The End of First Love - Chapter 34

“I am utterly exasperated with you, Lady Elizabeth.”

After departing from the Schwein Ducal household, they had spent several hours pursuing the carriage in a discreetly arranged vehicle that Milia had hurriedly prepared. Even now, the woman sitting across from her had yet to quell her anger.

“Do you have no sense of self-preservation? Do you not understand your own position? What kind of fool, in any world, would willingly board a carriage prepared by a man who might be laying a trap?”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“Leonard Mareille, was it? He is blatantly suspicious. Trusting a man like that is beyond foolish. At the very least, you should ensure that your mode of transport is arranged by someone trustworthy!”

Leaving the Baker Ducal household with Milia had been the right choice.

However, when Elizabeth had mentioned that Leonard had arranged for a carriage nearby, Milia’s anger had been terrifying enough to make her shrink in fear.

But in a situation where she had to make arrangements without relying on anyone, even if she suspected a trap, Leonard had been her only option. For Elizabeth, it had been an unavoidable choice.

(You don’t have to be so angry…)

“But I couldn’t use the Baker household’s servants, could I? That would have alerted Father and you, Milia—”

“Silence! Listen carefully. Stepping into the carriage of someone you cannot fully trust is the same as willingly entering a cage. You are no different from a moth flying into a flame. You are a duke’s daughter. Your value can be exploited in countless ways. Consider your status very carefully.”

Milia was right. She was still a duke’s daughter.

Even though she planned to flee to the church where her mother rested once this matter was settled, she was still, at this moment, the daughter of the Baker Ducal family. She could not afford to bring any more trouble to her family with reckless actions.

Elizabeth had been too consumed by emotions to think clearly.

Even though she planned to catch Heinz in the act of infidelity and demand a divorce, her feelings for him refused to fade so easily.

The past six months, filled with conflicting emotions, raced through her mind.

At first, she had felt nothing but resentment.

Being manipulated by Heinz, forced into an engagement against her will, had made her furious. But the more time she spent with him, the more she found herself drawn to his kindness beneath the surface.

And when he acknowledged the efforts she had secretly put in, she finally became aware of her own feelings.

(I love Heinz.)

She did not want to deny her own emotions. Even now, she loved him. That was precisely why she needed to bring closure to this.

“Milia, I’m sorry. I won’t cause any more trouble.”

With those words, Elizabeth turned her gaze to the window. The peaceful countryside scenery outside looked strangely melancholic.

“…My Lady, what are you planning?”

At that moment, a loud thud echoed, and the carriage came to a sudden halt.

The impact sent Elizabeth flying, crashing into Milia’s chest.

A tense silence filled the carriage.

“We’re under attack! Do not step outside!!”

The sound of clashing swords and shouting voices rang from outside.

“My Lady! You must stay inside at all costs. The bandits are after you, Elizabeth.”

Seeing Milia’s unusually tense expression only heightened Elizabeth’s anxiety.

(Because of my reckless actions, I’ve put someone dear to me in danger. But regretting it now won’t change anything.)

(I have to at least ensure Milia escapes. If they’re after me…)

“Milia, I will—”

“My Lady, be quiet. If it’s just you, I might be able to protect you. Listen to me. The moment they open the carriage door is our chance. I will attack them, and in that moment, you must run. You know how to ride bareback, don’t you? The Baker household’s coachmen are trained to respond in case of an attack. Take a detached horse and flee.”

“But that means you—”

“Do not underestimate me. From the moment I became your lady-in-waiting, I have been prepared for this. I have never neglected my training to protect you. Right now, you must focus only on your own safety. Do you understand?”

Milia pulled out a concealed dagger, cutting the hem of her dress for ease of movement. She positioned herself in front of the door, shielding Elizabeth.

Elizabeth fell silent, sensing the determination in Milia’s stance.

(Is this… the last time I will see her?)

No matter what she said, Milia’s resolve would not waver. If that was the case, Elizabeth would at least make sure not to hinder her.

Just as she steeled herself—

The door burst open, and Milia lunged forward with her dagger. At the same moment, Elizabeth kicked off the carriage floor and leapt outside, dashing toward the front of the vehicle.

But in the next instant, a shadow suddenly appeared before her. She collided with it and was sent sprawling.

“Ugh! Whoa—hey, what the hell!?”

Pain shot through her body as she hit the ground, but she had no time to dwell on it.

She had to escape. She could not waste the opportunity Milia had risked her life to create.

The man in white before her looked flustered. There was still a chance to get away.

Ignoring the pain, Elizabeth forced herself to stand and began running again.

“W-wait, what am I supposed to do?!”

“Just catch her already!”

“Catch her!? Oh god, I don’t wanna die yet—”

“If she escapes, we’re all dead. Sacrifice yourself if you have to!”

“That’s too cruel!!”

The panicked man easily caught Elizabeth.

The difference in strength was overwhelming. No matter how much she struggled, his grip around her was unyielding.

“Aahh, please don’t struggle, Lady Elizabeth. If you get hurt, I’ll be the one killed by my superiors.”

“No, it’s already too late. She’s covered in bruises. You’re as good as dead.”

“Wha—no way! It must’ve been from when she crashed into me earlier—oh god, I’m doomed.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll at least pick up your bones.”

“Don’t talk like it’s someone else’s problem!!”

Elizabeth’s mind was clouded with despair as another one of their men emerged before her.

(I’ve been captured. I wasted the chance Milia gave me to escape…)

Tears blurred her vision.

At that moment—

A familiar voice made her heart leap.

“Stop saying such foolish things and let go of my lady this instant.”

The grip around her loosened, and Elizabeth instinctively broke free and ran.

“Milia… you’re alive…”

“My Lady. I’m relieved to see you safe as well.”

Elizabeth collapsed into Milia’s arms, crying tears of joy.

Milia gently stroked her head over and over again.

At that moment, nothing else mattered—not where they were or who surrounded them.

Elizabeth simply sobbed in Milia’s embrace.