Can't Come Back - Chapter 40

Dean had no intention of sharing a dwelling with Cain indefinitely. He gave a deliberate hint to Count Marundi.

“The time has come for my brother Cain to find a suitable partner.”

“Eh?!”

Berlia, startled by his words, responded inadvertently.

‘Does he intend to get Cain married?’

Berlia’s irises were extremely shaky. Count Marundi, unaware of her emotions, laughed and inclined his head.

“Does this imply that there will be a double festivity at the House Hildayden? Haha.”

“That would indeed be amazing, but my younger brother has not yet met his perfect match. It would be lovely if somewhere there was a noble young lady.”

When Count Marundi heard Dean’s words, his eyes appeared to brighten up. He immediately spoke up.

“And what about my daughter? She is fond of Master Cain. Furthermore, a marriage between Houses Marundi and Hildayden would foster a positive relationship, don’t you think?”

“The young lady of House Marundi appears to be a good match for Cain.” 

Count Marundi, pleased by Dean’s affirmative response, began to sing his daughter’s praises. Cain had a tight relationship with Prince Hakarton and Princess Claudia. If they accepted Cain as their son-in-law, they would unquestionably have the chance to participate in important royal family projects. This notion crossed the mind of the Count.

“No, it’s not because she’s my daughter alone. She is not only beautiful, but also smart.”

Indeed, Cain’s inheritance of House Marundi would be advantageous.

Dean and Count Marundi initiated a conversation amongst themselves without regard for the opinions of the involved parties. Dean nodded repeatedly in response to the Count’s remarks.

Recently, Cain has been annoying. Dean viewed it as a positive development. It was somewhat regrettable that he was entrusting the young lady of House Marundi, for whom he had developed a liking, to Cain, but he decided to expedite Cain’s marriage.

“He is of age now. I should marry him off immediately.”

Cain was to be sent away from the Hildayden estate, preferably to a location unrelated to the Hildayden family. Dean would be content to never again see Cain’s visage. He had never felt affection for his brother, after all.

‘No, no. Cain tying the knot…? That cannot happen.’

Berlia was preoccupied with her own thoughts as she listened to the two males converse. She was concerned despite knowing that Cain would not approve a marriage arranged by Dean. She lacked confidence in witnessing him marry another woman, and if things went awry and he left, she would see him very little if at all.

‘I must speak with Cain.’

Berlia determined that she must immediately inform Cain of Dean’s intentions.

“Excuse me, I am a tad fatigued… May I take a break and return later?”

“Oh, my wife. I understand. Rest well, it’s not only for you; you should get sufficient rest.”

Berlia squinted her eyes and pretended to be exhausted. It was an attempt to avoid the situation. Dean, posing as a caring spouse, patted her on the shoulder and then released her. His contact caused her skin to prickle.

Berlia made her way towards Cain across the banquet hall. He was still surrounded by young females of noble birth.

‘I need to isolate Cain.’

Berlia had informed Dean and Count Marundi of her intention to take a rest. This location had numerous eyes and ears. She could easily contact Cain, but doing so would attract many people’s attention. She did not wish to garner others’ attention.

“Isn’t there any way?”

Berlia scanned the area. Someone then spoke to her.

“Oh, Duchess. How are you doing?

“Ah, Princess Claudia. It has been a while.”

Indeed, it was Princess Claudia. She responded to her salutation. This was their first meeting since that day.

“It appears that you have excellent news? Congratulations.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

Berlia believed Claudia was discussing her pregnancy. However, what she said next was somewhat unique.

“I’m glad the misunderstanding from that day has been cleared up.”

“… Excuse me?”

“That was hilarious at the time. Cain and I are only acquaintances.”

Berlia was surprised. Claudia’s words suggested she knew something about Berlia and Cain’s relationship. 

But in such a precarious circumstance, Berlia could not concur with her remarks. Berlia, feigning ignorance, opened her mouth.

“Why are you telling me this…”

“There is no need to feign. I will keep it confidential.”

Claudia’s reaction was unexpected. Berlia’s pupils widened in response to her words. Claudia indicated a corner and instructed Berlia.

“Shall we go over there for a moment?”

She had no alternative but to comply. They chose a corner of the ballroom to nestle in. There was nobody nearby. In this location, it appeared difficult for others to hear their conversation.

Berlia’s heartbeat accelerated. She is aware of me and Cain? Will she keep it a secret? What the heck is going on?

‘Did we show so much? Are there already individuals who have taken note?’

The apprehensive thoughts of Berlia began to flow. In addition, Claudia’s words interrupted her train of thought.

“Oh, your expression looks terrible, Duchess. Don’t fret. First and foremost, it was not Cain who spoke first. I observed it.”

Claudia gave Berlia a friendly greeting. She did not emanate malice. Berlia awaited the continuation of her remarks with a tense expression.

“A year ago, I discovered that Cain liked you.”

‘That early?’

Inside, Berlia was startled. If it was a year ago, didn’t Berlia believe she was the only one with an infatuation on Cain back then?

“You were always the focus of Cain’s attention. I am fairly adept at taking note of things. You appeared oblivious however.”

“Hold on a moment, Princess. What are you saying…”

Claudia was about to continue, but Berlia was unable to continue listening. If she continued to listen to her, she would eventually confess her relationship with Cain.

Princess Claudia did not appear to be a malicious person. However, Cain and Berlia needed to be more circumspect at this time. Even the fact that she was pregnant was made public. If rumors about Cain were to spread here, there would be suspicions regarding the paternity of her unborn child. She could not allow that to occur.Therefore, Berlia pretended not to comprehend Claudia’s remarks.

“There’s no need to conceal it from me, Duchess. Cain is aware that I am aware, after all.”

Nonetheless, Berlia’s face contorted in shock at these unexpected remarks.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I spoke with Cain a year ago after discovering who he liked. Despite his obvious surprise, he did not refute it.”

Claudia grinned.

A year had passed long before Cain and I began our illicit relationship. She and he had been attracted to one another for some time, but it was surprising that Claudia was aware of Cain’s sentiments from the start. And the reality that Cain was aware of this was even more astonishing.

“Remember when I assisted you at the imperial banquet some time ago?”

“Do you mean together with Lady Bland and Lady Andrea?”

“Yes. Cain was the one who requested me to assist you.”

At this juncture, it was difficult for Berlia to continue denying it. Berlia questioned whether she could truly trust Claudia, but in the end, she decided to believe Claudia’s promise to keep the information private.

“It embarrasses me that you even knew at the imperial banquet. For displaying such a face,”

“No, I am responsible for the misunderstanding I caused with my pointless ruse. I am truly contrite.”

“No, there is no need for an apology. Really. Moreover, I am not in a position to accept contrition from others.”

Berlia faded away. To all observers, the relationship between the duchess and the duke’s younger sibling was improper. We had our own motivations, but to others it appeared to be nothing more than adultery. Berlia was cognizant of the aforementioned fact.

From the perspective of an imperial princess, it is possible that the relationship between the two is inappropriate.

Berlia responded with hostility to Claudia’s remarks.

“…I guess so….”

Just as Berlia was about to respond, “I suppose so,” Claudia grabbed her hand.

“But as a friend of Cain, I sincerely support you.”

“Princess….”

“I know how much Cain has loved you.”

It was incredibly reassuring to know that someone was supporting a relationship that could not be disclosed. Berdia took Claudia’s hand when it was extended to her. Claudia’s lips formed a faint grin in response to her actions.

“However, you two have succeeded, haven’t you? I am thrilled that the misunderstanding appears to have been resolved. I congratulated you both earlier because I’ve observed that the atmosphere between you two has been peculiar recently. Your perception of Cain has shifted. You appeared affectionate before, but now you appear joyful.”

“Your insight is extraordinary, as they say.”

Berlia’s intuition proved accurate. She had not been congratulated by Claudia on her pregnancy. She had congratulated them on their relationship’s advancement.

She does not inquire as to whose offspring it is.

Rather, based on her knowledge of the relationship between Cain and Berlia, she seemed to believe that bringing up the pregnancy would be inappropriate. Berdia appreciated her thoughtfulness.

“Let me know if you ever need assistance because your relationship cannot be disclosed to others.” Berlia was grateful to Claudia, who stated, ‘I’ll assist in any way I can.’ It appeared as if she had a stable pillar in her life, which had previously been unstable and uncertain.

“May I… make a request at this time?”

“Of course. What is that?

“Well….”