I’ve Decided to Let You Go - Chapter 32

“If it’s not that, then why else would Your Grace bring up the Emperor’s visit so late?”

Natasha couldn’t understand his anger. He had said, Do I look like someone who would ask something like that?

Was Sieghart upset because he thought the Duchess had damaged the house’s honor? Or maybe he was worried that worsening relations with the Imperial family could lead to retaliation in the future?

It reminded her of the past, when he treated her like someone who could be sacrificed just for being in debt to the crown.

“So, you’re assuming I would never have brought it up unless that was the reason.”

He paused, clearly trying to keep his emotions in check.

“Anyone in this household might not know, but I do. I know the history between you and the Emperor. I remember clearly how you asked me not to get involved with the Imperial family.”

But instead of blaming her, his frustration spilled out in a raised voice.

His jet-black hair shifted slightly as he tilted his head back. His forehead and bold eyebrows were fully exposed, making his sharp features look even harsher. The cold red in his eyes added to the pressure he gave off, making it almost difficult to meet his gaze.

“And yet it wasn’t from you, but from the butler, that I found out the Emperor came while I was away. What do you think that feels like?”

He clenched his jaw as he spoke. His words came out rough, his tone more biting than usual. Even a few sharp curses slipped in between.

Natasha truly felt sorry. But she didn’t know the right answer.

What does he think it feels like?

Was there even anything for him to feel?

The man she knew had never cared whether she met with Kail Letius or not. Would it really bother him now?

Was he even supposed to feel anything about this?

She honestly didn’t understand why he was upset with her.

She stayed quiet, thinking that pretending not to know would only make things worse.

Eventually, he spoke again, unable to bear the silence.

“I’m sorry.”

His voice was heavy, filled with guilt.

At first, Natasha didn’t understand what exactly he was apologizing for. She assumed it was for raising his voice and losing his temper.

“I apologize for not keeping my promise. And for leaving you alone.”

Her eyes widened briefly in surprise.

Was this the effect of the contract?

Technically, he had been away on official duty. It wasn’t wrong of him to be gone. Natasha hadn’t even blamed him, yet he still lowered himself to apologize.

She started to say something, but then closed her mouth. She was afraid her voice might crack, so she said nothing.

It felt strange.

It was a feeling made of many emotions layered on top of each other, something too complicated to put into words.

Natasha hadn’t rejected the Emperor only because he was her enemy. The reason was rooted in her past, but more than anything, it was a way to prevent the past from repeating itself.

She refused to become Kail Letius’s pawn ever again.

That moment had been a clear message. She would not let him control her so easily this time.

But Natasha knew Kail better than most. He was not the type to stay quiet after being humiliated.

He will come back.

Her brows drew together slightly as she recalled the way he said goodbye.

His pride was hurt, so he probably wouldn’t come in person again. He would find a way to drag her into the palace instead.

Then she remembered what came next.

“I never thought the noble Duchess would step into the beast’s den on her own.”

It had happened on the day of the Duke’s knighthood ceremony.

Kayeina had been accused of poisoning and imprisoned in the Imperial dungeons. To save her, Natasha had entered that den herself.

Kail was planning to recreate that same scenario.

Sorry, Kail. But I won’t let that happen again. Never again.

Natasha made up her mind. She would use the knowledge of this world that only she possessed. She would escape the chains of misfortune.

Her red eyes burned with cold, fierce determination.

The Empire’s top newspaper, the Daily Beacon, released a shocking headline that swept across the nation. Within hours, people of every gender, class, and age were talking about the same thing.

It all began when Sieghart Aschart was named the Knight of Honor, a title only given once every century.

The title, traditionally reserved for royalty from powerful foreign kingdoms or the Letius Imperial family, had, for the first time, been awarded to someone outside of them.

When the news broke, House Aschart held a small celebration. Since hosting formal banquets wasn’t allowed before the official coronation, they arranged a private dinner party with members of the estate instead.

The evening was a joyful one.

The menu combined Sieghart and Natasha’s tastes. For her, there was a low-alcohol champagne since she couldn’t handle strong drinks. The soft waltz music that played throughout the night added to the mood. Everything felt warm and meaningful.

Later that night, Natasha slipped out alone to let the cool air clear her head. Even the breeze, usually sharp and cold in winter, was gentle tonight, as if the heavens were joining in her happiness.

Before long, she heard footsteps behind her. Meliana and Vanessa approached with quick steps and asked what she was thinking about. The way she sat quietly, staring up at the night sky, must have made her look deep in thought.

“I was just thinking about the time I’ve spent here at the estate,” Natasha answered with a soft smile.

It had been nearly a month since she came to the Aschart estate.

Around this time last year, she had been completely isolated. The mansion had felt cold and empty. Everyone in it had ignored her existence, treating her like someone who didn’t belong. The only thing that had greeted her was a loneliness that hurt more than she could explain.

Things were different now.

At the very least, she was being treated with respect as the Duchess of Aschart.

The duties she once struggled with had become easier, and even her aide praised her from time to time. She had become close with knights she barely knew before. Now, she even helped oversee their weekly training. Her relationship with the head maid had grown strong, and she was invited to secretly attend the upcoming maid recruitment interviews.

That wasn’t all.

Even the dream she had never achieved in her past life—joining high society—was now within reach. Jenkins had informed her that after the coronation, the household would officially support her debut into the social world.

To prepare, Natasha practiced everything she would need. Even at tonight’s dinner, she had danced the waltz that was currently in fashion across the Empire.

She never truly wished for any of this. Yet with Sieghart’s continued attention, even if it was only for appearances, everything remained in perfect balance.

They were things she once cried for, begged for.

Now, they were finally hers.

“Life’s been… peaceful, I suppose.”

“Oh, Duchess. You get sentimental sometimes,” Meliana teased.

Vanessa laughed beside her, clearly in agreement, finding Natasha’s quiet words endearing.

“I’m always grateful for the two of you.”

“Huh? Us?”

Their eyes widened like startled rabbits at her sudden words. Natasha pointed at them to make sure they’d heard her correctly.

“Thanks to you, I was able to adjust quickly. You stood by my side even when you could’ve distanced yourselves. You could’ve turned away after witnessing everything that happened.”

And that wasn’t all.

Surprisingly, the estate’s servants spoke positively of her. Word of mouth had built up a more favorable image than she expected, and much of that could be traced back to Meliana and Vanessa.

It felt like the right time to express her appreciation, both to maintain and deepen their bond.

“Well, we were only doing our jobs. But… thank you. It really means a lot to hear you say that. Honestly, I’m the one who’s grateful. I’ve never had a mistress as kind as you.”

“Please continue to rely on us.”

Their cheeks flushed as if they were being praised by someone they deeply admired. Natasha’s heartfelt thanks had clearly embarrassed them.

The three of them shared that quiet sincerity and, without saying it, felt their bond grow stronger. As the night wind brushed past them, they continued to talk a little longer.

Then Natasha suddenly remembered something important.

Building friendships was lovely, but she still had a bigger purpose to fulfill. She couldn’t afford to waste time.

“By the way, do either of you know where Kayeina is? I haven’t seen her anywhere.”

“Lady Ten was also looking for you earlier. She might be nearby.”

Natasha needed to meet Kayeina before the day was over.

She thanked them and said good night before heading off to find her.

It turned out Kayeina was closer than she expected. As if the timing had been perfect, the two ran into each other at the center of the hallway and lit up at the sight of one another.

“Kayeina.”

“Oh, Duchess. Where did you go? I thought you had gotten so drunk that you passed out somewhere.”

Kayeina offered to walk her back to her room. As they strolled through the quiet halls, they chatted about the banquet and exchanged impressions of the night. Eventually, they stopped in front of Natasha’s door.

“Kayeina, there’s something I want to say.”

Now was the time.

Not just for Natasha’s sake, but for Kayeina’s too. She had been a victim of that tragedy as well.

With a firm resolve, Natasha opened her mouth.

“So, um… you’re attending the coronation, right?”

“Of course. All the maids of House Aschart are required to. I heard we’ll be working with the priests to manage the holy water and the chalice that day.”

Her bright green eyes sparkled with anticipation. The joy in her voice was impossible to miss.

In contrast, Natasha’s lips had gone dry. Her next words would tear down that excitement.

Still, she had no choice.

She took a deep breath and began to speak.

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