Chapter 42

It didn’t take long to return from the villa to the Grand Duke’s residence. As Julian and I walked side by side through the front gate, the butler was there to greet us.

Seeing the butler’s wrinkled face made me feel like I was truly home. I smiled back at the smiling butler. Unlike me, Julian asked the butler with a blank expression.

“Anything unusual?”

“No major issues. However, Viscount Lessa has been making a fuss, asking to be released.“

“Such a pity.”

I clicked my tongue sympathetically, though I had no intention of letting him go.

“He won’t be able to leave for a while. Poor thing.”

The butler responded calmly to my words.

“I will convey your message.”

“Thank you as always.”

How long had he been confined to and started complaining about being released? With his crimes, it was no wonder he wanted to escape.

“I suppose we should meet Viscount Lessa before he gets too weary.”

I spoke tiredly, and Julian pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I looked at him questioningly, and he spoke with firm resolve.

“If you’re tired, postpone it.“

“Oh, I’m not that fragile.“

“Postpone it.”

His look at me, as if something terrible would happen if I didn’t, left me with no choice but to nod. Julian called a maid and gave her instructions.

“Prepare a bath. Is the Grand Duchess’s room ready?“

“Of course it is…“

“Duchess, didn’t you promise to care for your health?”

I opened my mouth in surprise.

“I only promised to see the doctor, you know?“

“Same difference.“

“Where did you learn to be so unreasonable?“

“From you, Duchess.”

Julian replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world, raising his eyebrows slightly brazenly.

I couldn’t help but laugh. While Julian and I were bickering at the entrance, the maid approached cautiously and informed us that the bath was ready. I still had more to say, but Julian gently pushed me towards the maid.

“Take her.“

“Am I a child?“

“Make sure she’s well washed.”

The maid, who had been holding back her laughter, finally let out a small giggle. Seeing her smile made me feel my face heat up.

“Hey, don’t laugh!”

I scolded the maid lightly.

“Sorry, Your Grace.”

She apologized immediately but still had a smile on her face. Watching her and Julian, I eventually couldn’t help but laugh too.

* * *

After my bath, I stepped out and saw a familiar face.

“Anna.“

“It’s been a while, Madam.”

Anna had a small bandage on her temple. The last time I saw her, her head was wrapped in bandages, and I was really worried. Fortunately, she seemed to have healed faster than expected.

“Did you get enough rest?“

“Thanks to you. I heard you went to the capital without me? I’m hurt.“

“Sarah enjoyed the luxury in your place.”

We both laughed. Anna went behind me to dry my damp hair as I sat down. Having someone familiar tend to me was much more comforting than Sara’s touch. With my eyes closed, I spoke.

“I’m going to meet Viscount Lessa.“

“The Grand Duke insisted you rest.“

“I’ll just see him briefly.”

Anna, being my loyal aide, immediately responded respectfully.

“I will make the arrangements.”

After drying my hair, Anna selected a dark, simple-patterned dress. There was no need to dress up to meet Viscount Lessa. In fact, a more straightforward outfit could create a more intimidating presence.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I placed a hand over my stomach. After the long carriage ride and the bath, I started feeling hungry.

“I’m hungry. Let’s hurry and have dinner.“

“For once, you’re actually eating all your meals. You’ve been skipping them often because you’ve been so busy.”

Anna said with a bright smile, “I’m happy to see you taking care of yourself.” I felt a bit embarrassed under her gaze and awkwardly touched my cheek.

“I promised His Grace to take care of my health.“

“Oh my.”

Anna followed behind me, chattering in my ear about how she suspected this would happen, how well I got along with His Grace, and how it seemed like we had a romantic marriage. I finally turned around after listening to her for a while, sweating.

“Stop! It’s embarrassing if someone hears us!”

Anna laughed even more cheerfully at my words. She only calmed down after I put on a stern face and placed a finger to my lips.

Once I had quieted Anna, I stood before the door where Viscount Lessa was staying and knocked.

“Come in!”

Judging by his angry voice, Viscount Lessa seemed quite anxious. I smiled and gestured to Anna. She opened the door and stepped aside.

“When is Her Grace going to stop…!“

“Don’t shout.“

“Y-Your Grace?!”

Viscount Lessa, who had been shouting, seemed even more shocked by my sudden appearance and raised his voice even more. I frowned and covered one ear with my hand.

Seeing my reaction, Viscount Lessa quickly shut his mouth. However, he seemed to think defending himself was more critical and opened his mouth again.

“Your Grace, I don’t know what misunderstanding you have, but…“

“Why is Viscount Lessa so insolent?“

“Pardon?”

Viscount Lessa, who stood there dumbfounded, soon realized something and quickly bowed.

“I beg your pardon, Your Grace. Please forgive my rudeness.”

Viscount Lessa was the type of person who was endlessly obsequious to the strong and exceedingly cowardly to the weak. Showing courtesy to such a person would only result in more insolence.

I stood tall and walked confidently into the room. Viscount Lessa watched me nervously, his lips moving like a goldfish. He was obviously trying to time his following words.

Finding his expression amusing, I covered my mouth and chuckled quietly. After composing my expression, I spoke seriously.

“Viscount Lessa.“

“Yes, Your Grace.“

“I’ll get straight to the point. Who’s behind this?”

In my words, Viscount Lessa said something incredibly dull.

“Behind? It was all an accident. If Your Grace wishes, I’ll beat that coachman to death and drive him out!”

No matter how drunk the coachman was, why did he crash into my carriage specifically? He was acting on orders from his master.

I waved my hand dismissively.

“I don’t want to hear such obvious lies.“

“But, Your Grace, I swear there’s not a shred of falsehood in my words.“

“Then I can accuse you of attempted murder of the Grand Duchess, right?“

“What?!”

Viscount Lessa’s face turned pale, and he jumped in shock.

“Attempted murder? Your Grace, I really…“

“Viscount Lessa, I know you’ve been short on funds because you were preparing a gift for Marquis Amber.”

Viscount Lessa, protesting his innocence, fell silent, his mouth agape.

“It was a costly item for someone of your standing, yet Marquis Amber didn’t even take a proper look at it, did he?“

“That’s not true.”

He didn’t seem ready to be completely honest yet. But his eyes were filled with turmoil. I could see his agitation clearly. I crossed the room with my arms crossed, and his gaze was fixed on my feet.

“And you didn’t return the gift but kept it for yourself, didn’t you?“

“Y-Your Grace.“

“Someone must have approached you when you were feeling aggrieved. That person likely mentioned the Second Prince.”

As I continued, Viscount Lessa looked on the verge of tears. How could she know all this when it was supposed to be a secret? His face showed just that expression. I didn’t stop and continued.

“The Second Prince’s aide suggested that if you killed me, the Second Prince could make a comeback. That way, you’d be considered a benefactor of the prince.“

“Your Grace!”

When I finished speaking, Viscount Lessa cried loudly and prostrated himself on the floor. He began to explain in a trembling voice.

“I had no such grand ambitions. I was merely coerced into it. Your Grace, how could a person from a humble family like mine refuse the orders of the Second Prince?“

“Of course.”

In my words, Viscount Lessa looked up. His face was brighter than before. I shook my head.

“Viscount Lessa, you do not fear His Grace or the ducal family.”

It didn’t take long for Viscount Lessa’s face to turn pale again.

“That’s not true. Absolutely not.“

“Really? Then you’ll do anything I ask now, right?”

As I spoke in a seemingly astonished tone, Viscount Lessa found himself between a rock and a hard place. If he complied with my request, he’d fear the repercussions from Prince Cain. If he refused, he’d disregard Grand Duke Zan’s ducal family, which frightened him.

I approached Viscount Lessa, who stood there with his mouth shut as if it were sewn shut. I stood over him, looking down at him from above.

Viscount Lessa craned his neck to look at me, then slowly lowered his head until his forehead touched the floor. In truth, no matter how much he thought about it, there was only one answer. In a resigned voice, he asked.

“What do you want?”

I smiled kindly and whispered.

“You’ll be able to go home soon, Viscount.”

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.