"To my husband, whom I love so much.
Don’t worry too much, you’ll be able to receive interest on your life for the rest of your life.”
Julian read Layla's letter, a small smile playing on his lips. A bonfire crackled beside him, and a warm cup of tea sat on the table. At first glance, it was a peaceful scene.
But before Julian stood a terrified man. He frantically clasped his hands together, then straightened them at his waist, repeatedly, seemingly at a loss. Contrast this with Julian's, and it was impossible to imagine him as someone in the same room.
The man was none other than Viscount Lesa, who had attempted to harm Layla but was instead captured by her. Julian seemed to have forgotten him, absorbed in his letter.
After looking over the letter several times, Julian let out a sigh mixed with a smile, folded it, and carefully placed it in an envelope. When he looked up, he was no longer the affectionate husband he once was.
A shadow fell over the white mask, and the corners of his mouth were tightly shut, as if he had never smiled. Even though Julian hadn't said a word, Viscount Lesa trembled in fear.
"Your Highness, Your Highness. I have come today to report to you. I have done my best in carrying out the task Your Highness has entrusted to me."
"It wasn't I who gave you orders, but my wife. Have you ever been so mean to my wife?"
Viscount Lesa's expression and posture were literally cowardly. He rubbed his hands together like a fly and laughed awkwardly.
“How could I behave rudely toward Her Highness the Grand Duchess?”
“You tried to harm my wife, but you’re still teasing me.”
Julian's eyes gleamed as he gazed at Count Lesa. He had a look in his eyes that made him want to kill Viscount Lesa at any moment.
Even so, the reason why Viscount Lesa was able to hold on without fainting was that he could sense that Julian was desperately holding on.
And that patience came solely from Grand Duke Layla of Duchzan. Viscount Lesa had heard several rumors about the couple.
Some say that Count Winsley sold his daughter to a monster to seize a piece of power later, while others say that it was a heartbreaking love story between a beast and a beauty... People were confused about which side was the truth.
But at this moment, Viscount Lesa could see that Julian cared deeply for Layla.
He felt a fear that this monster, who never moved unless by imperial command, might reach out when it came to his wife.
Viscount Lesa was glad he had abandoned Abigail, who operated in the shadows, and come here. He knew, instinct, not reason, that this side had a higher chance of survival.
“Princess Abigail knows exactly who is watching her.”
“I guess so.”
Princess Abigail had always kept to herself, waiting in the shadows for the right moment. Yet, there was one person who kept interfering with her, and that person was Layla. Therefore, Princess Abigail couldn't help but be wary of Layla, a thorn in her side.
“I think there is a close connection between Marquis Eriant and Princess Abigail...”
"Stop."
It was a report too late, even if it was late. Layla, having once regressed to a life of her own, solved the case in a way no one had imagined.
However, he was concerned that choosing Viscount Lesa as a spy seemed like a hasty decision.
Viscount Lesa kept his mouth shut, watching Julian's expression. Fortunately, Julian didn't threaten to kill him or tell him to get lost.
He had another chance. Barely catching his breath, his heart pounding, he opened his mouth.
“I think Princess Abigail summoned me because she needed someone to do something secret and dangerous.”
“What did you do to the Princess?”
“I worked on moving the magic stone.”
Now, something worthwhile came up. Julian slowly closed his eyes and opened them, looking straight at Viscount Lesa. At the prompting, Viscount Lesa continued, greatly relieved.
"You probably know there are many magic towers in the West. I was instructed to move some items to one of them. I secretly checked the items and found that they were magic stones. Some were rare, but they were definitely present. I thought this would be of great help to Her Highness the Grand Duchess, so I documented the quantities being moved each time."
“Where is it?”
“My servant standing outside is holding it. I will come to you at any time.”
"Immediately."
"Yes yes."
Viscount Lesa could not shout "Come in" from Julian's office, so he had to go to the door himself and open it.
For him, whose only accomplishment was being born the only son of a Viscount and rising to the Viscount's position without much success, this must have been a significant humiliation. However, he was better off now than when Princess Abigail treated him like a porter.
Viscount Lesa, his teeth clenched, opened the door and received the documents from his attendant. The attendant's face paled, as if he were about to vent his anger.
Viscount Lesa walked briskly to Julian's desk and handed him some papers. Julian flipped through them with an arrogant hand, his gaze moving slowly.
“Where is the magic tower that these magic stones arrived at?”
“This is Ravi Tower.”
After answering like that, Viscount Lesa hesitated as if he wanted to say something more, then stammered and opened his lips.
“Your Highness, there is one more thing that is strange.”
“Confess.”
“You might think this is really pointless, but still...”
As Viscount Lesa hesitated for a moment, Julian sighed nervously. Julian glared at Viscount Lesa and spoke coldly.
"Viscount Lesa. I didn't call you here to hear your excuses."
“I’m sorry, Your Highness.”
Viscount Lesa, who had lowered his head sharply, seemed to have decided to bring up the subject after much thought.
"The magicians of the Ravi Tower didn't seem the least bit pleased with the arrival of a rare quality magic stone. I understand that magicians tend to be obsessed with magical materials, and they're particularly particular about magic stones. They say they value them more than money. Yet, even after receiving the stone, they still seemed sullen and fearful."
“They're scared, huh...”
Julian had recently visited the Magic Tower. The magicians there, far from being afraid of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, charged forward in excitement.
There was even a wizard who dared to test his magical tools on the Grand Duke of Duchzan, but was scolded by Layla.
It was impossible for such a group to remain excited upon seeing the magic stone. This was clearly something strange.
Julian stared blankly at Viscount Lesa. He'd thought he was completely useless, but he surprisingly possessed a keen sense of humor. Perhaps someone who was constantly swayed by others needed such talent.
Julian put the papers in a drawer and sent Viscount Lesa out.
“I’ll call you again next time.”
That meant he could use him more. At least his life was saved.
Viscount Lesa, while maintaining a respectful posture, left the office with a quick step. As soon as he closed the door, he stumbled, and a servant immediately rushed to his aid.
“Ha! A Princess like that can’t win against that guy, of course.”
Viscount Lesa, his legs trembling, secretly cheered as he realized the rope he was holding onto was strong. He only hoped he wouldn't end up like a hound dog after the hunt.
***
Julian immediately investigated the Ravi Tower. As Viscount Lesa had reported, a greater number of magic stones were being brought into the Ravi Tower than into other towers.
After confirming this, Julian tried to bribe the wizard of Ravi Tower, but it was not easy.
The wizards desperately avoided contact with the outside world, and a pervasive sense of fear permeated their surroundings. That's why Julian contacted them with something other than money.
The condition Julian presented to the wizard he contacted after a thorough investigation was 'to safely transfer him to another magic tower.'
Surprisingly, the wizard accepted Julian's offer as soon as he saw the conditions. This confirmed Julian's suspicions.
'Something more than illegal is happening in this tower.'
And soon after, Julian received a report from the wizard. About the use of the magic stone and Princess Abigail's suspicious behavior...
Having received all the reports, Julian soon headed to the eastern Riar Plains. There was no longer any need to remain in the capital and keep an eye on Princess Abigail. Protecting Layla was more important.
More than anything, he couldn't stand the urge to go to Layla's side.
***
Julian's voice was so low that listening to it brought comfort and drowsiness. He was surprisingly cute, a man who didn't fit the mold of slander.
I sat on the sofa and rested my forehead on Julian's shoulder. Julian reached out and stroked my cheek, asking,
“Are you tired? I thought you might be curious about this story.”
“I’m curious. I want to hear it just like this.”
I found Julian's hard-working explanation cute, but I couldn't bring myself to tell him that his low voice was making me sleepy, so I pretended not to notice.
Julian was relaying to me the report of Viscount Lesa and the report submitted by the wizard of Ravi Tower.
I tilted my head and looked at Julian and asked.
“So? What did the wizard say?”
Julian looked at me with fondness. No one could have imagined this man could be so affectionate. As Julian kissed my forehead, I gently closed my eyes and then opened them.
Our lovemaking was endlessly sweet, but the information Julian brought out was incredibly embarrassing.
“I heard that Princess Abigail is a sorceress.”
I fell off Julian's shoulder in surprise.
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