The Cold-Hearted Grand Duke Obsesses Over Me After My Death - Chapter 99

Chapter 99. Invitation (1)

“Young lady, how are you feeling?” Louid asked in a cold voice.

“I-I’m fine.”

The tension that had briefly eased returned, and Lina felt her body tremble again. This time, it wasn’t from the cold of the water, but from fear of the man standing before her. True to his nickname as a predator, the Grand Duke was looking at her with an icy expression.

“The physician will be here soon, so speak up if anything feels wrong.”

Louid spoke without even sitting on the sofa, remaining where he stood.

“Yes, understood.”

“Can you tell me how the accident happened?”

At Louid’s words, Lina dropped to her knees on the floor.

“It was my fault, Your Highness. I suggested that Her Highness ride the boat. While rowing, I accidentally dropped the oar into the river. I stood up to retrieve it, but I lost my balance, and the boat overturned.”

Lina recited the excuse she had memorized in advance.

“You could’ve stayed seated and asked the escort for help.”

Dropping the oar wouldn’t immediately cause an accident, and the water had been calm. It was questionable why she stood up to retrieve it.

“There were no escorts around the river, and in that moment, I panicked and couldn’t think clearly.”

“So you knew there were no escorts?”

“Th-that… I only caught a brief glimpse for a split second, so I’m not certain. I only looked outside the river for a very short moment.”

Lina faltered and changed her words. If she admitted she stood up after confirming there were no escorts, her intention might be suspected.

“You fell in as well. How did you get out of the river?”

“I saw a branch beside me and instinctively grabbed it. I tried to reach for Her Highness, but she was too far away, and since I can’t swim, I had no choice but to watch. It’s my fault, Your Highness.”

The branch she grabbed had been prepared that morning by Jack, who had struck a large branch with his sword and bent it so it hung over the river.

It had many smaller branches, making it easy to hold onto, and since she knew how to swim, she kept moving her legs underwater to stay afloat.

“That’s enough. Get up, and if you remember anything else, let me know.”

Fortunately, Louid’s relentless questioning ended quickly.

“Yes, I will.”

Letting out a sigh of relief inside, Lina straightened her knees and slowly stood up.

“How is Her Highness?”

“She’ll recover. It seems you’ll have to dine alone today. Things are hectic right now,” Louid said, his expression still stiff.

“Yes, you should stay by Her Highness’s side. I’ll return to my residence tomorrow, Your Highness.”

Lina’s voice, which had remained steady, trembled slightly. She had originally planned to stay a few more days and seduce Louid, but now she no longer wanted to remain at the grand ducal manor, fearing that what she had done might be discovered.

“Will you?”

For a moment, Louid’s expression softened slightly. Lina didn’t miss it.

“Thank you for your hospitality during my stay, Your Highness.”

She lifted the hem of her dress and bowed her head.

“Then have a safe return. Give my regards to the marquess.”

“Yes, understood.”

Louid left without hesitation. The news that Lady Carrion would be returning was welcome.

Every time Emilia had been in danger, Lina had always been nearby, so whenever he saw her, something felt off, and she was never a welcome guest.

Even this time, although it wasn’t entirely Lina’s fault, the incident happened while she was present, so the news of her departure was very welcome.

After returning to the office, he heard the full account from the two knights who had been waiting.

“I went to the manor to bring clothes and towels for Her Highness to change into.”

“I left my post to find Her Highness’s horse. I thought Jamie would return soon, but I didn’t expect an accident to happen in that time.”

Even after hearing the knights’ accounts, nothing particularly suspicious stood out.

“Go back to the scene and examine it carefully again.”

“Yes, understood.”

After arriving at the guest bedroom, Damian stood looking toward the main building visible through the window, lost in thought.

If Her Highness had fallen into the river right in front of him, would he have been able to save her?

Since he couldn’t swim, it would’ve been impossible.

‘I need to learn how to swim.’

He had trained hard in swordsmanship, horseback riding, and archery and felt fairly confident in them, but he had never learned how to swim. From now on, he decided he would train diligently in swimming as well.

***

The next day, after finishing preparations to depart, Lina went up to Emilia’s bedroom. Normally, no one was allowed to enter freely, but since the Grand Duchess still couldn’t move, she was permitted inside.

‘So this is the Grand Duchess’s bedroom.’

Lina glanced around the neatly decorated room as she entered. The bedroom was filled with delicate and pretty furniture, and vases were placed throughout.

‘She must like flowers.’

There were vases on the bedside table and the sofa table, and even the framed paintings on the wall were all of flowers.

“This way, please.”

Helen guided her further inside. Emilia was lying in bed, her complexion pale.

“Your Highness, how are you feeling?”

“I’m alright. How about you?”

“I was holding onto a branch, so I’m perfectly fine. It was my fault. I shouldn’t have suggested riding the boat,” Lina said with false tears welling in her eyes.

“No. I should’ve been paying closer attention. I didn’t notice you dropping the oar. I’m just glad you weren’t hurt.”

Emilia’s words were sincere. It had been her own decision to ride the boat, and the accident happened when her mind wandered. In the end, it was all due to her own carelessness.

“Thank you for forgiving me so generously. I’ll return to my residence now. Thank you for taking care of me during my stay. I hope to see you again.”

Lina politely said her farewell.

“Travel safely. I don’t have the strength to see you off.”

Emilia spoke in a weak voice. Even after a night had passed, she still hadn’t fully recovered.

“Yes, I understand. I hope you recover soon.”

“Thank you.”

After finishing her farewell, Lina slowly went down the stairs, glanced once toward Louid’s office, and then boarded the marquess’s carriage.

She held onto a faint hope that the Grand Duke might come to see her off, but until the carriage passed through the arched gates of the grand ducal manor, Louid never appeared.

That morning, before leaving the grand ducal manor, Damian stopped by Louid’s office.

“Your Highness the Grand Duke, I will be returning to the imperial palace.”

“Yes, you’ve done well. Were there any shortcomings in your stay?” Louid, seated at his desk, asked in a gentle voice.

“No, not at all. Everything was truly excellent.”

The food and the guest room at the grand ducal manor had been of the highest quality, enough to make him wonder if it was appropriate for a mere aide, and all the servants had been kind.

“That’s good. If you need anything, let me know at any time.”

“Um… may I see Her Highness the Grand Duchess for a moment before I go?”

He didn’t know when he would be able to come to the grand ducal manor again, so he wanted to see the Grand Duchess before leaving. Otherwise, he felt like he wouldn’t be able to stop worrying.

“Emilia would want to see you too. Go on.”

Louid readily gave his permission.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

After leaving Louid’s office, Damian followed a servant up to the third floor. Guided to Emilia’s bedroom, he looked around, searching for her.

“Lucian?”

He heard a voice calling him. Turning, he saw a pale, frail woman lying on the bed.

“Your Highness.”

Tears welled up in Damian’s eyes. He tried not to cry, but something surged up from inside him.

“Thank you for coming,” said Emilia in a soft, fragile voice.

“I came to retrieve documents on Count Asher’s behalf and heard that Your Highness was in an accident. Are you very unwell?”

“No. I’m fine. I just feel weak. I’ll be alright after I rest well.”

“You’ll recover soon. Please stay strong.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

“This is a gift. Please have it when you’ve recovered.”

Damian took out a very small bottle of wine from his coat. It was small enough to fit in the palm of his hand.

“Oh my, thank you. It’s lovely. I’ll drink it well.”

Emilia smiled slightly. In truth, it felt too precious to drink, but she was truly grateful for his thoughtfulness.

“I should be going now.”

Damian said with a regretful expression. He wanted to stay longer, but Count Asher would be waiting for the documents, so he couldn’t delay any further.

“Alright, go on. Give my regards to Count Asher.”

Emilia reached out her hand weakly. Damian gently held her pale, slender hand, then left the room with a worried expression.

‘I want to protect her.’

Someday, he vowed to gain enough strength to protect the Grand Duchess. Though she wasn’t family, he felt strangely drawn to her. It wasn’t romantic interest, but something closer to a pure familial affection. Perhaps Louid had sensed that, which was why he had readily allowed Damian to visit, unlike with Lina.

When he went down to the first-floor lobby, Kevin was waiting for him.

“Sir, you may take this carriage.”

“Thank you, Head Butler.”

Damian boarded the grand ducal carriage and returned to the imperial palace.

***

A few days later.

During that time, Emilia quickly regained her strength. As if she had never been ill, she began drawing clothing designs again and tending to the greenhouse.

Then one day, an invitation arrived from the Marquess of Carrion’s estate.

“Your Highness, an invitation has arrived from the Marquess of Carrion’s estate.”

Helen held out the letter she had brought.