“Your Highness’s words seem to be referring to someone specific. Could it be my misconception?”

And another point. Unlike the indifferent and dull-witted Raphael, the Master was extremely perceptive. She could tell from the way he immediately understood who she was talking about. If it had been Raphael, he would have known nothing at all.

Does that human lack perception, or does he simply have no interest in others?

“It must be the Master’s misconception.”

“It was a marriage based on love…”

When the word ‘love’ was mentioned, Amelia’s brow furrowed for a moment. It was a lame excuse, even for her. And it sounded even worse hearing it from someone else’s mouth.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Even as she answered, there was a twitch at the corner of her mouth, showing how much aversion she felt. It was clear that the other person didn’t believe her either. Still, there was no need to tell the Master about Raphael and her relationship.

“Very well. As you wish, tomorrow rumors will spread throughout the empire that the Emperor’s brooch has appeared.”

The face, though it only has a faint impression, still becomes clear when he’s talking about work. It was still fascinating to see how he could use it so skillfully. I wondered how he could use it so freely.

“And it will be presented at an auction house in a week.”

“I can trust the auction house, right?”

“It’s the auction house under Chester’s control. If you want to acquire what you want, you can’t be picky about the means and methods.”

Is he openly admitting to obtaining items through illegal routes now? Even though they became business partners, there was no need for him to mention this kind of thing.

“And I will immediately spread the rumor that the Grand Duchy is interested.”

“Thank you. The auction will be a legitimate one, right?”

Could it be that even the auction is through an illegal route? Aaron released the brooch into the black market, so she might have done the same. But there was one difference between her and Aaron. Aaron didn’t participate in the auction as a bidder, but she had to participate directly.

With her position as the Grand Duchess, there was a possibility that Raphael could interfere in an illegal auction. It was best to avoid any confrontations.

“That’s unlikely. If Grand Duke Siegfried himself is participating, there must be no illegal auctions.”

This Master was clearly more competent than the one she knew. He had even prepared these details perfectly. It had only been a moment since she mentioned participating in the auction.

“Then, can I bring my child with me?”

“Yes?”

She had heard that there were premium seats in the legitimate auction where nobles could sit separately. And if she was under Chester, it was natural that she would get a good seat.

“My child doesn’t really like it when I go out.”

“You seem to have a good relationship.”

“I’m curious if my child could come to a legitimate auction. Besides, it’s better to have two Siegfrieds, isn’t it?”

She didn’t want to use Leonel, but if Raphael disliked participating in the auction, it could be a good excuse. Well, that guy wouldn’t have any interest in her anyway. He probably wouldn’t hold her back, even if she left immediately.

“Then, I will prepare for the two of you to come.”

The Master would have everything prepared perfectly without having her say anything more. She had only made a few requests, but Amelia felt he was a perfectionist. It was like making sure everything went smoothly.

Neat. That was the word that suited him best.

***

Despite her protests that it was okay, the Master handed her a snack. It was a good thing that Leonel liked it so much, but… She couldn’t let him have it every time. She had always warned him to be cautious with anything free.

“Enjoy.”

Now, Ann and Jane, who enjoyed being at the merchantry, were anxious to wait on her. An unexpected profit was this important.

“I’m tired. Let’s go quickly.”

Amelia’s body was always confined to her house, while her mentality as an exhausted office worker was not a good match. Even a small task made her easily tired and dizzy. She held onto her temples, still suffering from a throbbing headache.

Everything seemed to spin around her, making her feel like she should take a nap. It’s strange how she didn’t feel like this when she was with the Master… I wondered if there was some kind of incense burning in the room. I should ask when I meet him again.

“Maybe it’s because I feel uncomfortable.”

Perhaps it was because she didn’t want to go back to the castle. After all, employees get sick only when they go to work, and students feel sick only when they go to school.

“I’m tired today. Please prepare a bath for me as soon as we arrive.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Maybe she needed to warm up her body a little so that the headache would subside. She certainly didn’t want to encounter Raphael until bedtime. Meeting him in her current state would be the worst situation possible.

“You’ve arrived.”

Contrary to her worries, the estate was quiet. Except for the maids and servants who came out to greet her, there was no one else. Leonel should have come out to greet her, shouldn’t he?

Is he busy with his lessons? But now it’s already past the time when lessons would have ended.

“Where is Leonel?”

“The young master is in his chambers.”

He was still the young master¹T/N: okay, I have to explain. They actually call Leonel 공자 (son of a duke) and there’s no english equivalent for it so I used ‘young master.’ I could’ve used ‘prince’ but I thought it may be confusing.. Although she had gotten used to being called Her Highness²비전하. “전하” means ‘His/Her/Your Highness’, while “비” means ‘wife of/consort’ they didn’t use the title prince³Here, the word used is 대공자 (son of a grand duke) for Leonel.

“What about his lessons?”

“They’re all finished.”

Even though his lessons were over, he was still in his chambers…

“Your Highness, weren’t you going to take a bath immediately?”

“I have to go to Leonel. Bring the desserts.”

Because she wanted to let him know anyway. Although her head was still throbbing, she could endure it.

Knock knock.

“Leonel?”

Despite her knocking, she heard no voice coming from inside. This isn’t like him. Did he fall asleep? Was he tired today?

“I’ll come in.”

Even after saying that, the room remained quiet. Amelia anxiously opened the door, feeling something strange.

“……Leonel?”

Unlike usual, the lights in the room were all off. When she opened the door, it was so dark all around that she almost made a sound of surprise.

Why is it so dark like this?

“Mother…?”

It was a crawling voice, but it certainly was Leonel.

“Leonel? Why are the lights off?”

Hwaa.

In an instant, a light turned on, and Amelia frowned. Come to think of it, she had forgotten that Leonel could use magic. It was said that those who can use magic are rare, so why are there so many around her. Every single one of them used magic.

In this situation, she seemed to be the only strange one for not using magic.

“Le—..”

She couldn’t say anything more. It was more accurate to say that her words got stuck in her throat. His eyes were swollen from crying, and his body had collapsed weakly.

“What… happened?”

“Mother.”

Amelia rushed over and grabbed Leonel’s face. She gritted her teeth at the sight of his cheeks flushed from the heat, indicating that he had been crying until just a moment ago. It was clear that something had happened while she was gone.

“Who did this?”

Leonel had no response to that question, and Amelia stood up from her seat. There was no need to ask further. There were plenty of people in this house who would persecute a child. From May to Raphael, or maybe even the other maids.

No, a knight? His teacher?

One thing was certain, Amelia was the only one in this house who was kind to Leonel.

“I need to find out what happened.”

“Don’t go…”

“Hmm?”

As she turned to leave the room, she was stopped in her tracks by a desperate touch on her finger. It wasn’t a strong grip, but rather a thin strength that was barely noticeable. That made her heart ache even more.

“Leonel.”

“It’s not like that…”

What exactly was it that wasn’t like that? Amelia kneeled down and met the child’s gaze, thinking that perhaps he was too scared to speak. It was pitiful to see him with his head bowed and unable to meet her eyes.

“Could it be that His Grace the Grand Duke…”

“No, it’s not like that…”

What in the world could be happening that he couldn’t speak? Had Leonel ever cried like this before? He had always held back his emotions until now. He had only smiled brightly in front of her.

She remembered a time when he had cried like this before.

“Could it be… because I wasn’t here?”

“Because you disappeared without a word…”

“I’m sure I told the maids to tell you I’d be out for a while.”

Leonel hung his head in silence. She clearly told them to inform him, but they ignored and disregarded it. The problem was that she expected something from this damn house.

“So… I…”

“Leonel, I told you before, I won’t leave you behind.”

“…Yes.”

Leonel must have felt fear at her sudden disappearance. And to avoid getting caught, he suppressed his emotions. It was a good thing that she found him quickly.

“Leonel, there’s something I want to ask you.”

Now he realized that soothing words no longer worked on this child.

“Do you want to become a perfect Siegfried?”