Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 260

When faced with important decisions, Adam often consulted with Bernarda in his study. This time was no different, as they discussed Cecilia’s marriage.

“Let’s mention the engagement first, even if it’s part of the ceremony. We should set a date as soon as possible. This time, we can’t leave it as just verbal agreements.”

Typically, the engagement process involved the man proposing or formally sending a marriage proposal to the woman’s family. However, this was only the case for marriages born out of love.

Since Cecilia and Nigel were both nobles, the situation was different. Even if they had met on their own, their titles and estates required the approval of the family heads before any formal engagement could proceed.

“Yes, we shouldn’t skip any formalities if possible. If it seems rushed, it might make us look foolish,” Bernarda agreed.

Adam sneered.

“Contacting them first is already a foolish move.”

Bernarda gave a look of mild regret.

“It’s humiliating, but we can’t wait for them to make the first move. What if the Young Marquis gets engaged to someone else while we hesitate? The rumors will persist, and only we will bear the losses.”

“That’s unacceptable.”

Cecilia had always been an ambiguous daughter in Adam’s eyes. She was exceptionally beautiful, but her questionable origins made her less valuable for a strategic marriage. However, she had now brought in a significant catch on her own, creating an unprecedented opportunity.

“You’re right. It wouldn’t be fair for only one side to take responsibility. Cecilia and the Young Marquis must be married at all costs,” Bernarda emphasized, her tone unusually resolute.

Adam raised an eyebrow at her uncharacteristic intensity. Bernarda quickly softened her expression with a gentle smile.

“We can’t let Cecilia’s life be ruined by one mistake.”

“Exactly. Think of how much money we’ve spent on her,” Adam said, rubbing his thumb against his knuckle as he narrowed his eyes.

Though Cecilia was a daughter brought along with Lilith, he had raised her without lack. With such an investment, it was only right for her to repay it properly.

“I’ve heard that the Young Marquis has returned to the Rosencrantz estate. By now, they’re likely having the same discussion on their side.”

“Perhaps, or they might just feign ignorance.”

That’s what Adam would have done, whether in Nigel’s position or the Marquis’s.

“I don’t think the Young Marquis would abandon his woman so irresponsibly,” Bernarda said, holding onto hope based on Nigel’s proactive attitude in Mannheim.

But Adam was cautious.

“He’s responsible for his age, but he’s still young. Until he formally inherits the title, he can’t completely disregard his father’s opinion.”

“Then…”

“We’ll have to visit and either persuade or pressure the Marquis directly.”

“Fortunately, we have plenty of leverage for either approach.”

Guinevere’s transgressions hadn’t disappeared. The Lasphilla family had simply chosen to overlook them. They could always bring them back to light if necessary.

“That old man better understand what we’re saying. His ability to reason isn’t what it used to be, and his impulsiveness seems to worsen with age.”

The most challenging opponent wasn’t a skilled negotiator but someone who didn’t understand reason. Explaining the pros and cons a hundred times would be useless if the other party couldn’t grasp it.

“Still, he’s a family head. He should understand that marriage is the best course of action,” Bernarda said.

“You’re aware, though, that he’s handed most of the ledgers to my sister, right?”

“……”

“Even two years ago, he wasn’t completely coherent. Thinking about how much worse he might be now is frustrating.”

“Meet with him first and see how the conversation goes. If it doesn’t progress…”

Bernarda leaned in and whispered into Adam’s ear.

“Then we can resolve it naturally, just as we did before.”

“……!”

Adam turned to look at her, startled. Bernarda was smiling.

“If we visit him personally, obtaining one of his belongings shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“There’s no guarantee he’ll die.”

“The Marquis is old. Even a minor ailment could lead to his death. It would undoubtedly appear to be a natural cause due to aging.”

“And if we get caught?”

“We won’t. It’s a substance that no one else knows how to use.”

“This wouldn’t be as easy to cover up as family matters.”

“They wronged us first. Why should we restrict ourselves to walking the moral high ground?”

For once, Bernarda’s calm demeanor gave way to a hint of personal vendetta.

“I still can’t forget the day Nathan almost died.”

“…Nathan is fine now. That has nothing to do with this.”

Bernarda clenched her fists under her skirt, but her expression remained serene.

“You’re right. Let’s start with diplomacy.”

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