36: The Second Wife Scandal

‘She wants my entire fortune?! No matter how much money I give her, she says she won’t take someone’s life?!’

Distrust toward the dark sorceress began to creep into his mind.

“Do you refuse?”

“N-no, I don’t refuse, but… it’s just that your words now are different from what you said before. I mean, when you cursed the old Count to death, you accepted money, but now you claim that even if I give you a lot of money, you won’t take someone’s life.”

“Oh~ Curses vary depending on the target, Count.”

“What do you mean by that?”

‘This greedy pig dares to nitpick so much. I thought he was dumb, but he actually has a good memory. Annoying…’

Letia sighed lightly, rubbing her forehead as she faced the greedy man standing before her with half-closed eyes.

“The old Count was literally an elderly man, wasn’t he? Moreover, he had lost his only daughter to illness, so his grief was immense. Even if he suddenly died, it wouldn’t arouse much suspicion. But what about Duke Hormons?”

“…”

“He’s a healthy young man, just turned twenty this year. Imagine if such a man died suddenly without any prior illness. Wouldn’t people suspect that someone orchestrated his death? Furthermore, because of that wench Rensi, I’ve completely fallen out of favor with the current Emperor. If I’m caught, I’ll be executed immediately. So, in order to achieve what you want, Count, I need a place to escape to as well.”

Letia studied his expression. He seemed somewhat persuaded by her words, but he was still reluctant to part with his money.

‘Of course. That pig’s head is filled with nothing but thoughts of money. He’s just a greedy pig obsessed with wealth. Otherwise, how could he consider sending his only daughter… Ah, well, he’s just a merchant who got lucky and became the son-in-law of a childless Count’s family.’

Letia let out a short scoff.

“Count, is it truly difficult for you to hand over your entire fortune?”

“Well… If I give my entire fortune to a dark sorceress, then what will become of me…”

“Oh~ You’re quite the fool, aren’t you, Count?”

“…”

As the man failed to hide his wounded pride, Letia covered her mouth with her hand.

“Oh dear, if my words offended you, I apologize.”

“Haha, no offense taken.”

“Isn’t the reason you want to eliminate Kael Hormons to gain his entire fortune?”

“Cough… Well.”

The Count nodded while avoiding her gaze, his greed evident. Letia smirked and continued.

“If you were to obtain the entire fortune of the Hormons family, which is overflowing with wealth second only to the imperial family in this empire, wouldn’t handing over your current fortune to me seem like a small price to pay?”

‘Now that I think about it! Haha! That’s right! If Kael Hormons dies, his entire fortune and all assets under the Hormons family name will belong to his wife, Aella! And if those assets end up in my hands…!’

Overcome with joy at the thought, Hans couldn’t help but sway his shoulders.

“Count? Are you still hesitating?”

“N-no! I’ll give you my entire fortune! Just kill him immediately!”

“That may take some time.”

“N-no, why?!”

“Are you raising your voice at me now?”

Faced with Letia’s icy glare, Hans felt chills run down his spine as he looked at the dark sorceress who seemed ready to harm him at any moment.

“I-I apologize! I got too excited! I’m sorry!”

“Hoho, Count. Raise your head.”

“…”

“What kind of man is Kael Hormons?”

At the sudden question, Hans frowned slightly. Kael Hormons was the only person in the empire who could wield a magic sword and summon weapons freely using his magical abilities.

‘I hadn’t considered that. Tsk, he’s quite troublesome. And on top of that, my money…!’

Hans felt bitter about handing over his accumulated wealth. However, if Kael Hormons died and the Hormons family’s fortune became his, he could finally achieve his dream of becoming a powerful man in the empire.

‘It’s a shame, but… If I can just get rid of that troublesome man! Aella is already devastated by the loss of her child, and the shock of never being able to have children again has left her mentally broken. Above all, if Kael dies, she won’t be able to live in her right mind.’

Reading the greedy Count’s thoughts, Letia looked at him with disdain.

‘How pitiful his daughter must be to have such a man as her father.’

Though she felt pity for the daughter, Letia ultimately considered it none of her business.

‘Once I get the money from this man, I’ll take Ramios and… deliver my final gift to those who oppressed me—the royal family that choked me—and leave this country.’

Now close to her goal, Letia smiled sweetly at the Count, who was staring at her.

“I’ll give you my entire fortune!”

“Hoho, that’s an excellent choice. Then I’ll prepare the curse ritual immediately. May I use the basement?”

“Of course! I’ll take you there right away.”

“There’s no need to rush, Count. You’ve already seen the effects of my curses, haven’t you? Let’s take it slow. I need a bit of rest as well.”

“Haha, of course. Rest well.”

Though he spoke with a smile, the greedy pig was inwardly cursing her. Letia, needing his cooperation for now, decided to spare him.

Tap.

Left alone in the room, Letia sat on a plush sofa and gazed at the ceiling.

“If I use too much power all at once, it’ll strain my body. I need to rest a little.”

With a sinister smile, Letia clenched her hands tightly.

“Ramios, I’ll slowly tighten the noose around your neck. After all, I saved your life. Hahaha!”

As she laughed, tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks.

—

Aella pretended to be fine in front of Kina, but inside, she was crumbling. She had lost her child. The guilt of failing to protect her baby kept her awake at night, leaving her constantly fatigued and her body growing thinner.

Though she managed to eat properly thanks to Kina’s desperate pleas, Aella had lost all hope for living.

When she lost her child, she often found herself wanting to follow the baby she never got to see or hold. But each time, Kael’s voice echoed in her mind:

[Not on my watch!]

When she opened her eyes to his angry shout, Kael’s furious face filled her vision. Even now, the memory of his terrifying expression sent chills through her.

[Are you planning to die and follow the child who’s already gone?]

[Do you think I’ll let that happen?]

[You will never die, Aella Blueanz.]

[You will live by my side for the rest of your life, unable to die even if you want to. That is the punishment I am giving you.]

Aella smiled faintly at the voice ringing in her head.

‘Alright, Kael. If that’s what you want, I’ll gladly comply.’

Though Kina would surely be furious if she knew, Aella believed this was the only thing she could do for Kael and the late Duke.

Knock, knock.

“Your Grace, may I come in?”

“Yes.”

Kina entered, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“How lovely. Did you buy these, Kina?”

“…The Duke did.”

“Haha, I see. May I have them?”

Accepting the bouquet from Kina, Aella knew it was merely for appearances. Yet, receiving a gift from Kael still made her heart flutter.

‘Kael…’

“Your Grace, the doctor said you can be discharged now.”

“I see. Alright…”

“Your Grace, would you like to go for a walk?”

Instead of answering, Aella smiled and stood up, leaning on Kina as they strolled through the hospital garden.

“Have you heard about the Duchess of Hormons?”

“Of course! Even the children know.”

“It’s so tragic. To lose the ability to have children at such a young age…”

“Y-Your Grace, let’s go somewhere else!”

As Kina urgently tried to lead her away, Aella patted her back to reassure her.

“They say noblewomen who’ve admired Duke Hormons for a long time are now sending marriage proposals, hoping to form alliances with the Hormons family.”

“Oh my…”

“Since the Duke needs an heir, it’s only natural he’ll take a second wife.”

“Then the Duchess…”

“What choice does she have? She’ll have to accept it…”

“Y-Your Grace! Let’s go quickly! Hurry!”

Aella grabbed Kina’s wrist as she tried to pull her away.

“Kina, I think I should rest now. I’m feeling tired.”

“Alright. I’m sorry, Your Grace. I shouldn’t have suggested coming out…”

“Oh, you silly girl.”

After stroking Kina’s cheek, Aella returned to her room, only to find Count Blueanz waiting for her, visibly furious.

‘Of all times…’

Exhausted, Aella greeted him as he stormed toward her.

“Well done! Truly well done! You failed to protect your child, and now you’re about to lose your position as well!”

“Count!”

“How dare this wretched girl meddle!”

As the Count reached for Kina, Aella stepped in front of her.

“There are eyes watching.”

“Ha! At least you know shame.”

“…”

“Aella, if you’re thrown out of the Hormons family with nothing, you’ll marry Marquis Rafahal as his next wife. Understand?”

“…”

“Why aren’t you answering?!”

Marquis Rafahal was a man in his fifties. His first wife had died of illness over twenty years ago, and he currently had three official wives and countless concubines. Among nobles, he was considered the worst philanderer.

As she listened to Count Blueanz’s demand to become the Marquis’s fourth wife, Aella let out a bitter laugh.

‘He’s not even hiding it anymore. This man… My mother loved him, and my grandfather died at his hands. Because of him! And now I’m next?’

Overwhelmed by anger, Aella clenched her teeth.

“What nonsense are you spouting, Father-in-law?”

“!”

“You!”

“I asked you a question.”

Aella looked up at Kael, who had suddenly appeared beside her. His cold gaze made Hans Blueanz tremble uncontrollably.

Kael’s icy stare was so terrifying that even Aella shivered.

“You’re saying I’ll take a second wife…”

“My wife is Aella and no one else.”

“!”

“If I need an heir, I’ll adopt a healthy child from an orphanage.”

“Ahaha! Of course. You…”

“Apologize. You’ve insulted my wife, who is grieving the loss of our child. No matter that you’re her father, there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed.”

Under Kael’s oppressive presence, Hans Blueanz had no choice but to bow his head and apologize to Aella, who reluctantly accepted his apology.

The scandal surrounding Duke Hormons and the rumors of a second wife quickly dissipated after this incident.