Chapter 56
So That She Can’t Even Think of Leaving Me
“How did the Hayworth Royal Knights fare in the subjugation?”
At Kardin’s question, Samuel responded promptly.
“We only saw a single cart from afar carrying parts of the beasts, but it seems to have gone as we expected.”
Compared to previous times, not only was the cart covered with black cloth strikingly low in height, there was also only one cart to begin with.
“Then it’s only a matter of time before the King of Hayworth realizes the truth.”
Kardin chuckled at the thought of that foolish man’s eyes widening in shock and his face turning pale as a ghost.
With just one corner of his lips curling up, his angelic features transformed instantly into something devilish. Yet even that sinister expression was breathtakingly beautiful—so much so that Samuel, a devout believer in aesthetic supremacy, felt once again that serving the Grand Duke was well worth it. He grinned like a proper villain beside his master.
“Keep an eye on their movements. I’ve already taken precautions, but who knows when they’ll suddenly try to come and demand the princess’s return.”
“Yes, Your Grace. You needn’t worry.”
The conversation between the perfectly coordinated master and servant ended, and Samuel left to attend to other matters.
Kardin turned his gaze back out the window.
There, in the center of the garden, was Anette, now seated at the table.
Having missed her chance to taste the chocolate cake earlier during their serious discussion, it seemed she was now determined to enjoy her tea time properly.
Though the distance made it hard to see her face, he could easily imagine the content expression she would be wearing—so vivid, it could make any onlooker smile.
A soft smile tugged at his lips without him realizing it. But it soon faded as Kardin recalled Samuel’s earlier report.
While Hayworth was fortunate to have many blind fools, there were, naturally, some who were not.
Foremost among them were the knights of the royal order—Anette’s former comrades.
Kardin was curious how they would react upon realizing Anette had vanished.
Especially that man who blinded himself to his feelings out of cowardice…
He suddenly recalled the image of Anette sitting silently by the campfire on their journey to the Grand Duchy, her face steeped in loneliness.
What if, deep inside, she still harbored attachments to Hayworth?
What if someone from her past came and begged her to return?
And what if… she wanted to?
Kardin’s lips tightened, and his eyes darkened.
He had told Samuel that he wished Anette to live without pain, guilt, or burden.
And he meant it. If there was anything she truly desired to do, he would support her—unconditionally.
Except leaving me.
Now that she had finally come to his side, Kardin had no intention of letting her go.
He had made that clear to her before.
No matter what she chose to pursue, he asked that she remain by his side as his wife.
His innocent little princess likely had no idea just how cold and ruthless her husband-to-be could be—and Kardin intended to keep it that way.
To do that, I’ll have to make sure she never even thinks of leaving me…
He silently vowed once more.
He would offer her the comfort and joy that only life by his side could bring—so much so that no worry or doubt could ever penetrate her heart.
Meanwhile, Anette was full of worries and doubts.
When she heard Kardin explain the reason behind the rumors and the mask he wore—
And realized that it wasn’t all for her—
She wasn’t as disappointed as she might have thought.
After all, she didn’t see herself as someone worthy of such passionate attention or affection. She wasn’t extraordinary, nor did she have Kardin’s overwhelming beauty.
So when he denied doing it all for her, she had quickly concluded that the idea had been a ridiculous fantasy.
She was immensely glad she hadn’t said that thought out loud.
And yet… even though he hadn’t done it because of her—
“The unwanted attention of others meant nothing to me.”
That one sentence…
It almost sounded like he was saying her attention did mean something to him.
Like he was confessing in a roundabout way that he held feelings for her.
There was no room left to feel disappointed.
If anything, she was a little embarrassed to realize she had thought she understood him—when in truth, she had only scratched the surface.
And once that embarrassment faded, a quiet unease began to grow in her chest.
“He wanted to escape from persistent suitors of both genders…”
Without even realizing it, her expression hardened.
Even in Hayworth, where she spent her days battling beasts, she’d heard the rumors—that the Grand Duke of Harzent, of the Alcan Empire, possessed a beauty that could bewitch anyone.
Now that she had seen him in person, she could confirm the rumors were not exaggerated.
Anette found herself wondering—what could Kardin possibly be lacking?
Looks, power, wealth, charisma…
Even his personality was appealing—if mischievous!
It made perfect sense that people threw themselves at him.
Anette felt increasingly anxious.
Kardin had said he would remove the mask and dispel the rumors now that they were married.
He’s really going to unleash that dangerous face on the world again…
And even when he wore a mask, she had found him impossible to resist.
Wouldn’t others continue to pursue him despite their marriage?
Even if we both promised to be faithful, outside interference is inevitable.
If it came to that, Anette decided she’d show any potential rivals—be they women or men—a tiny taste of her power.
Just a light warning: perhaps a casual punch that crushed a boulder, or a small kick that collapsed a wall.
Of course, such plans would prove utterly unnecessary thanks to Kardin’s impenetrable defenses.
Unaware of this, Anette continued fretting and sinking deeper into her thoughts.
“Milady, is the dessert not to your liking?”
Larisa looked crestfallen. She had organized this little tea party in the garden with such excitement, hoping to see the delighted expression Anette wore when enjoying something delicious—just like the day before.
“My lord personally requested chocolate cake, so I assumed it must be your favorite. Was I mistaken?”
“No, I like it.”
Anette shook her head quickly—and then paused in surprise.
She had never so confidently said she liked anything before. Not about food, not about anything else.
“I think… I might really like the Grand Duke.”
“C-Cough.”
A sudden memory tried to resurface—but she quickly shoved it aside.
Too embarrassing to dwell on!
Shaking her head as if to fling away the thought, Anette focused on the chocolate cake in front of her.
It was strange to think that this enticing dessert hadn’t even registered earlier, overshadowed by Kardin’s presence in the parlor.
If not for Larisa suggesting a walk and tea in the garden, she might have completely forgotten about it.
That would’ve been a tragedy!
Startled by the thought, Anette quickly grabbed her fork—almost as if afraid someone might steal it away.
She scooped up a bite that included the slightly firm chocolate coating, soft sponge, and smooth cream, and popped it into her mouth.
“Wow…”
A gasp of delight escaped her lips. Larisa, clearly prepared, offered her a glass of milk.
She swallowed, and the cake melted in her mouth—sweet, velvety, and just a touch bitter. Utter perfection.
“It’s better than any cake I’ve had in the capital.”
Anette shivered in delight, her praise sincere.
The rich chocolate, the subtle bitterness—it all blended into something divine. Different from the hot chocolate in the empress’s palace or the chocolates Mikhail used to give her, yet just as unforgettable.
She devoured the cake so happily that her fork eventually met the bottom of the plate—and froze.
“Milady…”
Larisa looked near tears as she saw Anette’s disappointed expression.
Only two days into serving, but she already felt like Anette’s most devoted servant. Though she had come to the Grand Duke’s estate to repay a debt to him, she now saw Anette as the one she would pledge loyalty to.
With a solemn and determined voice, Larisa whispered:
“If you command it, milady… I, Larisa, will sneak past the master and bring you another slice, despite his strict orders.”
Anette froze at the sight of Larisa’s fierce devotion.
She had thought the maid merely sweet and eager to please—but those eyes burned with the same loyalty as a seasoned knight.
And Anette… had never in her life been the recipient of such unwavering devotion before.
She was deeply moved.
