WPVMVA Chapter 40

Daniela glanced at him briefly before reluctantly pouring the tea and handing it over. She wasn’t heartless enough to tell a man who’d injured his arm saving her to pour with one hand.

Ashid’s lips curved ever so slightly as he received the teacup from her. Seeing that she no longer seemed to have trouble moving around, he felt a quiet sense of relief.

The tea she poured felt especially fragrant today. He took a few hearty sips and then, with a stiff expression, spoke to her.

“This morning, a noble council was held to decide the punishment for those who tried to harm you.”

“…What was the outcome?”

Daniela asked, tension rising again. Ashid let out a low sigh and gave her a bitter smile.

“His Majesty ordered the confiscation of Marquis Linburton’s estate, stripped him of his title, and sentenced both the Marquis and the assassin to death by hanging. The Marchioness and Emily Linburton were given exile.”

“…That’s it?”

“That’s all. There should’ve been a broader investigation, as there may be others involved. But His Majesty refused, saying further probing might damage Adrian’s honor.”

Daniela frowned but nodded. Somehow, she’d already expected as much. Adrian was the male lead of this world, after all—of course everything would turn out in his favor.

Still, knowing it would happen didn’t mean she wasn’t upset.

Adrian’s cronies probably helped Emily’s accomplices escape, didn’t they? Bastards.

She cursed them inwardly.

Ashid silently watched her beautiful face flush with red, then pale. She looked furious, and he thought that emotion was only natural.

That anger and helplessness must’ve been similar to what he felt when his mother’s murder went unpunished and he was cast out by those very hands.

Recalling the moment vividly as though it were yesterday, Ashid’s expression turned cold. He asked her in a low, steady voice:

“What would you have me do?”

“…Pardon?”

“If you want revenge, I’ll gladly take up the sword for you. Say the word, and I’ll hunt down everyone behind this and kill them.”

Ashid’s tone was calm and grave—so calm it was chilling. He looked like he’d draw his sword that instant and storm the imperial palace, all at her command.

Is he insane?

Daniela gasped inwardly.

As expected from a villainous Grand Duke—offering violence as repayment for injustice. She felt both fear and disbelief at his reaction.

No. You must never raise your sword against Adrian. Not unless I’ve divorced you first.

She had to stop him.

But how? Telling him to just let it go would be easiest—but she couldn’t. Ashid would never accept that, and she herself didn’t want to simply forgive and forget.

An eye for an eye. Those who tried to kill her had to pay.

After gathering her thoughts, Daniela slowly shook her head.

“No. Don’t do that.”

“Are you saying we should just sit back and let it go?”

Ashid’s tone turned sharp and suspicious.

Even though her life was nearly taken, she still doesn’t want harm to come to Adrian?

The calm he’d felt earlier seeing her healthy was now quickly unraveling.

Then Daniela suddenly smirked and said:

“No, of course not.”

“…Hah. What are you trying to say? I can’t follow you at all.”

Ashid frowned, clearly confused.

Daniela met his eyes boldly and said,

“I fully intend to make them pay for trying to kill me. But I won’t borrow Your Grace’s hand to do it.”

“…What?”

“I’ll make them pay in my own way.”

“I’m curious—what exactly is ‘your own way’? Care to explain?”

“First, I’ll thoroughly investigate who was involved. Then I’ll find their weaknesses and use them to shatter their foundations—turn them against each other. They’re the kind of people who would betray their allies to survive. All I have to do is create the spark. …Then they’ll self-destruct, without either of us needing to dirty our hands.”

“…!”

“What do you think? Not a bad plan, right?”

Daniela grinned innocently as she said it.

Ashid’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Her response had been so unexpected, he didn’t know how to react.

He was taken aback—and a bit amused. Letting out a deflated sigh that became a chuckle, he said to her,

“Easier said than done. Do you really think that’s possible?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? I’m the Grand Duchess of Alberic. With your money and power, and my plan, it should be more than enough.”

“…Hah.”

“So, if you really want to help with my revenge, don’t take up your sword. Let me use your money instead. That’s all I ask.”

Daniela said this with newfound composure as she finished her tea.

…She said she’s the Grand Duchess of Alberic?

Ashid found himself repeating her words in his mind. His lips curved up involuntarily.

He looked at her and said,

“Very well. If it’s for that, you may use as much money as you need.”

A little while later, Ashid set down his empty cup and stood. As he reached the door, he paused and looked back.

“One last thing.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Do you like flowers?”

Daniela tilted her head at the random question but answered honestly.

“I… do, yes?”

“I see. Got it.”

“But why—?”

Ashid gave a cryptic nod and walked out without answering her follow-up.

“…Hah. What was that about, all of a sudden?”

Left alone, Daniela let out a small, baffled laugh. He really was impossible to understand.

After leaving the drawing room, Ashid returned to his office and summoned the head butler.

A short while later, the butler entered and bowed. Ashid asked bluntly,

“I want to send flowers as a gift. What kind would be best?”

The butler looked puzzled but pondered carefully before replying,

“Hmm… It depends on who they’re for and the purpose of the gift.”

“I’m giving them to someone who’s recovering from illness. Preferably something that helps with healing.”

Ashid replied immediately. The butler exclaimed softly in understanding.

“Then herbs would be ideal! How about rosemary? It’s known for improving mood and relieving headaches and fatigue—quite a popular gift among nobles.”

“…Herbs? Feels a bit too humble for a gift.”

Ashid frowned in dissatisfaction.

Compared to the peonies and lilies Adrian had sent Daniela earlier, rosemary felt small and unimpressive. If it couldn’t outdo Adrian’s gift, he’d rather not send anything at all.

Sensing his master’s mood, the butler hesitated and considered further. After a moment, he offered another idea.

“In that case, how about stock flowers? Their layered petals are quite striking, and the fragrance is rich and lasting—very popular as gifts. Plus, when dried properly, the petals can be used in tea as a detoxifier and tonic. Quite practical.”

“Not bad. Order a generous amount—mix in some rosemary as well.”

Ashid finally looked pleased. The butler smiled in relief and asked again,

“Understood. When and where shall I deliver them?”

“Right now. To the Grand Duchess’s bedroom in the main residence.”

“…Pardon?”

“Spare no expense—make it extravagant and heartfelt. It needs to be on par with what the Crown Prince’s palace would send. Got that?”

“A-Ah, yes! Understood.”

Momentarily startled by Ashid’s direct mention of the Crown Prince’s palace, the butler quickly replied. Though he didn’t know why his master was suddenly fixated on that particular comparison, an order was an order.

To the butler, the master’s word was law.

As the butler bowed and turned to leave the office, Ashid suddenly recalled something and spoke again.