Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 284

Nigel may be the heir to his family, but unlike Christian, his position isn’t so secure that he can afford to live like the sole center of the world.

Because Logan does not belong to House Pierce, as long as Christian doesn’t commit treason or filial impiety, he can maintain his position as the Duke’s heir even if he lives as a scoundrel.

But Marquis Rosencrantz, Nigel’s father, had another son who could replace his rebellious eldest.

Ulysses Rosencrantz. The marquis loves the second son, born to his second wife, even more. If he could, he would pass on the title to him, but he lacks a proper justification.

In these circumstances, what if Nigel were to defy his parents’ wishes and even try to marry a woman with a questionable reputation?

The position of Marchioness Rosencrantz is just as important as that of the head of the family. Who manages the household? This is a matter of politics, not love. For nobles, marriage itself is a form of justification.

If Nigel were to marry Cecilia, Guinevere would not miss the opportunity to lay down conditions: “If you want to live with the woman you love so much, then bear the cost of abandoning your duties and responsibilities.”

The marquis himself has longed for just such a pretext, so he would go along with Guinevere’s proposal. As for Ulysses, he is not the type to defy his parents’ decision with any real rebellious spirit.

Would Nigel really give up his right to succeed as the next family head all just to marry Cecilia? Even a dog would laugh at such a notion.

“You can’t marry me.”

“…That’s right.”

Nigel spoke.

“No matter how many times I repeat it or imagine it, I can’t find a single reason to marry you.”

“You don’t have to bother with the lie that you struggled over it dozens of times. I never expected that kind of relationship, nor bargained for it.”

Cecilia still didn’t want to marry anyone. She didn’t love anyone yet. Maybe she never would.

Even if the wound was deep, the blood would flow in many directions and the flesh would heal, but the scar would remain.

“I’ll ask you again. The reason you came all the way here— Actually, let me guess.”

She named a convenient excuse and stepped back, putting distance between them.

“You came to finish our business, to remind me that our deal is still valid.”

Nigel looked down at his empty hands in a daze, then met Cecilia’s eyes. Her silvery-blue eyes softened.

“Not bad for gypsy insight, wouldn’t you say?”

He nudged a stone at his feet and laughed.

“I could set up shop in the city right now.”

“You’re too kind.”

Cecilia lightly lifted the hem of her skirt. Nigel snorted at the old-fashioned gesture.

“As you guessed. The first thing I wanted from our deal was revenge. You achieved your goal, so now you have to grant mine.”

“Of course.”

Nigel had come all this way as if he intended to marry her, even though he had no intention of doing so.

On one hand, it was pressure: “Our deal isn’t over yet, so get started with the plan.” On the other, it was his way of making things easier for her in the future.

Kindness?

Kindness for the sake of revenge. How considerate.

“My father probably expects you to propose to me.”

“And he’ll believe I really did.”

“Then naturally, I’ll be invited to your estate and have the right to look around the manor, meet your family and the staff, and stay for a few days.”

“You’ll already know most of them, but that’s how it usually goes.”

Cecilia nodded. The picture he expected was already forming in her mind.

Marchioness Guinevere could no longer move freely through the Lasphilla manor. If Cecilia were to seek revenge, it would be quicker to go to her directly than wait for Guinevere to come.

With the plausible pretext of ‘the man’s proposal and engagement’, Cecilia’s visit to the Rosencrantz estate would be perfectly natural.

Guinevere would not be wary of her. On the contrary, she’d be pleased that Cecilia came with Nigel.

‘The fact that I appear at the Rosencrantz estate with Nigel means he’s given up his claim to the title and has chosen an insignificant woman instead.’

There’s no way a fake lover could matter more to Nigel than his title. In reality, of course not. But since Guinevere doesn’t know the truth, she can only interpret events as she sees fit.

Guinevere is ambitious. She is generally clever, even cunning. But everyone has a magic word that can cloud their judgment.

Hope.

The hope that her son will become the next family head. The hope that she won’t be cast out and can live out her days in comfort.

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