After reading the former Grand Duchess's diary, I was struck by shock. Judging by the diary's contents, I surmise that the person who killed the former Grand Duchess was none other than her own brother, the Emperor. The Emperor had the former Grand Duchess' maid poison her tea and then disguise her death as a chronic illness.
It was clear why the Emperor had committed such a murder. He was keeping the Duchzan in check and desperately wanted their lineage to end. For that sole reason, he poisoned his own sister. The brutality of this was chilling.
"Anna."
As I shouted out the door, Anna came straight inside.
“Did you call, ma’am?”
“Get ready to go to the Grand Duke’s residence.”
I had to tell Julian this. Anna seemed a little surprised by the sudden move, but she quickly began to prepare. However, I shook my head as I watched her busily move about.
“No. First, call the gardener.”
“Yes, ma’am. Then you’re not going to the Grand Duke’s residence?”
“I’m going. I’ll prepare a little more.”
I wasn't sure if Julian would trust me if I just took this jewelry box. The Emperor was Julian's maternal uncle. I naturally remembered Julian's hesitation when I'd suspected Princess Abigail. Of course, I knew Princess Abigail and the Emperor were different, but I didn't want to see that again.
Not long after, Anna called the gardener over. The gardener seemed puzzled by the call, given their long conversation earlier.
“I’m sorry to call you when you’re busy.”
“It’s okay. Is my work more important than Your Highness?”
“It’s nothing but a matter concerning your wife.”
The gardener looked puzzled. He seemed to be worried that he'd babbled on about something pointless. I shook my head, trying to put him at ease.
“Could I possibly see some of your wife’s belongings?”
“A belongings? Why would you...?”
“There’s something I need to check.”
The gardener was deeply saddened by his wife's death. I couldn't tell him that his wife had actually killed the former Grand Duchess. I couldn't even tell him that perhaps she had done it because she didn't have enough money for the medicine.
The gardener seemed to have many questions, but he nodded without asking any more.
“Please do it right now.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The gardener went straight downstairs. Thankfully, Anna didn't ask any questions either, even though she must have sensed I'd picked up something odd in the former Grand Duchess's diary. I just smiled and gently took Anna's hand.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
Anna smiled brightly at those words.
“If you know, please listen to me carefully. Don’t continue to act like a tomboy.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
The former Grand Duchess was betrayed by her trusted maid. The thought of Anna betraying me seemed unbearable. I nodded obediently, feeling renewed gratitude towards Anna.
While I was waiting in the room, reading a book, the gardener returned. He was carrying a large box, which he said contained all of his wife's belongings.
“I’ll take a look.”
“Madam, but why is this...”
I just laughed and didn't answer. The gardener stepped back, perhaps thinking it wasn't his place to ask.
Anna lifted the box appropriately toward me. Inside were various items that Harry, the maid, had used during her lifetime. However, I didn't see anything that would be of any use.
“Is there anything like a diary your wife left behind?”
The gardener answered with a sheepish smile.
“She wasn’t the type of person to keep a diary or anything like that.”
It seemed like things weren't going to work out that easily. I was pondering the matter, so I asked cautiously.
“Isn’t it true that your wife has saved up more than you thought?”
The gardener's eyes widened at my words.
“Oh, how did you know?”
There can't be much. The former Grand Duchess has already provided Harry with some support.
But Harry felt it wasn't enough, and she grabbed the Emperor's outstretched black hand. The Emperor must have offered Harry a sum so large that she would be afraid to refuse.
And Harry felt guilty about spending the money so lavishly, and tried to tell someone, but was murdered by an assassin disguised as a robber.
“Thanks for showing me.”
“No. I will step aside now.”
After the gardener left, I was lost in thought.
In the end, no significant evidence was found. However, it was certain that the Emperor had killed the former Grand Duchess. The only evidence was the Grand Duchess's diary...
If there was a problem, there were two more things I needed to discuss with Julian.
One had to discuss going to the Magic Tower to lift the curse. I'd go even if he objected, but I still wanted to talk.
Another one is that in about a year from now, demons will invade from the eastern Riar Plains.
This time, Prince Cain was imprisoned, and even if he were to be freed again with Princess Abigail's help, it was hard to believe that his power would reach the Riar Plains.
Even so, it was true that demons were invading. I heard that the civilians were suffering, and the entire Riar Plains was covered in demons and human corpses, rendering it utterly uninhabitable. Perhaps advance preparation could have mitigated the damage.
'But will Julian believe me? I don't have any solid evidence... '
I shook my head quickly, pushing away the thoughts that had come to me. Even without any evidence, I couldn't do anything.
“Let’s go to the Grand Duke’s residence. Send a servant ahead to tell him I’m coming.”
Anna prepared to head back to the Grand Duke's residence without a word. With the help of the servants, I descended the stairs and boarded the carriage, struggling to contain my nervousness.
Yet, I was truly disgusted by my selfishness in taking it for granted that Julian would meet me. When I did, I'd have to suddenly apologize and tell him about the death of the former Grand Duchess and the intrusion of the demons.
'Yeah, don't be nervous.'
While I was soothing my heart countless times, the carriage had already arrived in front of the Grand Duke's residence. Looking out the carriage window, I saw that the sun was already setting.
It was the moment when I asked the attendant to get out of the carriage.
Bam.
The carriage door opened quickly. There was no way the attendant could have dared open the carriage door carrying the Grand Duchess like that.
I held my breath and stared at the open carriage door. Julian was standing there with a stern expression.
Did he come here out of nowhere?
“Oh, you came all of a sudden...”
I hadn't meant to, but my words stuttered. My head gradually lowered. I felt ashamed and resentful of Julian, yet at the same time, I wanted to rely on him and be trusted.
Before I could even finish my apology, Julian gently took my hand. His gesture was completely different from the politeness with which he had opened the carriage door. He kissed the back of my hand and locked eyes with mine.
“Welcome.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. Julian's gaze swept across the carriage.
“You don’t have any luggage. Are you going back?”
“I stopped by for a moment because I have something to tell you.”
"...Yes."
Without another word, Julian leaned into the carriage and lifted me into it. It felt like a completely different level of stability than the attendants struggling to move me and the wheelchair together. I hesitated, then wrapped my arms around his neck.
“Please come down a little. I can go in a wheelchair.”
“It’s a hassle.”
Wouldn't it be more cumbersome to carry it? But Julian, as if he knew what I was going to say, asked me first.
“The wound.”
“I feel much better. I’ll be able to use crutches soon.”
“You said you were doing fine without me, but you’re still in a wheelchair.”
It was a remark I couldn't quite tell whether it was sarcastic or expressing resentment. Feeling awkward seeing him after so long, I couldn't respond properly. Yet, I swallowed countless words.
'Why did you send Duke?'
'What did you tell Tien when you sent him away?'
'Why have you never been to the villa?'
'Have you found out about Princess Abigail?'
But I couldn't say a single word. Julian clicked his tongue as he carried me up the stairs to the hall.
“That expression again.”
I rubbed my cheek hastily. It was a day like today, and I should have worn a hat with a veil. It felt foolish not to have thought of it.
“What kind of expression did I make...”
“A scared look.”
Was it really that obvious that I was nervous? I could feel my heart beating fast.
Julian led me to the reception room. He lay me down on the soft sofa and gently stroked my cheek with his fingertips.
But it was only for a moment. It was clear he was mindful of my suggestion to keep his distance. Julian sat down across from me, legs crossed. His hands, intertwined on his knees, remained motionless.
“Tell me why you’re so scared.”
“I wasn’t scared.”
Even though I said that, I was still scared. I vividly remembered Julian taking the note from me and hiding it in his arms. I took the jewelry box from Anna and placed it on the table between Julian and me.
“You have to believe this.”
Julian's eyes twitched at my words. Was it my imagination? I thought he looked terribly upset. I deliberately looked away and lowered my head.
"I found it in the villa garden. I found this key in Her Highness the Grand Duchess's bookshelf. And inside... Oh, of course, I didn't open it at first. I meant to give it to you..."
Even as I thought about it, I felt my voice gradually grow quieter. It seemed so distant a time when I'd been joking and mischievous in front of him. Just as I was about to offer an excuse, a heavy voice cut me off.
“You don’t have to make excuses.”
I felt like tears were welling up in my eyes at that insignificant remark.
It was clear why the Emperor had committed such a murder. He was keeping the Duchzan in check and desperately wanted their lineage to end. For that sole reason, he poisoned his own sister. The brutality of this was chilling.
"Anna."
As I shouted out the door, Anna came straight inside.
“Did you call, ma’am?”
“Get ready to go to the Grand Duke’s residence.”
I had to tell Julian this. Anna seemed a little surprised by the sudden move, but she quickly began to prepare. However, I shook my head as I watched her busily move about.
“No. First, call the gardener.”
“Yes, ma’am. Then you’re not going to the Grand Duke’s residence?”
“I’m going. I’ll prepare a little more.”
I wasn't sure if Julian would trust me if I just took this jewelry box. The Emperor was Julian's maternal uncle. I naturally remembered Julian's hesitation when I'd suspected Princess Abigail. Of course, I knew Princess Abigail and the Emperor were different, but I didn't want to see that again.
Not long after, Anna called the gardener over. The gardener seemed puzzled by the call, given their long conversation earlier.
“I’m sorry to call you when you’re busy.”
“It’s okay. Is my work more important than Your Highness?”
“It’s nothing but a matter concerning your wife.”
The gardener looked puzzled. He seemed to be worried that he'd babbled on about something pointless. I shook my head, trying to put him at ease.
“Could I possibly see some of your wife’s belongings?”
“A belongings? Why would you...?”
“There’s something I need to check.”
The gardener was deeply saddened by his wife's death. I couldn't tell him that his wife had actually killed the former Grand Duchess. I couldn't even tell him that perhaps she had done it because she didn't have enough money for the medicine.
The gardener seemed to have many questions, but he nodded without asking any more.
“Please do it right now.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The gardener went straight downstairs. Thankfully, Anna didn't ask any questions either, even though she must have sensed I'd picked up something odd in the former Grand Duchess's diary. I just smiled and gently took Anna's hand.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
Anna smiled brightly at those words.
“If you know, please listen to me carefully. Don’t continue to act like a tomboy.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
The former Grand Duchess was betrayed by her trusted maid. The thought of Anna betraying me seemed unbearable. I nodded obediently, feeling renewed gratitude towards Anna.
While I was waiting in the room, reading a book, the gardener returned. He was carrying a large box, which he said contained all of his wife's belongings.
“I’ll take a look.”
“Madam, but why is this...”
I just laughed and didn't answer. The gardener stepped back, perhaps thinking it wasn't his place to ask.
Anna lifted the box appropriately toward me. Inside were various items that Harry, the maid, had used during her lifetime. However, I didn't see anything that would be of any use.
“Is there anything like a diary your wife left behind?”
The gardener answered with a sheepish smile.
“She wasn’t the type of person to keep a diary or anything like that.”
It seemed like things weren't going to work out that easily. I was pondering the matter, so I asked cautiously.
“Isn’t it true that your wife has saved up more than you thought?”
The gardener's eyes widened at my words.
“Oh, how did you know?”
There can't be much. The former Grand Duchess has already provided Harry with some support.
But Harry felt it wasn't enough, and she grabbed the Emperor's outstretched black hand. The Emperor must have offered Harry a sum so large that she would be afraid to refuse.
And Harry felt guilty about spending the money so lavishly, and tried to tell someone, but was murdered by an assassin disguised as a robber.
“Thanks for showing me.”
“No. I will step aside now.”
After the gardener left, I was lost in thought.
In the end, no significant evidence was found. However, it was certain that the Emperor had killed the former Grand Duchess. The only evidence was the Grand Duchess's diary...
If there was a problem, there were two more things I needed to discuss with Julian.
One had to discuss going to the Magic Tower to lift the curse. I'd go even if he objected, but I still wanted to talk.
Another one is that in about a year from now, demons will invade from the eastern Riar Plains.
This time, Prince Cain was imprisoned, and even if he were to be freed again with Princess Abigail's help, it was hard to believe that his power would reach the Riar Plains.
Even so, it was true that demons were invading. I heard that the civilians were suffering, and the entire Riar Plains was covered in demons and human corpses, rendering it utterly uninhabitable. Perhaps advance preparation could have mitigated the damage.
'But will Julian believe me? I don't have any solid evidence... '
I shook my head quickly, pushing away the thoughts that had come to me. Even without any evidence, I couldn't do anything.
“Let’s go to the Grand Duke’s residence. Send a servant ahead to tell him I’m coming.”
Anna prepared to head back to the Grand Duke's residence without a word. With the help of the servants, I descended the stairs and boarded the carriage, struggling to contain my nervousness.
Yet, I was truly disgusted by my selfishness in taking it for granted that Julian would meet me. When I did, I'd have to suddenly apologize and tell him about the death of the former Grand Duchess and the intrusion of the demons.
'Yeah, don't be nervous.'
While I was soothing my heart countless times, the carriage had already arrived in front of the Grand Duke's residence. Looking out the carriage window, I saw that the sun was already setting.
It was the moment when I asked the attendant to get out of the carriage.
Bam.
The carriage door opened quickly. There was no way the attendant could have dared open the carriage door carrying the Grand Duchess like that.
I held my breath and stared at the open carriage door. Julian was standing there with a stern expression.
Did he come here out of nowhere?
“Oh, you came all of a sudden...”
I hadn't meant to, but my words stuttered. My head gradually lowered. I felt ashamed and resentful of Julian, yet at the same time, I wanted to rely on him and be trusted.
Before I could even finish my apology, Julian gently took my hand. His gesture was completely different from the politeness with which he had opened the carriage door. He kissed the back of my hand and locked eyes with mine.
“Welcome.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. Julian's gaze swept across the carriage.
“You don’t have any luggage. Are you going back?”
“I stopped by for a moment because I have something to tell you.”
"...Yes."
Without another word, Julian leaned into the carriage and lifted me into it. It felt like a completely different level of stability than the attendants struggling to move me and the wheelchair together. I hesitated, then wrapped my arms around his neck.
“Please come down a little. I can go in a wheelchair.”
“It’s a hassle.”
Wouldn't it be more cumbersome to carry it? But Julian, as if he knew what I was going to say, asked me first.
“The wound.”
“I feel much better. I’ll be able to use crutches soon.”
“You said you were doing fine without me, but you’re still in a wheelchair.”
It was a remark I couldn't quite tell whether it was sarcastic or expressing resentment. Feeling awkward seeing him after so long, I couldn't respond properly. Yet, I swallowed countless words.
'Why did you send Duke?'
'What did you tell Tien when you sent him away?'
'Why have you never been to the villa?'
'Have you found out about Princess Abigail?'
But I couldn't say a single word. Julian clicked his tongue as he carried me up the stairs to the hall.
“That expression again.”
I rubbed my cheek hastily. It was a day like today, and I should have worn a hat with a veil. It felt foolish not to have thought of it.
“What kind of expression did I make...”
“A scared look.”
Was it really that obvious that I was nervous? I could feel my heart beating fast.
Julian led me to the reception room. He lay me down on the soft sofa and gently stroked my cheek with his fingertips.
But it was only for a moment. It was clear he was mindful of my suggestion to keep his distance. Julian sat down across from me, legs crossed. His hands, intertwined on his knees, remained motionless.
“Tell me why you’re so scared.”
“I wasn’t scared.”
Even though I said that, I was still scared. I vividly remembered Julian taking the note from me and hiding it in his arms. I took the jewelry box from Anna and placed it on the table between Julian and me.
“You have to believe this.”
Julian's eyes twitched at my words. Was it my imagination? I thought he looked terribly upset. I deliberately looked away and lowered my head.
"I found it in the villa garden. I found this key in Her Highness the Grand Duchess's bookshelf. And inside... Oh, of course, I didn't open it at first. I meant to give it to you..."
Even as I thought about it, I felt my voice gradually grow quieter. It seemed so distant a time when I'd been joking and mischievous in front of him. Just as I was about to offer an excuse, a heavy voice cut me off.
“You don’t have to make excuses.”
I felt like tears were welling up in my eyes at that insignificant remark.
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