Chapter 079
Count Solovis’s mustache was trembling. Looking closely, his clothes were fancy but worn at the edges. Probably from wearing them too long. His eyes looked dark too—he must’ve gone through some hard times.
So, maybe he wasn’t lying about being in trouble. He probably came here in desperation, with everything on the line. Still, I had no intention of giving him anything. I just wanted us to live our lives separately.
“That’s impossible,” he said with glossy, desperate eyes.
“You definitely have holy power!”
“I told you, I don’t. Why don’t you ask people around here? No need to go far.”
I called out to someone who was surely nearby.
“Luna.”
“Yes, Duchess?”
“Do I have holy power? Did I heal Theo?”
“No, of course not. Who’s making up such nonsense? Holy power in this day and age?”
Luna frowned in disbelief.
“See? I told you.”
Count Solovis stood up suddenly.
“I’ll ask around myself!”
“Go ahead. Luna?”
“Yes, I’ll show him the way.”
“I have things to do, so I’ll be going now.”
I needed to make sure Theo and Stephanie left today. After making sure Luna was following the Count out, I turned and went to the children. Luckily, Lady Yurena was getting them ready to go out.
“Theo!”
“Aunt!”
I hugged Theo and Stephanie tightly. Saving this child was my decision. It was the first destiny I changed after entering this novel—and proof of my worth.
Who dares try to ruin that? I ground my teeth. I had a good idea of who it might be, but no proof yet.
“They’ll stay at Baroness Rubella’s sister’s house for two days. She helped arrange it.”
Thank goodness.
“I’m so excited, Aunt!” Theo said, wiggling his nose.
“It’s my first time visiting a friend’s house!”
“Me too! Me too!” Stephanie bounced up and down.
Honestly, this felt like sending two wild foals into someone else’s yard.
“Lady Yurena… if they cause any trouble…”
“I’ll keep a close eye on them and stop—”
“No, I mean, kids will be kids. If something happens, just tell them we’ll cover it. Don’t hesitate.”
“Pardon?”
“Say we’ll take full responsibility. Understand?”
Lady Yurena nodded. Of course, Theo and Stephanie wouldn’t be the only ones causing trouble. Everyone would probably join in.
But it’s better to apologize first than to back out later. I wish I could go myself, but… sigh.
I hugged the kids again. They wriggled to get away, and I bit their cheeks playfully.
“If you cause trouble, I’ll bite harder next time. Got it?”
“Mm-hmm!”
“I’ll triple your study time! And give you more homework!”
Stephanie looked horrified. Her chubby cheeks trembled.
“How could you say something so cruel!”
“Then just don’t cause trouble.”
“It’s Theo’s fault!”
“No, it’s Stephanie’s!”
Yeah, figures. Neither of you ever thinks you’re at fault. I gently pushed the kids toward Lady Yurena. After making sure she had them, I stood and went to my office.
Rubella and Celia were working there.
“Rubella, thank you so much for today.”
She looked up from the papers.
“It was nothing. I heard about the garden party and thought it was the perfect chance. My sister loves kids too.”
“I’ll repay you somehow.”
“Your thanks is enough.”
Seriously, the mom-friend network is the best.
“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll watch the kids myself next time.”
“They’d love that for sure.”
Sigh.
I called for the head maid.
“Do we know where Cassius is now? Has he come out of the forest?”
“Not yet.”
“…You know that Count Solovis is here at the duke’s mansion, right?”
Her face stiffened slightly. She lowered her voice.
“I’ve heard he’s asking people strange questions.”
“I know. Do you think it’ll cause trouble?”
“The people here are very loyal. They won’t say a word about you.”
That meant a lot.
“…Tell one of the knights still at the mansion to let Cassius know the Count is here. Tell him to stay out one more night if possible.”
“There’s no way he can keep avoiding him forever.”
“Hah, maybe. Still, please tell him to keep avoiding him for now. And… say I’m sorry too.”
“Yes, Duchess.”
Meanwhile…
Count Solovis cornered a kitchen maid.
“You there.”
“Yes?”
The maid’s eyes met Luna’s. Luna wrinkled her nose and gave her a fierce look.
‘What’s with her?’
The maid tilted her head, confused.
“I am Count Solovis. I’m the Duchess’s father. I’m trying to find out more about my daughter. Recently, Young Lord Theo recovered suddenly, didn’t he?”
“It was such a blessing. Surely it was the work of the divine.”
“Exactly! And that divine power—was granted to the Duchess…”
“Pardon?”
The maid’s eyes widened.
“I heard that same divine power cured the duchess of her madness?”
“What?!”
Luna gave a satisfied nod.
“That ‘divine being’ was actually Mr. Miller. His medical skills are amazing! He saved not only the Duchess but also the young master. Truly a miracle.”
Count Solovis gritted his teeth. How are they all saying the exact same thing?!
Whoever sent him this information had better show up soon.
What frustrated him even more was that he couldn’t deny the fact that Charlotte had acted mad in the past.
Still unwilling to give up, Count Solovis stormed outside. Maybe the knights knew something. He rushed over to one who looked like a high-ranking knight.
“Sir Rozwood. This is Count Solovis,” Luna said quickly, stepping between them.
She wanted the Count to know that Rozwood wasn’t just a knight—he was a noble.
Count Solovis cleared his throat.
“Ahem, ahem. Nice to meet you.”
“…I don’t think this is the proper way to greet someone, Count.”
“I apologize. I’m just desperate—really desperate!”
Rozwood looked unimpressed. He knew all about Count Solovis.
The man who caused a scene at the wedding, demanding more money, and then completely ignored his daughter’s situation afterward.
He had no interest in associating with someone like that.
“My daughter…” the Count started.
And now he’s trying to stir up trouble for the Duchess?
Rozwood’s eyes flared.
This peace and happiness in the North—it was thanks to the Duchess.
Even Duke Cassius’s soft expressions whenever her name was mentioned proved how much she’d changed things.
If anyone dared to disturb her now, Rozwood wouldn’t let it go.
“What do you want?”
“Ahem. I heard my daughter has some kind of special power. As her father, I just want to know the truth…”
“Luna.”
“Yes, Sir Rozwood?”
“Whoever’s spreading this nonsense—drag them in and beat the crap out of them… Ahem, excuse my language.”
Rozwood flashed a sweet smile.
Count Solovis’s face turned dark with embarrassment.
