167 A decision she made

Another week had passed. Hugo's condition worsened. When he collapsed, he would still regain his consciousness at random times. However, it had been three days since he woke up. 

"So you finally decided, huh?" 

I gazed at Daniel across from me. He just arrived, along with his other brothers, Silas and Percival. And then Alice. Those two were outside the sitting room where I accommodated the crown prince. While Alice headed straight into Hugo's room.

"Don't mock me." unlike usual, I didn't have the energy to banter with him. "You won, Your Highness. My selfishness had reached its peak. I can no longer watch him agonize."

I hung my head low, admitting my defeat. "I already told everyone that I am stepping down as the duchess."

"Where are you planning to go?" 

"Are you asking me because you want to see me again?" I raised my head, eyes dimmed with life.