No Need For Regrets

Chapter 57

Seriniel’s expression didn’t brighten.

“…”

Seated beneath the blossoming flower tree, Seriniel let out a heavy sigh.

She had hoped to rationalize her worries while feeling the breeze, but she couldn’t easily dismiss her concerns.

What Seriniel was most worried about right now…

Was just one thing.

That Lexion might suffer because of her.

She knew it was too late to regret now, but it still weighed on her mind.

Perhaps because she knew Lexion’s feelings were genuine. If it had been a simple contractual relationship, she wouldn’t have been concerned like this.

Moreover, if Belles really involved her in their scheme to incite rebellion…

The worst-case scenario could involve dragging Lexion into it as well. Especially if they were already married.

Now that she was involved, Seriniel didn’t know if Lexion would still be able to handle them as traitors as he originally intended.

And if they succeeded in their rebellion, the situation would become even more dire.

Of course, the Rosenvester family was one of the prominent houses in the Carteia Empire, with considerable power. Moreover, Lexion had a deep friendship with the emperor.

But the problem lay elsewhere. It was that Lexion, as he originally was, might not qualify to inherit the family.

…What if Belles, in addition to not favoring Lexion as usual, joined forces with other nobles who didn’t like him either?

It was a possibility. Of course, she couldn’t openly show her fear, but since no nobles had any reason to like Lexion, it was possible.

In any case, Belles had played his cards very well. By ensnaring both Seriniel and Lexion at once.

“You don’t look happy.”

At the sudden voice, Seriniel looked up. There, she saw Lexion looking down at her, leaning against the tree.

Lexion glanced briefly at Seriniel and then sat down beside her.

“Noble fights are incredibly messy.”

Then he began to gnaw on his lips slowly.

“They always scheme and plot like this. They may have their talents, but…”

“Lexion, Duke…”

“So they often miss the crucial points.”

Lexion chuckled dryly.

“No matter how well you scheme, it’s useless if you end up losing your head.”

Lexion had seen many people like that. He was different from those highborn nobles, but it was also true that he had spent countless hours on the battlefield.

What was the use of scheming so much? Killing them was enough.

Moreover, Lexion still had a pretext. He was a death squad sent by the emperor.

The emperor was no fool, so he must have known that this was Belles’ scheme.

And the emperor’s only pawn was Lexion. Of course, the situation could change for the worse. Lexion was aware of that much.

So now it was time for Lexion to act as well.

“I didn’t plan to go this far, to be honest.”

Lexion muttered softly.

“I tried to handle it cleanly without getting too much blood on my hands. Of course, Belles was out of the question.”

He didn’t know if killing them would be enough. Just cutting off their heads would do.

But Lexion didn’t do that. Instead, he conducted an unnecessary investigation and found evidence.

…Before.

If Seriniel had still been a distant figure to me, Lexion would have acted as he always did. He would have found them and cut their throats without hesitation.

And the reason he wanted to avoid that method…

“…I didn’t want to show you that side of me.”

“…”

“Hearing rumors and seeing the truth with your own eyes are worlds apart.”

What should I say?

I’m sorry for involving you in this mess because of me?

Unable to find the right words, Seriniel looked at Lexion with a slightly pitiful expression.

“But it was inevitable.”

Lexion said in a low voice.

“And I’ve never lost in fights like this.”

“…”

“So you don’t need to worry.”

Seriniel looked at Lexion without saying anything for a moment. Then, after a considerable amount of time passed, she lowered her gaze slightly and gnawed at her dry lips.

“I… I hope the marriage can be postponed a little.”

It was an unexpected statement, and Lexion hesitated slightly.

“Anyway, the divorce proceedings with Calian are perfectly finished, and thanks to you, Duke, I’m no longer in the same danger as before. Of course, I’m in a different kind of danger now.”

Seriniel chuckled bitterly.

“At any rate… I’m not in such a hurry as before… If you’re okay with it, Duke…”

Lexion didn’t say anything. He looked at Seriniel with a somewhat stiff expression.

Does she still not trust me?

That’s probably why she’s saying that.

…And as if she had read his thoughts in advance, Seriniel spoke again.

“It’s not because I don’t trust you, Duke.”

“…Then why.”

“When assuming the worst-case scenario… I think Duke should have an escape route too.”

“…”

“If you and I legally become married… If we get married, Duke may find it difficult to go after Belles. After all, it’s something that involves me with that rebel group, and you as well.”

Seriniel faltered.

“I don’t hope that Duke hesitates because of something like that, and I don’t hope that he gets tangled up with them like I do because of me. It’s just too…”

“Too?”

“It hurts inside to see things going exactly as Belles wants.”

Seriniel forced a smile.

“And if I could ask for one promise… I just hope you won’t get hurt.”

“…”

“It’s absurd for me to say such things since it’s because of me, I know that better than anyone, but still…”

With a weak finish, Seriniel lowered her head. With that, she decided not to say any more such things.

Lexion was caring about my feelings even in such a situation.

I was grateful, but…

Seriniel knew that wasn’t what Lexion wanted to hear, so she decided to stop.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

The sound of rain pouring down could be heard, unrelenting. It was an untimely spring rain.

Despite the calm murmurs outside the darkened window, the reception room of Viscount Verdellet was anything but serene.

It was as silent as a grave.

“…”

Sitting on the sofa, Belles was waiting for someone. He turned his head, checked the time several times, and then pressed his temples with a slightly tired expression.

…It’s time for him to come.

As Belles was lost in thought like that several times…

Before long, footsteps could be heard from the end of the corridor.

Belles slowly rose from his seat.

“…Welcome.”

With a somewhat weary smile, he greeted the person who entered the reception room.

“I’m worried you might have had a difficult journey.”

“It wasn’t too bad. It wasn’t exactly close, but it was manageable.”

I see.

Belles chuckled.

“Please, have a seat. I’ve prepared some warm tea.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t take anything given by others.”

The man smirked.

“I understand. Given the circumstances, it couldn’t be helped. It was inevitable.”

Belles replied as if it was okay, and the man took a seat on the sofa in the middle of the reception room.

Belles also sat facing him, and a moment of silence settled between the two.

“So, how should I address you?”

…And it was Belles who spoke first.

“Is it the new name you’ve chosen, Royden?”

“…”

“Or… Duke Rosenvester?”