The unexpected news of death was shocking, but it was not saddening. Rather, it seemed easier to understand from the grandmother’s perspective than the mother’s.
When was the last time he had even felt sadness?
How did he feel when the Countess sent assassins? Was he sad? No—it was betrayal and rage, along with the bothersome realization that he would now have to fight against the Rainland Count’s family.
That’s how he felt.
Even his own mother, who had carried him in her womb for ten months, wanted him dead—so why would the Countess be any different? As for his father, he had never even placed any expectations on him.
Erne glanced at Judith’s fingers fidgeting at his waist and let out a self-mocking laugh.
Even the wife he had unexpectedly gained was troubled by his return from death. And yet, here he was, stubbornly returning from the grave—how absurd.
“Should I tell you my story too?”
“…All of a sudden?”
The conversation had taken an odd turn again.
Erne couldn’t even afford to lament for long. If he let his guard down for even a moment, Judith would completely throw common sense out the window.
“Since you revealed your family history, it’s only fair that I reveal mine too, isn’t it?”
Fairness… over something like this?
“It feels uncomfortable just listening to someone else’s family history.”
Wait. Was that what she meant earlier when she said she felt uncomfortable? Not because his past was pitiful, but just because she didn’t like hearing about someone else’s family issues?
Erne was at a loss for words. He didn’t want pity, but seeing Judith show absolutely no sympathy left him feeling strangely unsettled.
Did I… want to be pitied?
Now even Erne himself was becoming confused.
“If it’s about tragic family backgrounds, I’m no pushover either.”
Don’t turn misfortune into a competition.
In all his life, Erne had never seen someone try to compete over who had the more tragic past. And the way she spoke about her misfortune—with such confidence—was baffling.
“Just listen.”
“I refuse.”
“Why?”
Judith couldn’t understand.
Wasn’t it human nature to find comfort in knowing that someone else had it worse? She was offering to be that ‘someone,’ yet he was refusing. How bizarre.
“You should focus on getting rid of those bugs instead.”
“I’m already coming up with a plan.”
After arriving at the mansion and dismounting, Judith first read the note Camilla had given her.
Every sentence ended with phrases like “it is said,” “it might be,” or “it’s probably true,” which made the information feel unreliable. But since this was all they had, there was no choice.
“There’s a reason the Count’s manor was so clean. The bugs keep filth from coming near them.”
Judith marveled as she read the explanation.
They were man-eating insects, yet they had a preference for cleanliness.
“And for one year, it keeps its owner alive.”
“But rather than an owner, isn’t it more like a host?”
Erne read the note over Judith’s shoulder and made a comment, but she paid no attention to him.
“During the one year it stays with you, it helps accumulate wealth by any means.”
“Now that you mention it, ever since I picked up that bug, I’ve received rewards, won bets, and made easy money.”
Hmm, this was something worth considering. Judith nodded as she spoke.
“So, everything in my business has gone smoothly so far thanks to this bug.”
“And?”
“That means I should keep it with me for the full year to maximize its effects!”
Erne was momentarily speechless. Did she forget that she had collapsed in agony, coughing up blood? He rubbed his forehead and read aloud the last line from the note.
“Throughout the year, the host will be continuously devoured by the bug. Do you not see this sentence? Do you really want to be eaten alive for a whole year?”
“Well… no, but—”
“Then stop talking nonsense and get rid of it immediately.”
Since Erne was so firm, Judith eventually nodded, though he still wasn’t convinced.
Even as he lay in bed, he kept thinking about how to remove the bug from Judith.
At first, he was worried the bug wouldn’t detach from her before they met Camilla. Now, he was worried that Judith might refuse to get rid of it at all.
If there was money involved, she was relentless. Had she suffered financial hardships in the past?
Considering how unfazed she was by his tragic past, she must have gone through serious struggles with money. After all, she was dragged here by her brother and forced to marry a dying man just to survive.
Erne fell asleep while trying to figure out how to forcibly remove the bug from her.
Because of that, he didn’t even realize that as he drifted off, his resurfacing past and the hidden truths were unsettling him once again.
***
Three days later.
Judith still hadn’t gotten rid of the bug.
“You cunning little thing.”
No wonder her business was booming.
While her scented candles were a brilliant product, even with that factored in, the sales were still unusually high. Customers were willing to pay extra, and word-of-mouth spread effortlessly.
And it was all thanks to this bug.
Judith stroked the pouch where the bug was kept, then suddenly frowned.
“Can’t you just make me 200 million gold all at once? What’s with this slow trickle of earnings? You’re gnawing away at my life, and you can’t even do that much? Are you telling me my life isn’t worth 200 million gold?”
She shook the pouch aggressively, demanding a fortune.
“How are you not disgusted by that thing?”
Ever since Henry learned that the yellow silk pouch and the bug were a set, he had avoided touching it entirely. But Judith showed no signs of disgust.
“If you give me 200 million gold, I’ll find you a bigger, juicier host.”
She even pulled the bug out, combining threats, bribery, and negotiation into one. Watching this, Henry let out a long sigh.
“Erne, please get rid of that bug already. At this rate, your wife is going to lose her mind completely.”
“She wasn’t all that sane to begin with.”
“She had that bug on her from the very first time we met, didn’t she? Once we get rid of it, she’ll return to normal.”
Will she, though?
Erne glanced at Judith, who was murmuring, “Are you a beneficial insect or a pest? Answer me.”
As if the bug would actually respond.
“Looks like she’s grown attached to it.”
At this point, wasn’t it practically a pet?
When Erne spoke indifferently, Henry scowled and smacked his arm.
“Get it off, now! That bug is eating the madam alive. If this continues, something terrible will happen.”
Judith, keeping the bug beside her, made a wish to secure a new trading partner. Erne let out a short sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.
His concern turned into reality.
Even as she realized she was dying, Judith couldn’t let go of the bug.
Was this how Cedric Rainland had felt?
“Ugh, my ear itches.”
Hearing the sound of gnawing again, Judith frantically rubbed her ear.
Since she insisted on handling it herself, Erne could have just left.
He had already explained how to remove the bug, fulfilling his moral responsibility. Yet, he found it hard to walk away.
Was it because he was the reason she got involved with the bug in the first place?
If only he hadn’t taken the bug to his mother, the Rainland family would have remained unharmed, and Cliff wouldn’t have been able to plan such a scheme.
Judith was purely a victim.
Unintentionally, he had ruined her life.
The guilt of a choice made in his younger years, which had dragged Judith into this mess, shackled Erne in place.
***
“Twenty silver coins on Mouse #1.”
“The gentleman here has placed 20 silver coins on Mouse #1. And you, sir?”
“Ten copper coins on Mouse #5!”
“All right, ten copper coins on Mouse #5.”
As soon as he placed the copper coins on the table, the host’s tone turned dismissive.
Was he really looking down on him just because he bet a small amount?
Judith’s older brother, Leon Harrington, wanted to say something, but before he could, the race began, and he missed his chance.
“Go, go!”
Inside the wooden racecourse, ten mice, each with numbered tags on their tails, started running.
Leon was skilled at card games, but with only ten copper coins, he couldn’t afford to join those tables.
So, he decided to try his luck at the mouse race to increase his funds.
There was no quicker way to multiply money than games like this.
“Come on, Mouse #5!”
Was luck on his side? Mouse #5 took the lead from the start.
Just as it was about to cross the finish line, Mouse #1 suddenly rammed into it, knocking it aside before dashing across the finish line first.
Cheers erupted from those who had bet on Mouse #1, while others groaned in disappointment.
The man who had wagered 20 silver coins grinned and took a sip of his drink, pleased with his winnings.
“Huh?”
He hadn’t noticed before because the man had kept his face hidden, but now, with his face slightly exposed while drinking, Leon recognized him. It was that guy—the handsome one from Judith’s house.
Was he still living with Judith?
“Here, take this.”
The host handed the handsome man 50 silver coins.
“Five times the amount? Not bad.”
The man pocketed the silver coins while the person beside him, seemingly his companion, looked at him enviously.
“Ever since you got married, luck’s been on your side. I’m jealous.”
What? Married?
So that guy and Judith had ended up living together after all? Leon had thought he would just take what he could and leave. But why would someone that good-looking stay with Judith?
Leon had planned to get rid of the man at the right time and sell him off somewhere, but now things had gotten complicated.
“I heard your wife’s business is doing well. People say she’s raking in money.”
“Raking in money? Not really. Just enough to get by.”
Raking in money? Running a business?
Leon absentmindedly touched his empty pockets. Just when he had lost all his money, he found out that his dear sister was swimming in wealth. What fantastic news.
“This time, maybe I should bet on Mouse #3. That one looked strong earlier.”
“I’ll follow your lead on this one.”
Even after losing money, Leon grinned. The thought of catching up with his sister after a long time made him happy.
