chapter 33
Until the day I left for the duchy, I was really busy. It hadn’t been long since I started managing domestic affairs.
‘And there are still things I have to do in secret.’
—It seems that the last time the dark power went berserk, it calmed down because of your fairy’s power. Just looking at the wounds left on your body proves it.
“So, does that mean my fairy power can stop the rampage of dark magic, like divine power does?”
—It showed a similar effect, but divine power and fairy power are different. I don’t think you quite realize yet just how special fairies are.
—Now that I think of it, there’s something we should tell you. Want to try guessing?
The trees’ voices were laced with subtle pride, and my eyes sparkled.
“Is it about fairies? You told me the nearby trees don’t know more than you do.”
—That’s right! But who are we?
—Didn’t we say we’d do anything for our little fairy? We even pestered those lazy Cloud Trees until we got new information! Do you know how much we suffered listening to their grumbling…
“Cloud Trees? There are trees like that?”
I had spent quite a lot of time with the trees, yet I still knew so little about their world.
—Yes, there are. They sleep all day, bragging about having lived since the ancient ages. They think they’re the only special ones in the world.
—And yet those supposedly “special” trees have never even spoken to our fairy!
“You all told me you just slept all the time before I came too…”
—What was that?
“I don’t know how special Cloud Trees are, but to me, the most special trees are you.”
I hugged their rough trunks tightly so they wouldn’t sulk. The trunk shivered, branches swaying like it was touched.
—As expected, our little fairy only needs us. Whatever you need, tell us. We’ll help you with anything.
—That’s not the point right now. She’s busy, so let’s get straight to it!
—Anyway, what the Cloud Trees said is this: fairies are beings descended from the blood of the gods. Whether that’s true or not, what matters is this—fairies have the power to perform miracles.
—We told you before that dark magic is connected to divine power, right? That’s also why we couldn’t reach you then.
The trees said many things, but I was stunned, frozen at the mention of god.
‘The blood of gods? I’m connected to something that incredible?’
Gods had always been an unimaginable existence to me. I was so lost in thought I only blinked blankly until the branches tapped my shoulders.
“But why am I the only fairy? And why was I in an orphanage?”
It was strange—such a special being, with such power, yet disappeared.
—Even the Cloud Trees didn’t know that. They boasted endlessly but knew nothing important. They only said every fairy’s power differs, and you can’t know until you meet one directly.
—Honestly, we wonder if the “original story” you told us is related to your fairy powers.
“There’s a good chance. Though I’m still dealing with the curse, so I haven’t been able to grasp or use my powers yet.”
Lately, whenever I had time, I practiced the language of trees and reflected on the strange things happening to me. Maybe they were tied to my fairy power.
—Anyway, we’ll keep contacting other trees and searching for answers. As long as it’s not related to dark magic, you know you can always reach us, right? You know we’re always waiting for you?
“Of course. You even told me you don’t sleep because of me.”
Normally, trees must sleep for a certain time. But they said they cut down on sleep just to wait for my voice, worried something might happen.
‘Is this what family feels like?’
The trees were always on my side. They were precious to me. I kissed their rough bark.
“Thank you. You don’t know how grateful I am that you’re here.”
The brown bark trembled, looking almost flushed. Nearby trees shed their leaves noisily and shouted.
—Why only kiss that one when we all helped?
—This is unfair! Even if that one was your first friend, we all worked hard too!
In the end, I had to kiss the other trees as well.
‘Sometimes they feel like grandfathers.’
Most of their voices sounded like middle-aged or old men, which made me laugh quietly. Thinking of how overly protective they became whenever it involved me, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Betty was waiting for me in my new office.
“Madam! I’ve prepared everything you asked about the duchy inspection.”
“Thank you.”
This upcoming inspection was important.
‘I need to ease the hostility of the Blanchet retainers if I want to enter society smoothly.’
Right now, because of my position, I could manage the Blanchet finances. But I couldn’t just siphon funds carelessly.
‘So I need to expand the means I can use in society.’
That way, I could create a false identity and find escape routes for when the time came. Especially since I had to deceive Johann, the hidden mastermind—it was even trickier.
‘First, I need to start by being hated a little less…’
While I was reviewing the Blanchet family’s information, Betty suddenly clapped, as if realizing something.
“About this inspection—Master specifically instructed everyone to be especially mindful of your health.”
“The duke?”
“And this, I found out secretly…”
Betty leaned in to whisper dramatically, though there was no one else around.
“He warned the retainers not to treat you carelessly. So they’ll make sure you have fewer things to worry about.”
“Oh my. Really that far?”
“Of course! Master clearly cares deeply about you. What nobleman would do this much for his wife? Did I do well finding this out?”
A ticklish warmth spread in my chest.
‘But don’t let your guard down, Estelle.’
Johann still hadn’t told me any truths. He hadn’t even said he loved me.
‘I want to believe like Betty does…’
But there was too much tangled between us.
“Oh, and before leaving, the chef is preparing your favorite dishes. You can look forward to dinner.”
Listening to Betty, I almost felt like everyone in this mansion liked me. But I knew better—I was someone hard to love.
‘She acts like that even knowing Madam’s heart hurts? No matter how young, I just can’t warm to her. She should at least be grateful for the love she gets.’
‘What else can you expect from a nameless orphan? Our dear Lady Stella was delightful just to watch eat. How did that girl end up here…’
‘She hears all this and still pretends she doesn’t? How shameless.’
I knew the retainers resented me, a Libertan. Which made Betty’s support all the more precious.
‘Even if Betty betrays me one day…’
Right now, I could endure thanks to her. She even lied for me now. I clasped her hands with a bright smile.
“Betty. Thank you for working so hard for me. Without you, I couldn’t have endured.”
Her eyes grew red.
“No, madam, you don’t need to thank me.”
She confessed in a guilty voice.
“In the end, I couldn’t do anything for you. I couldn’t stop Lady Patricia, nor persuade my brother.”
“I’m just grateful for your heart. No one else has ever been on my side like that.”
Emotional as she was, Betty began to weep. I hugged her to comfort her.
“Thank you. And if ever helping me becomes too much, you can rest or give up, alright?”
Her sobs grew louder.
“Madam…”
“Yes?”
“Whoever dares mistreat you—I’ll never forgive them.”
Her tear-streaked face was fierce, like she was ready to beat someone up. In a low mutter, she added:
“Even if that someone is Master…”
The day of the inspection came. Having slept poorly the night before, I didn’t feel well. Johann noticed and gave me a worried look.
“My wife, you don’t feel well? Should we postpone?”
“No. I’ll be fine soon.”
The trip required many people, including knights. Delaying a day would cause too much trouble. At my refusal, Johann touched my forehead with a grave expression.
“You’re so fragile I can’t take you anywhere.”
“Honestly, it’s not that bad.”
“I mean, I’m too scared to bring you along. I am.”
He cupped my cheeks with both hands.
“You’re too careless about your health. You treat yourself too lightly.”
He tugged and pinched my cheeks with a serious face.
Like this, my face would be all squashed and ugly. Yet despite his expression, Johann was smirking.
“Do you know how anxious I get every time you move?”
“I’m thorry…”
“If you did something wrong, what punishment will you accept?”
His eyes sharpened slightly. At the word punishment, my shoulders flinched. Even if he sounded playful, with Johann you never knew.
“Honestly, punishment is a little…”
“That’s not the attitude of someone admitting guilt.”
“What husband punishes his wife? That’s mean.”
“Me.”
Unmoved, Johann pressed his forehead firmly against mine.
“There won’t likely be problems on the way to the Blanchet duchy, but unforeseen issues can happen.”
His voice sank low.
“I’ll prioritize your safety, but you need to stay alert too. Understood?”
I nodded, and he finally released my cheeks. Touching them, they felt hot and a little swollen.
‘Isn’t that already punishment?’
He caught my look and laughed, eyes curling.
“Give it up. No matter what, you only look cute to me.”
“…Actually, I was trying to look cute.”
“Then you succeeded completely. You’re cute just breathing.”
Since the rampage, Johann had definitely changed.
‘I can’t quite explain how…’
Before, he had kindness but also an unshakable arrogance, which made me cautious. Now, he often teased me, making me relax. Maybe the mastermind Johann had just changed tactics. I forced my fading vigilance back.
‘If I slip up, it’ll be disastrous.’
Soon, our carriage departed for the Blanchet duchy.
The journey was rougher than expected. Even using magic circles to travel short distances, it took a long time.
‘Probably worse because magic doesn’t work well on me.’
By evening, the carriages halted, and Raymond, the knight commander, opened the door.
“My lord, I think we should stay at a nearby castle. With the rain, crossing the mountains could be dangerous.”
The summer sky, once clear, now poured with rain that showed no sign of stopping.
“The Hetel count’s castle is nearby. I already arranged it, so we can enter right away.”
As expected, Johann had planned for everything.
‘Hetel House—it was on Betty’s list.’
An old family, but weak despite their count title, barely stronger than barons. Neutral until now, but eager to ally with the Blanchets.
‘Lately, many nobles are like that.’
Despite the rain, Count Hetel ran out with his wife and two daughters to greet us.
“Welcome, Duke Blanchet! Our home is humble, but it’s an honor to host you!”
Their joy at hosting the Blanchets was obvious. Of course, to them, I wasn’t a guest at all. They didn’t spare me a glance, eyes only on Johann.
‘So they know my position well.’
The countess patted her daughter’s shoulder with a gentle smile.
“You must have been startled by the sudden rain. While dinner is being prepared, you should warm yourself. Lotte, please guide the duke to rest comfortably. Though my daughter may be lacking, I hope you see her kindly.”
As the daughter Lotte shyly approached Johann—
“She’s far too lacking.”
Johann muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear, and suddenly pulled me firmly into his arms. His solid chest enveloped me.
“Coming here was a mistake. If I’d known it would be like this, I wouldn’t have stopped.”
“Wh-what do you mean…”
“Raymond. Find another village nearby, even if it’s difficult. We’ll stay elsewhere.”
The count’s face drained of color.
“Your Grace, did we offend somehow…?”
But Johann didn’t even look at him—his eyes were fixed only on me.
“I’m sorry, my wife. You’re unwell, and because I was inadequate, we’ll have to stay elsewhere.”
The countess and daughters were the same—flustered, and finally glancing at me nervously.
“Duchess Blanchet…”
