It Doesn’t Matter If You’re Broken - Chapter 11

Theresia wore an expression of disbelief.

 

“Are you… threatening me right now?”

 

“I am simply speaking because Her Highness seems to not understand my words.”

 

“Lord Cardale!”

 

“How many more times must I remind you that I am Duke Vassenberg? At this point, Oldenhilt’s reputation for being incomprehensible seems well-deserved.”

 

Theresia’s face twisted, but she quickly regained her composure and smiled as if nothing had happened.

 

If it were someone else, she would have retaliated against their arrogance, charging them with the crime of insulting the nobility. But Cardale Vassenberg was always an exception in Theresia’s eyes. He was a man who held enough value.

 

“Since I was the one who was rude to you first, let’s just overlook it for now.”

 

“Well, that’s quite a fortunate turn of events.”

 

Cardale said, one corner of his mouth twitching.

 

“I would be even more grateful if you could ensure we won’t have any future encounters.”

 

With impeccable manners that contradicted his sarcastic tone, Cardale bid farewell to Theresia and left the hallway.

 

“…Just you wait, and watch.”

 

Left alone, the Princess clenched her fist tightly and glared at the path where the Duke had departed. Her dark grey eyes gleamed with desire and madness.

 

“I will definitely have you in my hands.”

 

It was only a matter of time. Eventually, Cardale Vassenberg would marry her.

 

Theresia believed in her ability to make it happen.

 

***

 

Cardale returned to the banquet hall and silently surveyed the surroundings. He thoroughly scanned every corner of the venue with a sharp gaze, but there was no sign of her.

 

Since her dress was in a mess, her only choice was to return to the Count’s residence. But he didn’t know that.

 

All he knew was that he felt frustrated because the woman had disappeared right before his eyes.

 

Whether this or that, everything was simply irritating. It was when Cardale impatiently brushed his hair aside.

 

“Greetings, Your Grace”

 

A woman politely spoke, leaving no room for error.

 

Cardale recognised her as the one who had been with Count Schuvan and Elise.

 

“Are you Count Schuvan’s aide?”

 

“It is an honour that you remember me. I am Vanessa Lockseed. I serve as Count Schuvan’s close advisor.”

 

“Just as you say, your master is only the Count. Considering that you left the lady with the Count’s last name in distress, it speaks volumes.”

 

Although his words poked at Gerhard and Vanessa’s behaviour, she didn’t flinch and continued with her intended message.

 

“I genuinely appreciate Your Excellency’s kindness and rescue of the young lady in an unavoidable situation.”

 

“Unavoidable, huh…”

 

The corners of the man’s mouth twitched. He held back a chilling laughter and asked.

 

“You didn’t come here just to say those flattering words, did you?”

 

“I would never dare to do such a thing. I was merely trying to express my gratitude for Your Excellency’s kindness and generosity.”

 

“Your skill in disguising your mistakes is remarkable. It almost makes me admire your audacity.”

 

“If I have caused any misunderstanding, it is my fault. Please, accept my apologies and let go of any resentment.”

 

Vanessa responded, maintaining her composure.

 

Growing weary of the wordplay, Cardale asked directly.

 

“So, what is it that you want?”

 

Ignoring his feigned ignorance, Vanessa asked once again.

 

“I merely wanted to express my gratitude for Your Grace’s kindness and generosity.”

 

“Then, what do you want?”

 

Without acknowledging what she said, he asked again.

 

Numerous people had approached him, each desiring something that belonged to the Vassenberg family.

 

So, no matter how much Vanessa tried to hide her intentions, it seemed pathetic to Cardale.

 

“If you’re not going to speak, leave.”

 

“I never intended to insult Your Excellency. Please forgive me if I have caused any misunderstandings.”

 

Only after Vanessa bowed and apologised did she bring up the main topic.

 

“I request an opportunity to repay Your Excellency’s kindness. It would bring me great pleasure if you could spare some of your precious time.”

 

The dinner was just an excuse. There was a separate purpose.

 

Cardale knew that Gerhard Schuvan was expanding his textile business and seeking investment from various sources.

 

He also knew that Vanessa desired to conduct business with the trading company owned by the Vassenberg family.

 

‘Using today’s events as an opportunity to establish connections…’

 

To think that Gerhard considered his illegitimate daughter to be of that value was equally amusing and insulting.

 

As Cardale’s annoyance reached its peak, he asked straightforwardly.

 

“What else?”

 

“And one more thing.”

 

As if anticipating his refusal, Vanessa quickly spoke up.

 

“The young lady asked me to deliver a message to Your Excellency.”

 

Vanessa paused for a moment and quickly assessed the Duke’s reaction.

 

There was no response, but he didn’t interrupt. His expressionless face remained unchanged, but it was evident that he was listening to her words.

 

“She expressed her gratitude for your assistance and apologised for not being able to meet you in person to thank you.”

 

The Duke lowered his gaze momentarily and fell silent. His pensive face seemed to be gauging and calculating something.

 

Vanessa blinked, waiting for the Duke’s response.

 

“How interesting.”

 

Sarcastic reply, causing Vanessa to bite her lip in response.

 

Could it be a failure? Considering today’s events, it wasn’t entirely impossible. She would have to seize the next opportunity…

 

“If she is truly sorry, she can come find me in person.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

Vanessa asked in astonishment, her face showing doubt as if questioning her own ears.

 

“I will decide after that whether or not to meet with the Count.”

 

Cardale declared, leaving with a concise statement, exiting the place.

 

Vanessa, who stood there blankly for a moment, soon came to her senses.

 

She had to hurry back and tell the Count about this news.

 

***

 

Gerhard and Elise had already returned to the mansion.

 

Throughout the carriage ride, Elise had tried her best to read the Count’s mind.

 

She caused such a commotion at the banquet hall of the Imperial Palace that it was strange that she hadn’t been dragged away and beaten.

 

However, the Count remained silent. The overwhelming silence that filled the carriage made Elise even more apprehensive.

 

Because of that, Elise had to swallow her anxiety by looking down at the messy hem of her dress.

 

But even upon arriving at the mansion, nothing happened. The Count briefly responded to her trembling greeting and quickly ascended the stairs.

 

Returning to their bedroom, the tension in Elise’s body dissipated, replaced by exhaustion.

 

Taking off her soiled clothes and soaking her weary body in hot water, Elise closed her eyes.

 

It has been an excruciatingly long day for her. She was even amazed at how she could endure so much in a day.

 

Even the usually uncomfortable touches of the maids felt indifferent in the face of her fatigue. Elise fell into a deep sleep.

 

Without knowing at all what kind of upheaval the coincidence of the day will bring to her life.

 

***

 

Michael Walter, an aide to Viscount Vassenberg, had a lot on his plate. Naturally, it was due to his master.

 

Amidst the stressed and overworked staff, Michael had managed to hold his ground smoothly, thanks to his military background and endurance honed through rigorous training.

 

With his naturally strong bones and enduring the long training process, his stamina was bound to be better than others.

 

And, of course, the work was driven by him, who was good at his job.

 

For instance, even during the week-long victory celebration, he found himself carrying stacks of paperwork and heading to the Duke’s office.

 

As always, Michael knocked twice and quietly entered. Then, he couldn’t help but admire the scene before him.

 

He used to fall into the illusion that he witnessed a famous painting every morning when he came here, but today there was no room for it.

 

A man was sitting with his back to a large window.

 

A man who was the owner of the rich Brellion estate and his master.

 

The man, who must have gone to bed later than Michael himself yesterday, was perfect without the slightest disturbance.

 

‘Did he even go to sleep?’

 

Michael casually pushed the arising question out of his mind. He then neatly stacked the documents on the desk to the left, where the Duke sat.

 

“These are the reports that have just arrived from the estate.”

 

Instead of answering, Cardale picked up the top folder from the stack and flipped through the papers.

 

Michael quietly breathed a sigh of relief, hoping Cardale wouldn’t notice.

 

‘I’m glad it arrived before it was too late. Otherwise, the Duke would have gone straight to the estate.’

 

As Cardale ascended to attend the victory celebration, he had instructed Michael to send a messenger to the estate to fetch the necessary documents for processing.

 

Knowing that the administrative staff under the Duke’s command had been working tirelessly for days to organise the materials in time, Michael silently offered them his deep consolation.

 

However, his own situation, in which he had to deliver the news that the owner would be displeased with, was not much different.

 

As Michael hesitated for a moment, Cardale, without raising his head or showing any interest, nonchalantly asked in an indifferent tone.

 

“If you have something to report, go ahead.”

 

Michael stiffened his posture and replied.

 

“Lady Isabella is currently staying at the Duke’s residence in the Brillion Estate.”

 

“She’s staying…?”

 

Feeling a chilling atmosphere emanating from Cardale’s tone, Michael’s spine grew cold. Nonetheless, he resolutely continued his report.

 

“Until Lady Isabella enters the mansion, she insists on remaining outside the gates, which has left the estate’s employees helpless.”

 

“It seems she’s grown tired of the villa.”

 

Cardale sneered.

***