Chapter 208
I had prepared for the possibility of Duke Marcilio staying overnight, but thankfully, by evening he had returned home normally.
Well, I guess the Duke must be busy with affairs at the Magic Tower. Spending a whole day on trivial matters would be quite a stretch.
“It was the most enjoyable time I’ve had recently. Thank you for the splendid hospitality, my lady.”
Just before leaving, Duke Marcilio bowed politely, and I instinctively almost bent my waist in return.
Such an excessive greeting! I’m slowly getting used to the formalities, but the respect shown through actions is still something I’m not accustomed to.
“I feel the same. Above all, it was a precious time, Your Grace.”
I caught myself as I almost bowed again, holding my waist.
If I were a magician, perhaps this wouldn’t feel so overwhelming? Time spent with the continent’s greatest magician would surely be more valuable to another magician than gold itself.
Meeting with a lofty elder would be nerve-wracking, but I figured that cool-headed magicians would focus on the benefits instead.
‘Unnecessary thoughts.’
Of course, as a commoner, it was just a meaningless thought.
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Duke Marcilio smiled softly at my response and pulled something from his cloak.
“My lady. Please accept this small token of my esteem.”
“Thank you.”
Before I could even think, I took the item offered by Duke Marcilio. It was a bit embarrassing, but I couldn’t decline a gift from a Duke out of sheer humility, right? Refusing would just make him feel bad for no reason.
Even Duke Marcilio appeared more satisfied with my acceptance, wearing an even wider smile. If I had refused, he might have felt hurt.
‘What’s this?’
I belatedly examined the item. It felt metallic, and its color reminded me of the Duke, being a clean, pure white.
It didn’t look flashy at all, but it was certainly not an ordinary object.
‘Mana.’
The plain appearance was in stark contrast to the deep magical energy emanating from the item.
Even with a basic understanding of mana, I could tell this was imbued with potent magical energy. It shimmered slightly, visible even to the naked eye.
…So what on earth is this?
“Your Grace, I apologize, but this is…”
It is indeed extraordinary. Unless it’s a knight’s sword or a magician’s spell, seeing mana with one’s eyes is almost impossible.
This was quite a fascinating phenomenon. But it left me even more confused. This seems better suited for the Magic Tower, so why give it to me?
An utterly enigmatic object whose nature and purpose I couldn’t figure out. This warranted asking, despite the rudeness.
“It’s a token I present to an invaluable guest.”
However, Duke Marcilio seemed quite pleased to be asked about it, and he answered in a calm tone.
“It signifies that you are my benefactor. If you show this to either the Duke’s family or the Magic Tower, they will prioritize your convenience above all else.”
The problem was that while his voice was calm, the content was incredibly weighty.
My hand trembling around the token again. “My benefactor?” The Duke’s family and the Tower prioritizing me?
‘Goodness.’
Dizziness struck me for maybe the umpteenth time. This is a treasure. Just possessing it without using it would overshadow most objects.
If I receive preferential treatment from the Duke’s family, it would be easier to find impossible tasks than possible ones. My position in political or social circles would broaden significantly.
And the Magic Tower? It stands as the pinnacle of magic on the continent. If I had their favor, I could get my hands on any magical tools or magicians first. It would be a blessing for the Count’s territory.
“Your Grace, this is too much. Calling me a benefactor…”
My shock lasted just an instant, yet my judgment sped up.
As soon as I grasped the power this small token possessed, I quickly tried to return it. This can’t be right. It’s too much of a burden to keep such a treasure.
Of course, the Krasius family isn’t so lacking that we can’t keep one treasure. But this token is meant for the benefactor, right? We couldn’t possibly provide Duke Marcilio with that level of grace.
‘It implies that I will be receiving favors in the future.’
I tightened my grip around the token. If I receive a gift, I should give something back in return. Accepting such a treasure from the Duke means I should repay him adequately.
And that repayment would likely require Kal.
‘No way.’
My anxious heart was now ablaze with a fiery heat. My complicated thoughts coalesced into something calm.
Even if I can’t call this woman my real mother, I will not sell my son’s happiness. I absolutely can’t do that.
If it came down to it, if Marcilio declared her fondness for Kal, then I wouldn’t be able to stop it. If Kal accepted the Duke, I might feel uneasy but would internally congratulate him.
Still, still this cannot happen. I cannot sell my son for the betterment of my family and territory—
“Do not worry, my lady.”
Duke Marcilio’s hand covered my tremoring one. A warm touch, as if cradling something precious, soothed my unease.
“I understand your concerns well.”
With a reassuring smile, Duke Marcilio’s face radiated an embracing, maternal warmth.
“I’m not looking to buy your child.”
At those words, my body instinctively jolted. It felt as if she had read my mind entirely.
I wondered if she might take offense at such an implication, but Duke Marcilio simply smiled.
“What I desire is something complete. Acquiring something through force cannot be considered whole.”
She wasn’t after coercion; she wanted something genuine.
That meant she was not going to force Kal into marriage. I nodded earnestly. If that is true, then I have nothing to worry about. Kal’s acceptance of her affection would be the only condition for their marriage.
Whether that sentiment is genuine or just a facade, would Duke Marcilio really lie so clumsily?
“And this token is suitable for you to accept. So please do not decline it.”
“Isn’t this the most precious treasure of all?”
At those words from the Duke, I could only blink in surprise.
In an empty bedroom, I sat at the edge of the bed, fiddling with the white token.
“I do have one particular request, though. It’s quite a significant gift to give without reason.”
At this point, the last words she’d hinted had me feeling that familiar tension tighten back up.
Yeah, it’s much better to hear directly what she desires rather than convoluted hints.
“I wish to forge a friendship with you.”
I never expected it would complicate matters, but…
“Isn’t it only natural for everyone to want to make a good impression?”
Duke Marcilio chuckled as I could only nod vigorously in response. Her directness was so blatant that I couldn’t even react.
‘Wanting to make a good impression.’
The words Duke Marcilio left echoed in my ears.
A desire to impress me, and a wish to impress Kal. That’s why she’s showing such selfless goodwill.
‘She truly means it.’
Suddenly, the conversations I had shared with the Duke came to mind. Surprisingly, she had never outright mentioned Kal. Except maybe for referencing the commemorative trees in the garden.
Yet, each word she offered was filled with affection, subtly hinting at Kal.
‘She truly means it.’
I realized that her feelings for Kal weren’t a fleeting passion or mere infatuation. She wanted to marry him with his consent rather than through force.
Why she has fallen for Kal is beyond me.
‘Not my place to worry.’
With a soft sigh, I reassured myself. Yes, it isn’t my concern. Regardless of her feelings for Kal, once she treats him with respect, I have no reason to stand in her way.
I could end up being an obstacle if I intervene in Kal’s evolving feelings for Marcilio. If Kal wanted to open up to Marcilio, stopping her would only create a hurdle.
‘I’m sorry.’
I whispered an apology I hoped wouldn’t reach my dear daughter-in-law at the Academy. Marcilio’s presence could pose a serious threat to her.
Given that I’ve set my sights on the potential bride, I want to assist her wholeheartedly. Yet, I have no right to meddle in Kal’s romantic matters.
‘… She will be fine.’
Kal is such a clever and warm-hearted child that I believe she will overcome everything without my help.
I trust that.
– Knock, knock
Just as I was about to close my eyes, I heard a knock on the door.
“My lady.”
Billy’s voice from outside jolted me wide awake. I had almost forgotten about this traitor.
‘Just showing up now?’
How annoying. If he had come a few days later, I could have thought he was really busy. But he returns on the same day? And not too long after Duke Marcilio just left?
I won’t let this slide. It’s an immediate declaration of separate rooms. I can’t stand to see his face for a while.
“Come in.”
Suppressing my anger, I opened my mouth, and the door cautiously swung open.
“My lady. It seems you’re awake.”
Billy wore a smile that seemed out of place. He held flower bouquets and a small box in both hands.
“What’s that?”
“Picked it up on my way back. The flower shop we visited during our engagement is still in business.”
Billy reminisced as he held the bouquet.
“What about the box?”
“It’s dessert that you love. I got it from a café recommended by Count Horfelt.”
He presented the elegantly patterned box while mentioning my taste, and my lips, which had been tightly sealed, began to smile slightly.
“Billy.”
“Speak freely, my lady.”
Billy answered my change in demeanor with a somewhat softened expression.
“Don’t play dumb, just leave now.”
With my firm intentions of separating rooms, Billy left with a gloomy face.
‘The effort is appreciated.’
Still, with this kind of devotion, maybe I can cut him some slack. Downgrading from a week apart to just three days is probably good enough.
*
I received a message from my mother.
– Kal, don’t overthink things. Just do what you want.
“Oh, yes. Thank you.”
The day after hearing Duke Marcilio had gone to the Tailglehen County, my mother reached out with an unexpectedly calm demeanor.
How surprising. My mother had been so insistent on finding out what was going on with Erich. And I had assumed she’d be in utter chaos after meeting the Duke herself.
– Whatever choice you make, I will support you, so there’s no need to rush.
“Yes…”
What a strange thing to say. To offer support for any choice during this time. Hadn’t she possibly picked Marghetta as the favorable one?
‘Is this magic?’
At that moment, I wondered if Marcilio had enchanted my mother somehow.
No, surely Duke Marcilio wouldn’t resort to such childish tactics…
‘So how then?’
Has she been drawn to an amiable neutrality without magic?
That thought was even more frightening. I’d rather chalk it up to magic.
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