It Doesn’t Matter If You’re Broken - Chapter 9

“What happened?”

It was a question asked knowingly, even though they already knew what had happened.

“Ah, there was a disrespectful child who dared to disregard the authority of the royal family. I was in the middle of teaching proper etiquette.”

Theresia smiled broadly and gave an answer completely different from the truth.

‘She’s also abominable.’ Cardale hid the ridicule leaking out of him, and naturally snatched the glass from the Princess.

Then he said, briefly glancing at the woman, who was still trembling without raising her head.

“There seems to be no need to tarnish Your Highness the Princess’s hands further.”

“Are you concerned about this child?”

Her tone was gentle, but her eyes were as cunning as a snake. No matter what he answered, it was a trap-like question that would bring painful results to Elise Schuvan.

Knowing that, Cardale raised his eyebrows and naturally turned the conversation to Theresia as he shot an arrow towards her.

“It’s been a long time since the Emperor had a grand banquet, so it would be troublesome if it were ruined.”

It was a gentle but firm remark.

In fact, the atmosphere at the banquet hall was cold, as if it had never been fun. A look of discomfort was evident in the faces of the aristocrats.

In addition, Cardale Vassenberg, a powerful member of the aristocracy, even stepped forward.

Theresia realised it was time for her to take a step back.

‘This should have been enough warning.’

Theresia’s cold gaze turned to Elise.

Arrogant.

She wanted to slap the cheek of the woman. The same goes for Gerhard Schuvan, who tried to hit the back of the head while avoiding eyes.

‘There are many ways to retaliate anyway.’

There were various ways to make her regret her mistake.

Tereshia spat out the words.

“You may stand up now.”

“T-Thank you, Your Highness, the Princess.”

Even the pathetic and trembling voice was unpleasant. Cardale felt irritated by the sarcastic laughter and whispers that seemed to pour out.

‘I’m not the person who would pass on that, though.’

Theresia glanced at Cardale’s expression. He still had a cold, indifferent face.

But at least it was true that this little girl had piqued the curiosity of Cardale Vassenberg. Seeing how he listened to Count Schuvan’s unreasonable request.

‘It doesn’t matter. She just needs to go unnoticed again.’

Theresia took her eyes off Elise, hiding her annoyed and displeased judgment. As if right, she put her hand on Cardale’s arm and looked at him.

“You won’t refuse an escort since you’ve done a favour, right?”

“I don’t understand how seeking advice considering Her Highness’ reputation became a favour.”

“You’re not going to be too cold, are you?”

Theresia subtly leaned against him, causing a slight twitch in Cardale’s brow due to displeasure.

If the attendant hadn’t found them just in time, he would have managed to push the Princess away in front of people.

The attendant politely bowed to him.

“I’m sorry, Your Excellency the Duke. His Majesty the Emperor wants to meet with you for a while.”

It was as expected. Despite hosting a banquet in his honour, the Emperor had yet to reveal himself.

It wasn’t hard to guess what the snarky Emperor was doing all this time.

The Empire received a huge war reward from Helmut for this victory. It was right to share the victory evenly, but the Emperor was greedy.

However, if he had reduced the rewards too much, it would have given rise to various rumours and criticism. As the Emperor, he had no choice but to be concerned.

His actions were so predictable that it was laughable.

“There’s a message for Her Highness the Princess, requesting her presence.”

“Perfect. We can go together then.”

When Theresia tightened her hand on Cardale’s arm, his eyes narrowed slightly.

It was irritating and bothersome.

Didn’t she know that he became more repulsed each time she clung to him?

Perhaps she knew but pretended not to.

Cardale thought things wouldn’t have become so unpleasant if she had simply clung to him and begged.

Like that woman, Elise Schuvan.

Even though the Princess had left long ago, the woman remained in the same spot.

Her desolate figure, standing there as if unsure of what to do, wasn’t entirely unappealing. Her ocean-coloured eyes, on the verge of releasing tears, somehow subdued the anger within him.

He nodded at the attendant.

“Lead the way.”

Cardale’s senses captured every moment of the woman’s presence until the very last moment when he passed by her side.

Her provocative figure, the barely audible sound of her shallow breaths, and even the faint scent of her soft skin amidst the strong smell of alcohol.

Tenacious and greedy.

* * *

When Theresia gestured with her eyes, the attendant quickly caught on to the Princess’ request and hesitated momentarily.

The distance between them and the attendant quickly grew. Theresia opened her mouth with a satisfied expression.

“Lord Cardale.”

“Duke Vassenberg. Do I still need to correct the title?”

“Don’t be too hard between us.”

“Her Highness, The Princess and I are not related.”

Although the reply did not give even a hint of room, Theresia did not give up. It wasn’t surprising. After all, Cardale Vassenberg had always been like this.

Theresia spoke again to the man, who just walked away without looking at her.

“And what is Her Highness, The Princess? When was the last time I gave permission for my name? Just call me Theresia.”

This time he didn’t even respond. His lips, tightly pressed together, did not budge, and his face, as always expressionless, was indifferent.

Rather than pointing out his rudeness and asking for an apology, she found herself strangely excited by his cold and refined appearance.

Theresia subtly leaned more on the Duke, who was escorting her, finding satisfaction in this for now.

After all, there had never been and never will be, a woman as close to Cardale Vassenberg as she was.

* * *

Before long, they arrived in front of the room where the Emperor awaited. It was a private lounge not far from the banquet hall reserved for the nobility.

Immediately after the attendant informed, the Emperor’s order fell.

“You may go in.”

The guarding knights opened the door on both sides.

Emperor Johann von Oldenhilt glanced at the Duke as he entered with his daughter and reflected momentarily.

“Welcome, Duke.”

“I have heard that you have something to discuss.”

“Please, have a seat. The tea from Belvra that arrived recently is exceptional.”

Despite the Emperor personally recommending the tea, Cardale didn’t even flinch. He responded curtly.

“If it’s not an important matter, I will take my leave. There are pressing matters in my family that need attending.”

“Oh, it seems that the Duke is quite uncomfortable. You have become even stiffer than before.”

“It’s because I have been on the battlefield until recently. I am not accustomed to the refined, nobility speech of Inghel.”

It was an obvious and somewhat disrespectful sarcasm. However, rather than getting angry, Johann gently tried to ease him.

“It will only take a moment.”

Johann carefully seated Cardale before proceeding.

“Duke, you have endured much. I appreciate the effort and dedication you have shown for the glory of Nodrat.”

The Emperor’s praise continued, but Cardale offered no more than a customary response. He didn’t even engage in the expected formalities, as he was neither in a good mood nor intending to hide it. His personality was not the best.

The Emperor, sensing the futility of a meaningless prelude, went straight to the point.

“We intend to provide appropriate compensation for your contributions.”

Johann paused for a moment.

Cardale saw no need to burden the Emperor with unnecessary words. Whether it was land, wealth, titles, or anything else offered, they were useless to him.

The Barony of Brellion, his domain, was already vast enough to encompass a significant portion of the southeastern region of the Nodrat Empire. The fertile plains within the domain were known as one of the Empire’s most productive agricultural areas, responsible for a significant portion of the Empire’s food supply.

Moreover, by leveraging its geographical advantage, Brellion had established itself as a dominant force in inter-regional trade, firmly grasping control over the Empire’s commercial territory. The accumulated wealth exceeded that of the Oldenhilt royal family.

With such formidable military and economic power, they were already capable of declaring independence as a sovereign nation. Titles and rewards from the Emperor had long lost their meaning.

From Cardale’s perspective, the meeting with Johann was merely a futile waste of time.

“As a token of recognition for your contributions…”

“It’s unnecessary.”

Cardale flatly rejected the offer.

“There was no need for this in the first place. The grand contract between the Oldenhilt royal family and the House of Vassenberg for the glory of Nodrat has already been extinguished, considering I had to answer the Emperor’s call and go to the battlefield.”

The reason for that was the blood covenant between the former Emperor and the House of Vassenberg.

While the House of Vassenberg had played a crucial role in establishing the Nodrat Empire with their abilities, the Emperor had always feared them. To quell that fear, numerous privileges were granted, but they were also bound by ancient magic.

[The House of Vassenberg shall not harm the Oldenhilts. Furthermore, once in a generation, when the Oldenhilts require the power of the House of Vassenberg, they must answer.]

***