I Don’t Need the Grand Duke’s Regret - Chapter 133

“You don’t need to say that every time…”

“Of course I do. Since the Grand Duke and Charles have no relationship at all, I must express my gratitude for the time you’ve spent with us.”

Ricardo’s gaze fell as Mirabel’s explanation dampened his spirits. He breathed slowly, nodding his head with a heavy heart.

Unable to meet Mirabel’s eyes, he lowered his gaze and muttered.

“…I see.”

“I have a pressing matter to attend to today.”

Mirabel continued, pretending not to notice Ricardo’s expression. His dejected demeanor made her uncomfortable.

That’s why she strengthened her resolve.

She handed Charles a chocolate cookie and spoke calmly.

“I heard that the snow clearing was completed last night and the mountain pass has reopened. Therefore, we will be returning to Segolinde tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality during our stay.”

With that, Mirabel finished her farewell and stood up, feeling a sense of relief.

As she got up, Ricardo’s face went pale with alarm.

“Wait…”

Mirabel pretended not to hear Ricardo’s voice and walked past him. Seeing her heading towards the exit, Ricardo hurried after her.

“Mirabel!”

Ricardo reached out and grabbed Mirabel’s veil, unable to hold onto her properly and trembling with fear.

“What did I do wrong? If it’s because I cleared the staff out of the mansion last time, or… Oh, was it because I was too comfortable with Charles? Or maybe…”

Ricardo, desperate and confused, tried to cling to her as if drowning. His vision blurred, and he blinked desperately as he pleaded.

“I’m sorry. I must have done everything wrong…”

“I’ve already been here for too long. I’ve missed the Founding Day ceremony, so there’s no reason to stay any longer.”

“Was it because of that? I was just about to tell you. The Founding Day has been canceled due to the Emperor’s critical condition. So, don’t worry about it. Just stay here. Please stay.”

Mirabel frowned at Ricardo’s frantic explanation.

The Founding Day was canceled?

If that’s the case, she needed to return to Segolinde even sooner.

If the Emperor were to pass away while Mirabel is still here, she would have to attend the Emperor’s funeral with Ricardo as Segolinde’s envoy.

Growing anxious, Mirabel grabbed Ricardo’s hand, which was still holding her veil. His large frame tensed under her touch.

But no matter what, Ricardo was powerless against Mirabel.

Mirabel resolutely shook off the large man’s hand. Ricardo, now cast aside by Mirabel, stared at her with a blank expression.

The man who had been laughing and playing with Charles moments ago was now drowning in utter despair.

Ricardo’s face twisted as if he might burst into tears at any moment.

“Don’t go.”

“…”

“Please, I’m begging you. You don’t have to forgive me. Just let me see you a little longer, just a bit more.”

Despite his desperate pleas, Mirabel remained unmoved. Ricardo sank to his knees in defeat.

“Please…I’m begging you like this…”

“Stop this useless behavior.”

As Mirabel tried to move away, Ricardo scrambled to grab the hem of her dress. He pleaded while desperately clinging to her.

“Hit me. Trample me, despise me, curse me. Hate me, but don’t leave me. Please don’t abandon me.”

“You…”

“Uwaaaah!”

Mirabel, who was attempting to shake off Ricardo, was startled by the crying sound from the child in her arms. Charles, who had been listening to the adults’ conversation, began to cry sorrowfully and pounded on Mirabel’s shoulder with his tiny fists.

“Mommy, no! Hiiing, don’t do that, to Uncle Wolf!”

Charles struggled to free himself from Mirabel’s arms. Concerned that she might drop him due to his frantic movements, Mirabel put him down. Charles then ran to Ricardo while sobbing loudly.

“Huwaah, Uncle Woolf!”

Ricardo was equally bewildered. He looked at Mirable as she watched the small child being held in his wide arms.

Worried that his actions might upset Mirabel, he didn’t even attempt to properly hold the child. Mirabel soothed the crying child with a gentle voice.

“Charles, come to Mommy. Aren’t you a good boy?”

“No! No!”

“Let’s go home. Grandma, Uncle Asil, and Aunt Louise are all waiting to see Charles. Everyone is just waiting for you.”

“No! No, I won’t go! Charles don’t want to go! Mommy, no! Uncle, Uncle!”

Charles clung to Ricardo and sobbed.

“Charles, want to stay with Uncle Wolf, not go home.”

“Charles…”

Mirabel looked at the child with a troubled expression. It seemed that Charles had grown quite attached to Ricardo in a short time—much more than she had expected.

‘What should I do?’

Mirabel gazed with concern at Charles, who had buried his face in Ricardo’s shoulder and was crying miserably. Ricardo, seeing that the child wouldn’t stop crying, was at a loss and tried to comfort him.

“Charles, you shouldn’t do this to your Mom. That’s not good behavior. Mom just wants to go home with Charles.”

“Uhh, here?”

“Hm?”

Charles, who had been crying with his shoulders shaking, peeked up at Ricardo’s soothing words. With pleading eyes, he turned to Mirabel.

“Mommy, can’t home here too?”

At Charles’s request, Mirabel took a deep breath. Her fingers, touching the child, began to grow cold.

As Mirabel’s expression hardened, Ricardo, noticing her reaction, spoke to Charles.

“Come visit anytime. Whenever Charles wants to come. Uncle will be waiting.”

“Mommy…”

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