9. Conditions
1055 Words
Episode 09
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There are 7 covered wagons, 5 carriages and 20 or 25 horses standing in front of the front gate of the Lancaster Mansion. I could see Duke Dexter, Andrew and Wilfrid standing in the front talking with Cedric.
'I guess I am late.'
Thinking so, I hurriedly walked towards the front gate where everyone was.
"The lady is here."
Noticing me, an elder wearing a black suit said with a smile. He looked rather strong considering an elder. He must be the butler.
Anyways, hearing his words, everyone looked in my direction.
Ah. Their gaze is uncomfortable.
"Greetings."
I greeted them politely.
Dexter: "Then I guess, it's time for farewell."
Cedric: "Yes."
Dexter: "Do visit our Duchy again."
Cedric: "I will try."
Ignoring me, the Duke and Cedric started talking with themselves. On the other hand, Andrew and Wilfrid looked at the front, ignoring my gaze.
Haa~
I wish they wouldn't act so petty, at least now.
"My Lady, that carriage is prepared for you."
The butler showed me a huge white wagon that was standing right in front. It had work of silver vines here and there. And at the very top a silver crest with the imprint of a howling wolf on it. That's the crest of Wolff Duchy.
"I see. Thank you."
The butler's eyes widened hearing that.
'Ah. Did I say something wrong?'
But before I could have any other thoughts, the butler smiled gently.
"It's my duty."
Saying that the butler forwarded his hand.
Ah. He's going to escort me.
I put my hand over the butler's palm. He then slowly escorted me to the carriage. Before getting in the carriage, I had to stop to greet the Duke.
Umm. What should I say?
As I was pondering over what to say or what to not, the Duke suddenly said in a disinterested voice,
"Take care, Duchess."
"I hope you will visit our Duchy if you have time."
Then Andrew added in the same tone. Wilfrid just bowed instead of saying anything.
None of their words or behaviour is genuine. My heart felt cold for some reason.
It's probably how because they are pushing her away… To them Anastasia Lancaster, the only DAUGHTER of Lancaster Duchy has disappeared. In front of them, standing was the DUCHESS of Wolff Duchy, the wife of Duke Lancaster…
Honestly, I hardly believe that she ever existed in their life, to begin with.
"Then Duke Cedric, please have a safe journey."
Duke Dexter said with a smile.
Cedric: "Yes, I will."
"It was an honour to meet you, Duke."
Wilfrid said in a formal tone.
Andrew: "Then please take care."
Cedric: "You too. Young Master Andrew. Visit our Duchy before you become the Duke."
Andrew: "I will try my best."
They are in their own world. It's like Anastasia doesn't even exist.
"My Lady…"
I can hear Clara's voice of concern.
Butler: "Lady Anastasia…"
"Ah. Yes. I should get in the carriage."
Saying that I got in the carriage.
And as I was going to let go of the butler's hand, the butler said in a gentle voice,
"I hope you will find happiness there, Lady."
I wish it was true… But the thing waiting for there is death…
But I can't say that.
"Yes. I hope so too."
I replied with a bright smile.
After I got in the carriage, the butler closed the carriage door. Clara and other servants have another carriage arranged for them. So she's probably there now.
Haa~
I wonder when the carriage will start. I can't open my eyes any longer.
I should just fall asleep. It's not like anyone will come inside this carriage.
Thinking so, I leaned in the carriage window and looked at Cedric who was still busy talking with the Duke.
Seeing that, I closed my eyes and fell into a deep slumber.
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Rattle* Rattle*
Hearing the rattling sound of the carriage, I slowly opened my eyes.
I guess the carriage is moving…
"You have woken up."
I flinched hearing the sudden voice then looked at the seat that was in front of me in surprise.
Cedric, the male lead, was sitting there.
"Why are you-"
"Don't get me wrong. I am not here for something stupid."
Cedric said in an annoyed tone.
"Then why are-"
"I will never love you."
Well, I wasn't surprised to hear that. He probably realized his feelings for Sybell now.
"Never expect me to love you. I will show you all the respect you deserve as a Duchess. But that's all."
Respect?! What B*llsh*t.
"I understand."
I replied in a calm voice.
"So never- Huh?"
Cedric was going to say something sarcastic again. But then his eyes widened hearing my answer.
I guess he didn't expect me to agree to this easily.
"Although I have some conditions."
"Huh? If it's something related to love."
"Don't worry. I don't have any expectations in receiving your love."
I just want to live.
"Then what?"
Cedric asked in an angry voice.
"You can't force me to socialize."
"..."
"If you have or will have a person you love, divorce me right away."
"That-"
"With a handsome amount of money, of course."
"That won't happen."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
Cedric replied firmly.
"Even though I will never love you, that doesn't mean I am a bastard who will love another person while having a wife."
"We will see about that."
"..."
Without saying anything, Cedric just frowned at me.
"And my last condition… … …."
Hearing that, Cedric's eyes widened.
"What?!"
"Even though it may sound nonsense, I hope you will listen to my condition."
"Sigh~ Whatever. I have some conditions too."
"Hmm?"
"You can't interfere in my daily work. Try not to get out of your room as much as you can. And even if you do that, don't you dare come to the second floor of my mansion."
2nd floor… Where Sybell's room is.
"Sure. I don't care."
"I will prepare a written contract when we reach the Wolff Duchy."
"Sure."
Cedric frowned at me for a while but then turned his head and knocked on the carriage's door.
And in a moment, the carriage stopped. Then Cedric got down from the carriage. And after a short moment, the carriage started moving again.
- Writer
