I Don’t Need the Grand Duke’s Regret - Chapter 167

Mirabel cut off the butler’s words and gave her command. With the princess’s stern order, the butler could no longer make excuses and stepped aside.

“The Count had invited me before, and today is the only time I can come. I will wait here with tea… or perhaps it would be better to have a conversation with the lady.”

“We, well… I apologize, but both of them are out right now…”

Mirabel silently stared at the butler. As their eyes met, the butler quickly became flustered and said,

“I, I’ll send someone to the Count immediately!”

The butler ran out of the reception room.

The mansion, which had been quiet due to the owner’s absence, became chaotic in an instant. Whispers that were almost shouts broke out from all directions. This was exactly as Mirabel had planned.

As the servants rushed around in panic, Mirabel whispered to Sophie.

“Find her quickly. If anyone asks why you’re walking around, tell them you’re on your way to get the hand mirror I left in the carriage.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Sophie quickly replied and left the reception room. As Mirabel watched her mix into the servants, she bit her lip.

‘We need to find her fast.’

The mansion was in a frenzy as the servants rushed about. But none of them were in Mirabel’s sight. She uncrossed her arms and then clasped her hands together as if in prayer.

‘Luce, please be safe.’

Mirabel’s heart raced as she waited for Sophie to return.

What kind of man was Durante? He could casually commit cruel acts based on his mood. And he didn’t even treat his subordinates as human beings.

It was obvious from the way he slapped Armilla’s cheek without hesitation.

Besides, the servant who had guided Mirabel to the reception room earlier was limping. It was likely another result of Durante’s actions.

Such a man had kidnapped Luce…

“Princess!”

After what felt like an eternity, Sophie’s voice finally reached Mirabel.

Mirabel, who had been praying for Luce’s safety, quickly lifted her head. Sophie, with her face flushed, approached and whispered to her.

“I found her. She was in the basement.”

“…I see.”

Mirabel let out a deep sigh of relief. She quickly whispered, making sure the busy maids wouldn’t overhear.

“How is she?”

“She’s not in good shape. I’ve taken her to the carriage.”

Sophie wiped the sweat from her forehead and sighed heavily. Mirabel looked at her warmly, as she had risked her safety to save Luce.

“You did well.”

“It was nothing.”

“We should go.”

After a quick exchange with Sophie, Mirabel stood up. As she was about to leave the reception room, the butler rushed over and bowed deeply.

“Your Highness, please wait just a moment. The Count will be here shortly with the lady. I’ve already sent a message to the tailor…”

“Are you asking the princess to wait now?”

Sophie, who was standing next to Mirabel, coldly interjected. The butler, who dared to make the request, quickly shut his mouth.

“Have a safe trip, Princess.”

Sophie ignored the butler and led Mirabel out. Mirabel passed him with graceful steps.

* * *

“Luce!”

Mirabel’s mask of calm shattered as soon as she entered the carriage. She was taken aback after seeing Luce lying on the sofa of the carriage.

“My god…”

Mirabel was shocked at the sight of Luce. She looked as if she had been whipped mercilessly, her body covered in blood. Her hair was matted with dust, her cheeks streaked with tear marks, and her mouth bled from a few missing teeth. Her eyes were swollen and red.

“What happened? Luce, open your eyes.”

Mirabel whimpered as she placed Luce’s face on her lap. Luce, startled by the touch, flinched and covered her face with her arm.

“I don’t know… Luce, hah… don’t know…”

Luce could barely open her eyes and kept repeating the same words. Her speech was slurred due to missing teeth and swollen cheeks. Mirabel nodded and said,

“It’s okay, Luce. First, we need to return to the palace. You need treatment right away.”

“…Princess?”

“Um, it’s me.”

Mirabel responded gently, even as the carriage shook. Luce, who had recognized her voice, began to sob uncontrollably.

“Wah… Wah… Pri, Princess…”

“Shh, Luce. You’re safe now. It’s okay.”

Mirabel comforted the crying Luce and tapped the ceiling of the carriage. The coachman, receiving the signal, cracked the whip faster.

Mirabel held Luce tightly in the jostling carriage.

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. No one will touch you.”

Mirabel spoke through clenched teeth. As she wiped the tears from Luce’s cheek, she spoke with determination.

“I’ll never forgive him.”

Mirabel’s blue eyes glowed with cold fury. As the carriage rocked violently, she strengthened her resolve.

The decision was made.

Mirabel would not let Durante get away with what he had done to Luce.

Never.

* * *

Durante gritted his teeth as he sat in the carriage heading toward the palace.

While he had been away from the house for a short time, the princess had appeared. By the time he returned to the mansion, Luce, whom he had locked in the basement, had disappeared.

Coincidentally, the princess and the maid had disappeared at the same time, as if the princess had taken her.

Then, the princess contacted him. Now Durante was rushing to meet her again.

“Damn it!”

Durante cursed under his breath and slammed his foot.

Of all the times, the princess had to show up now.

Normally, Durante had no intention of leaving the torture session with the maid. But Julia had been insisting that he visit the tailor, so he had no choice but to leave.

Want to read more? Advanced chapters are available on Patreon: