Chapter 47 - 43: Let’s Do Some Proper Business

Chapter 47: Chapter 43: Let’s Do Some Proper Business

Catherine had already been waiting for three days in the humble wooden cabin of the farm.

If Lian didn’t show up today, she would have no choice but to leave with Mina and Kage Mori as agreed.

Although the terms she offered were quite generous, even including herself in the deal, the price was also steep. Making an enemy of Lady Mary of the Rose Territory was not a wise decision.

Mary was not only a Sequence Five but also His Majesty the King’s elder sister, giving her a formidable background. Even if she and the King didn’t appear to be on the best of terms, their blood ties remained. She was already one of the four most powerful lords in the Holy Empire, hailed as the hegemon of the South—Iron-blooded Mary.

Not only did she control the world’s largest network of spies and intelligence, but she also commanded a large number of Heartless assassins. Anyone who crossed her would eventually meet their end in a brutal assassination.

Not everyone had the courage to face Mary Frank and make her an enemy.

Therefore, it would be perfectly understandable if Lian refused her deal.

At this thought, Catherine’s expression dimmed. She handed a precious wooden box to Mina.

Mina placed the wooden box into a trunk and packed away all the clothes.

Mina’s heart was heavy as well. Although Lian had cured them of the red, itchy Plague, their future remained uncertain.

The tall and burly Old Knight, Kage Mori, frowned deeply. "Miss Catherine, let’s leave. It is already a great fortune that you survived. We can’t ask for more."

"Yes, Lord Kage, you are right."

Catherine rose from her chair, composed herself, and said with determination in her eyes, "I have nothing to complain about. I am very grateful to him for saving me, but it is time to leave the Green Shade Territory."

KNOCK—KNOCK KNOCK—

A sudden knock on the door made a glimmer of hope flash in Catherine’s eyes.

Kage Mori opened the door.

The young Lord Lian, with his sharp features, handsome face, golden hair, and blue eyes, smiled at Kage Mori.

"My apologies, I was delayed on the way. Miss Catherine hasn’t left yet, has she?"

Kage Mori was slightly taken aback. "It’s Lord Lian."

"Don’t be so surprised. Did you not expect me to come?"

Kage Mori opened the door wide. "Welcome, Lord Lian."

"You’ve agreed?"

Catherine appeared before Lian.

The last scion of the Blue Moon Territory, the final noble lady of the Jackson Family, now stood with the red rash on her face completely gone. Her skin was as smooth and radiant as a baby’s, flawless, and her eyes sparkled like stars.

She wasn’t the kind of person who stunned you at first glance, but she had a pitiable charm and a beauty that grew on you, stirring an instinctive desire to protect her.

She possessed a special quality and temperament that could break hearts with a single tear.

Coupled with her perfect figure, she would stand out no matter where she went.

"Yes, I’ve agreed."

Lian nodded slightly, giving Catherine a definitive answer.

Joy filled Catherine’s eyes. The corners of her mouth lifted into a sweet smile.

"Thank you, Lord Lian."

"You’re welcome, Miss Catherine."

Lian smiled at the others. "Miss Catherine and I would like to have a word in private."

Catherine’s Maid, Mina, glanced worriedly at Catherine. Only after receiving her lady’s nod did she leave the cabin.

Knight Kage Mori, Sophie, and Anna and Annie also left the already cramped house, leaving Lian and Catherine alone.

At that moment, Catherine’s heart was a whirlwind of emotions—nervousness, apprehension, joy, and worry all tangled together.

Lian walked to Catherine’s side, knelt on one knee, and took the Ruby Ring from his left hand, placing it on the ring finger of Catherine’s right hand.

"Miss Catherine, will you marry me? In exchange for 50% of the Blue Moon Ore from the Blue Moon Territory."

"I will."

Catherine removed the Golden Ring from her right hand and handed it to Lian.

"Lord Lian, will you marry me? In exchange for taking revenge for the Blue Moon Territory."

Lian took the Golden Ring and put it on his hand. "Of course."

Catherine breathed a sigh of relief.

Lian slowly rose to his feet, smiling at Catherine. "You can decide on the wedding date."

"We can get engaged first. The wedding can be held after I become the Lord of the Blue Moon Territory," Catherine said.

Lian nodded slightly, agreeing to this proposal.

"Thank you, Lord Lian."

"You’re welcome, my dear fiancée. Now, let’s get down to business."

Lian led Catherine to the bedside.

A blush crept onto Catherine’s cheeks, her heart began to pound, and she nervously clutched her chest.

"Lord Lian, I... I know this is a necessary step, but I—I’m not ready."

"What are you thinking?"

Lian looked at her curiously.

Her quickened breath and the clearly audible sound of her heartbeat had already betrayed her.

Catherine mustered her courage, closed her eyes, and puckered her lips.

However, she waited for a long time but didn’t feel Lian approach.

She opened one eye and saw Lian’s hand pressed against her forehead.

He had grasped the red [Body of Misfortune] entry.

Embarrassment and shame instantly washed over Catherine.

’My actions just now must have been so foolish and laughable,’ she thought.

’So the "business" Lian was talking about was cleaning the entry!’

The moment Lian grabbed the entry, his consciousness was once again pulled into the Illusion Realm.

This time, however, he didn’t see Catherine’s tragic life again. Instead, he saw a blindingly bright light.

Within the light, that mysterious eye flickered in and out of view.

Lian once again felt its gaze upon him.

His head began to throb violently again, as if countless steel needles were churning inside. He felt a tearing pain in his soul, his face contorted in agony, and his body curled into a ball.

Even so, he did not give up on cleaning the red entry.

Catherine, meanwhile, was also in immense pain.

She felt as though someone had seized her fate’s entry and was continuously pulling it away. The sensation was like having her flesh ripped from her bones.

The screams of two people echoed from within the wooden cabin.

Mina and the Knight tried to rush in, but Sophie blocked them at the door.

Even though Mina had never met Sophie before, she recognized her by the Collar around her neck.

This was the Guardian Witch of the Green Shade Territory, the Ice Witch, Sophie.

"Lady Witch, please let me in! Miss Catherine sounds like she’s in great pain!"

Sophie remained silent, but her posture made it clear they would not pass.

Anna explained with a smile, "Please don’t worry. Lord Lian won’t let anything happen to Miss Catherine. They are already engaged."

"Please, have faith in Lord Lian," Captain Cobb said to Knight Kage Mori.

Kage Mori patted Mina’s shoulder. "We have no choice but to trust him."