LRVP Chapter 46

Chapter 46

“I understand. It’s not just any matter, it’s about people’s lives.”

It wasn’t just anyone’s life, but the lives of people who had been like brothers, fighting alongside him. For Claude, who cared deeply for his soldiers, it was natural to be tempted by such a power.

“Thank you for understanding.”

Claude lowered his empty hands, his face turning slightly red. It seemed he hadn’t realized he had grabbed my hand without thinking.

‘It just means he’s truly serious about hunting the monsters.’

In the original story, Claude was a man driven by a deep sense of duty. He was ready to risk his life to fight monsters for the peaceful land his nephew would one day live on, to protect his subordinates and the people of his domain.

‘I knew that, but he’s truly an impressive person.’

He had the mindset of someone who had raised the female lead in the original story.

However, I couldn’t make such a serious decision as joining the monster hunt based solely on that admiration.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t leave the Bellomon estate. If I’m gone, Lucian will be left alone.”

Though there were nannies and servants, they could never replace family.

“You know how much Lucian depends on me. He’s already confused because of Edwin, and if I’m gone too, he will be lost.”

No matter what, Lucian was the most important person to me. I couldn’t leave him behind, especially when he might turn into a villain.

“I can’t take Lucian to that dangerous place either.”

If something were to happen to Lucian… I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

“That’s true.”

Claude nodded. He was in the same position, raising a nephew, so he could understand my feelings well.

“I’m sorry. I should have considered your position. I got excited thinking about ending the monster hunt and acted without thinking… I was too hasty.”

“It’s alright. It could happen.”

After rejecting his offer, I felt uncomfortable.

Now that Claude was going to the monster hunt, Amelia would have to stay alone without her family.

Of course, we could be together during the summers and winters when there were no hunts, but for someone Amelia’s age, even a week apart felt like a month.

It would be hard for both Amelia, who had to be separated from her uncle after finally seeing him again after a year, and Claude, who had to leave his beloved niece behind.

“I wish there was someone else who could sense the magic…,” I thought.

I wondered what kind of people had the ability to detect magical energy.

‘I heard even paladins can feel magic to a small extent.’

Was it a power passed down only to those connected to the temple?

‘But I’m not connected to the temple… Ah!’

Suddenly, I remembered something my uncle often said.

‘Our Rilfrey family is a Guardian family!’

A family of Guardians, that was another name for the Rilfrey family.

The reason for the nickname was simple. The first Pope of the Empire had come from the Rilfrey family.

Of course, over a hundred years ago, the temple had become corrupt, and many religious figures, including the Pope, were executed, causing the temple to lose its status in the Empire.

Afterward, the temple was completely reformed.

This meant that the Rilfrey family was no longer connected to the temple.

Still, my uncle kept boasting about being from a Guardian family, because that was the only thing they had to show off, even though the Rilfrey family was neither wealthy nor particularly promising.

‘If the ability to sense magic is passed down through bloodlines… there’s a possibility.’

Maybe someone else in the Rilfrey family had that ability too.

‘But it’s been so long since I left Rilfrey.’

In fact, I hadn’t left Rilfrey willingly. My uncle had forced me to leave, pushing me to the estate as if I were running away.

If my sister hadn’t been there, I would have been kicked out onto the streets as soon as I came of age.

‘Should I go visit Rilfrey once?’

Honestly, the monster hunt wasn’t my concern. It wasn’t something I should get involved in.

Though it was for everyone’s benefit, I wasn’t a hero. A common citizen like me shouldn’t meddle in this.

‘But if the monster hunt ends sooner, it’s good for Amelia.’

The monster hunt wouldn’t end for another five years. Amelia would have to spend every spring and fall alone during that time.

‘Amelia will grow up fine without her uncle, but she will still feel lonely.’

I remembered Amelia, swollen-eyed and hugging Claude tightly.

She was much more mature than other kids her age, yet she would cry whenever she had the chance, unable to leave her uncle’s side.

‘It’s not just for Amelia, it’s good for Claude too.’

Throughout the monster hunt, Claude had suffered many injuries. He had almost died several times from monster attacks.

‘Claude getting hurt… I can’t stand it.’

Imagining Claude lying there, bleeding, made my heart sink. It felt like my heart was stabbed with a needle.

Even though I knew he wouldn’t die, and the original story guaranteed his survival, still…

“I’ll go look for it.”

I spoke to Claude, who was lost in thought.

“How?”

“I think the ability is passed down through blood. I’m not sure, but the Rilfrey family produced the first Pope, and I’ve heard that my ability might be related to that.”

Going back to Rilfrey wasn’t going to be easy, especially since I wasn’t exactly welcomed there.

But…

“Really? If you do that, I’d be so grateful!”

Claude’s face brightened, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Lady Rilfrey, you’ve done so much for me. How can I ever repay you?”

“It’s nothing yet. I might return empty-handed.”

“Still, just you offering to help is enough for me. I’ll also try to gather information from my side.”

I couldn’t help but feel glad that I had sworn that oath.

Seeing Claude mutter to himself, I couldn’t help but smile.

We had spent only a season together, but somewhere along the way, I had grown attached to him without realizing it.

---

“I’m leaving.”

“No, Duke…”

How could he say something like that just a day before leaving?

I couldn’t find the words as I looked at Duke Bellomon, standing majestically amidst the bustling servants who were packing my things.

He had called me over saying he had something to say, and it turned out to be an unexpected farewell.

“Is that all you have to say?”

In fact, it was rare for the Duke to say goodbye to Lucian and me directly. We usually heard news of him through Gillian or the butler.

“No. There’s more.”

The Duke walked over and sat on the sofa, gesturing for me to sit opposite him.

I followed his suggestion and sat across from him.

“As usual, I’m planning to stay in the capital for a long time. I can’t promise how many months it will be.”

“I see.”

“So, here’s what I’m trying to say…”
The Duke hesitated, something unusual for him. It seemed like he was cautiously looking at me.
‘The Duke is looking at me?’
I couldn’t believe it myself. There’s no way that’s happening.

“Please take good care of Edwin.”
Only after hearing those words did I realize why the Duke had hesitated.

“Isn’t Edwin going with you, Duke?”
“Yes. Edwin chose to stay here.”
It wasn’t a surprising statement.
In the original story, the Duke had chosen to leave Edwin in the territory for his future.

What surprised me was for a completely different reason.

“Edwin chose to stay here?”
The child who I thought would definitely follow his father?

“Did you perhaps order him to stay?”
“No.”
Duke Belloman shook his head.
“He said he wanted to stay with you and Lucian.”
The way he said it, his expression looked slightly displeased.

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• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Freya• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •

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