Chapter 75
“Madam, are you still bothered by that bloodstain? That was just a ghost…”
“Yes, a ghost. That’s possible. There have been rumors about ghosts in the ducal castle for a long time. But if you think about it, isn’t it strange? Even though there’s talk of a ghost in the castle, His Grace doesn’t seem to care.”
“His Grace has always been indifferent, Madam.”
“And doesn’t that seem suspicious to you?”
Delani recalled everything that had happened over the past four years—the numerous traps she had set to get rid of Dedrick, all of which had ended up in failure.
The more she thought about it, the more something felt off.
Every single one of her traps had functioned properly, yet the victims had mysteriously shifted—from Dedrick to her own sons or subordinates.
As if someone knew her plans and intervened in advance.
“It’s too strange to dismiss as just a ghost. That time too, someone must have overheard us.”
Feeling unsettled, Delani decided to run an experiment.
“I need to confirm whether my suspicions are correct.”
If someone within the ducal castle was eavesdropping on her plans and stopping them, then she simply needed to change the location.
Somewhere beyond their reach.
“But you must be careful, Madam. Right now, Young Master Dedrick is sensitive to even the smallest things. If he senses anything suspicious, he’ll avoid it.”
Delani tapped the sofa’s armrest, deep in thought.
Dedrick had become extremely wary, even reacting sensitively when someone entered his room.
To others, it seemed like he was just being cautious of Somerset and Axel attempting to harm him again, but Delani—who had observed him for years—sensed something different.
‘As if he’s protecting someone…’
That thing that coughed up blood—it had to be connected.
Delani’s instincts told her so. And that meant she had to confirm it.
“I heard he’s starting training with the Blackhawks soon?”
“Yes, Madam. Every dawn until the subjugation mission, he will be heading to the Black Hawk’s training grounds.”
Delani looked outside. The season of full-bloom pink flowers. Around this time, nobles often went on outings.
“A picnic by the lake sounds lovely, doesn’t it?”
“Pardon?”
“Make preparations. Bring along some maids who admire Dedrick.”
Just then, there was a knock, and Carolina entered. Delani rose from her seat.
“Let’s go, Gemma.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Her eyes grew cold.
Since Dedrick went to the Black Hawks training grounds every morning, I kept an even closer eye on Delani and the two brothers.
As always, Somerset was busy drinking and smashing things, Axel remained quiet in his period of reflection, and Delani… had begun scheming again.
“A picnic, Madam?”
“Yes. Recruit a few maids as well. They need to act like they’re madly in love with Dedrick.”
Oh, what now?!
I focused on listening.
“We’ll create a scandal with a maid. The head of House Aulus values lineage and despises mingling with commoners. This is our chance to make him completely turn his back on Dedrick.”
They don’t even need to go this far—House Aulus would never accept Dedrick anyway.
“Besides, no noble would be pleased if a boy who isn’t even of age yet starts acting recklessly with women.”
Okay, that’s actually true!
I clutched my head in frustration.
“How does she keep coming up with these schemes so consistently!”
She had been at it for years. I almost wanted to applaud her persistence.
For the past three years, I couldn’t even rely on the novel’s plot anymore. Originally, Dedrick should have been attending the Herba Academy by now. But since he remained in the ducal castle, I had no way of predicting Delani’s next move.
At least I could eavesdrop on her plans. Without that, Dedrick would have fallen into countless traps by now.
“Tell him the picnic is to celebrate his upcoming subjugation with the Black Hawks and as an apology for Axel’s past actions. With the vassals watching, he won’t be able to refuse.”
“What about Young Masters Somerset and Axel?”
“Only invite Somerset. Axel is still under disciplinary action, so he won’t be able to attend freely.”
“Understood, Madam.”
So they planned to lure Dedrick into a scandal with a maid, making it seem like he was engaging in a secret affair.
“…”
After that, Delani fell silent. Usually, she would have given more detailed instructions, but today, she was oddly quiet.
Gemma also kept her head lowered without asking further questions.
Hmm. Something felt off.
I stared at Delani.
‘She was definitely concerned about me coughing up blood back then.’
She wouldn’t just brush that off.
Her perceptiveness was sharp.
‘I can’t trust this plan entirely.’
Even if it meant being slow to act, I had to be cautious. I couldn’t let anything harm Dedrick.
Dedrick would never go to Herba Academy.
I quietly sat beside Delani. Even sneaking into the wardrobe was becoming a risk.
There was no way she could sense my presence, but it was always better to be careful.
I patiently waited to be moved into the wardrobe.
Before long, I was.
When I arrived in the room, I heard the sound of running water from the bathroom.
‘Didi must be here.’
I stayed put, waiting calmly. If I opened the wardrobe too soon, I’d end up in an awkward situation—Dedrick always came out of the shower without putting on a shirt.
Not that I minded, but he might.
So, to pass the time, I picked up a book titled 100 Ways to Grow Taller.
Four years had passed, and I still hadn’t even reached 160 cm.
‘Well, I would if you count my horns…’
But that wasn’t enough! It was already exhausting looking up at Dedrick all the time.
I sighed as I read.
Then, one particular phrase caught my eye.
“Oh. Jumping in place helps you grow taller?”
Sounds doable.
“Don’t bother, Mary. It’s just tiring.”
“Ack!”
Startled by the sudden voice, I flung the book into the air.
Dedrick effortlessly caught it before it hit the ground, chuckling as he ruffled my hair.
“Did I scare you?”
Water dripped from his damp hair onto my hand. He ran his fingers lightly over the spot.
“Y-you! Didn’t I tell you not to hide your presence and suddenly open the door?!”
I clutched my pounding heart, glaring at him—then immediately froze.
His loosely draped towel, his bare upper body.
His broad shoulders and sharply defined muscles were overwhelming.
Even after seeing them every day, I still hadn’t gotten used to it. My voice wavered.
“Y-you’re carrying a deadly weapon on your body.”
“Oh.”
He glanced down at himself, then leaned against the wardrobe.
“Do I look dangerous?”
“D-don’t come any closer!”
Ignoring me, he casually trapped me between his arms, his forehead lightly touching mine.
“Too late. I’m already close.”
…This brat grew up way too dangerously.
I found myself mesmerized by his slyly curved eyes. His blue gaze was deep, unreadable.
His head tilted slightly, his flawless face drawing nearer.
But just before he got too close, he suddenly pulled back, grabbing a shirt and putting it on in a hurry.
“…Did you have fun spying?”
I pressed my burning cheeks, nodding.
“Yeah. She’s planning something again.”
He left his shirt unbuttoned and stood before me.
“I’m too exhausted from training. My hands have no strength left.”
“Come here.”
As if he had been waiting for it, he sat down. I buttoned his shirt while speaking.
“They want to pair you with a maid to create a scandal. Trying to make you look like a reckless playboy before you even come of age. Like you’re not already the most upright guy I know.”
“And?”
After fastening the last button, I muttered.
“…But I don’t think we should trust this plan completely. The duchess is still suspicious about me coughing up blood in her room.”
His fingers gently traced my lips.
“Are you okay now?”
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• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Freya• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
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Advance chapters of this novel are available of my kofi channel
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