Revenge Costs Interest [EN]: Chapter 17

Unexpected Guest

2023.08.17.

Leah returned to her usual life at the estate that day. Pauline, of course, was overjoyed to have her back.

However, Leah and Terrence now faced a different dynamic than before.

For Leah especially, every time she looked in the mirror, she was reminded of their kiss.

‘I shouldn’t have done that.’

Even if Terrence made advances, she should have refused. She didn’t want to get caught up in the throes of love again.

Still, Terrence offered Leah hope in another way.

[Think about what Grace’s dream is. I’ll be your helper.]

His words were incredibly empowering.

Even with cold calculation, facing Allen alone was impossible. But with Duke Terrence Courtois by her side, the situation would be completely different.

“Miss, I brought the newspaper.”

Pauline’s voice was bright and cheerful.

As usual, Leah read the newspaper and clipped any articles about Allen.

‘Allen’s influence is growing in Galdenia.’

Allen’s articles were appearing in newspapers all over the continent, and he was no longer the insignificant nobleman he once was.

The articles were already filled with speculation about who Allen’s new bride would be.

“Oh, and the Duke saw that.”

“Saw what?”

Leah listened to Pauline’s words absentmindedly, focused on her clipping.

“That notebook you’re making, Miss.”

Leah was surprised and looked up at Pauline. It wasn’t something she was trying to hide, but she hadn’t expected Terrence to see it.

“Didn’t he say anything else?”

“Well, he asked if you liked that man.”

“And?”

“I said I didn’t know. But while we’re on the subject, answer me. Do you admire that man so much that you collect newspaper articles about him?”

“No!”

Leah’s answer was firm. She was collecting them for the exact opposite reason. What was Pauline even talking about?

So that’s why Terrence said that.

[There should be no other man in your heart but me.]

Leah was taken aback by Terrence’s sudden declaration of his true feelings.

She thought he had no feelings for Grace, so she was confused by his sudden change of heart.

Leah had been pondering it ever since.

‘It wouldn’t be bad to marry this man. If I want to face Allen, I need someone as strong as Terrence in every way.’

She felt a pang of guilt, but the fact that his unspeakable misfortune made her less hesitant to marry him was undeniable.

She wouldn’t have to feel the pressure of love, pleasure, or the burden of continuing the family line.

Honestly, the kiss they shared at the church wasn’t unpleasant. Her heart had pounded fiercely.

‘Love isn’t everything. A marriage can work with just trust and loyalty towards each other. Besides, he is….’

She wouldn’t have to feel burdened by physical intimacy, which was a great relief. Of course, she felt guilty for potentially exploiting his tragedy.

Even after loving a man with all her soul, she couldn’t truly know what was in his heart.

She thought she knew him well, but it was just a delusion, and Allen’s sweet words were nothing but lies.

Then, something flashed through Leah’s mind.

‘That’s right, I didn’t put the rifle back.’

Perhaps Terrence already knew.

She had touched his belongings without permission, so she couldn’t simply return the gun with the dignity of a lady.

‘I should quietly put it back in the morning.’

But somehow, she felt bad about just returning it.

Thanks to Terrence, she was able to face the reality before her with a bit more composure. She should carefully observe the situation and prepare accordingly.

“Pauline, shall we go downtown?”

“Really? Is there something you want to buy?”

“Yes, I need to buy a book….”

Her head was swimming, and her heart felt heavy. She mostly wanted an excuse to sort out her confused feelings in a place where Terrence wasn’t for a while.

* * *

Luke came into the office whistling. Terrence had been a bit excessive, but at least the estate was peaceful again.

“The Miss and Pauline have gone downtown. I’ve assigned a servant to them, so don’t worry.”

“Downtown?”

“They’re going to the bookstore. When you think about it, life is full of surprises. I’m experiencing all sorts of things.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you ever imagine it, Duke? Who knew that Miss Grace was a bookworm? Besides, I haven’t checked, but I bet she knows more foreign languages than Landes and Turkish.”

Well, a reply had come from the Sultan of Turkey, a pleasant acceptance.

It seemed to be thanks to Grace’s eloquent explanation of why they couldn’t raise camels here.

“Humans are evolving beings. Of course, there are exceptions.”

When Terrence said that while looking at Luke, Luke pointed at himself with a dramatic expression.

“Duke, I’m so disappointed. After all the work I put in this time….”

Before Luke could finish, James entered, looking excited.

“Duke, we have a guest from abroad.”

“Who is it?”

“He said he’s the president of Allen McDowell Trading Company.”

In an instant, Terrence’s expression changed. He had sent a letter, but receiving no reply, Allen had come all the way here.

‘He’s quite persistent. This is going to be very interesting.’

“James, take him to the drawing-room.”

“Yes, I understand.”

After James left, Terrence gestured for Luke to come closer.

“Luke, it seems like the time has come for you to prove that you are an evolving being.”

Terrence whispered in Luke’s ear. A mischievous smile spread across Luke’s face.

Terrence made Allen wait for about thirty minutes before heading to the drawing-room.

He needed to remind Allen that he wasn’t someone who could be seen on a whim.

When Terrence entered the drawing-room, Allen, dressed in a crisp white suit, stood up.

He no longer bore the marks of his impoverished past. From the finest suit to his well-groomed hair and handsome features, he looked perfect.

“Greetings, Duke Courtois.”

Allen greeted him with impeccable aristocratic etiquette.

“Please, sit down.”

Terrence didn’t show any displeasure. Instead, he offered Allen the finest tea from Lubeck [a historic trading city in Germany, known for its high-quality goods].

“You held a funeral for my fiancée, and I didn’t have the chance to properly thank you because I was so distraught. I also came here on other business.”

“What kind of business?”

Terrence asked directly. He wasn’t inclined to sit face-to-face with Allen and discuss trivial matters.

Perhaps because he had spent his life on the battlefield, Terrence had a keen sense of people. He knew instinctively who he could trust and who he couldn’t. Allen definitely fell into the latter category.

“Well, I have something to discuss privately with Miss Grace Bizac. Of course, I need your permission first.”

“I see.”

Allen looked taken aback when Terrence didn’t press further.

As Grace’s former fiancé, he expected Terrence to object immediately.

“Where are you staying, Mr. McDowell?”

“I’m staying at the Lebon Hotel. If it’s acceptable, I’d like to have lunch with Miss Grace at the hotel restaurant on the 7th.”

“Lunch on the 7th. I don’t have any other plans, so that should be fine. I’ll let Grace know.”

“Tha… Thank you, Duke.”

Allen was surprised by Terrence’s unexpectedly friendly attitude. It was even more surprising given the tense atmosphere at the funeral. He wondered if the rumors were true.

‘I heard that Miss Grace and the Duke don’t get along.’

Not only that, but there was also a widespread rumor that Terrence had developed a mental illness due to the long war and harbored a deep dislike for women. That explained why he didn’t recognize the pearl he possessed.

“Mr. McDowell, I will send Grace to the Lebon Hotel restaurant by noon on the 7th.”

“I express my gratitude for your deep consideration, Duke.”

Allen bowed to Terrence.

* * *

Leah and Pauline went downtown and headed to the park. She had tried to find a book on business administration at the bookstore, but there were so many options that she couldn’t choose.

She didn’t even have the knowledge to select a suitable book, yet she was recklessly planning to take revenge on Allen.

Leah, greatly disappointed, couldn’t stop blaming herself.

“Aren’t you hot, Miss?”

Pauline quickly took out a fan and handed it to Leah. Even with a parasol, the August sun was intense.

“Did we come to the park at the hottest time of day?”

“I suppose so.”

“Since we’re here, let’s take a walk and then head back.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Just then, a woman with disheveled red hair ran towards Leah and grabbed her hand without hesitation.

“Sister, you’re pretty. Pretty like a flower.”

She was clearly mentally disturbed. She appeared to be around nineteen or twenty years old.

“But, sister, there are two souls inside you?”

Leah was horrified by the woman’s words and froze.

‘How did she know?’

This strange woman, with her tangled hair and unsettling giggle, could see right through her.

“Miss, many people have been driven mad by the heat.”

Pauline pulled Leah aside, urging her to avoid the woman.

But Leah’s eyes were drawn to something unique.

The colorful lace vest the woman was wearing was an exquisite handmade piece.

She didn’t know who had made it, but the craftsmanship was good enough to supply the royal court. Besides, the thread itself was quite expensive.

“Pauline, I think there’s a group nearby. Let’s try to find them before we leave.”

“Don’t engage with her, Miss. She’s not well.”

Despite Pauline’s protests, Leah approached the woman and spoke to her.

“Did you come alone?”

“No, I came with my gwandpa [grandpa].”

Her words were slurred.

“What’s your name?”

“Chenel. I’m twenny [twenty].”

She shouldn’t be left alone in the park.

Leah and Pauline walked Chenel around the park. They soon encountered an old man wearing similar clothing on the other side, and Chenel ran to him.

“Gwandpa!”

“Oh my! You little fool, where have you been?”

“Those sisters found gwandpa for me.”

“That’s a relief. I thought you had jumped into the pond.”

“I’m going to live with those sisters fwom now on.”

Everyone was surprised by Chenel’s words, but Leah was impressed by the old man’s reaction.

He called her a fool, but he was clearly concerned about her. And Leah had another question.

“Grandfather, about the vest Chenel is wearing, who made it?”

Leah approached the old man and asked politely. She noticed that the old man was also wearing a vest of a different color.

“She made it. Her mind isn’t quite right, but her hands are incredibly skilled.”

Leah looked at Chenel in awe, as if she had discovered a hidden gem. Sometimes, people can be gems in the rough.