The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 159

Chapter 159

Sevi’s face twisted in dismay at the growing number of companions. 

“What’s this? Am I being watched?”

No one would voluntarily return to the North, especially not to do something he despised. Scheuer thought it would be more reassuring to verify the contents of the tablet with her own eyes. The fact that this was something not even in the original story made her even more anxious.

Determined, Scheuer nodded firmly, expressing her intention to join. Sevi shook his head. 

“No way. On what grounds?”

“Since there have been reports of monsters coming down to villages recently, it’s entirely possible to accompany you for protection.”

Sevi seemed at a loss for words, letting out a small grunt before closing his mouth. Koa, having grasped the situation, lowered his head and said, 

“Then I’ll convey that.”

He quietly exited Leilda’s lab. Satisfied, Leilda slumped into her chair and shrugged off her shoulders as if exasperated. 

“Leilda.”

Raygrain called out his name sternly. Though he didn’t add anything further, Leilda seemed to understand perfectly, waving her hand dismissively.

“Just go quickly. I’ll handle things in the north my way. Oh, and make sure to plant plenty of flowers.”

He even pointedly indicated Scheuer with his finger.

Leilda, who had been tense from the argument with Sevi, blinked as she looked at Scheuer, whose face appeared unusually innocent and youthful.

Leilda then remarked, seeming surprised, 

“What’s this? Covering your neck today?”

“Huh?”

“You usually dress so carelessly, like someone who has their clothes hanging off them.”

Scheuer was adamant that she never dressed so sloppily. If anything, she was known for putting on her robes properly. Nevertheless, she couldn’t refute his observation, as she typically preferred garments with a modest neckline.

However, today she was wearing a dress with lace that covered her neck, a choice recommended by Cali.

The reason was simple:

‘It’s because… the Grand Duke…’

Scheuer couldn’t bring herself to answer and just managed a vague smile.

Raygrain’s action of touching her nape as soon as he got up had its reasons. If it hadn’t been for the fussing maids, she might have missed it entirely. There were red marks where he had briefly kissed her at night. The oblivious maids had even gone so far as to start making plans for children—something not even on the schedule—just because they thought it would be nice to have two daughters and a son.

In such a situation, she couldn’t bring herself to claim that nothing had happened.

Feeling shy, Scheuer stole glances at Raygrain beside her. Unlike her, who was mumbling in embarrassment, he asked calmly, 

“Is that important?”

“No. It just doesn’t seem like your usual style. I was wondering if something had changed.”

Seeing Leilda shrug his shoulders without any suspicion, Scheuer took a deep breath inwardly. She hoped her expression would appear normal, as always.

***

“Father. What about the tablet?”

Without knocking, formality, or ceremony, Erina barged into the Netriga estate’s office. Duke Netri, who had been lounging comfortably on the sofa, looked startled as his face contorted with displeasure. Erina’s recent decline in standing had made her actions even more bothersome to him, exacerbating his irritation.

“That’s exactly what I said. What about the tablet?” Duke replied tersely.

“Where did it come from? Why the sudden interest…?”

“When did the tablet make an appearance with any prior notice?”

Erina had no counterarguments and clenched her fists hidden in the folds of her dress. The tablet was initially discovered by the Duke of Netriga himself, and it was found in a rather remote mine in the southern part of Netriga’s territory. The Duke had shown little interest in this area; it was almost neglected, with most of its management falling to Erina.

To think that the Duke “coincidentally” visited the site and “coincidentally” stumbled upon what was presumed to be the tablet.

“Can coincidences stack up like this?”

Erina wondered, reflecting on her recent conversation with Silcaro about the tablet. What seemed like casual conversation now appeared to be more significant.

“This doesn’t make sense, Father. Since when did you take such an interest in the mine?”

“Before you took over its management, it was under my watch. I noticed you’ve been preoccupied lately, so I decided to lend a hand. Is there a problem?”

“Have you met with His Highness Silcaro?”

Erina’s question was abrupt. For a brief moment, displeasure flickered in the Duke’s eyes. Her father had always been ambitious, and since her downfall, his focus had consistently shifted towards Silcaro, whom he viewed as the key to resolving their predicament.

Frustration led Erina to hurl questions indiscriminately. 

“And what about the tracks of the monster? Is that also a lie?”

“‘Also’? Are you suggesting that I’m lying?”

Fuming with anger, Duke Netriga slammed his fist onto the desk with a loud bang. Yet, Erina, accustomed to handling swords and navigating dangerous situations, did not flinch.

“I will manage the family affairs myself. It’s inappropriate for someone who can no longer wield a sword to interfere so much in family matters.”

Though the harshness of her words might have provoked a reaction, Duke Netriga remained calm. He gave a sardonic smile and responded, 

“I am still the head of the family, Erina. And who are you to speak of the family’s affairs when you haven’t fully bloomed as the family’s flower?”

“I can still bloom.”

“Speak clearly. Is there anyone unaware that you haven’t fully inherited the powers from the central authority?”

He leaned back comfortably in his chair, indifferent to Erina’s frustration.

With an air of arrogance, Duke Netriga continued to glare at Erina.

“This is all for your benefit. I’m keeping you around because you don’t rampage like your sister.”

Erina bit her lip to keep from speaking harshly. Otherwise, she feared she might say something she would regret. In truth, Duke Netriga’s influence was stronger in the central regions than Erina’s.

‘Even after all this effort, is this all I have?’

Lately, there hasn’t been any good news. Scheuer had returned to the North and married Duke Blen under the officiation of the vice minister, which was annoying enough. Now, flowers that Scheuer had supposedly cultivated were becoming a trend throughout the central region. Everyone was eager to obtain flowers said to heal wounds from demons.

And now, with the tablet appearing…

Even if it was real, its contents were unknown, and the High Priest ‘s connections with the North made it hard to trust. If her father had forged the tablet, it would be a disaster.

Seeing that Erina had no response, Duke Netriga shook his head slightly, as if acknowledging her understanding. He mentioned that the tablet was currently being transported to the central region, accompanied by the protection of Duke Blen’s forces.

Since her father would not speak the truth openly, Erina decided it would be faster to find out on her own. She turned to leave, but just before exiting, Duke Netriga’s calm voice reached her again.

“I want to make it clear: the tracks of the monster are genuine.”

“……”

“And the stone tablet was found by chance. That’s all.”

When she turned back, the Duke’s gaze was fixed on the spot where she had just stood. An empty space now. Without answering, Erina slammed the door shut as she left the office.

The attendants, sensing her discomfort, quickly stepped aside. As soon as she entered her room, Erina grasped her sword. Even if she couldn’t bloom any flowers, she loved the sword. It was the only thing she was recognized for and could excel at.

She clutched the sword sheath she had been unable to find for the past few days. As she held it tightly, she composed herself.

“This cannot continue. I can’t let Father do as he pleases…”

Taking a deep breath, Erina looked up and noticed “that book”—the one borrowed from Silcaro at the expansion party, bound in the hide of a monster. As she gazed at it, she murmured quietly.

“The power should never have existed from the beginning.”

“I survive too many storms to be bothered by raindrops”