Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 270

“Well, she doesn’t have a husband, so I suppose the void feels large to her.”

Christian shrugged his shoulders. Viscountess Lope crossed her arms and shook her head as she looked down at the floor.

But her attitude softened.

Staying at a woman’s house was certainly better than hopping between gambling dens. Raising an illegitimate child was better than debt. It was entirely her personal opinion, born of her own experiences.

“Well, I suppose there’s no trouble then?”

Christian smiled and nodded. Viscountess Lope let out a deep sigh.

“When you go back, talk to that eldest daughter of mine. She’s saying I ruined you. If you’re not careful, you might not be able to come here again.”

“Yes, I’ll stay close to the manor for a few days. That should ease things a bit.”

“Good. You’d better.”

Viscountess Lope said this, yet she stayed right by Christian’s side, not leaving. It was a silent pressure for him to leave soon.

Since he remained silent, pretending not to notice, she intentionally brought up an uncomfortable topic.

“So, you’re really meeting widows now?”

Since ancient times, grandchildren had loathed their grandparents meddling in their private affairs. As expected, he couldn’t tolerate it and shifted uncomfortably.

“It’s easier to settle things when the goal is simple.”

“So, still not love, huh?”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh about love? Even a single night is still love.”

“I thought you’d be with the firstborn of the Lasphilla family for a while. You had dinner together just the other day, didn’t you?”

“Caroline? Well, she’s a bit… frustrating.”

“She did seem a bit slow. But as a wife, she wouldn’t be bad.”

“As I’ve said before, it’s still too soon for me to settle down.”

“And then, even when you’re over thirty, you’ll still say it’s too soon, huh?”

Christian couldn’t stand it anymore and stood up. Viscountess Lope immediately adjusted his attire as if she’d been waiting for him to rise.

She straightened his collar and murmured quietly.

“If only the Duke had shown you a bit of interest, you would have already built a lovely home by now.”

“…It’s my father’s kindness that has allowed me freedom. I am grateful for his leniency.”

Christian slowly took his grandmother’s hand off his collar and spoke while twisting his lips into a smile.

“This is enough.”

“Alright. Now you look presentable. Go on, but don’t you dare tell anyone you came here first!”

Christian waved his hand in acknowledgment.

“You’re holding an evening party next week, right? I’ll make sure to clear up any misunderstandings between you two before I attend.”

* * *

The weather in Mannheim was sunny for the first time in a while.

Christian chose to walk instead of taking the carriage.

On the way back, he decided he should send a letter to Madam Vattler. To cover up his mistakes, he needed to coordinate with her.

Madam Vattler, being someone easily swayed by appearances, would likely agree to his request if he combined a plea with an offer to go out on a date.

Now, the problem was clearing his debts and making everything disappear…

The thought of how much money he had lost sent a chill down his spine.

‘It’s fine. I can make it back.’

Capital and information, like cards, wouldn’t easily betray their owners.

Christian’s investments had been mostly successful. He firmly believed he had a natural talent for investments. Of course, he thought that he must also be talented in other areas as well.

‘This is nothing. Nothing has happened to me. My life is still a success.’

He repeated the same words in his mind as he walked. My life is fine. I can make this go away.

Even though his eyes were on the ground, no one bumped into him. The people who recognized him moved out of his way.

From time to time, those riding in open carriages would offer him a ride. He ignored them all.

Then, at some point, he saw tightly laced boots in front of him.

Christian didn’t move. He assumed the other person would step aside.

As expected, the person stepped to the right, just halfway.

Their shoulders brushed against each other, and Christian stumbled back, falling on his backside.

“Ugh… What the hell, are you crazy?”

If the other person had recognized him, they would have stepped aside without hesitation. If they didn’t recognize him and were of a lower class, they should have crawled away, judging by their attire.

Which fool from what family dared to knock me down?!

He glared fiercely at the person.

The man, with the bright sunlight behind him, stood looking down at him. His gaze was cold, almost like a judge.

“You…”

Christian recognized him immediately.

Though his features were now much sharper than they had been in their youth, his violet eyes were still the same.

“How dare you show your face in front of me?”

Christian gritted his teeth as he looked at Logan.