Chapter 91

A few weeks ago, a letter from Laila arrived at Grand Duke Zan’s mansion in the capital.

「To my beloved husband,

Don’t worry too much; you can collect interest in my life for the rest of yours.」

Julian read Laila’s letter, a small smile forming on his lips. The fire crackled softly by his side, and a warm teacup sat on the table. At a glance, it was a peaceful scene.

However, standing before Julian was a man trembling with fear. He repeatedly clasped his hands together, only to straighten them at his sides, unsure what to do. In contrast to Julian, it seemed complicated to believe they were even in the same room.

That man was Viscount Lessa, who had tried to harm Laila but was captured by her instead. Julian seemed to have forgotten about him, completely absorbed in the letter.

After reading it several times, Julian let out a sigh tinged with amusement, folded the letter, and carefully placed it into the envelope. When he raised his head, he no longer wore the face of a loving husband.

A shadow fell over his white mask, and the faint smile that had once lingered on his lips was gone. Although Julian had yet to utter a single word, Viscount Lessa was already trembling with fear.

“Y-your Grace. I’ve come today to report to you. I have done my utmost to fulfill the task you assigned.”

“It wasn’t I who gave you the order—my wife. Did you grovel before my wife in the same manner?”

Viscount Lessa’s expression and posture were unmistakably groveling. He awkwardly rubbed his hands together, laughing nervously like a fly.

“I would never dare behave disrespectfully toward Her Grace, the Grand Duchess.“

“And yet, even after trying to harm her, your mouth still runs freely.“

Julian’s eyes gleamed as he stared at Viscount Lessa, filled with a desire to kill him right then and there.

Viscount Lessa hadn’t fainted on the spot because he could sense Julian was holding himself back with great effort.

That restraint came solely from Laila, the Grand Duchess of Zan. Viscount Lessa had heard a few rumors about the couple.

Some said that the Count of Winsley had failed to secure power and sold his daughter to a monster. Others whispered tales of a passionate love story between a beast and a beauty. People couldn’t discern which version was accurate.

But at this moment, Viscount Lessa knew one thing: Julian cherished Laila deeply.

He feared that this monster, who would never act without a royal command, might extend his hand if anything involved his wife.

Viscount Lessa was grateful that he had abandoned Abigail, who operated in the shadows and come here instead. He instinctively knew, rather than intellectually, that this was his best chance for survival.

“Princess Abigail is well aware of who is watching her.“

“I’m sure she is.”

Princess Abigail had always stayed hidden, waiting for the right moment to strike from the shadows. However, the one who constantly thwarted her was none other than Laila. Thus, Princess Abigail viewed Laila as a thorn in her side and couldn’t help but be wary of her.

“I believe there is a close connection between the Marquis of Eriant and Princess Abigail…“

“Enough.”

The report came too late, far too late. Having lived one life over again, Laila was solving matters in ways no one could foresee.

However, choosing Viscount Lessa as a spy had proven to be a hasty decision, and Julian couldn’t help but feel concerned.

Viscount Lessa remained silent, overseeing Julian’s reactions. Fortunately, Julian did not say anything about killing or telling him to leave.

This meant there was still a chance for him. With his heart pounding in his chest, Viscount Lessa finally spoke up.

“Princess Abigail called for me because she needed someone to handle a secret, dangerous task.“

“What did you do for her?“

“I transported magic stones.”

Now, finally, something valuable has come up. Julian slowly blinked and looked directly at Viscount Lessa, signaling him to continue. Relieved, Viscount Lessa eagerly pressed on.

“I’m sure you know many towers in the western region. She ordered me to transport items to one of those towers. When I secretly checked what the items were, they turned out to be magic stones. Although there were only a few, some were undoubtedly rare stones. I thought this information might be valuable to Her Grace, so I recorded the quantities transported each time.“

“Where is it?“

“My servant standing outside is holding it. I can have it brought in at any moment.”

“Right now.“

“Y-yes, right away.”

Viscount Lessa, unable to shout “come in“ from within Julian’s office, had no choice but to walk over and open the door himself.

It was a considerable humiliation for someone who had done little more than be born as the only son of a viscount and smoothly inherit the title. Yet, it was still better than being treated like a mere porter by Princess Abigail.

With his teeth clenched, Viscount Lessa opened the door and received the documents from his servant. Imagining the servant as a future target for his frustrations, his face turned pale with fear.

Viscount Lessa quickly approached Julian’s desk and handed over the documents. With an arrogant gesture, Julian flipped through the papers, his gaze moving slowly.

“Which tower did these magic stones arrive at?“

“The Ravi Tower.”

After answering, Viscount Lessa hesitated as if wanting to say more, then stammered as he began to speak.

“Y-Your Grace, there’s something strange… one more thing.“

“Speak.“

“It might seem trivial to you, but… still…”

As Viscount Lessa hesitated for a long time, Julian let out a sharp sigh of irritation. His gaze turned cold as he spoke sternly.

“Viscount Lessa, I didn’t summon you to listen to excuses.“

“My deepest apologies, Your Grace.”

Viscount Lessa quickly bowed his head and, after some deliberation, finally decided to speak.

“The wizards at Ravi Tower did not seem pleased when the rare quality magic stones arrived. From what I’ve heard, wizards are usually obsessed with magical materials, and they’re particularly fixated on magic stones. For them, magic stones hold a value beyond money. Yet, despite receiving the stones, they appeared somber and frightened.“

“Frightened, you say…”

Julian had visited that tower not long ago. The wizards there had been so excited to confront him and his wife, Laila, that they hadn’t shown an ounce of fear.

One of the wizards had even dared to test a magical artifact on the Grand Duke of Zan himself, only to be harshly disciplined by Laila.

A group like that not getting excited over magic stones was indeed unusual.

Julian glanced at Viscount Lessa. Although he considered him utterly useless, the man seemed to have an unexpectedly sharp intuition. Perhaps someone who flitted between alliances like Lessa needed such a talent.

After placing the documents in a drawer, Julian dismissed Viscount Lessa.

“I will call for you again.”

In other words, it meant he intended to use him further. At least Lessa’s life was spared for now.

Keeping a polite posture while hastily retreating, Viscount Lessa hurried out of the office. As soon as the door closed behind him, his legs nearly disappeared, and his servant quickly rushed to support him.

“Hah! There’s no way a mere princess could win against a man like him.“

Even as his legs wobbled, Viscount Lessa felt a surge of joy, realizing that his grasped lifeline was secure. After the chase, he hoped he wouldn’t end up like a discarded hunting dog.

* * *

Julian immediately began investigating the Ravi Tower. As Viscount Lessa had reported, many magic stones were being sent to Ravi Tower compared to other towers.

After confirming this, Julian attempted to bribe one of the tower’s wizards, but it wasn’t easy.

The wizards were desperately avoiding contact with outsiders and were visibly terrified. Thus, Julian approached them with something other than money.

The offer he made, after a thorough investigation, was simple: a promise to safely relocate the wizard to another tower.

Surprisingly, the wizard accepted Julian’s proposal the moment he heard it. This only reinforced Julian’s suspicions.

“Something more than just illegal activity is happening at this tower.”

Not long after, the wizard reported back to Julian about the purpose of the magic stones and Princess Abigail’s suspicious movements.

After receiving all the information, Julian immediately headed to the eastern plains of Riar. There was no longer any need to stay in the capital and keep an eye on Princess Abigail. What mattered more was staying by Laila’s side.

Above all, he could hardly bear to wait any longer to be with her.

* * *

Julian’s voice was so low that it made me feel calm, even drowsy. Surprisingly cute, he didn’t seem like someone who would engage in plotting and scheming.

Sitting on the sofa, I gently leaned my forehead against his shoulder. Julian reached out, caressing my cheek as he asked,

“Are you tired? I thought you’d be interested in hearing this story.“

“I’m curious. I’ll keep listening like this.”

I pretended not to notice, unable to admit that his low voice made me sleepy, even though I found Julian’s earnest explanations adorable.

Julian was relaying Viscount Lessa’s report and the findings from the wizard of Ravi Tower to me.

I tilted my head slightly and looked at Julian as I asked, “So? What did the wizard say?”

Julian gazed at me with a look that seemed to say he found me endearing. No one would have ever imagined that this man could be so tender. As he kissed my forehead, I gently closed my eyes and opened them again.

Our sweet exchange was endless, but the information Julian shared next was utterly shocking.

“Princess Abigail is a wizard.”

Startled, I immediately pulled away from Julian’s shoulder.

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