My Dear Grand Duke on a Leash - Chapter 98

Chapter 49.2 — Chalonné’s Man (14)

The moment he saw her lying on the bed, her clothes in disarray, it was as if a thread of sanity snapped, sending his thoughts scattering in all directions. The fact that he stopped after just one hit was almost miraculous. If killing Narkissis had been enough to solve everything, he would’ve torn him apart with his bare hands right then and there.

“How can you say… that it’s not a big deal? We’re talking about His Highness the Prince’s head.”

“It’s fine because it was me. The Helios imperial family has their reputation to uphold.”

Getting hit in the head with a vase in the Princess’s bedroom by her fiancé? Would the imperial family really be comfortable lodging a formal protest against the Grand Duchy of Acheron over such grounds?

With just over a year left until the official appointment of the heir to the throne, Narkissis wouldn’t want to escalate an incident that could tarnish his reputation with such a disgraceful label. It was a time when every member of the imperial family was being cautious, trying to avoid becoming fodder for the media.

While some unofficial damage control might be necessary, it wouldn’t be anything serious.

“But nothing really happened to me. What if they try to use that as leverage against us…”

“The very fact that a grown man set foot in Your Highness’s bedroom is the problem. There’s nothing more improper or disrespectful than that.”

“Uh… well, that’s true, but—”

Riette hesitated to respond, her large eyes darting around. Cain, noticing her hesitation, also fell silent for a moment. The same memory flashed through both of their minds like a reel of film.

“….”

For a few moments, a strange silence filled the room. It seemed that the gears in Cain’s mind had been racing because soon enough, he spoke again, this time with calm resolve.

“Since the Princess didn’t want it, it’s an obvious crime.”

Riette, feeling a bit of relief, let out a deep sigh as she held the cup. Despite her attempts to steer the conversation in circles, it was all in vain.

She absently toyed with the warm cup and muttered softly.

“Grand Duke.”

“Yes, Princess.”

“I… feel ashamed.”

“….”

Even though she knew it wasn’t her fault, she had always wanted her mother’s love.

At one point, it had hurt her so deeply that it was unbearable, but by now, she had grown accustomed to it. It wasn’t exactly a secret. Everyone—from the press to the public—knew that her mother loved her older sister more than her. The only comfort was that, to the public, it was seen as nothing more than the fate of having an exceptionally brilliant sister.

But this was the first time this deeply personal part of her had been exposed.

And to him, of all people.

Wanting to be loved by her mother wasn’t a transgression or a sin, so why did it feel so shameful, as if a weakness had been exposed? Why did those who weren’t loved end up feeling ashamed, as if it were their fault?

As Riette cast her eyes down sadly, he felt a wave of bitterness rise inside him.

Such a sorrowful expression on such an innocent face. Just looking at her made his heart feel like it was breaking.

No matter how hard he tried to open his mind, he simply couldn’t understand. How could Ceres be so harsh to Princess Lariette? Even just a fleeting glimpse of the lovely princess would leave anyone captivated. And to think, it was Ceres herself who had brought this radiant, fairy-like child into the world.

He racked his brain, struggling to find the right words to lift Riette’s spirits. He wasn’t the kind of man who was good at comforting others; in fact, he often felt inadequate in that regard.

The only thing he could say was…

“Princess, you handled the situation as perfectly as anyone could. There’s absolutely no reason for you to blame yourself. If Her Majesty the Queen of Chalonné implied you should feel ashamed…”

Cain paused for a moment.

“That, too, was Her Majesty’s mistake, not yours. Please don’t feel ashamed.”

He was simply stating the truth.

Riette blinked several times.

‘…Really? The one who should feel ashamed is not me, but my mother?’

The more she thought about it, the more it made sense that her mother might be in the wrong. And even though his response was slightly off the mark, strangely, it brought her comfort.

“Don’t dedicate yourself to relationships that offer no return. There are many who would be far more grateful for Your Highness’s kindness. Your heart is that precious and valuable.”

Especially to him.

“…”

Riette’s eyes wavered. The cloud of emotions that had settled began to swell again, filling her mind. Just that one sentence from him—it was as if something frozen deep inside her had begun to thaw.

“Why…”

Her voice, trembling as if on the verge of breaking, just barely slipped out.

“Why are you so kind to me?”

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