Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 287

On one side of the study, the Count and Countess of Lasphilla were celebrating the smooth progress of their marital plans.

“It’s a relief that the Young Marquis is taking such an active role in the marriage.”

Bernarda speared a grape from the fruit plate with her fork and offered it to Adam. He set down his wine glass and took the fruit from her. The black grape burst with juice as he bit into it.

“It’s too early to feel relieved. The only reason he came here was for personal feelings. The old marquis was vehemently opposed.”

“That’s right. I doubt… he’ll ever give his approval, even in the end.”

“He’s too old for conversation anymore. When power and obstinacy come together, there’s no end to it.”

Marquis Rosencrantz had declared that, even if he died with his eyes open, he would never allow the daughter of a gypsy to marry his heir.

Adam had tried coaxing, reasoning, and even half-threatening him.

When Adam asked, “Are you trying to leave blemishes on both families?” the marquis had slammed his cane on the floor in rage.

‘If that wretch is the problem, then just take him away! Even if I have to erase him from the family line, I will never accept that proposal!’

Adam hadn’t expected the marquis to go so far as to threaten to disown his own son. As a result, Adam was deeply conflicted by the rift between father and son.

“If the Young Marquis is truly betrothed to Cecilia, the marriage will proceed. But the marquis will no longer keep him as the Young Marquis of Rosencrantz.”

Leaving aside customary law, the right of succession belongs to the family head. With sufficient justification, the marquis could strip Nigel of his position at any time.

Nigel Rosencrantz, without his title, was not a particularly desirable son-in-law for Adam.

“Hm… You don’t think the old man’s heart will soften at the last minute?”

“I don’t think so. In fact, it seemed like he considered it a good opportunity.”

Nigel hadn’t been granted the title just because he was the eldest son. It was also because he was the child of the marquis’s first wife—an attempt to atone for neglecting her and eventually making his mistress the second wife.

But with time, emotions fade and reason grows dim. It was clear to anyone that, in the marquis’s heart, resentment toward his disappointing child now outweighed any lingering guilt toward his first wife.

“Your sister is so consistent, it’s almost amusing.”

Recalling Guinevere, who had been sticking out her tongue and egging on the marquis’s fury from behind, Adam gave a bitter smile. When he emptied his glass, Bernarda quickly refilled it with new wine.

A small pouch appeared from within her tilted bodice. She pulled out its contents to show him.

“I had a feeling things would turn out this way, so I brought his watch chain.”

Marquis Rosencrantz’s watch chain. It must have been a favorite item. The inside of the chain, where it was gripped, was worn smooth.

“When did you manage that? You really are resourceful. Even seasoned pickpockets couldn’t select and pilfer something so expertly. Are you sure you’re not actually a major player from the back alleys, rather than a baron’s daughter?”

At Adam’s praise, Bernarda’s face darkened for an instant.

“I just bribed a quick-handed maid, that’s all.”

“You weren’t caught, were you?”

“I’ve already taken care of that maid, so there’s no need to worry about rumors later. Don’t worry.”

“You’re as reliable as ever.”

Adam stroked his chin in satisfaction.

Bernarda put the watch chain back into her pouch and asked,

“Shall I have Louise cast a curse?”

“You mean use that medicine on the marquis now?”

“…If Your Excellency commands it.”

“It’s too soon. Let’s reconsider after he’s made his decision for good.”

“By then it might be too late.”

“…To be honest, I don’t like that drug.”

Pressed subtly, Adam let out a wine-tinged sigh.

“You don’t like it…?”

“It’s gypsy medicine.”

“You knew that from the start.”

“Yes, I knew. Back then, I was in an unstable position and had no choice but to rely on it. But I’m not as subject to the Countess’s influence as I was in those days, am I?”

“……”

The ‘Countess’ Adam referred to wasn’t her. He meant the former Countess of Lasphilla, Evelyn Lasphilla—a genuine lady of a wealthy family, unlike anyone else.