Chapter 21

A grand funeral. Where else in the world could she find such contradictory words? What was the point of holding a grand funeral after someone has died? Who would be grateful for a lavish feast for the deceased?

If she had known it would turn out like this, she would be better off not coming to the capital.

The Northeast was harsh and was constantly plagued by attacks from rebel groups, making it difficult for them to prosper. Heline was no different. Her father was a respected lord, always prioritizing his land and subjects over his own well-being. He was weak-hearted, often falling ill, and not quick-witted enough to receive much support from the Empire.

However, he loved his family more than anything. Despite his limited finances, he supported his daughter’s debut into society, even bowing down to Count Beckdel and sending money for two years. That was her father. And yet, his end was so pitiful. He died alone, without a single family member by his side.

“Is that what the Duke wanted?”

“Yes.”

How could anyone be so cruel? Lariana tightly grasped the doorknob to the office. Then Hayden stepped forward, blocking Lariana with his entire body.

“L-Lady Heliosen, please.”

“Hayden, in two weeks, I’m going to be his wife. You know that, right?”

“I know.”

“Then step aside.”

“Uh… Lady Heliosen, it is my lord’s command.”

“Fine. In that case, I won’t marry.”

Lariana slammed on the rose-shaped doorknob. Hayden panicked, trying to stop her, but it was useless. Stuck between Cain and Lariana, Hayden felt like he was about to die. Hayden signaled for help from Hanson, who was standing behind Lariana, but it was futile.

“Pardon? No, why did things turn out like this? You should get married! Please endure just until the wedding ceremony. I’m begging you.”

“Hayden, my father… He died. My father… he’s gone…! He was my only remaining family.”

“Of course, I know. I offer my deepest condolences for the Count’s passing.”

“If you don’t move aside right now, I won’t get married!”

Tears streamed down Lariana’s cheeks. Unable to bear her crying, Hayden had no choice but to step aside. There were no more obstacles in her way, but Lariana hesitated before opening the door.

Cain had always shown her a different side. She was afraid that today he might be the one to abandon her.

Please, please, please. Let it be the Cain Delacroix who whispered words of love. Please let it be the affectionate Cain.

With tears streaming down her face, she wiped them away with the back of her hand and opened the heavy door to the office.

“…Cain.”

The entire wall of Cain’s office was made of windows. Sunlight poured in, making his silhouette appear black. In the haze of light, Lariana realized. Ah, the Cain in front of her was the one who had abandoned her.

Lejandro’s words about his madness echoed in her mind. Her head was spinning, and the world was spinning around her.

“What’s the matter?”

As soon as she heard his displeased voice, Lariana clenched her fists. In a voice filled with disappointment, she said,

“Father… is dead.”

“I have already heard of the Count’s passing.”

Lariana couldn’t bear the discomforting tone and gritted her teeth to hold back her anger. She looked around the office, searching for a place to sit.

The entire space, including the walls, furniture, and even the floor, was made of mahogany, causing the room to exude a deep crimson color. Seeing the redness, as if it was drenched in blood, Lariana struggled to suppress the urge to vomit and spoke.

“I will attend the funeral.”

Cain nervously jabbed his pen into the documents. Irritated by the broken pen tip, he threw the pen away. Upon seeing his rough actions, Lariana, who was trembling, closed her eyes tightly.

“Do you not know the custom of not attending family funerals before marriage? As a noble, haven’t you even learned such basic manners? It’s astonishing.”

“…Think whatever you want.”

“You can do as you please. Just make sure to return before the wedding ceremony.”

He was talking about the wedding now, how absurd. If he wasn’t in his right mind, there was no point in getting angry. Lariana didn’t want to give any more emotions.

All she wanted now was to leave the capital and return to Heline. And perhaps, this was his true intention. Maybe his love for her was madness.

She didn’t want to be hurt anymore.

? ? ?

Cain’s dreams were mostly about a young boy crying in the darkness. Occasionally, he would have dreams that involved his father, which were truly horrifying and repulsive. He had never been a good sleeper, and he didn’t even want to sleep.

However, sometimes when he felt incredibly happy, he had sweet dreams. He didn’t want to wake up from them.

Cain got up from his bed and drew back the curtains. He smiled softly as he looked at the garden filled with lilies. Delacroix always planted roses during this season, but this time it was different. He had specially ordered lilies for Lariana, who resembled them. Ah, it wouldn’t be bad to raise a songbird as well.

But where is Lariana?

Cain became aware of the change himself a few days after spending dream-like days with Lariana and leaving Heline. It was unimaginable until she kissed his cheek.

One day on the battlefield, Cain felt like his body was burning with love for Lariana. However, within a few days, Lariana became repulsive. Sometimes, when she came to mind, he even had thoughts of wanting to kill her. It was strange, even though he had never desired her death, even if people called him the ‘The Butcher of Martessen.’ It was eerie.

So, it wasn’t love for Lariana Heliosen. It was just a passing emotion. He thought it would end like that. His love for Lariana kept sprouting and withering, repeating the flooding of hatred.

He experienced the depths of extreme emotions countless times. And when that happened, Cain had to admit it. He was insane.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen symptoms that only manifest for one person, but it’s clear that Your Excellency is suffering from madness.”

“What is the treatment?”

“With the current state of medicine, it’s impossible.”

Unfortunately, his madness only manifested in Lariana. Fortunately, even with his madness, he was able to lead a normal life. When his madness appeared, it resembled how he treated others usually, so no one noticed a thing.

Cain had no choice but to give up on Lariana. He couldn’t let her live as the wife of a mad duke, knowing how much he loved her. If Lariana had become the princess, he would have stepped back obediently.

Cain pulled on the rope next to the bed, and the butler, Hanson, came in.

“Where is Lariana?”

Cain sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed a glass, his anxiety tightening his chest.

“Lady Heliosen hasn’t returned from the funeral of Count Heliosen yet.”

“Oh, I see… Count Heliosen died.”

Cain licked his red lips and tried to recall the details.

During madness, he lost both the emotions and memories of loving Lariana. But when the symptoms disappeared like now, he could forcefully recall the memories of his madness. Enduring the pain that felt like needles piercing his head, he could remember his mistakes.

“It’s getting late… Isn’t the wedding tomorrow?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Did you send someone to Heline?”

Hanson couldn’t answer for a while. Seeing his strange reaction, Cain licked his lips like a snake.

“Well… I didn’t send anyone.”

“Why didn’t you look for Lariana?”

“Under the orders of Duchess Delacroix…”

Cain forcefully wiped away the cold sweat that had formed on his forehead. It was useless to question Hanson now. Finding Lariana quickly was important.

He reviewed the events of the past few days one by one, feeling frustrated. A throbbing pain, like needles piercing his head, made cold sweat drip down his forehead.

Finally, he remembered everything and felt despondent. He couldn’t believe he had gone mad again and hurt Lariana.

He thought that as long as he didn’t see her, he wouldn’t be consumed by hatred. But he hadn’t anticipated the variable of Count Heliosen’s death. His mistakes were truly miserable.

Exhausted by the headache, Cain fell back onto the bed.

“Master, did you call for me?”

The Knight Commander, Ester, approached the bed since Cain didn’t respond. Cain sat up and held his head with both hands.

“I’m going to Heline right now.”

“Is it because of Lady Heliosen?”

“Yes.”

“Understood. Me and the knights will escort Lady Heliosen back.”

“No. Prepare the knights and wait. I will go with you.”

“My lord, you should stay in Petika since the wedding is approaching.”

He slowly swept back his disheveled bangs and looked down at Ester.

“No. I will go personally. I have to bring the bride myself.” Read ahead here.