My Dear Grand Duke on a Leash - Chapter 35

Chapter 18.1 — How to create a child (5)

As she lowered her head, the voice of confession slowly faded away, becoming incoherent and eventually disappearing.

‘…Will he believe me?’

When faced with the choice between a foreign princess he had known for only a week and the only prince of Acheron, to whom his family had pledged loyalty for centuries… it was evident where his trust would lie just by observing his discerning gaze.

‘If he doesn’t believe me, how can I convince him…’

“I see.”

Riette’s eyes lit up.

Raising her head, she was met with a face devoid of any hint of surprise, causing her small mouth to hang open in astonishment at the composed reaction.

“…Do you believe me? Just like that?”

“Because it’s His Highness Narkissis. The evidence is sufficient.”

It wasn’t until later that she detected the smoldering anger blended with Cain’s cold and emotionless stare. What could Narkissis have possibly been doing in Helios?

“Let me check a few things.”

As Cain assumed a professional demeanor akin to an investigator, Riette adjusted her posture and nodded. Her stance clearly conveyed her willingness to fully cooperate with the investigation.

“Was the Princess threatened immediately… after you met me on the day His Highness Narkissis arrived at Chalonné?

“Yes.”

“Were you also having such a conversation on the lakeside ferry? Was that also why the Princess was calling His Highness Narkissis early that day…”

“Yes…”

Contrary to his habitually indifferent expression, Cain’s mind was a mess.

“You must have suffered alone. If I had known earlier, I would’ve done something about it.”

Shouldn’t he have realized it right from the start? It was his own arrogance that made him believe his judgment alone was sufficient.

This visit itself was peculiar in the first place.

Despite his association with the princess sisters, the decision of Narkissis, who was engaged in the intense competition for the position of heir to the crown, to be absent from Helios for an entire week carried significant weight.

It was undoubtedly a decision that warranted suspicion.

He then remembered himself, idly watching the boat ride as if it had nothing to do with him like an idiot.

Amidst the seemingly serene and idyllic setting of the ferry, Riette bravely faced Narkissis’s treacherous schemes and displayed the bravery to sacrifice something even more precious than her own life.

This diminutive and vulnerable princess…

If only he could turn back time and chastise himself while leaning against the pagoda, or reprimand himself for shouting at the startled princess in the opera house. Now, he fully understood the reason behind her excessive sensitivity towards Princess Beatrice’s safety.

And now, her pregnant sister had been caught up in a bomb attack…

He was ashamed of his own outbursts of anger without knowing the full circumstances.

How arrogant has he been?

Moreover, how lonely must the princess have felt, silently enduring her struggles until she was driven to the limit? Even though he was aware of the constant political troubles she faced throughout her life, she was still the Princess of Chalonné. Wasn’t this kingdom known as the most peaceful and innocent on the entire continent?

As if sensing his somber mood, Riette glanced briefly at him.

“Still, even though I was taken advantage of for a few days, my feelings for the Grand Duke are genuine.”

Cain’s fingers twitched at the confession that flowed like a song. His shoulders stiffened like a dog trapped in ice.

“Though it’s only been a few days since we met, the Grand Duke seems like a genuinely good person. If it weren’t for His Highness Narkissis, we could have become closer more naturally, so I feel regretful about that. I’m sorry for not speaking up all this time and deceiving you, Grand Duke…”

“How could you say such a thing so easily…”

Cain, who was on the verge of blurting out his thoughts, tightly sealed his lips.

With his large hand covering his chin, he was immersed in indiscernible confusion. His broad chest heaved once, and then with an exhale, it narrowed.

“The ones who should apologize are His Highness Narkissis and me. The Princess is merely a victim entangled in the intricate political web surrounding the position of Crown Prince Helios. The situation is more complex than it appears, so from now on, I’ll take care of it myself. Please refrain from worrying any further.”

The situation is complicated.

Cain reiterated as if emphasizing his previous statement.

“I support Her Highness the Princess Pentesilea of Helios as the rightful successor. It seems that Prince Narkissis is trying to use me as a ploy to become crown prince, and diplomatically, it appears he has plans to control Chalonné from within.”

“…Yes? Are you saying that His Highness Narkissis is trying to take over Chalonné?”

“As evidence of that, he’s currently calming down the guests who were contemplating the recurrence of yesterday’s terrorism. It appears that he intends to deploy the Helios guards and strengthen security until the wedding ceremony.”

“Still, no matter how elite the guards may be, that means that Helios forces will be stationed in Chalonné!”

Queen Chalonné was as sensitive as she was demanding. However, given her deep concern for her daughter’s life, especially considering her pregnancy, there was a clear vulnerability to exploit. Additionally, considering the current circumstances, the military power of Helios was the most reliable option to instill confidence among the guests.

Although a small country, Chalonné had never been occupied throughout its history. This was due to its geographical location, nestled among three major powers. Consequently, attempting to assert influence over Chalonné, a symbol of peace and neutrality, under one’s influence was indeed a very astute choice.

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