I Became the Substitute for the Runaway Heroine - Chapter 85

“It is likely because the journey here was so smooth.”

“Then we can go down to the port to look around.”

“Shall we?”

“Yes! My parasol is torn, so I need to buy some fabric to fix it.”

To disguise the Saint’s Staff as a parasol, ribs had been attached and fabric draped over it, but Odette had accidentally torn it recently. Emma wanted to repair it properly.

“Then let’s go buy some fabric.”

“What should we do about the money we withdrew from the banking guild? We can carry the gold certificates, but the gold coins are quite heavy.”

Gold certificates could be exchanged for gold even on the Eastern Continent, provided one paid a fee. However, since one had to visit the specific gold exchange that issued the certificate, the process was actually quite a hassle. In contrast, gold coins could be used anywhere and at any time, so they kept a generous amount on hand. They were simply too heavy to carry around easily.

“If we speak to the innkeeper, he will rent us a safe. I will look into it.”

“Thank you, Jacques.”

A moment later, Jacques returned with a key. He explained that valuables could be stored in a safe installed inside their room.

“Wow, the safe is quite large, isn’t it?”

The safe, built into the closet wall, was large enough for a person to fit inside.

“We could fit all our luggage in here.”

“I should put my staff in there as well.”

Odette placed all her belongings into the safe, except for a small handbag to take to the harbor.

She realized later that she should not have done that.

“Wow, so we will take that all the way to the Eastern Continent?”

Down at the harbor, a passenger ship bound for the East was anchored at the pier.

“Odette, I am told the tickets are sold out.”

Jacques, who had gone to gather information, returned with shocking news. Odette felt as if the world were turning dark.

“The ship leaves tomorrow; how can the tickets be sold out already?”

“They began selling them at dawn today.”

“Find out if there are any other ships leaving the Empire.”

“Yes, Odette.”

As Jacques turned to head back to the ticket office, a pair of women who appeared to be sisters approached them.

“Um, excuse me. Would you like to buy these tickets?”

“Oh my, miss! These are tickets for the Eastern Continent.”

Rather than the tickets themselves, Odette could not take her eyes off the hands of the woman holding them.

Why are her hands shaking like that?

A chill ran down Odette’s spine, and her eyes scanned the surroundings nervously. People were crowding the streets near the harbor and the surrounding alleys. Only the specific alley where she stood was empty of people.

The inn, built upon a coastal cliff, was a famous landmark offering a panoramic view of Neapolitan. Yet, not even an ant could be seen on the hill path leading up to it or anywhere near the building.

Odette squeezed her eyes shut and sharpened her senses. Before leaving the Saint’s Staff in the safe, she had drawn out all her divine power. Even so, she could feel the moisture in the wind, hear whispers from far away, and even pick up the scent belonging to the man she had been looking for.

Damn it! He is here!

How had she failed to notice Caesar tailing her until now? Had he been using a protective cloak to mask even his own scent?

“Ah.”

Odette snapped her eyes open. She felt as though the blood circulating through her body was draining out through her toes.

“…Run.”

“Pardon? Run?”

“Caesar is likely watching us.”

No wonder there had been no bandits or officials blocking their path as they traveled through the South. He had cleared the way because he wanted to see just how far she would run. He had likely even bribed those trembling sisters.

If Odette were to buy those tickets to the Eastern Continent, Caesar would make a final decision. To ensure she could never run again, he would lock her away in a place where not a single ray of light could reach her.

I hit him and knocked him unconscious; he is more than capable of doing that now.

Odette knew she could subdue Caesar with her strength, but what about Emma and Jacques? Caesar would be followed by trained knights, including Aden. A frontal confrontation was out of the question.

She felt she had to ensure Emma and Jacques escaped safely first, then look for an opportunity. Odette lowered her head, hiding her face with her hair as she spoke.

“Do not look back, and do not look to the side. Exit the harbor as naturally as possible and ask Princess Trisha for help. I will try to buy us some time.”

Jacques and Emma insisted they couldn’t send her back to the inn alone, but Odette turned away.

“Go, now. Please, hurry!”

Odette immediately turned and began to climb the hill toward the inn. She prayed desperately that Emma and Jacques would make it out of the harbor safely.

“Did… did you enjoy your look at the harbor?”

The curtains were all drawn, leaving the inside of the inn in darkness. The innkeeper was pale and sweating profusely, even though the weather was not hot.

“…Was someone looking for me?”

“Y-yes.”

As she climbed the hill, she had hoped and prayed that her judgment was wrong! A wave of dizziness hit her, and her vision blurred. Forcing herself to stay conscious, Odette asked, “Where is he now?”

“Be… behind you.”

Pointing a finger over her shoulder, the pale innkeeper hurried away. She felt a sharp gaze piercing her back. Odette bit her lip hard to swallow a scream. In that moment, the flow of air behind her changed. She sensed the silent movement of a familiar yet terrifying presence walking toward her.

“L-Lord Caesar.”

Odette turned around slowly.

“Why so late? I have been waiting a long time.”

Wearing a snow-white shirt and black leather pants, Caesar stood close to her with an expression that suggested he was bored to death. A faint scent of black tea drifted from him. It seemed he had been looking down the hill while drinking tea.

Had one of the others been dragged away and beaten by Caesar’s lieutenant, Aden? Sweat gathered in her palms.

It is okay. If it comes down to it, I will just hit him and knock him out again, then run.

Odette forced her lips into a trembling smile.

“You should not have waited aimlessly. You should have sent Sir Aden to let me know you were here. I would have returned in a hurry.”

“Pffft!”

Caesar burst into laughter as if he couldn’t believe she was telling such a blatant lie so earnestly. His alluringly beautiful eyes narrowed as he smiled. Yet, a storm was brewing within his blue eyes. A dangerous obsession flickered there, suggesting he would exact retribution on her for deceiving him and running away, no matter what.

She began to regret returning to the inn relying solely on her strength.

But my money and the Saint’s Staff are here; what else could I do?

Odette moistened her dry lips and squeezed out her voice.

“Lord Caesar, please do not misunderstand me. I want you to listen to what I have to say. The reason I came all the way to Neapolitan is… because I love you so, so much.”

“Oh, really?”

His lips twisted into a mocking smirk. Whether he believed her or not, Odette kept her shoulders hunched and spoke through her trembling.

“It is because it makes no sense for you and me to marry. I am not the person you should be marrying.”

“Then who would it be? The person I am supposed to marry?”

Caesar stepped closer and ran his fingertips through her hair. It was a gentle motion, yet it felt more threatening to her than anything else.

“Love me.”

Caesar had whispered for her to love him, and she had knocked him unconscious.

I am dead for sure now.

Would his punishment be to finally proceed with the consummation of their marriage, which had been postponed until now? If she were forced into a bed with a man exuding such demonic charm, her very will to escape would be broken.

“The… the Princess has only had eyes for you for a very long time. For your revenge and for the Empire, it is right for you to marry the Princess. So please…”

Let me go.

But the words remained unsaid. Caesar pulled her waist tightly toward him and whispered into her ear.

“I told you, I am only marrying you. I will have my revenge with you, and I will only have children through you. If you hate that so much, then take the dagger I bought for you and stab me in the neck while I am sleeping. Then you will be free.”

“Does it only end if I kill you?”

“Yes. So, if you want to run away again, do not hesitate to kill me.”

Caesar’s lips touched hers. In that instant, Odette realized that his power had changed.

He possesses a new power I have never felt before.

The moment she felt the immense power Caesar now held, an image flashed through her mind. It was the sight of Caesar walking alongside those two great horned deer.

“Could it be?”

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