Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 30

“Lady Ginette! We’ve received an urgent message from the estate in the royal capital!”

I stopped working, my hands freezing mid-task.

This can’t be, I thought. I could feel my heart pounding like a rapid drumbeat.

“A carriage was attacked by unknown assailants in front of our estate. The guards you stationed around the estate subdued the attackers. The victim was Lord Olga Saraphis, the duke’s son. He sustained a deep cut primarily on his back and is currently receiving treatment inside the estate.”

“Lord Olga?!”

Upon hearing the report, I couldn’t sit still. I stood up so abruptly that the teacup on my desk rattled with a clatter.

“My lady, please calm down,” Katie said.

Her words brought me back to my senses, and I sat back down in my chair.

“How is Lord Olga’s condition?”

“The wound is deep, and he’s unconscious, but fortunately, the guards noticed immediately and brought him to the estate for treatment. The healer reports that he should recover without any lasting effects.”

“…That’s a relief. You said the attackers were subdued, so they’ve been captured, right? What’s the situation with the assailants?”

“Six were subdued on the spot, and the seven who fled have all been captured. Five were killed during the confrontation. The captured ones are currently held in the estate’s dungeon. So far, they all claim they attacked for money.”

“…I see. We cannot forgive those who harmed the man who is to become my husband. Do whatever it takes. Punish them thoroughly.”

“Understood.”

I gave instructions to the servants and sent an urgent note to my parents.

What could be happening in the royal capital right now? My parents should be meeting with His Majesty.

To attack my fiancé in front of our estate while my parents are away. Does that mean they’re confident they can afford to make an enemy of our house?

At any rate, I’m so worried about Lord Olga that I want to head to the estate in the capital immediately.

But as the next Marchioness entrusted with this territory, I cannot leave here now.

The frustration is agonizing.

I want to rush to his side right away.

I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to calm my heart.

It’s okay, he’ll be fine.

Soon, a document arrived from my mother detailing the discussions that took place at the palace.

Suppressing my trembling hands, I read through the document.

The report stated that Lord Olga, just before being forced into a marriage with Princess Celestina by royal decree, had confirmed my safety and then presented evidence that the princess was trying to frame me.

So that’s why he was targeted.

I can’t help but feel genuinely happy that he was concerned for me.

But it’s hard to believe Princess Celestina would target Lord Olga directly.

If Lord Olga sensed danger in the palace and acted immediately, yet still got attacked. He would have certainly been killed if he had stayed inside the palace.

The facts I gleaned from the report filled me with frustration. I can’t forgive this.

It seems Father received the report of Lord Olga’s attack directly from the estate. He took immediate action, and Mother wrote that she would return to the estate to assess his condition firsthand before contacting us again.

…All I can do is wait.

I never knew waiting could be this painful.

It’s frustrating.

Has there been any word from Father yet?

I tried to distract myself with work and went for a walk with Marilyn, but I’m too worried about him to focus on anything.

Marilyn noticed my state and is concerned about me.

While I was like this, Mother returned to the estate.

“Mother, welcome back.”

“Ginette, I’m home. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Is he… is Lord Olga alright?”

When I asked what was worrying me, Mother smiled.

“My, my, Ginette. You’re a maiden in love. Olga is recovering. However, since he’s still a target, he won’t be able to leave the estate for a while.”

“Oh, Mother. But I’m glad. Is Father alright?”

Teased by Mother, I felt my face grow warm and tried to hide it by asking about Father.

“Joseph is perfectly fine. If our house becomes their enemy, it’s the royal family who will be in trouble. Thanks to Olga this time, the Queen and Crown Prince can no longer protect her. The princess will likely be disinherited and sent to a remote convent.”

“That’s too light a punishment. I don’t want to forgive her. That princess has ruined the futures of many young ladies until now. Even if it were only me. And Lord Olga wouldn’t have been targeted if not for her.”

“Hehe. I thought you’d say that, Ginette. That’s why I arranged for you, as the next Marchioness, to attend the sentencing of Princess Celestina. Prepare immediately and head to the royal capital.”

“Understood.”

Mother was smiling more broadly than I’d ever seen. She must be incredibly angry. I don’t want to forgive her either. We need to settle this properly on our end as well.

I rode Marilyn to the royal capital.

“Marilyn, it might be boring for you, but please stay here for a while.”

“Grrr.”

I patted Marilyn’s nose and entered the estate.

“Lady Ginette, let’s show them the power of the Marchioness’s house.”

“Yes, indeed. We can’t let them look down on us.”

Ginette bowed slightly and headed to the inner rooms to prepare.

“Which room is Lord Olga in?”

“He is recuperating in the room next to yours, my lady.”

After asking the estate servant, I quickly walked to Lord Olga’s room.

Is his injury really okay?

Suppressing my restless heart, I knocked on the door, and a low voice answered from within.