Ch. 209 Please, Dont Go (2)

He was confused by this unknown feeling. Mirabelle gave a small cough in an attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere.

What are you here for?

Oh, I

Kuhns tone quickly turned business-like. The fact that he would say goodbye to Mirabelle remained unchanged. His allegiance was to Carlisle, and he had to return to his side before anything bad happened.

Oh, wait!

Mirabelle interrupted him and pointed to a fruit bowl on the table.

Its not dinner yet, right? Lets talk slowly over some fruit.

Mirabelle didnt know what Kuhn was about to say, but she knew he would leave the room as soon as he finished. Kuhn was that kind of person, so perhaps some fruit would prolong his visit.

No, its fine

Kuhn knew that if he hesitated now, he would not be able to say what was needed to be said. There wasnt much time, and he had to leave Blaise mansion as soon as possible.

Gathering the resolve in his heart, Kuhn spoke, his voice coldly flat.

Ive come to say that Im going to quit working at Blaise mansion.

What?

There was an uncomfortable pause. Soon after, Mirabelles dark green eyes began to shimmer in anxiety.

Oh, did I make you uncomfortable by asking you to eat fruit? Im sorry. This wont happen in the future.

No, its not about you. I cant work here anymore because of personal circumstances.

As soon as she heard the word personal circumstances, the first thing that came to mind was her visit to the Imperial Palace. Kuhn had told her to go home alone that day, saying he had something to attend to.

Whats the personal circumstance?

If I tell you what it is, will you still try to stop me?

Then if I dont ask, will you stay?

I cant.

Mirabelle bit her lip. She didnt want him to go.

But what ifwhat if I would never allow you to leave?

Mirabelle was in charge of running the Blaise household. She was not yet as skilled as Elena, but thanks to her lessons, she managed it without too much difficulty. If Mirabelle decided that Kuhn could not leave, then that was that. Of course, she didnt know that she couldnt capture Kuhn by any force, or that he could slip away as silently a shadow. A conflicted expression crossed Kuhns face.

You cant. According to my employment contract, I simply have to pay a penalty.

His contract stated that if he could not uphold his obligations, he would have to pay an amount ten times his salary. Mirabelle suddenly wondered where Kuhn had obtained such a large amount of money.

Kuhn, noare you trying to do something dangerous again?

Mirabelle did not know Kuhns past, but she knew that he sometimes put himself in great peril. She remembered how she saved him when he collapsed in her bathroom at the palace, bleeding out onto the floor.

Even if Kuhn wasnt returning to dangerous work, he was still the type to think of his life as insignificant

Mirabelle shook her head firmly.

Then its even worse. Dont ever go back to dangerous work again.

Its my job, and its my choice. By forcing me to stay any longer, youre trapping me.

Kuhns harsh tone left Mirabelle speechless. He was not wrong. Kuhn was simply doing his duties, and Mirabelle was acting like a child by forcing him not to go.

Mirabelles green eyes filled with tears. Nothing was more miserable than to be kept by a person that one didnt like. And yet, what was worse for her was the thought of Kuhn disappearing from her side.

Yes, Im just trapping you. But you know why I hold on to you so tightly.

I

I like you. I love you. Even if Kuhn is uncomfortable with me, my feelings cant help but get stronger.

This time it was Kuhn who was left speechless. Sometimes Mirabelle expressed her feelings so straightforwardly that it embarrassed Kuhn.

Dont go. Ill do whatever you want. Just stay by my side, please.

Mirabelles voice was thick with tears, and Kuhns looked at her with mixed emotions.

Dont say that. You know the two of us cant be together.

I dont believe it. Why not?

Our statuses are different

Im the daughter of a count, and if you find my family burdensome, Ill throw everything away. Ill take care of you so you dont have to worry anymore.

Young Lady.

I dont need much. Just stay with me.

Hot tears slipped down Mirabelles cheeks. As Kuhn watched, his chest felt like it was tearing. But he could not accept Mirabelles heart.

Stop complaining. It wont work.

Why not?

At her question, Kuhns face turned bleak.

You will eventually grow to hate me. You will regret that you chose me over your status, your property, your family.

Never!

I dont have the confidence to let myself be abandoned.

Mirabelles wet eyes widened. From her point of view, his rejection wasnt because he hated her.

I cant hold your hand when you go through that. Im sorry.

He was about to turn away, when

Deobseog!

Mirabelle grabbed Kuhns sleeve in desperation. She knew if she let him go now, she would never see him again. No matter how miserable or pathetic she lookedif she let Kuhn walk away, she might really die.

She begged to him with tears streaked on her cheeks.

Please, dont go.

Young Lady

How can I let you go? I love you so much

Kuhn, just once again

Im sorry.

Kuhn could no longer watch Mirabelle shed bitter tears for him.

Taak!

He raised his hand and struck Mirabelle in the side of her neck. She fell unconscious and collapsed, and Kuhn caught her body before she reached the floor.

He carried her to bed and tucked her in. Even when she was unconscious, tears continued to leak out of her eyes.

Dont cry, Young Lady. Im not worth it.

Kuhn looked at Mirabelles face for a moment and brushed the tears from her eyelashes. The soft texture of her skin against his fingers was not something he would easily forget.

Kuhn turned and saw the teddy bear by the bedside. The bear really did resemble him.

Im sorry, but I have to leave you now.

Kuhn looked down at Mirabelle and murmured softly.

Be happy, Young Lady.

It was a heartfelt wish. He hoped that she would live happily in her bright world. He did not want to drag her down to the blood-stained pit of his life.