I Don’t Need the Grand Duke’s Regret - Chapter 152

Mirabel’s heart raced as Ricardo’s answer filled the room. His intense, piercing gaze, once filled with aggression, was now brimming with a deep, nostalgic longing.

“There weren’t any real traces of Armilla left behind. Just a few old dresses and a bracelet stained with blood. That was all.”

Ricardo roughly wiped his face, and Mirabel could see the rapid deterioration of his once-strong features. It was as though he was returning to the days when he had desperately searched for Armilla.

“But if I fired all the employees, there would be no one left here who remembers her, except for me. I wanted to keep at least one person who still knew Armilla/. That’s why I’ve kept them.”

Mirabel’s heart skipped a beat at his unexpected confession.

She knew Ricardo had missed Armilla, but she had never fully understood the depth of his longing. She had always assumed it was just something he said, something he felt, but hearing him say it this way made her realize the true pain behind his words.

“And now, what’s the reason for firing them? Is it that you no longer need them?

“When I first decided to fire them, it was after the Ragnar Bridge collapsed.”

“I was stuck here in Renato, and firing them then would have been pointless. They would have all stayed here anyway. And then…”

He licked his lips and continued, his voice softening.

“I thought I should try to act a little less selfishly. Maybe then I wouldn’t be hated so much.”

Mirabel was momentarily silenced by his words, which seemed both like a question and an answer.

For all the accusations she had leveled at him, Ricardo had never faltered. He’d listened to everything she said without ever losing his composure.

But now. It was as though he was truly trying to atone.

“Apologizing with just words doesn’t mean anything. It just makes you upset.”

Ricardo continued, as though he had read her thoughts. His voice had shifted—no longer addressing ‘Princess Mirabel,’ but speaking in a way that felt as though he was speaking to Armilla.

But neither Nasir nor Mirabel pointed this out. It didn’t matter.

“What I need from you is to choose. Choose those who did not turn away from Armilla.”

When his explanation ended, Mirabel’s gaze fell to the list. Her eyes were burning with unshed tears, and she had to focus hard to stop herself from crying.

As her vision began to blur, Mirabel quickly wiped her eyes and spoke.

“But I’m not someone connected to Renato. Is it really right for someone who’s about to leave to make these kinds of decisions?”

“Princess is my former fiance. Doesn’t that make it okay, at least for that reason?”

Ricardo’s gentle persuasion stirred something in Mirabel’s chest. She bit her lip, forcing herself to focus on the names on the list. It didn’t take long.

Amidst the fine writing on the list, there were only two names Mirabel could choose,

Luce Cornelia, and Catarina Giacomo.

No one else had held Armilla’s hand.

“Is this all?”

At Mirabel’s selection, Ricardo asked in a troubled tone. She looked at him for a moment before speaking.

“You’re not going to cut Nasir and Ezio, are you?”

“Of course not.”

“Then, that’s all. The new butler will be excluded, naturally.”

After Mirabel concluded, Ricardo sighed heavily. He was taken aback by how short the list was, but he didn’t hesitate to give his orders.

“Fire all the staff except for Butler Walter, Missus Catarina, and Luce. Announce publicly that we are replacing the staff in a large-scale change and post a notice for new staff. Recommendations will be given only to those who sign a confidentiality agreement.”

“Understood.”

Ricardo gave his instructions to Nasir and said, while looking at Mirabel.

“The reason for their dismissal is for insulting the Grand Duchess. If they mention that reason, they will lose their tongues.”

“Yes, Master.”

Nasir, who had been taking the notes, gave a respectful nod before leaving the room. Afterward, Mirabel looked at Ricardo and spoke firmly.

“I won’t thank you.”

“I’m just sorry it took this long. I should have done this sooner, but I hesitated because I wanted to hold on to the shadow of you for a little longer.”

Ricardo’s soft voice made Mirabel’s chest tighten. She blinked rapidly and looked up at the ceiling.

She tried hard not to cry, taking a deep breath before speaking.

“I’ve done what I had to do, so I’ll leave tomorrow.”

“So soon?”

Ricardo was taken aback by her announcement and stood up. He grabbed both of her hands and earnestly said.

“Can’t you stay just a little longer?”

“You were the one who told me to go somewhere.”

“Yes, if it’s where you want to go, then I’ll go with you. But can’t you stay just a little longer? Tomorrow is too soon. Just one more day. Please, one more day.”

Mirabel quietly shook her head. She knew that if she stayed any longer, she would begin to forgive Ricardo.

The past fades with time, and only the present remains sharp.

She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t help the way her gaze softened toward the atonement he showed now, compared to the past.

“I’ve stayed too long. I haven’t even gone to the capital yet. I’ve spent all my time in Renato. I must leave.”

“You’re going to the capital? Then, I’ll go with you. I’ll guard you.”

“There’s no need.”

Mirabel immediately rejected Ricardo’s offer. She was not pleased by his readiness to step in again, especially after having been hurt protecting her.

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