The Virtually Exiled Duke’s Daughter Is Troubled When Her Fiancé in a Neighboring Country Says, "I Will Never Love You" - Episode 59

At that moment, Gary suddenly remembered.

(…Wait, is it because I told her at the start, “I will never love you”?)

Perhaps that was why she, being quick-witted, immediately changed her approach. When she suddenly asked, “Did you mean only in a physical sense?”—if Gary had said yes, she would have used seduction; if he had said no, she would have taken an unconventional route.

Deborah was a hostage. After failing to win over the hearts of the Sisley Marquis family, she could have just remained quiet and behaved like a proper hostage. But instead, she chose to act in a way unbecoming of a noblewoman, perhaps simply because she had nothing to lose.

(…Well, that works too. His Highness is right.)

Not only was she getting involved with the Sisley Marquis family, but she was also gradually engaging with the commoners like Tom. However, she had declared that she wouldn’t act suspiciously or make herself look like a spy and was limiting her contact with others as much as possible.

As the Marquis of Sisley, all Gary had to do was ensure, as Prince Riold instructed, that she didn’t bring any outsiders into their domain.

Because even if she managed to gain the favor of the Sisley Marquis family, without external communication, she would achieve nothing.

The Sisley Marquisate was already considered a remote, rural borderland at the very edge of the kingdom, with no notable features except for its proximity to the royal family’s directly controlled territory.

If enemy soldiers were secretly brought here and an attack was launched in coordination with a force at the border, the royal army stationed there would be in grave danger. That was the only concern Prince Riold had.

Moreover, even if Deborah intended to take her time earning their trust and gaining control over the marquisate, that plan was futile. Gary had already declared that he would never love Deborah as a woman. And with Cornell’s true nature exposed, the plan to adopt his child as an heir had been scrapped.

So, who would inherit the title of Marquis of Sisley?

The answer was simple: “No one.”

Gary Sisley intended to relinquish the title in his generation and had consulted Riold about Cornell’s case. Riold, as the second prince, had both the status and ability to become a grand duke in the future. If the vast Sisley territory were handed over to the royal family, allowing Riold to govern it as a grand duchy, there would be no issues.

That was a hundred times better than letting a child raised by Cornell inherit it. Even Gary’s mother, who was fixated on noble prestige, wouldn’t strongly oppose it, as she had little resistance against the authority of the royal family.

However, when Gary brought this up, Riold merely scoffed. “There’s no need to think that far ahead. People’s feelings can change, after all,” he had said. Though he spoke that way to others, he often acted as if he could see a future that no one else could.

(Yes. His Highness is right.)

Even if Deborah was a skilled actress and a spy, as long as they ensured she had no external contact and let her remain in a false sense of security, thinking she was manipulating them, they would actually be the ones controlling her.

That was the conclusion Gary reached in his mind.

###

Returning to her room, Deborah took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. After exhaling completely, she formed a small smile.

“I’m glad he accepted it… I was so nervous.”

Lady Lauren also smiled faintly.

“I told you there was no need to be so anxious.”

“But… Ah, I hope it wasn’t a bother. The marquis is kind, so maybe he accepted it unwillingly.”

No sooner had Deborah felt relief than worry crept back in. Seeing her like this, Lady Lauren’s smile turned into a knowing, amused one.

(Just how little confidence does this girl have in her true self?)

Thinking back to how Deborah used to force smiles in the beginning to cover up her insecurities, Lauren found her current flustered expression even more endearing. If their positions were different, she would have hugged her and patted her head. Instead, she gently took Deborah’s hand.

“As I’ve told you before, your embroidery skills are on par with a master craftsman. It’s not a bother at all. I was delighted when I received mine.”

“I-Is that so…? Thank you, Mrs. Lauren.”

Her shy, happy smile was still awkward. Despite being beautiful and capable, she was terribly clumsy when it came to social interactions. Watching her, Lauren couldn’t help but smile.

Perhaps it was because Deborah was the same age as her daughter in heaven.

But that was a secret she kept to herself—hidden not only from Deborah but also from the marquis and even her beloved husband.

###

A little while later, on a weekend morning—

Dressed in formal black attire, the Marquis of Sisley sat at the breakfast table with Deborah and spoke.

“Lady Deborah, most of the servants will be on half-day leave until the afternoon. It may be inconvenient, but please bear with it. Also, I’ve summoned Swallow. Don’t hesitate to rely on him.”

“Understood.”

After breakfast, Deborah returned to her room, accompanied by Swallow and Ann.

Ann, a housemaid who was not usually assigned to Deborah, appeared extremely nervous.

“…”

Without a word, Deborah stood by the window. Her large gray eyes reflected the light like glass beads. If Lady Lauren had been there, she might have been reminded of the day Deborah first arrived at the mansion.

“Swallow.”

“Yes?”

Still facing the window, she asked the former head butler,

“You didn’t need to go?”

“No. If you were to escape while the mansion was understaffed, it would be a problem.”

“Oh my.”

Deborah chuckled softly.

“I won’t run. There’s nowhere better than here.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“You didn’t have to be considerate of me.”

“I couldn’t do that. Besides, I’ve had plenty of free time since leaving my post. I should work every now and then.”

“I see.”

Deborah’s eyes dimmed slightly.

“You’ve been mourning for the past year… and since I arrived, you’ve carried the burden for everyone in the mansion.”

Swallow’s chest rose ever so slightly. He took a deep breath before replying.

“…That’s right.”

This week marked exactly one year since Magdala’s passing.

Deborah wanted to look toward the church where the others had likely gone, but from her room, she couldn’t see the city. Instead, she turned north, in the direction where Magdala’s ashes were buried, and offered a silent prayer.

“…”

When she lifted her gaze again, she saw vast fields in the distance. Among the shades of light green and yellow, patches of deep golden hues stood out—as if the goddess of the harvest had playfully stepped in certain spots, turning them to gold.

The harvest season was near.

It had been nearly three months since Deborah arrived at the Sisley estate.