The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 64
Chapter 64
It seemed to be because of the events of the previous day.
“Your Grace, are you alright?”
“Shall I bring the healer? You mentioned that you could request their services anytime after yesterday’s incident.”
The court healer didn’t seem to have a particularly warm personality. One could interpret the offer as an invitation to discuss matters related to the demon or divine power.
Since the issue of the forged slab was resolved, and it was urgent to make an official announcement, Scheuer needed to investigate the knight who lied about the forgery. While preparing to meet Lady Anabelle, she heard news that the lady had awakened. Jess made a brief gesture before disappearing.
“I’ll leave the bouquet here,”
Scheuer said, looking at Jess through the mirror.
“Did His Grace find his sword today?”
“No, he said it was in exchange for having the bouquet taken by Lord Sevi.”
Jess’s words carried a strong determination not to answer any further questions. She had expected this, but there was an air of reluctance surrounding Jess, so she let him go.
After Lady Anabelle’s invitation, Solle and Betty joined her, expressing their concerns. Lady Anabelle welcomed them with worried expressions.
“Is it okay for you to come out like this? Even if you’re having a hard time, you can refuse, she insisted that you leave a note if you want to refuse.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s a minor injury compared to others.”
Even though she suffered a mental blow.
Lady Anabelle replied with concern,
“How did someone like that end up in the palace? This is why my husband opposed the practice of conferring knighthood on commoners.”
“He was from the common folk.”
“Yesterday, I asked him that too.”
Lady Anabelle spoke as she sipped her tea.
Most of the knights in the royal palace were nobles. Although there were some exceptional commoners with exceptional skills who received knighthood, they were usually assigned to dangerous regions. A typical example was the border areas.
“Then it’s not likely that he would come to the palace, right?”
“He was hardly moved from his post in the border region, even though he tried so hard. So, he acted out of resentment and committed this deed.”
It was a plausible explanation.
Scheuer quietly listened to their conversation while sipping her tea.
***
The aftermath of yesterday’s events had significantly elevated Scheuer’s popularity, reaching an all-time high. The story of “Netria, the valiant defender sacrificed by flowers” was circulating widely, emphasizing the commoners’ heroism.
Scheuer thought to herself, “It probably resonated more with the common folk…” Nevertheless, she noted that even unexpectedly, Lord Raygrain’s popularity was also on the rise. In the corridors, she overheard court jesters discussing the events with playful laughter.
“Lord Blen carried Lady Scheuer like this!”
“No, I heard when a knife was at his throat, he sliced everything with his sword, and that’s how the audience hall got ruined.”
“Impressive…”
Suddenly, Scheuer interjected, poking her head between the jesters and said,
“Right, that was impressive.”
Startled, the maids quickly bowed, apologizing for not keeping an eye on their surroundings. However, Scheuer reassured them, saying it was fine and encouraged them to continue. She even handed them a flower from her bosom, saying,
“Here, these flowers have healing properties. A gift.”
Unlike before, people accepted the flowers without skepticism, possibly due to the circulating rumors. Scheuer smiled brightly, saying,
“It lasts a day. Hope it brings comfort,”
and continued to distribute the chamomile flowers.
The court was in a better mood than before, and even though significant events had occurred, people engaged in lively conversations. Scheuer enjoyed witnessing the chatter among the servants as they carried chamomile flowers.
“Did you see the knights carrying flowers today?”
“Yeah, those white flowers, right? I saw them too.”
“They were pretty. Knights having that side to them…”
Scheuer continued to stroll through the corridors, carrying a bunch of chamomile flowers. Having ordered Tiorla to bring a large supply of chamomile, she generously gifted one to each knight.
“Is there nothing to do?”
Knights, previously trained in the training grounds, stared back with determined eyes.
“The training ground is ruined, so there’s no practice for a while. Instead, we’ll assist Your Grace!”
“My physical strength is robust. Leave it to me!”
Feeling that free labor wouldn’t hurt, Scheuer proclaimed,
“Alright! I need lavender and chamomile flowers. Can you get them for me?”
“Yes! We’ll procure them immediately!”
A group voice echoed through the palace corridors. It felt like being a kindergarten teacher, but one with a bit too much enthusiasm – a kindergarten teacher determined to make the best of the situation.
‘If it’s come to this, I might as well use the free labor force,’ thought Scheuer.
People were in high spirits, and the court atmosphere seemed lighter. Scheuer couldn’t help but think, ‘It’s like being a kindergarten teacher,’ as the knights energetically gathered lavender and chamomile flowers.
In the end, she had a specific reason for doing all this:
“It might help them remember Lord Raygrain even a little bit.”
***
During the time when Scheuer had been distributing flowers all day and was looking for someone to give the remaining flowers to, Raygrain frowned as he looked at the empty room. Although he knew she was diligent, he hadn’t expected her to be walking around after the events of yesterday. He had seen Scheuer briefly in the hallway during the day, carrying a bouquet and directing things. She seemed absent-minded. He thought that she would notice he was watching and understand.
Not only was her speed of movement remarkable, but whenever he looked away, she was far away. He thought that she would shake hands or smile occasionally while being observed. However, this time, there was no response.
“Busier than I am.”
Lavender, of unknown origin, was beautifully displayed by the window. It seemed more vibrant than when Scheuer first bought it. Raygrain asked a servant assisting with dressing:
“Where is Scheuer?”
“Her Highness said she would go to the kitchen for a moment.”
“Suddenly?”
“She said she’s distributing flowers.”
Now he noticed the chamomile flowers in the servants’ pockets and on their chests. The flowers he couldn’t receive.
The servants spoke with bright voices,
“They say it’s good for recovery. Thanks to the Duchess, we don’t feel tired today. Even Lady-in-Waiting, who usually complains of fatigue, was smiling all day today.”
“…Is that so”
Having finished dressing, Raygrain silently walked towards the bed. The conversation had come to an abrupt end, and the maids quietly left the room. Despite claiming not to like chamomile, he couldn’t help but notice.
“Smile Love”