Chapter 18
“What’s this nonsense after the ink’s already dried on the signed contract?”
Cayente, already seething with anger, felt his neck stiffen at Henry’s report.
“Today, the factory that Count Arin handed over is near Besson, in Laroye, governed by Marquis Ver. Since their territories are adjacent, it seems like the two were close. But what could Count Arin have said to Marquis Ver? He came to break the contract, claiming he couldn’t trust its terms.”
“He’s out of his mind.”
Cayente had wanted to get things done quickly and had offered a reasonable price. He was sure Count Arin had forgotten all about the penalty for breaking the contract and was now trying to squeeze out more money.
“So, he’s at the office right now?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s go right now.”
Sometimes, it’s wise to maintain relationships even with people who may not seem beneficial at the moment. Henry’s advice echoed in Cayente’s mind, but he still didn’t agree with it. Maintaining relationships came at a cost, and most of the time, it was he who ended up losing. So why bother maintaining such relationships?
The only people Cayente needed to focus on were rulers of countries or those from whom he could gain something. There were hardly any left in the continent, and most of the people who came forward were only interested in using him for their own gain.
What reason did he have to build good relationships with such people? If his situation changed, he would turn his back on them without a second thought.
“How stupid can he be?”
Breaking the contract was, of course, impossible. Whether he came in ignorance or knowing full well, Count Arin would leave with a smile once he was given something—acting as though he never got upset. The contract was clear, so there was no intention to give him anything.
“We’ll go together.”
As Cayente was about to climb into the carriage, his mood souring, Yulia suddenly appeared beside him.
“What?”
“If we go together, it’ll be helpful. I’m familiar with Marquis Ver, so I’ll speak to him properly.”
“Why you?”
“Why? Because I believe it will be helpful, just like I said.”
“I don’t need your help.”
“…Why are you trying to take the long road when there’s an easy one? You’re not the type of person to do that.”
“What type of person am I?”
“That’s… well…”
“What? Do you want to play with me and my family too?”
“Play? No.”
“Didn’t you stand right there just now? Didn’t you hear what I said?”
“…Why are you suddenly angry?”
“What?”
“Mother kept saying strange things, and you stayed calm until now, but suddenly you got angry and left. It was odd. So, I followed you. I just wanted to apologize if I did something wrong.”
Hadn’t he already said everything earlier? Was she not listening now?
Cayente, in disbelief, questioned whether Yulia could even hear properly. He had already made it clear that he had no intention of becoming family, and just now, he had rejected her help, yet she acted like she hadn’t heard a word of it.
“People don’t say things like ‘ownership.’ It seems like something you’d avoid saying, but there must have been something about it that bothered you?”
Should he say it? That he detested the family with the name Ruper—Yulia’s family? Would that make her stop trying to be concerned for him when she knew how angry he was because of them?
“Let me say this one more time: I don’t need your help. Not only that, but you’re stopping me from getting my work done with your pointless words.”
Would he never see the hurt in her eyes when she expected something and got hurt? Would he never see her surprised face when asking the reasons for his actions?
“Go.”
“Yes, Count. I’ll contact the lady later. Please go in and finish your meal.”
Cayente, holding back the words that had risen to his throat, climbed into the carriage without even acknowledging her.
“…Are you worried about her, perhaps?”
Henry asked, wondering why Cayente was acting so harshly, but Cayente turned his gaze toward the window, silent.
If he were to explain why, everything would be easier. But he was different from others—he wasn’t the kind of person to betray his trust. A promise made would be kept, even if it was a promise made with someone who had already betrayed his trust.
“What’s wrong, sister?”
“Did he get upset because you mentioned our late father? Is that it?”
Yulia followed out of curiosity, but only returned after hearing more hurtful words. Both the Baroness and Ian cornered her from each side, making things worse.
“Did you apologize?”
“What did he say? Why was he upset?”
“I don’t know.”
“You should have asked that first. I thought you were smart, but lately, I’m not so sure. By the way… he didn’t ask for the jewels back, did he?”
Even though Cayente had offered help, she had rejected it and refused to answer when asked. Now, it seemed like they were worried about something else.
At first, Yulia thought her mother and Ian would be serious after hearing Cayente’s rejection of their family. But despite it, they didn’t seem to take it seriously.
“Madam, I’ve brought the knife. I had to clean the silverware, so I was delayed… huh? Where’s the Count gone?”
“I’ll go rest now.”
“Did you finish eating already? I’ll escort you to your room.”
“No, Lucy. I just want to be alone. Help your mother and Ian with their meal.”
“Ah… yes!”
For a brief moment, the atmosphere at the dinner table lightened, and Yulia felt better. But as quickly as it came, the energy drained from her again. Alone in her room, leaning against the door, she let out a long sigh.
— “I don’t need your help.”
Why was he acting this way? No matter how much she thought about it, Yulia couldn’t understand Cayente’s actions.
