The Grand Duchess Escape - Chapter 136.1
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The next morning, Asella was informed that Calix had already left the duchy.
‘Why would he leave so hastily…?’
As Asella’s face darkened, Margo quickly added, “There’s no need to worry too much. The mansion will be well-managed by the staff, and most of the knights will remain in the castle. Miss Mariel’s lessons will continue without interruption.”
As Margo had said, the castle continued to function with or without its master. The servants carried out their duties flawlessly, without the slightest error.
Asella went about her daily life as usual, but inside, she was filled with growing anxiety. The vivid dream she had had kept coming back to her.
The dream had not revealed why Calix had attacked the Chartus family, so she couldn’t figure it out.
But he had a reason. If necessary, it wouldn’t be impossible to manipulate the emperor and come up with a suitable pretext.
“If something were to happen to Chartus, Mariel would be in danger.”
She knew she shouldn’t be talking about the Grand Duke’s attack before it happened, but it seemed appropriate to pass on a message to reinforce the security of the mansion.
‘I need to find a way to contact the Chartus mansion somehow.’
At that moment, Mariel noticed Asella’s serious expression and spoke up.
“Sister, is there something bothering you?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
“It seems like there is. Your face has turned pale, and even your eyebrows are furrowed.”
The child keenly sensed her sister’s state of mind.
“I might be able to help. Hmm?”
However, Asella remained silent. She didn’t want to burden the child with unnecessary fears. Then, Mariel tilted her head and made a suggestion.
“Well, how about we go out for a change of mood? Maybe go outside the castle?”
“That’s not possible. The Academy exams are approaching, and you need to prepare diligently. Besides, His Grace is not here…”
As Asella was about to shake her head, she suddenly stopped. A thought flashed through her mind.
‘….He’s away from the castle now.’
With Calix gone to the capital, now was the opportune time to do something without being noticed by him.
‘It’s the only chance to convey the message to Chartus’
Asella was determined not to miss this opportunity.
“Mariel.”
A resolute expression appeared on her face.
* * *
“Two glasses of strawberry juice! And chocolate chip cookies too!”
In the bustling heart of a crowded shopping district, Mariel took a seat at an outdoor table and shouted loudly. The waiter, taking orders hurriedly dashed into the store.
“Please sit down, sis.”
Asella sat across from her, her gaze filled with anxiety as she looked at Mariel’s sleeve. It was because there was a letter to be sent to Chartus inside.
‘I hope it goes well.’
It was never about Philip or Anthony. It was for Mariel’s sake, it was to ensure that the family name her mother left them will not be lost.
‘I wonder if I can get the guild to do it while avoiding the eyes of the escort knights..’
Although she had mustered up courage, she couldn’t help but feel nervous. If anything went wrong, Mariel could also be in danger. Her fingertips grew cold at the thought.
‘I shouldn’t have brought Mariel into this’
At that moment, when Asella was regretting, Mariel held her hand quietly.
“It’s okay. Everything will be fine.”
The warmth from the child’s high body temperature spread through her hand. Despite being a much smaller hand, Asella felt an indescribable sense of relief from that warmth.
‘Then let’s get started!’
***
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