When the Female Lead Went Off-Script, the Main Male Lead Became the Tyrant's Empress - Chapter 3.2
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The imperial tour was suspended.
Originally, they had planned to pass through Count Winfield’s territory, continue south, and then return to the capital.
However, Clary’s appearance brought the procession to a halt in Count Winfield’s territory.
Throughout the journey to the Count’s residence, Haster couldn’t take his eyes off his first cousin once removed.
There was no trace now of the bold spirit she had shown while confronting the soldiers.
A body thinner than others her age.
Hair she had diligently combed with her fingers, but which had become disheveled from running.
Several strands of hair clung to her cheeks and forehead with nervous sweat.
The way she flinched whenever the carriage jolted even slightly was quite pitiful.
Moreover, unlike when they had first encountered her, the knees of her once-clean dress were now covered in dirt.
Judging by the scrapes and the area they covered, she had probably crawled beneath the guards’ legs to break into the procession instead of charging through them head-on.
Her appearance was pitiful enough, but her circumstances were even more tragic.
According to the law, upon the deaths of Baron and Baroness Lurie, all their property, including the title, should have been inherited by Clary, their only child.
However, the man who claimed to be Clary’s uncle falsely reported that not only the Baron and Baroness, but also their daughter, had died in the same accident on the same day. He then seized the entire estate for himself.
Because of an adult’s greed, Clary, who had been orphaned at only nine years old, was imprisoned in the most secluded room of the northern annex of the baronial residence.
Until she was dragged to Count Winfield’s territory for a forced marriage, she had never once been allowed outside.
If anyone happened to see her alive, it could cause serious trouble.
Rather than feeling guilty toward his niece, Baron Lurie abused her every day.
Haster remained silent as she spoke in a calm voice, as if she were recounting someone else’s story.
The Emperor’s face gradually reddened with mounting rage, and even Arden, who had been looking at his niece with mixed feelings, hardened his expression.
The Emperor suppressed the anger surging within him and soon clasped his granddaughter’s hand tightly in a gentle grip.
“Don’t worry. Grandfather will punish that wicked man for you.”
It was phrased as though he were soothing a very young child, but no one laughed.
Clary hesitated for a moment, then gave a faint nod.
Count and Countess Winfield were waiting to greet them before the entrance of the Count’s residence.
The Count, who had already heard what had happened through a messenger, greeted the Emperor with an apologetic expression.
“It was my negligence that allowed such a disgraceful incident to occur. I have ordered knights to be sent to the place His Highness the Crown Prince indicated and instructed them to capture Baron Lurie and his party. I will cooperate fully in apprehending the criminals, so please tell me anything you require.”
“As you said, a lord bears responsibility for what occurs within his territory. Once the Baron has been captured, I will, of course, hold you accountable for your negligence.”
At the cutting rebuke, the Count bowed his head.
The Countess also forced a smile and paid her respects to the Emperor.
“We have prepared clothes for Lady Clary and drawn a bath for her. Please take your time discussing matters over tea in the meantime. We will prepare to hold a summary trial as soon as they are brought here.”
The Countess raised her head and looked past the Emperor’s shoulder.
Everyone had stepped out of the carriages, but Clary alone remained awkwardly standing at the carriage door.
As Haster looked at Clary in puzzlement, his gaze fell upon her feet, which were covered in dirt and small wounds.
Only then did he belatedly remember that his niece had thrown her shoes onto the roadside.
Since she had discarded them earlier, she was naturally barefoot, but everyone had been so preoccupied with other matters that no one had noticed.
Clary was curling her hesitant toes inward, debating whether to descend the carriage steps.
“Pardon me.”
Haster lifted her into his arms.
“I cannot allow you to walk around the residence barefoot, so this will only be for a moment. Don’t be so startled.”
After he added the brief explanation, Clary, who had flinched and struggled at the sudden contact, stopped moving.
The rigid body against his arms felt like a piece of wood.
Haster swallowed a sigh.
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