# 40
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In this period, luxury train journeys were considered one of the most sought-after experiences.
Ariana had never ridden in her previous life, but she had heard some details about the perks offered to passengers in first class.
Not only was there use of a luxurious bedroom and restaurant, but there was also a “train tour.”
‘The crew was said to introduce the train or explain certain stations to first class passengers.’
Fortunately, the information I heard was not wrong.
The train attendant assigned to guide the Duchess was enthusiastic as he explained about the structure and history of the train.
Ariana, who had been given an explanation about the number of train cars and seasonal tours, listened and sighed sincerely.
“Thanks to you, I feel sorry to leave this luxury train.”
“Haha, your words are an honor for me!”
When Ariana complimented him, the corners of the host's mouth rose to his ears. Even if she was notorious, when a noble lady listened intently, the guide couldn't help but get excited.
'Well...maybe I'll dig deeper.'
When people feel comfortable, they tend to say everything...
Ariana pointed at the scenery passing through the window and smiled.
“The view is amazing when the train passes by the sea. Will these views continue?”
“Of course! There are still two days until Elysia Port Station, but from the Miller Port Station you see now to Ritchiet Bay, it's all stunning views.”
“The whole area seems to be port cities.”
“Yes, yes, exactly. It is not only for transportation on the coast, there are lines that go to other countries...”
The host began talking enthusiastically about the little ports and their respective destinations.
Ariana nodded indifferently.
This was the information she wanted to hear, but she smiled politely as if her interest was fading.
“It would be great if I had the chance to take this train again. But booking can be difficult, right?”
“No, not at all. If you apply in the name of the Duke, we can always arrange a comfortable trip.”
…In other words, mentioning the name Kenneth means he can take the train at any time.
‘His name serves as a certificate of credit. But in my name, this is impossible.'
Moreover, although this train is the fastest to reach the port cities, traveling first class will leave you like a mouse in a trap.
'I have to find a solution to this too.'
She had to find a time when traveling alone wouldn't seem awkward, when Kenneth would be busy with an outside schedule and couldn't find her quickly.
When she returned to her bedroom, the steward bowed his head with professional pride.
“Thank you for listening carefully. I hope you have a comfortable trip, ma’am.”
“Have a nice day too.”
Although she now had a lot to think about, it was a very useful exploratory tour. But as soon as she returned, she was greeted by a face that could not hide its displeasure.
“Ha, were you here?”
“Mr. Engels?”
Ariana tilted her head when she saw the red-haired man.
He looked so angry that the color of his hair seemed to extend to his cheeks.
“Isn't this time to review the business plan with me?”
“Ah...”
“Master brought you specially, so is this how you will help raise the prestige of the Clifford family in the south?”
“Yes, of course. Reviewing business with you should have been more important than the train ride.”
Ariana looked at him with a smileless expression.
“But is there any reason to listen to an assistant who doesn't tell me important things?”
“...What? What do you mean?”
“The Duke said you told me about the most important gatherings where we are going.”
Ariana remembered what she heard during the uncomfortable dinner with Kenneth.
[The South is where charitable groups are still the most influential. The actions of noble spouses in it are also important]
If she had arrived without knowing it, she would have looked like a woman full of flaws in the eyes of others.
Although she did not attach importance to the position of Duchess, the attitude of the servants not telling her was corrupt. And while it was annoying to criticize this, this time Ariana opened her mouth.
“Mr. Engels, if you're doing this because you don't love me—”
But before she could scold him, Ariana's face turned pale. Due to the vibration of the train, Roger's jacket moved, and I noticed something silver shining inside it.
“Mr. Engels, this...”
“Ah, this”
At that moment, Roger looked confused.
“For f-protection. With my master’s permission.”
“If I scared you, I'm sorry… ma'am?”
When Ariana suddenly stumbled and her shoulder hit the wall, Roger's eyes widened. Emily, who had been watching their conversation anxiously, had rushed to support Ariana.
“Ma’am, are you okay?”
"I'm, I'm fine. Just...momentary dizziness."
"Dizziness? Mr. Ingalls, go away now!"
Emily forced the bedroom door open and pushed Ariana's back, screaming.
“Lessons can be arranged later, later!”
“Just a minute, ma'am-”
Before Roger could say anything, he quickly closed the door, cutting off the sound. Emily helped Ariana to the couch and sighed.
"Oh, really. I wasn't expecting this from Mr. Ingalls, but he talks a lot...Ma'am, are you really okay?"
“Ah, yes. Maybe I felt dizzy because I walked for so long.”
“That's right, the host really made the explanation long. I'll get the tea quickly!”
As Emily ran to get the teapot, Ariana covered her eyes with her arms and breathed deeply.
The gun that Roger Ingalls said was “for f-protection”…was the gun she used to shoot herf in the head.
'I wasn't wrong, was I?'
That Roger Ingalls had the same gun...but Ariana, on the day she died, looked at that gun for a very long time.
[This will finally put an end to my despair and give me relief]
The memory of her touching that cold piece of silver with joy was still fresh. She couldn't forget the texture or the details she traced with her fingers.
So, there was no way he could not be recognized from this distance.
'So, really...was it Roger Ingalls who put the gun on my bed?'
There were many reasons to guess so.
After losing a child of the Duke's lineage, Ariana's existence no longer had any value, so they wanted to get rid of her.
“Ha...”
It was horrible to be with someone involved in her death all the time. The man who was scolding her so harshly was the one who encouraged her to commit suicide.
As she drank the tea Emily brought, Ariana tried to calm her troubled mind.
'It's not certain yet, but I shouldn't lower my guard.'
But, for some reason, she felt that the night would be turbulent, which made her heart heavy.
* * *
Kenneth knew well why Dr. Bialy was anxiously urging him to take less medication.
Mostly, he lived his daily life well, but sometimes he was immersed in dreams so realistic that they were difficult to distinguish from reality.
This dream dates back to when he was twenty-one, immediately after the opera house incident.
At that time, Kenneth escaped from the sea of blood with the help of those close to him who rushed in late.
He received treatment at the hospital anonymously, but it did not last long. Andrew's supporters, allied with him, destroyed the street where the Clifford family's business was located.
If he had been found undefended, he would have been arrested on flimsy charges.
In prison, he may die as his serious injuries worsen.
He had to hide in another country and wait for the right time.
But, despite his torn body, Kenneth headed into the arena.
Roger and others followed, shouting softly.
“Sir, you must leave quickly!”
“Just a moment.”
"my lord-!"
He shook off the hands that tried to stop him and blended into the crowd, covering his face.
He didn't know what he wanted to make sure of.
His old friend betrayed him. No room for excuses, completely.
The cursed joint company with Quentin. Due to leaks from there, his parents' schedule was exposed while they were heading to a charity gathering, and their business was torn apart.
The truth had been completely revealed.
There was no going back with the Aberdeen family.
'But why?'
At that moment, an ornate trumpet sound was heard, followed by a loud scream.
“His Highness the Crown Prince is passing by!”
People clapped and cheered as colored paper fell down the road.
“The Crown Prince’s fiancée is here too!”