It Doesn’t Matter If You’re Broken - Chapter 18

‘The Duke of Vassenberg would have been better, but…’

 

Gerhard was deep in thought.

 

‘The Duke is also targeting Princess Theresia, so it won’t be easy. There’s a possibility of crossing the line and earning the Emperor’s displeasure.”

 

‘If so, this one isn’t too bad either.’

 

While thinking, Gerhard noticed two people approaching from afar.

 

He could see the people were paving the way and getting polite.

 

‘It looks like the Duke and Princess Theresia.’

 

It was then. A good thought flashed through his head like lightning.

 

Gerhard looked at the Little Marquis and the Duke alternately, then smiled meaningfully.

 

‘Because it’s better to ensure the stage is set.’

 

Having made that decision, Gerhard turned to Raymond.

 

“I’m sorry, but something urgent has come up, and I have to leave for a moment.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

Disappointment appeared on Raymond’s face. Gerhard added, not missing that expression.

 

“So, if it’s alright with you, may I ask the Little Marquis to escort Elise?”

 

“What? But…”

 

Raymund seemed surprised. It was customary to entrust the escort to a trustworthy man, so it was natural.

 

However, Gerhard casually said, seemingly unaware of everything.

 

“It’s difficult to take her with me, but I can’t leave my daughter alone either. It should only be for a moment, but oh, what should I do? Should I ask someone else…?”

 

Gerhard looked around as if looking for someone.

 

“You don’t have to.”

 

In the end, Raymond, who became impatient, snapped the bait. He politely asked Elise again.

 

“Lady, will you allow me to be your escort for a while?”

 

Elise looked at the Count, and he nodded. It meant to do as you were told.

 

She looked at Raymond’s outstretched hand.

 

For some reason, the memory of the victory celebration came to mind. The long and straight fingers of the Duke, who asked her to dance, seemed to overlap. The body temperature and tactile sensations that were felt even through her gloves were felt vividly.

 

‘What am I thinking…!’

 

She hurriedly brushed off the vain thoughts that came to her mind. Then she put a finger on Raymond’s hand. It was a timid and cautious gesture, like someone afraid something might happen.

 

But as soon as the tips of her finger touched, Elise realised that she had been worrying for nothing.

 

“Then shall we go?”

 

Raymund asked affectionately. Elise smiled faintly and nodded her head.

 

* * *

 

“Are you feeling calmer now?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“When I first met you earlier, you seemed surprised. If I was mistaken, I apologise.”

 

“No, you were right. I was surprised. I saw the wild animal in the cage.”

 

“Oh, I saw it too. It was a rare and ferocious beast, so I understand why you were surprised, my lady.”

 

The reason Elise was shocked was not because of the ferocity of the beast, but she did not bother to point it out.

 

As she stepped into the world of nobility, the first thing Elise accepted was the humble admission that she would never be able to understand them.

 

At that time, Raymond let out a short exclamation and said.

 

“Her Highness Princess Theresia is also here.”

 

At those words, Elise unconsciously turned her head away, and their gazes met.

 

Bright crimson eyes like garnets.

 

And he was staring at Elise without speaking. His expressionless and cold face remained the same.

 

Elise felt as if she had returned to the victory banquet hall again.

 

The only difference this time was that she couldn’t escape his gaze.

 

“I guess His Excellency the Duke took over as an escort.”

 

Raymond kept talking to Elise, but she couldn’t answer. It was precisely because she couldn’t hear his voice.

 

Sensing her puzzlement, Raymond looked back at Elise and asked.

 

“Lady Elise?”

 

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

 

Only then did Elise manage to get away from Cardale’s gaze. She gasped for breath and apologised to Raymund.

 

“What happened?”

 

“It’s nothing. It’s just…”

 

The excuse she was trying to make in a hurry didn’t lead to the end. It was because of Theresia who had approached them.

 

In an instant, the blood drained from Elise’s face.

 

“I see you here, Little Marquis.”

 

“I greet you, Your Highness, the Princess.”

 

“Okay, how is the exhibition going?”

 

“It is the first time such a meaningful and wonderful event has been held. I was just admiring His Majesty’s high discernment once again.”

 

Praise was inevitable since it was an event sponsored by the Imperial family. When Raymond gave a proper answer, the Princess raised the corners of her mouth as if pleased.

 

“My heart is satisfied that the Little Marquis said so. And…”

 

Theresia turned her eyes to Elise. Seeing the eerie look in her eyes, Elise instinctively ducked her body and lowered her head.

 

“I see you, Your Highness, the Princess.”

 

“You always say your greetings late.”

 

Theresia said in a cold tone. In fact, with Elise’s identity, she couldn’t even talk to the Princess first, so this was just an empty quibble.

 

“The same thing happened at the victory banquet hall.”

 

Meanwhile, Raymond was taken aback by Theresia’s unexpected vitriol. Because he didn’t know what had happened on the day of the victory banquet.

 

On that day, there was a last memorial service for his brother, who passed away in an accident, and everyone in the Hartmann family, including Raymond, could not attend the banquet.

 

Even after that, he had almost stopped his social activities, so he was ignorant of the rumours that spread in secret.

 

“Don’t you know what reflection is? Or is it to use ignorance as a shield?”

 

“Forgive me, I’m sorry…”

 

“If you’re so clueless, I wonder how you manage to attend every social event without fail. Moreover, you change your escort each time.”

 

“Your Highness the Princess.”

 

Raymond, who was worse off, stopped Theresia.

 

Through a series of conversations, he soon realised that something was wrong between the two of them. But whatever it was, he didn’t think it was the fault of the innocent lady beside him.

 

He was not ignorant of the Princess’s arrogant personality, and the woman with whom he shared a few words seemed too timid to be involved in such matters.

 

Seeing Raymond’s stern face, Theresia stepped back a little.

 

“Considering Little Marquis’ face, I’ll let it slide this time.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

The voice was meek, even with a hint of fear. Annoyed again by her pretending to be pitiful, Theresia spoke.

 

“But I hope I don’t have to see you often.”

 

It was a harsh remark, a bit excessive.

 

“Your Highness the Princess.”

 

Unable to watch the weak being bullied by the strong, Raymond took a step forward.

 

“As Your Highness knows, for a lady who has just made her debut in high society, every day is precious time.”

 

“So?”

 

Theresia asked with an arrogant face.

 

“I’m merely suggesting that taking away such opportunities would be too cruel.”

 

Hmm, the Princess deliberately sneered. Pretending to be contemplating, she glanced at Cadele’s face.

 

He was as cold and insensitive as ever. Though his gaze seemed a bit deeper, it only made him look more elegant.

 

‘I guess it wasn’t worth worrying about. Dancing with that commoner on the first day of the celebration was just a whim.’

 

As soon as she thought that, her mind that had been standing on that day was relieved in an instant.

 

‘Yes, what about all an adopted child of the Count’s family?’

 

Compared to herself, there was nothing better about that woman. If she had to acknowledge something, it was that the smooth face was somewhat passable.

 

‘It must be a way to arouse sympathy by pretending to be pitiful with that face.’

 

It was a classic but still valid method. Wasn’t it that this woman trapped even Raymond Hartmann with that ability?

 

Theresia couldn’t help recognising her talent for winning the man’s heart.

 

‘The important thing is whether that woman clings to the Duke again or not…’

 

If Elise gave up and approached Raymond early on, believing she was hopeless, it would be good for Theresia.

 

‘Just not Cardale Vassenberg.’

 

Theresia pretended to smile inwardly while maintaining a cold and stern face outwardly as she asked.

 

“Is the Little Marquis trying to reprimand me right now?”

 

“No, Your Highness.”

 

Raymond immediately shook his head.

 

“I’m merely cautioning against slandering a lady’s future. I’m also pleading for Your Highness’s mercy.”

 

Theresia carefully examined Raymond’s expression.

 

‘At the very least, he harbours a favourable impression. If not, he wouldn’t have stepped forward in a situation that has nothing to do with him.’

 

Even the Duke’s immediate reaction was like that. Cardale was just contemplating the situation with a nonchalant face that seemed not even interested.

 

It was only natural that his attitude pleased Theresia.

 

‘I don’t know what kind of relationship the two will have in the future, but…’

 

Theresia looked at Elise and Raymond alternately.

 

For that foxy woman, Little Duke Hartmann was an undeserved partner. Just seeing them standing side by side made her annoyed.

 

However, it seemed that she could endure even this, if the girl who looked good in front of the Duke would disappear.

 

She would rather get Elise married to Raymond or someone else, and get the woman out of her sight if Cardale Vassenberg shows interest in her again.

***