Chapter 63
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A villainess locked away in a desolate tower—I had possessed her body.
Chapter 63
Tap, tap.
A finger adorned with a large sapphire ring drummed rhythmically against the table.
"So what you're saying is..."
The Embrose Marquise had dropped everything at my summons and rushed to the Blaire Grand Duke Territory without hesitation.
In the tense atmosphere, the corners of her lips curved downward.
"My youngest daughter-in-law might be suffering from a rib-related condition rather than asthma or bronchial disease?"
"Yes, though a thorough medical diagnosis would be necessary for certainty."
"Do you know of any treatment options, my dear?"
The fact that I had reached out first meant I already possessed clues to the solution.
It was a question posed as though she had already deduced this much without my saying it aloud.
Once I had identified the likely cause, the remedy became straightforward.
"If she makes a substantial donation to the Temple and receives treatment from a priest skilled enough to wield holy power with precision, there should be improvement."
"But James wouldn't have..."
"No, he wouldn't possess that kind of wealth."
Had she grasped my meaning?
The Embrose Marquise's eyes gleamed with sudden brightness.
Yet she quickly erased that glimmer, shifted her posture, and posed a question in return.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Well, that's..."
'Because I want to accumulate as many favors from you as possible?'
I could never say such a thing, even if my lips split open.
I couldn't admit that I pitied the unfortunate futures awaiting the Embrose Marquise and Fabron Marquis.
I merely moistened my lips with tea and answered quietly.
"I hold the Baroness Fabron's abilities in high regard."
"Does she possess anything of value?"
From the Marquise's cold question, I could discern the attitude she typically displayed toward those around her.
And this stemmed from the fact that while she loved her son, she knew nothing of her daughter-in-law.
Now it was my turn to demonstrate certainty.
"Once the Baroness Fabron's health recovers, I intend to propose that she become a story writer for comic books."
"...Did you see such talent?"
In that moment, I clearly observed the Marquise's expression shift subtly.
"After speaking with her properly this time, I realized it. She possesses an innate gift for creative thinking and crafting new narratives."
Her strengths extended beyond that.
"And she can analyze people from multiple angles while maintaining a warmth in her gaze that never falters. That's precisely the kind of person I need."
The Embrose Marquise said nothing until she had drained half her cup of tea.
"...In that case."
When she spoke again, her voice carried the clarity of someone whose thoughts had crystallized.
"I too wish to trust that 'eye' you possess and 'invest' in that child's potential."
"Pardon?"
"It's not simply that I pity my son or wish to help my son's wife. Rather, I recognize her talent and intend to invest in her potential."
Perhaps she hadn't yet reached the point where she needed to swallow her pride.
'You'll come to regret this.'
But if that was how Embrose Marquise chose to resolve matters, I had nothing more to say.
I couldn't involve myself in every detail of how she navigated her conflicts.
I decided to simply leave such matters to those directly involved.
"I'm grateful for your consideration."
With the matter settled, I brought the conversation to a close.
"I understand that House Ambrose will select an excellent physician and a high priest to diagnose Baroness Fabron's rib condition."
"We'll prepare individuals worthy of our family name, so if you were harboring any concerns—"
"How could I?"
Meeting the subtly gleaming gaze of Embrose Marquise, I found myself smiling faintly.
My mood had lifted considerably, though the lightness in my heart stemmed not merely from accumulating further debts to her.
* * *
Kaian was not typically one to concern himself with external affairs.
But today was different. After an unusually prolonged meeting, having sat restlessly in a suffocating space, Kaian impulsively walked toward the window.
And then.
"Hmm..."
Upon spotting April Salt and the Young Male Painter strolling near the Grand Duke's Residence, his eyes narrowed.
He disliked how they appeared to be enjoying their conversation so thoroughly, their exchange warm and animated.
Moreover, when April Salt said something, the painter startled and stepped back from her—
Yet even that wasn't the end of it. While April Salt turned her head toward elsewhere, the man approached her again.
"Huh?"
With his lips twisted into a crooked smile, Kaian muttered in a low voice without realizing it.
"How irritating."
"Pardon?"
The aides, sensing the suddenly hostile atmosphere, looked up uncertainly.
Kaian's eyes met those of the middle-aged men watching him like startled meerkats, and he belatedly came to his senses, shaking his head.
"...Never mind."
Yet no matter what, he couldn't conceal his fierce expression. Naturally, the atmosphere in the Office began to freeze over.
In the suddenly silent chamber, the aides exchanged glances with one another before beginning to communicate through written notes.
But Kaian merely sat motionless in his seat, his expression so menacing that the aides could find no possible cause for it.
Had circumstances been normal, he would have keenly noticed the aides' suspicious behavior, but he was now—and had been recently—entirely preoccupied with something else.
In fact, even now, vivid memories of what he'd experienced not long ago were replaying in his mind.
"So A and B could become close, but a misunderstanding arose and now they're keeping their distance. But I think if I just help a little bit..."
"But are these A and B connected to the princess? And A and B are male and female?"
"Yes, that's right."
Had his pride not intervened at that moment, he surely would have asked exactly that.
'The princess... has she developed feelings for some young man she met while working?'
It was amusing how I entangled myself with April Salt in such a manner, yet it was hardly an unfounded suspicion.
After all, April Salt, who preferred to remain confined within her chamber, had been constantly venturing outside due to the mounting tasks that now overwhelmed her days.
Though I was reluctant to admit it, April Salt—who would be considered quite beautiful if not for that peculiar expression she often wore—was rather popular within the Grand Duke's Residence.
Moreover, strictly speaking, whomever she chose to meet was her own affair, as here she held the status of a 'free person' rather than a princess, leaving me with no legitimate grounds for complaint.
...So why did my mood feel so unsettled?
My expression, lost in thought, grew noticeably colder.
In truth, whenever I worked part-time as her escort, I had been acutely aware of the subtle gazes men directed toward her.
They were everywhere. Among the painters, certainly, but also at the Poleta Leather Workshop, the Curtain Manufacturing Factory, the Pascal Merchant Guild, and even among the occasional Mages from the Magic Tower I encountered....
Of course, it was 'entirely' none of my concern. Even if April Salt were to enter into a romantic entanglement with that painter she was currently conversing with, it would be no business of mine.
But!
Nevertheless!
I could not simply overlook a painter harboring improper intentions toward my employer within this sacred Grand Duke's Residence.
"It is a betrayal of trust for one in an employed position."
"Y-yes, sir!?"
The impact of those quietly uttered words in the silence was considerable.
Disregarding the advisors, who now appeared visibly terrified, I abruptly rose to my feet.
"I cannot simply leave this matter unattended."
With that ominous declaration, I swept a chill through the Office before vanishing from sight.
"W-we won't survive this at this rate..."
Within the Office, now frozen solid, only the pitiful laments of the advisors, who sensed the threat to their very lives, echoed forlornly.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org