His voice returned without the slightest hint of emotion.

“Strategic marriages are something most nobles experience. Of course, I know Baron Reka’s reputation. It’s unfortunate your partner is a dirty human, but it’s common.”

Kaisel’s reaction was utterly indifferent. Her fingertips grew cold at his expression, which had lost interest.

“But I don’t want to get married. If I marry him, I’m certain I’ll die.”

“Why are you so sure you’ll die?”

Cynthia couldn’t tell him that her fate ended that way in the original work. The best she could do was explain in a way he could empathize with. Even pity would be fine.

“Baron Reka isn’t looking for a wife, but an apothecary sl*ve to raise cochineal insects.”

“……”

“I was already abandoned by my parents when I was eight years old. There’s no one left to protect me, and I have to protect myself. I want to be free, even if it means cutting all ties and living as a commoner.”

“Lady Blewitt, you’re quite the romantic.”

Kaisel’s voice sounded like he was scolding childish behavior. But Cynthia didn’t mind.

If it had been someone else, they probably wouldn’t have listened to this story seriously. Even if he was being sarcastic, he was showing her a lot of favor.

“You can think whatever you want. But I sincerely want to live. That’s why I want to propose a deal to Your Highness the Grand Duke.”

“A deal, huh.”

Kaisel remained silent for a while.

With each tick of the clock’s second hand, Cynthia felt anxious, as if her lifespan was being cut short.

Lost in thought for a moment, Kaisel tapped the sofa armrest and opened his mouth.

Their eyes met for an instant. A faint smile hung on his lips, which had been nothing but cold before.

“A request.”

“Pardon?”

“A request would be better than a deal.”

Cynthia’s heart dropped. At the same time, an indescribable relief welled up. She bit the soft flesh inside her mouth, feeling like she might cry at any moment.

“Your desire to live or be free is not my concern.”

Kaisel added in a languid voice, like a well-fed cat.

“Let’s say it’s a whim because I was able to play the piano after a very long time?”

Cynthia stood up and bowed.

“…Thank you.”

“You said you wanted to give up your family name, so I’ll just call you Cynthia. I’ll help you break away from your family. It seems like it could be fun.”

This was truly what she had been hoping for. Cynthia looked at Kaisel with a moved expression.

Who says he’s a villain! Such a good person.

With Kaisel’s intervention, she could finally say goodbye to the dreaded Blewitt family.

“I’ll hire you as my dedicated apothecary for as long as you wish. During that time, try to keep me in a good mood like today.”

“I’ll do my best. I can do it well.”

She was confident in her skills. I will absolutely, absolutely not disappoint Kaisel.

“Good. Now, I’d like to inscribe some magic on your body.”

“Ma-magic?”

Cynthia blinked in surprise.

“I can’t stay by your side all day to protect you, can I? With magic, I can find you immediately if something unpleasant happens.”

“That’s fine.”

Cynthia answered without hesitation. If it meant survival, this was nothing.

Kaisel swallowed a laugh at her sharp, immediate answer.

With the body owner’s permission granted, he languidly snapped his fingers.

A magic circle containing ancient language formulas unfolded beneath Cynthia’s feet. Black magical power, spreading like stems, seeped into her body.

It was an awe-inspiring magic that automatically reminded one that Kaisel was the world’s greatest mage.

Unlike her expectation of terrible pain, the cool sensation was smooth and gentle. A small, round flower-shaped mark appeared on the back of Cynthia’s hand and then disappeared.

Kaisel looked at her hand with a strange expression.

“There’s an interesting pattern on your left finger?”

Cynthia looked at the diamond-shaped mark on her hand and spoke casually.

“It’s a scar I’ve had since childhood.”

“……”

As the magic circle disappeared, Cynthia bowed once more.

“Thank you for accepting my request. I’ll do my best to make medicine so Your Highness won’t be in pain.”

“Hmm. Using magic has made me a bit tired. Could you bring more tea?”

For a moment, Kaisel’s appearance seemed as noble and beautiful as a flower, and she found herself entranced.

“I’ll bring it! Please wait a moment.”

Now that she had become Kaisel’s apothecary, she needed to take good care of him so he wouldn’t be in pain. Cynthia clenched her fist, recalling his pale complexion.

❀❀❀

After Cynthia left, Kaisel leaned his previously straight back against the backrest. His leisurely tilted gaze stared at the empty space she had left.

The intrigued expression had disappeared, replaced by boredom.

Free from pain, he had enjoyed a rare good night’s sleep and could fully face his face, which had been covered in black scales and long forgotten.

It was strange indeed.

All this happened after meeting Cynthia. Was the power of her medicine really that remarkable?

Until now, numerous physicians, as well as shamans and priests, had attempted to suppress the curse, but all had failed.

No remedy capable of counteracting the goddess’s curse existed in this world. Only his companion could make his curse disappear.

‘Interesting.’

Did she not consider that she might die here if the deal failed, even while saying she wanted to live? It didn’t seem like a life worth that much.

Or she could be trying to k*ll him, obscuring her true intentions with sympathetic words.

Kaisel thought that whatever Cynthia’s intentions were for coming, it would be entertaining either way.

‘The blurry face and the scar on her finger are definitely traces of magic.’

And high-level magic at that.

Few people could wield such magic.

Judging from Mila’s expression, it seemed only Kaisel himself could see Cynthia’s face faintly.

Just who was that woman?

Kaisel’s lips curled upward. He was already intrigued and greatly amused. It seemed he wouldn’t be bored at all with her around.

Whether she was a witch or a demon, it didn’t matter. Just for her ability to suppress the terrible pain until his life ended, there was sufficient reason to keep her by his side.

“Mila.”

Kaisel rested his elbow on the sofa armrest and propped his chin. Crossing his long legs leisurely, he commanded her as she approached.

“Yes, Master.”

“Find out more about Cynthia in detail. And keep a close eye on her for now.”

Mila bowed deeply in response. Kaisel smiled with satisfaction. He was very much looking forward to the information about Cynthia she would bring.

❀❀❀

That afternoon.

Mila visited Cynthia’s quarters again.

“Allow me to introduce myself. From today, I will serve as your dedicated maid, Miss Cynthia.”

Mila, with her fluffy-looking brown hair braided on both sides, bowed politely.

Her amber eyes, which changed into mysterious colors depending on the light, emitted a chilling aura. As expected, Mila’s identity was not ordinary.

‘Indeed, she has the killing intent of an assassin. The villain is truly thorough. Sending his right-hand woman for a mere apothecary.’

She slightly revised her opinion that Kaisel was a good person.

‘If she’s my dedicated maid, we’ll be together all the time. I need to be careful not to get caught.’

Cynthia deliberately smiled broadly as she greeted her.

“I look forward to working with you.”

“The master has instructed me to serve you with utmost respect, so for the time being, you’re my master. Please consider me your hands and feet and treat me comfortably.”

“I-I will.”

The forceful “for the time being” and her pupils changing into mysterious colors sent chills down my spine.

“Please follow me. I’ll show you to your room.”

“Room?”

Mila nodded and left.

Cynthia followed behind with a dazed expression, carrying her bushclover broom in place of the luggage she didn’t have.

❀❀❀

“Here it is.”

Good heavens!

A magnificent bed large enough for three adults and custom furniture.

It was a beautiful room with the imperial palace visible through the window like a landscape painting. For a short-term apothecary staying just three months, this treatment was extremely luxurious and generous.

“The master instructed me to provide the best room. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

While it was certainly a splendid and excellent room… Cynthia hesitated before carefully opening her mouth.

“Um, Mila. Please tell His Highness I appreciate the wonderful room. But there’s another place I’d prefer. Would it be alright if I stayed there instead?”

“…What? You’re saying you have another room in mind?”

“Yes.”

At Cynthia’s answer, Mila imperceptibly furrowed her brow. She was bewildered, wondering if she wanted an even larger and more luxurious room.

However, she quickly managed her expression, as this self-centered attitude was typical of noble ladies.

From the beginning, Mila couldn’t gauge how far she would need to go to accommodate her whims.

She swallowed a deep sigh, anticipating many tiresome days ahead.

“Then what kind of room would you like?”

❀❀❀

“Right here! I want to use this place.”

Mila’s eyes shook violently as she looked at the dilapidated hut.