Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 26

After paying their respects, Viscount Robert and his family immediately departed by carriage. As soon as they left, the people inside the castle began gossiping about the viscount and his wife. Their behavior, seemingly more focused on securing inheritance documents than mourning, did not sit well with onlookers. Many shook their heads, unable to fathom how someone as angelic as Young Master Florian could have been born to such parents.

That night, before going to bed, Brianna opened the watch she had placed at her bedside. As she held the watch once more, memories of the fireworks she had watched with him naturally came flooding back.

“This time, something good will follow something bad. For example, after watching the fireworks, you might find the lost item you’ve been searching for…”

He had kept his promise precisely. He had found her lost watch, and his words that good things would follow bad ones had come true. Though the Dowager Countess had passed away, her parents’ keepsake had returned to her.

“In truth, Lucy gave the watch hoping it would help with the confession, and in the end, it was half effective. Oh, and the watch chain is a gift from him. The old one was so worn that it looked like it would break, so he replaced it.”

As Brianna caressed the newly replaced watch chain, she recalled what Florian had said before he left. It was enough that he had found her watch, but to even take care of the chain?

What a strange person.

Moreover, when a friend shows interest in a maid rather than a fellow noble, one might expect a warning to come to his senses, but instead, he offered his support.

It must mean he truly cares for Florian. That’s why he is kind to his friend’s acquaintance as well.

Brianna was relieved that Florian had such a good friend by his side.

She put down the watch and extinguished the lamp. Gazing into the darkness that settled in the room, she contemplated the upcoming events.

She had told Florian about her plan to leave this place for Bastogne. He had been overjoyed, urging her to come as soon as the next day, but they had eventually settled on a date a week later. With only a few belongings to pack, a week seemed sufficient to bid farewell to the people here.

Truthfully, if it weren’t for Franz, there wouldn’t be a need to leave so hastily.

Brianna turned onto her side and closed her eyes. In the morning, she would tell Mrs. Fisher first, and then the Countess…

She was drifting off with these thoughts when she heard a faint noise. Brianna’s eyes snapped open as she sat up. Someone was outside, carefully inserting a key into the lock and turning it slowly.

There were only two people in the castle with keys: the butler and the head maid. However, neither of them would attempt to sneak into a maid’s room at this late hour. That left only one person—someone who had the power to demand the key from them and still had unfinished business with her.

Brianna reached for the gun she had hidden under her pillow. The trigger felt unusually cold against her fingertips.

Moments later, the door opened, revealing Franz, just as she had expected. He smirked when he saw that Brianna was already awake and sitting on the bed.

“Awake already? Well, it doesn’t matter to me either way.”

Franz extended his hand behind him and closed the door. With a click, he locked it.

“You know what will happen if you scream, right? You’ll be the one in trouble. My grandmother isn’t here to protect you anymore.”

She understood what he was implying. Even if she screamed for help, he could claim she had seduced him or that they were already involved. With Dowager Countess Linares no longer around to support her, she would be labeled a misbehaving maid.

As he took a step forward, Brianna lifted the gun and aimed it squarely at his forehead. The faint moonlight streaming through the window illuminated her target.

“Take one more step, and I will shoot you.”

Franz flinched slightly but soon let out a derisive laugh. “Don’t be ridiculous. Do you really think you can shoot me?”

“But if the day comes when you have to hold a gun again, you must do so with the resolve to kill your opponent.”

Recalling the man’s earlier words, Brianna cocked the gun. In the silence, the click of the chamber echoed.

“I said I would shoot you. And this bullet will lodge right in the middle of your forehead, not your arm or leg.”

“Do you think you’ll be safe if you shoot me?”

“Of course, I won’t be. But it’s better than doing nothing and letting you have your way.”

Brianna realized that what she had just said was her true feeling. She would rather face the consequences than be trampled upon helplessly.

If he moved even one step, she would kill him. It was a lesson she had learned from Leona.

Once she made her decision, her mind calmed, and she felt a strange sense of tranquility. In the darkness, Brianna’s teal eyes gazed steadily at the man. Her unwavering, resolute gaze showed no fear of taking a life.

Franz instinctively realized this. The moment he moved even slightly, he knew he would be shot dead. He was well aware of how excellent a shot she was.

He gritted his teeth. “…Do you think Florian will take full responsibility for you if he takes you to the capital? He just plans to toy with you and then discard you!”

Brianna realized he had seen her with Florian earlier in the day. Knowing she was about to leave Harzen, he had decided to make his move tonight.

“But Brianna, I’m different. I could marry you properly.”

Seeing that threats no longer worked, he tried to coax her with nonsensical promises.

“So, put the gun down. Now.”

Brianna raised her chin and whispered softly, “I will count to five. One.”

“Br-Brianna!”

“Two.”

She began counting slowly. By the time she reached three, he started to get angry. When she said four, he stumbled backward and retreated. Before she could say five, he cursed furiously and fled the room.

Only when his footsteps had completely faded did Brianna let out a sigh and placed the gun on the blanket. Her hands began to tremble. She bit her lip and clasped her shaking hands together.

She didn’t sleep a wink after that, watching the dawn slowly break with wide-open eyes.

A week later, Brianna held two bags in her hands. Before leaving, she took one last look around the room where she had spent the past eight years. She gazed at the furniture that Leona had personally chosen for her and the window seat where she often sat, looking out at the garden. With a final glance, she stepped out of the room.

Brianna headed straight to the Countess’s room. She knocked on the door, and a voice called for her to enter.

The Countess, now in her middle age, was sitting and embroidering. She did not lift her eyes from the embroidery hoop until Brianna set her bags down and approached to greet her.

Only after a long pause did she stop her needlework and look at Brianna. “Have you finished your preparations to leave?”

“Yes.”

“Well, you’ve worked hard all this time. Not that I had much direct dealing with you.”

Brianna had spent most of her time with the Dowager Countess, so she had rarely interacted with the Countess. Conversations like this were almost nonexistent.

“Where do you plan to go now?”

“I’m planning to go to Bastogne and look for a new job.”

“Bastogne, hmm…” The Countess lifted one corner of her mouth in a slight smile. “You’ll need a recommendation letter to work for a noble family.”

“If you would kindly provide one, I would be deeply grateful.”

“But what a pity. I have no intention of writing you a recommendation.”

Brianna’s eyes, which had been cast down, now looked up. The Countess’s face held a faint expression of disdain.

“I heard a story from Franz. I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about.”