When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 20

‘What good is regretting it now?’

So much has already happened. For her, the past must be filled with irreversible wounds and days of pain.

‘So that’s why she didn’t reach out to me until the end.’

I was sure she would contact me first. If she had seen it, Kavel would have surely sent me a letter.

But instead of contacting me, Ren erased Lailly’s existence. I couldn’t find any trace of her anywhere.

Kavel’s head throbbed. He pressed his temple with his thumb, trying to relieve the pain.

I received a tip and patrolled the village, but entering the jewelry store was a coincidence.

After wandering around for hours with no results, I stopped by to buy a gift before returning. I didn’t expect to meet a woman who resembled Lailly there.

She was similar enough that someone who had watched Lailly for a long time would say they resembled each other. The atmosphere and appearance were a little different, but…….

I didn’t know that it was Lailly disguised by Ren.

Haban looked at the knight on the roof and nodded. He seemed to sigh softly, then neatly folded the paper, put it in his pocket, and took a breath.

“I think you should go to Duke Trailla’s mansion.”

“Has he still not come to his senses?”

“If he were someone who would come to his senses, he wouldn’t have done this in the first place.”

“Let’s go.”

The carriage quickly headed to the Trailla family’s mansion.

Even though the imperial carriage arrived, he did not come out. Haban got out of the carriage and entered the Duke’s mansion.

“He should know that coming out like this is useless.”

Duke Veriter, who saw the imperial carriage arrive at the mansion, took a sip of tea and looked out the window. The imperial family continued to pressure him, but the Duke had nothing to fear.

What does he have to lose now? The Duke also felt the energy of the sword.

Looking at the sword hanging in the room, it seemed that the contract had not yet been made, but the Duke knew that he would inevitably have to do it soon.

Knock, knock-

Soon, a knock was heard on the study door. Duke Veriter, who had seen Haban get out of the carriage, sat leisurely in his seat and waited for the door to open.

Haban opened the door and entered the study when he heard no sound.

“Did His Majesty send you?”

Duke Veriter sat casually at his desk, looking at me with a smile. Haban bowed his head, greeted him, and then looked at the sword hanging on the wall.

“I heard you still haven’t sent it to the Imperial Family.”

“Who would entrust their family heirloom carelessly?”

“Duke Veriter, do not forget that you are deceiving the Imperial Family and proceeding with matters as you please. His Majesty is still being lenient with you.”

“That’s very kind of him. If it’s deception, it’s my daughter who did it alone… Strictly speaking, I was also betrayed.”

Duke Veriter frowned as if he was displeased. It was none other than his two daughters who had deceived the Imperial Family and tarnished the family’s honor and prestige.

If they hadn’t hidden it in the first place, things wouldn’t have gone this far. If only Lailly had entered the Imperial Family as planned and become the sword [a person who is contracted to a magical sword and gains immense power], the Trailla family would have continued to enjoy power.

If only Leta had managed to survive properly in the Count’s family! He never expected her to die without enduring.

“It seems Your Excellency still hasn’t come to his senses.”

“As a father, I am heartbroken that my two daughters turned out that way. After raising them with such care, one child hid her mark and announced that she would go to the Duke’s mansion to get married. Moreover, there was a scandal involving the inheritance! And I received news that my second daughter died suddenly. Assistant, tell me, how can I stay sane?”

The Duke covered his face with both hands, wearing a pained expression. The water in the teacup in front of him sloshed. Steam remained as if it had just been brewed.

‘It’s so creepy? His Majesty will be furious if he sees this.’

Haban strongly felt that he had to resolve it on his own. If words didn’t work, he had to take it by force.

If he had the sword, he would not let Lailly go at the same time as the contract. All he had left was Lailly.

“It seems like words won’t work, so excuse me.”

“Surely, you’re not going to use force against me, a Duke?”

Duke Veriter rose from his seat, slamming the desk in anger. A sharp voice was heard behind Haban, who ignored the Duke’s attitude and approached.

“There’s no reason not to, Duke Veriter.”

Anger flickered in Kavel’s eyes. The aura of the sword in his hand flickered, surrounding him.

“……Your Highness. Have you come to control the aura?”

“Ah, I was looking for countermeasures in my own way. As you can see, I can now use it myself. It’s all thanks to you.”

The Duke got up from his seat and hesitated. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

No one in the Imperial Family could control the aura. That is why the contractor of the sword passed down in my family, that is, the person who manifested the ability, has become the Emperor’s sword.

“Duke, don’t want any more interest or anything from that child.”

“Lailly is my daughter! Now that she’s divorced, I am her guardian! No one can take my daughter…!”

Bloodline, he was bringing up the blood ties that connected Lailly and him. Lailly would be the one who wanted to cut it off first.

The sword in Kavel’s hand was instantly aimed at Duke Veriter’s neck. Blood oozed out as the sharp blade touched his neck. The flickering aura was so sharp that it seemed like it would cut the Duke’s flesh at any moment.

“Shut up, Duke Veriter. If you say any more, I’ll cut off that bloodline right here. Wouldn’t that free Lailly and you?”

The Duke’s Adam’s apple trembled at Kavel’s words. His mouth was parched, and he kept swallowing dry saliva.

Haban, who was watching from behind him, carefully passed Duke Veriter and took out the family sword hanging on the wall.

“Duke Veriter, don’t forget and remember. The reason I’m sparing you is because of her.”

That way, he can kneel down properly and apologize, giving him a chance to beg for his sins in front of her eyes.

Not for him, but for Lailly.

“So, it would be best to cherish that life and quietly stay at home.”

Kavel sheathed his sword from his neck and scanned the surroundings. A map on the desk caught his eye. The marks here and there seemed to be chasing Lailly.

The Duke, realizing where his gaze was directed, quickly reached out his hand. In an instant, the dagger stuck in Kavel’s waist was plunged into the Duke’s hand holding the map.

“Kkeuaaaak!”

The Duke’s scream echoed throughout the room. His bloodshot eyes turned to Kavel along with his cracked voice.

Red blood spread profusely on the desk along with his trembling body. Duke Veriter slumped down in pain and leaned against the desk.

“If you look for Lailly one more time, then…”

Kavel pulled out the map without hesitation. The torn map fell to the floor. Murderous intent flashed in his eyes again.

“It might not be your hand that flies away, but your leg.”

I have no intention of killing you until Lailly comes back.

Kavel’s lips curved gracefully, forming an arc. Haban bit his lip tightly at what had happened again.

‘Damn it, is that why you brought me here?’

He rolled his eyes, wondering if he had to treat the trash again.

At least, I didn’t want to use my abilities on this kind of human. Fortunately, Kavel did not order Haban to treat him. He only told him to silence the employees here.

Haban made up his mind once again. As soon as he returned to the Imperial Palace, he would submit his resignation to His Majesty.

* * *

Before going to the Imperial Palace, Kavel changed carriages alone. He carefully entered the mansion. He held the gift he had bought in the morning. Only a few maids stayed in the mansion.

The maids moved busily at Kavel’s visit. He often visited, but he had never visited the mansion at this time, so they were flustered.

“You don’t have to worry about it. I came because I have something urgent to tell you.”

“Yes, I understand.”

The maids breathed a sigh of relief. But they couldn’t just ignore it. He was the Crown Prince no matter what anyone said. They couldn’t just stand still when someone of high rank came.

“I’ll bring you tea if you go inside.”

“There’s no need for that. I’m going to talk outside. Did you eat your rice and medicine well today?”

“Yes, she ate everything without missing a single thing.”

Kavel gave a faint smile at the maid’s words.

Her condition is improving day by day, and now she is able to take simple walks.

Knock, knock-

He went to the room and carefully knocked on the door. Soon, a clear voice was heard.

“Come in.”

When I opened the door and went inside, I saw a woman sitting at the table looking out the window. A silver-haired woman who resembled Lailly, she turned her head towards the door with a bright smile.