quite the opposite.

From the Letia family to the Vogt family. If these connections were intentional, they were meticulous; if not, then he was incredibly fortunate.

‘In the first place, studying abroad was all to gain power.’

Considering what he said last time, it was likely intentional. His words about gaining power weren’t just empty talk.

I wondered why he stayed in Ahivith for so long, but it seemed studying abroad was a challenge, not an escape for him.

‘In my world, it’s eat or be eaten.’

Now, I understood a bit of what Aster had said.

Aster Blanche didn’t return to Ahivith out of boredom. Perhaps he was finally starting the hunt to take over Blanche.

It seemed natural for the Duchess of Blanche and her children to feel uneasy. Given his actions since his return, they were bound to be tense.

Wanting to break off my engagement with Aster was likely an extension of this anxiety.

Even though the Francis family was an enemy, they must have thought it would give Aster even greater wings.

‘The more I see, the more I want him.’

To uncover the truth hidden by the Blanche family, I needed to be deeply involved with them.

Initially, I had no intention of approaching him through marriage. After all, he was still a Blanche, so I thought he wouldn’t be much different from them.

I considered the risk of tying myself to him through marriage and causing harm to my family too great, so I had ruled it out. But now, the young duke of Blanche seemed like a crucial joker in my plans.

The problem was that he seemed to have genuine feelings for me. I wasn’t cunning enough to deceive and use someone who was sincere. On the other hand, proposing a contract marriage outright seemed too hasty.

‘Yes. There’s still a month of exploration ahead.’

With my thoughts organized, I focused on the conversation with Ayla.

“I’ll be going now.”

Ayla bid farewell with a pleased expression. She was as agreeable an adult as I had hoped.

I considered myself lucky to have someone like her as a chaperone and saw her off.

“Yes. I’ll visit you next time.”

“Alright.”

Ayla smiled warmly and boarded her carriage.

As I watched her carriage leave the castle from a distance, another carriage arrived. It was the one I had prepared in advance for my next destination.

“Everything is ready.”

The coachman opened the door, and I boarded the carriage, saying,

“To the penthouse on 1st Street.”

As soon as I finished speaking, the carriage picked up speed.

* * *

Upon arriving at the penthouse, a familiar face waved to signal her location. It was Helen Blanche.

I never thought the day would come when I would meet her by appointment.

The thought of all that had happened made me sigh. I lifted the veil on my hat and sat down.

“You’re here early.”

“You’re still punctual as ever. Never late, not even once.”

“And you’re here early for a change. You’re usually late.”

Feeling quite nervous, aren’t you?

Helen snorted at my probing words.

“Hmph! You don’t know what you’re talking about. I can be punctual if I want to.”

Helen replied curtly, but there was a hint of restlessness. She must have been on edge since the tracking device was discovered at the scene.

Moreover, Paris had been kicked out of Francis Castle, thrown out by Aster himself. She must have had a lot on her mind.

I got straight to the point without any preamble.

“You sent Paris to the castle, didn’t you?”

“You didn’t keep your promise either. Weren’t you supposed to break off the engagement with Aster?”

“You made the decision on your own and left. I never agreed to it.”

When I replied flatly, Helen bit her lower lip. She seemed anxious that I wasn’t negative about the engagement.

I asked the question I had been curious about all along.

“Why are you so desperate to break off the engagement?”

“Because I don’t want you marrying into our family.”

“Is that really the reason?”

“What?”

“It seems to me there’s another reason.”

“What other reason!”

At my probing words, Helen stammered, her lips moving soundlessly. Her overly sensitive reaction suggested she was indeed hiding something.

I crossed my arms and continued.

“Fine. Even if that is the reason, I have no obligation to comply.”

Helen remained silent at my cold remark, seemingly afraid of making a wrong move.

Of course, I wasn’t about to let it go. I shifted the topic to something I knew would scare her the most.

“By the way, does the Duke of Blanche know about you and your brother’s antics? From what I hear, he’s in favor of our marriage. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to know you and Paris are constantly interfering.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Threatening? I’m just stating facts. Was it you or Paris who planted the tracking device?”

“What does that matter!”

Helen raised her voice, almost as if to cover her guilt. Her loud, booming voice made me frown.

“Of all people, you can’t be the one. This marriage won’t do you any good either.”

“What do you mean, I can’t be the one?”

“……! I mean, I don’t want to be related to the Francis family.”

It was the same old excuse again. When I let out a hollow laugh, Helen’s eyes wavered.

Her evasive gaze suggested she was hiding something. I spoke with suspicion.

“You’re hiding something, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m not!”

Helen’s voice cracked as she bent forward to whisper. Her cautious tone was a stark contrast to her earlier shouting.

“Camilla, just listen to me. Don’t regret it later.”

“The more you tell me not to, the more curious I get.”

I retorted with a lazy smile, making Helen frown. Realizing that words weren’t working, she stood up in frustration.

“Anyway, I warned you!”

“Wait.”

I grabbed Helen’s arm and made her sit down. She looked at me with surprised eyes. I smiled leisurely at her.

“I didn’t meet you just to hear your side, Helen.”

“What?”

“You seem to be mistaken. I’m in control of this meeting, not you.”

“In control?”

“Did you forget? I was threatening you just now.”

“You said it wasn’t a threat!”

“No, it was a threat.”

Helen’s face turned pale at my sinister smile. She quickly grasped the situation, having experienced my wrath before.

Resting my chin on my hand, I spoke in a sweet voice.

“It seems Aster hasn’t reported the tracking device to the Duke, but I’m not as gentlemanly as him.”

“…….”

“So, do you understand now who’s in control?”

Helen adjusted her posture, no longer raising her voice. It seemed she truly feared the Duke of Blanche.

Now she was ready for a proper conversation. Smiling, I revealed the true purpose of our meeting.

“If you want to keep my mouth shut, tell me everything you know about my fiancé. Especially his relationship with the Duke and Duchess.”

“You want me to be a spy?”

“A spy? That’s harsh. Think of it as giving some advice as a future sister-in-law.”

Helen trembled with anger at my veiled threat. Even if I sugarcoated it, it was clear I wanted all the information she had. It was only natural she felt humiliated.

But she knew she couldn’t get out of it, given the evidence I had. After a moment, she spoke.

“You must never say I told you.”