the Villainess they took for granted

Chapter 170: Chapter 170: decision to leave

Cassian had been in Ashford for twelve days.

And the situation was still not where he wanted it to be.

He stood beside the large map in his study, studying the latest reports spread across the desk.

The eastern supply route had improved, but the disruption had not been completely resolved.

The fortress repairs were progressing, though slower than expected.

The patrols had been increased.

The neighboring estates had agreed to coordinate.

Several missing shipments had been recovered.

But not all of them.

There was progress.

Just not enough.

Cassian reached for the calendar.

His eyes settled on the date.

It was now the 22nd of September, Sixteen days before his wedding.

He did the calculation automatically.

Two weeks to the capital.

Fourteen days.

That left him almost no margin at all.

And that was without allowing for bad roads, weather, a broken carriage wheel, an unexpected delay at one of the checkpoints, or any other problem that could add a day to the journey.

His jaw tightened.

He had been willing to remain in Ashford while his presence was genuinely necessary.

He wasn’t willing to risk missing his own wedding.

Cassian looked back at the reports.

He had done what he could.

He had come here himself.

He had inspected the situation.

He had spoken to the commanders.

He had reorganized the patrols.

He had given the necessary instructions.

The remaining work could be handled by the people he had appointed.

It wasn’t finished.

But it no longer required him.

That was the distinction.

Cassian closed the report in his hand.

"It is time."

He reached for the bell.

A few moments later, his secretary entered.

"Your Grace?"

"Send for the steward and the northern commander."

"Immediately."

The secretary bowed and left.

Cassian looked once more at the calendar.

He had to leave.

--

The steward and commander arrived together a short while later.

Cassian gestured toward the chairs.

"Sit."

They did.

Cassian remained standing.

"I’ll be returning to the capital."

The commander looked at him.

"Now?"

"Yes."

The steward glanced toward the reports.

"The situation isn’t completely settled."

"I know."

Cassian’s tone was calm.

"I’ve been here twelve days. I’ve seen the situation myself. I’ve made the decisions that required my presence."

He looked toward the map.

"The rest can be managed from here."

The commander hesitated.

"There is still the matter of the fortress."

"Continue the repairs."

"The eastern route?"

"Maintain the increased patrols."

"The missing shipments?"

"Recover what remains."

"And the neighboring estates?"

"Keep them coordinated."

Cassian turned toward the steward.

"I want daily reports."

"Of course."

"Anything serious comes directly to me."

"Yes, Your Grace."

"And if something requires an immediate decision?"

"Your secretary will forward it."

Cassian nodded.

Then he looked at both men.

"I am not leaving because the matter is finished."

They remained silent.

"I’m leaving because it has reached the point where I can trust you to finish it without me."

The commander straightened.

"We won’t fail you."

"I know."

Cassian’s gaze returned to the calendar.

"My wedding is sixteen days away."

That explained everything.

The steward immediately bowed his head.

"Of course, Your Grace."

"I need to leave tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes."

The steward nodded.

"We’ll have everything prepared."

Cassian finally allowed himself to sit.

There was still a considerable amount of work to do before departure.

But the decision had been made.

He would leave.

Whatever remained unfinished in Ashford would have to be entrusted to others.

He had already spent twelve days doing his duty.

Now he had another duty waiting for him.

Marian.

And he intended to be back in the capital before their wedding, even if the journey gave him no room for error.

--

Adrian had expected a report from Ashford.

He had not yet received one.

That was not unusual.

Correspondence between the capital and the northern territories took time, particularly when it passed through several administrative offices before reaching the palace.

Still, he had been expecting confirmation that Cassian remained occupied.

The arrangements Adrian had put in motion were already working.

The situation in Ashford had not resolved as quickly as Cassian had hoped.

That was enough.

Adrian did not need to interfere further.

Not yet.

He was reviewing a dispatch in his study when there was a knock at the door.

"Enter."

His secretary stepped inside.

"Your Highness. His Majesty has asked for you."

Adrian looked up.

"Now?"

"Yes."

He set the dispatch aside.

"Is there a reason?"

"I wasn’t told."

Adrian stood.

"Very well."

--

The Emperor had been working as usual that morning.

He had already attended two meetings and reviewed several reports.

When Adrian entered the Emperor’s study, he found him standing beside the windows, a document in one hand.

"You wanted to see me?"

The Emperor turned.

"I did."

Adrian approached.

"What is it?"

"These trade reports from the western provinces."

The Emperor handed him the document.

"I want your opinion."

Adrian took it.

He read the first few lines.

"They’re underestimating the revenue loss."

"I thought so."

"They’re also assuming the shortage will resolve itself."

"Which it may not."

Adrian nodded.

His father sat behind the desk.

"Speak to the commercial ministry tomorrow."

"I will."

"And the eastern delegation?"

"Still waiting for their response."

"Then give them another week."

Adrian nodded.

For several minutes they discussed ordinary matters.

Appointments.

Trade.

A provincial petition.

Nothing important enough to remember later.

It was simply another morning between a father and son who had spent most of their lives working within the same machinery of government.

Adrian eventually placed the report on the desk.

"Anything else?"

The Emperor leaned back.

"Your cousin."

Adrian’s expression changed slightly.

"Cassian?"

"Yes."

"He is still in Ashford."

"I assume so."

The Emperor frowned faintly.

"He should be returning soon."

"His wedding is approaching."

"Exactly."

There was a brief pause.

Then the Emperor smiled.

"I suppose the capital will be unbearable once he returns."

Adrian gave a faint smile.

"Probably."

"You should be prepared."

"I always am."

His father laughed.

"You were never very good at avoiding attention."

Adrian raised an eyebrow.

"Neither was Cassian."

"True."

The Emperor shook his head.

"At least the two of you have something in common."

Adrian said nothing.

--

Tbc

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