“For now, just keep this in mind. The little madam’s body contains a significant amount of white magic.”
“White magic…”
Even though it was about her, it felt like someone else’s story. Since she couldn’t feel anything tangible, Milena couldn’t fully relate to what she was hearing.
“That power will serve as a stabilizer for the young master, and if used well, it could even act as a remedy. However, it would be best to keep this fact a secret from everyone.”
“Why?”
“Wouldn’t it make you an easy target to be taken as a test subject?”
“….”
“A fusion of divine power and magic? That’s an unheard-of combination. I’ve never seen magic composed purely of white energy before.”
“You sound like you’re looking at me as an experiment yourself, Hector. Am I wrong?”
“Well, that’s unfortunate. I already have other subjects for my research, so I won’t be able to use you, little madam.”
Hector chuckled, but his regretful expression sent chills down her spine. A cold sweat broke out on Milena’s back.
She had heard that all mages were eccentric, but the thought of being a test subject made her shudder. Being experimented on because of magic she didn’t even know she had? No, thank you.
“Here, wear this.”
A ring? Without a word, she accepted the rough wooden ring.
“I gave one to the little master as well. It suppresses magic. With this on, you can stay as close to our young master as you like without any issues.”
Milena almost said she had no intention of staying close to him, but she held back.
“Unless someone is highly skilled, they won’t be able to see the magic emanating from the little madam with the naked eye. But if you wear this, it will keep crazy mages or the temple from detecting it. We can’t afford to lose our precious little madam, can we?”
To her ears, it sounded more like “We can’t afford to lose our precious test subject.” But she let it slide. Considering Hector’s sincerity, she accepted the ring gratefully and put it on.
As she looked at the ring on her finger, Ashid, who had come out belatedly, brightened up and started bouncing excitedly.
“Auntie! Auntie! Is this our couple ring?”
Since her nephew was so happy about it, what did it matter? Though she was unsettled by the revelation of her white magic, as long as no one found out, it wouldn’t interfere with her life. That reassurance put her at ease.
Hector, having no more business here, vanished as abruptly as he had appeared. He claimed he had piles of research waiting for him.
The more she reflected on his words, the more they felt like a warning. A warning not to do anything that might harm his young master.
Was she overthinking it?
When she asked Hector if this was some kind of initiation before entering the ducal household, the middle-aged physician merely laughed heartily.
“Hah! I may work for the duke’s family, but I’m just an employee. I’m not in any position to impose in-law duties on you.”
Hmm. If she fell out of favor, the servants might subtly—or even blatantly—torment her. Of course, such actions would only be possible if the duke himself turned a blind eye.
Having grown up in that kind of environment, the possibility naturally crossed her mind.
The Count’s estate had been that way, and the grand ducal castle was no different. The only reason no one openly challenged her there was because of her reputation as a villainess. The ducal household was still just a place where people lived, so she doubted it would be any different.
Still, Hector reassured her not to worry, saying that the people in the ducal household were all kind.
“Madam? Do you need anything?”
She would find out for herself soon enough. But at least it was a relief that Hector and Gerard seemed to be good people.
“Gerard, when are we leaving?”
Gerard, who was feeding the horses a mixture of hay and mash, turned around. The cold air made the horses’ breath rise like mist.
“Well, first, we need to wait for the lord to wake up. Since the grand duke’s knights are stationed all around us, we’ll set off once their numbers decrease a bit.”
Milena, who was adjusting her cloak, furrowed her brow slightly.
“I suggested heading west, yet we’re still in the grand duchy?”
“The grand duke has already left, following the traces of the grand duchess.”
“…So he left his knights scattered behind.”
That made sense. He was a man obsessed with his wife. He wouldn’t overlook even the slimmest possibility. He would turn the grand duchy upside down until he was satisfied. No—until he found Larriete.
And even then, he wouldn’t stop at just the duchy. He would extend his reach as far as his power allowed. She had suggested heading west, but in reality, he might comb through the entire continent.
“A terrifying man.”
She shuddered, recalling how she had almost died at his hands.
“Madam? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No, it’s nothing. More importantly, Gerard—our route to the capital remains the same, right?”
“Yes. Taking a detour would be too hard on you and the young master. Nothing has changed. Besides, though the lord looks fine, his condition is still unstable. It would be best if he traveled in the carriage with you.”
“Then… can I ask you for a favor?”
“Of course, madam. Just say the word. If it’s within my ability, I’ll do anything.”
She chuckled at his serious response, saying it wasn’t that big of a request. Though Gerard seemed momentarily puzzled, he soon smiled brightly and nodded.
“Understood. That shouldn’t be a problem.”
In the silent room, a pair of watchful eyes stared intently.
The man, who had been sleeping with a serene expression, frowned slightly and slowly opened his eyes.
“If I had a nightmare, it must be because of you.”
In the pitch-black darkness, golden eyes gleamed like those of a wild cat, blinking lazily.
“I was just curious about how long you were going to sleep. How can someone sleep for 24 hours straight? No, wait—you drank some water, got up for a moment, and then slept again. So, nearly 48 hours in total. And the way you stumbled around like a drunk before collapsing back into bed—I’ve never seen you like that before, my lord.”
“Tch. Enough with the nagging.”
“It’s not nagging. I just wanted to let you know that while you were asleep, reports piled up from all over, filling this tiny inn room.”
“Water.”
Still talking, Gerard handed him a cup of water at his gesture. With a groan, the man sat up and downed the water in one go before exhaling deeply.
“Where’s Hector?”
“Where else? By the duke’s side, of course. He only managed to stop by briefly when I sent out an emergency signal. You know his time is more precious than gold.”
“And Milena and the boy?”
“Probably still sleeping.”
His body felt refreshed, but his memories were hazy, as if he had been drunk. As he sifted through his thoughts, Milena’s flustered face flashed in his mind.
“Did I… do anything foolish?”
“Foolish? Other than calling for the madam like a lovesick fool and clinging to her?”
“I did?”
“You wouldn’t let go of her. If that’s not drunken behavior, I don’t know what is.”
With a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair and pulled a rabbit plush from his magic pouch.
“Give this to the boy.”
Gerard carefully took the plushie.
“And our departure?”
“At dawn.”
They needed to get Ashid to the duke’s side as soon as possible.
Just then, Gerard hesitated before asking cautiously,
“My lord, can we delay reaching the capital slightly?”
“Why?”
“The madam wishes to visit her family.“
The man paused before answering indifferently.
“Fine.”
Click. He stepped into the bathroom, indifferent.
Gerard pursed his lips.
“Should I have mentioned what Ashid said about the Lastia family?”
