𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔: 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲
When I returned to the mansion, the servants and young men all started arming themselves at once.
After explaining the situation to Onii-sama, it was decided that everyone from the Duke Marcus household would abandon the mansion in the capital and escape to the neighbouring territory immediately.
Of course, I am not included in that. I will embark on a journey alone from now on.
“Please think of me as no longer being associated with the Duke Marcus family.”
“Oh no. . .Viara!”
Ignoring Onii-sama’s clinging, I left the mansion with a heart-wrenching feeling.
I wore a simple dress and leather boots, and packed only what I could fit in a pouch and a Boston bag. As long as I had underwear, that was enough for changing clothes.
And I went to the kitchen to get some food.
Before parting, I handed Onii-sama a letter with my blood seal.
With this, I have become just Viara.
“Take care, Onii-sama! Please forgive your unfortunate sister.”
The Marcus family may be charged compensation to the prince, but they were originally at fault.
When the king returns from his overseas trip, it shouldn’t be that bad.
“Viara, take this.”
As I walked to the back door, Onii-sama handed me a large bag.
When I received it, it felt heavy.
“What is this?”
“It’s, it’s severance pay from our house! Just take it without saying anything!”
Onii-sama, even if you say that with tears in your eyes, it lacks persuasiveness. This is more like financial support than severance pay.
Moreover, it has the Duke’s seal and even a letter. It’s like a check that can be used even in a foreign country, a certificate that allows me to withdraw money anytime.
“If you have something like this, you’ll be targeted by robbers.”
When I tried to return it, he forcefully pushed it back into my hands.
“At least take the money with you! I wish you would take it too, but. . .”
When he started crying first, there was no way I could cry as well.
I entrusted the butler with my brother’s well-being and told him to contact me once the situation had cooled down, then I left the residence.
A covered carriage was already waiting at the back entrance, with a coachman sitting on it.
A bald, muscular old man, smoking a cigar, was acting as the coachman. Or rather, pretending to be the coachman. Among the young men in our household, he was a skilled guard who didn’t bother hiding his overwhelming aura of unease.
“Miss! I’ve been waiting for you!!”
“. . .Ah, thank you.”
I can’t help but feel anxious that even if I haven’t done anything wrong, I might be stopped at a checkpoint. A sense of unease lingers within me.
And in front of the carriage, Cid, with his usual expression, was standing.
“Miss, everything is ready.”
“Cid.”
He reached out his hand smoothly to help me get on the carriage.
His big hand that I love. This might be the last time I see it. . .
When I extended my left hand, he gently held my index finger, which had been injured when I made the blood seal.
A faint light enveloped my finger, and in an instant, the wound disappeared.
“Thank you.”
I won’t wash my hand for a while.
This is also where I bid farewell to Cid. He will take me to the port in the carriage, and from there, I will escape to the neighboring country, Fumble, by ship.
“Well then, let’s go.”
With the confidence befitting a villainess, I put on a smile.
I think I did a good job.
I really wanted to be together forever. Meeting him ten years ago, I think I was able to avoid becoming a true villainess because Cid was there.
I wanted to dissolve the engagement peacefully because I wanted to live with Cid.
But hitting the prince was too much, and it’s better not to be involved anymore.
It’s lonely, but it’s okay.
Cid will continue to work for the Marcus family, so I’m sure we’ll meet again someday.
I don’t know how many years later, but at that time, I want to become a woman who can live alone and be praised by Cid.
“Please take care of Onii-sama.”
I couldn’t say “I love you.”
However, Cid, still holding my hand, said with a puzzled expression.
“Why Ethan-sama?”
“Huh?”
I wonder why, my intention didn’t come across.
