Chapter 82
Why Does This Scent… Here? (1)
The next morning.
Aster stopped in his tracks as he hurried into the office.
A man was sitting on the sofa, smiling brightly at him.
The man, Noel, set down a teapot leisurely and spoke:
“You’re a bit late, Your Grace.”
“…Unbelievable. What makes you think you can just come here?”
Aster frowned and glanced back at Louis, who had followed him in.
“So the guest who came early this morning and waited… was him?”
“Him? That’s a rather unpleasant way to put it, Your Grace. Is this really how guests are treated in the House of Sestain?”
Still, I am the heir of the House of Marquis Klaus.
Noel muttered with a smile as if telling Aster to think carefully, and took a sip of his tea.
His charming, smiling eyes were a bonus.
Aster glared down at him, folding his arms.
“Fine. Then tell me—what brings you to my house?”
Noel set down his cup and rose from the sofa. Though he seemed around the same age, this man was clearly the head of the House of Duke Sestain. In terms of status and power, Aster could not possibly win against him.
Noel bowed politely.
“Though I am late, I would like to properly introduce myself. I am Noel Marcia Klaus. Please forgive my unannounced visit.”
“You don’t seem very sincere.”
Noel straightened as if nothing had happened, jokingly sat back on the sofa, and said:
“You are perceptive. Honestly, I thought you wouldn’t even see me if I didn’t do this.”
Aster chuckled dryly at his brazen confidence. Where does he get such arrogance? Does he really think he’s untouchable?
“I’ve been thinking about this all night. Actually, perhaps ever since I first met Your Grace.”
Aster’s lips twitched slightly.
“Let’s get to the point and keep it brief.”
“Before that, I’d like to ask one thing.”
“They say if you give one, you’ll be asked for two. Exactly like that.”
“When did you first meet Lucy?”
A faint crease appeared on Aster’s brow. Noel, noticing the subtle change, narrowed his eyes.
“Not worth answering.”
“Lucy and I have grown very close over the past two years. That was enough time to share our hearts.”
“That is your opinion, I presume.”
Noel chuckled softly, tilting his head as he studied the wary duke.
“Yes. Until now, that is.”
He smiled gently and continued:
“But from now on, it will be different. I intend to make it so.”
Aster’s gaze darkened, as if falling into an abyss.
He had always felt this man was irritating, and he had tried to dismiss him, but by then, Noel had already built quite a bond with her.
Fortunately, Noel had someone he cared for in his heart. Eluciana didn’t seem particularly interested either.
Moreover, contrary to rumors of him being a womanizer, Noel was polite and, though he seemed lighthearted, never crossed the line. Above all, he wanted to protect her.
…That’s why I warned him clearly.
Aster finally spoke, his voice heavy.
“So you found my words amusing.”
“Perhaps Your Grace is taking things for granted.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was curious. Why must I necessarily follow your orders?”
The sly glint in Noel’s eyes sharpened for an instant, as if piercing Aster’s soul.
“For now… you do not know who will remain by Lucy’s side.”
“You are indulging in vain dreams.”
Aster rose, exuding danger, and strode toward Noel, grabbing him by the collar.
“The woman you want is already mine.”
“Ugh… What nonsense is that?”
“I mean, you have no room to interfere.”
Because Lucy and I are family. Aster’s possessive gaze settled like an unchanging truth.
“Then all the more reason to step up.”
Noel grasped Aster’s hand that held his collar and slowly pulled it down.
“I intend to see this through. Until I confirm it with my own eyes and ears… I cannot trust anything.”
“Truly a troublesome fellow.”
At that moment, the door swung open without warning, and Eluciana entered.
“Good morning! Your Grace. How are you feeling?”
Her brown hair tied up neatly, she stopped mid-greeting, startled.
“Oh! A-guest…? Huh? Noel?!”
Noel, stretching his sleepy neck, gave a small cough and greeted her.
“Good to see you again, Lucy. Did you sleep well last night?”
“Ah, yes. Of course.”
Eluciana glanced at Aster sipping tea and then opened her mouth toward Noel.
‘What are you doing here?’
‘Why? Is there a place I cannot come?’
‘After yesterday’s mistake, what do you hope to achieve by coming? Are you here to apologize to His Grace?’
‘I wonder.’
‘If you’re here just to talk nonsense, leave quickly.’
Noel swallowed a laugh and replied:
“I was about to leave anyway.”
“……!”
Noel stood and approached the bewildered Eluciana, winking with one eye.
“Thanks for worrying. See you later, okay?”
He then turned to Aster, bowing lightly.
“I’ll remember your advice. Farewell.”
Aster clicked his tongue lowly at Noel’s stubbornness.
“…Arrogant to the end.”
“Huh? Oh, I’m sorry! I was just worried Noel might upset Your Grace again… and that it could worsen your condition… um, sorry.”
Eluciana, seemingly mistaking Aster’s reprimand for being directed at her, mumbled and bowed deeply. Watching her, Aster sighed inwardly.
The man already stirred unnecessary competition and determination, and now an untouchable interloper had joined in.
Sigh… Lucy, what should I do with you?
It felt as though he had to carefully step on each stone to cross a shallow stream he could easily jump over.
That night, under a full moon hidden by clouds.
In the quiet temple garden, a priest welcomed a man holding a cat.
“Please, this way.”
“Thank you.”
The man paused, sensing a familiar scent drifting past his nose.
Why is this scent here…?
He scanned his surroundings, spotting a mysterious black cargo carriage entering the garden.
A cargo carriage at this hour? Could it be… poisonous herbs?
Escorted and suspicious in every way, the man narrowed his eyes. The priest who had been walking ahead turned back.
“Hurry, Louis. Time has passed.”
“Ah, yes…”
Following the priest into the temple’s reception, Louis sat at a table with a pristine white surface.
The young priest across smiled kindly.
“What a beautiful cat.”
Louis stroked the gray cat on his lap.
“Her name is Soda.”
“Hmm. Quite a unique name.”
“More importantly, have you confirmed my request?”
A fleeting expression of displeasure crossed the young priest’s face.
“Hmm… it’s been ten years, so it wasn’t easy to find.”
Louis handed over a thick silk pouch.
If it was hard to find, it meant they had successfully located it.
“…What is this?”
“Top-grade magical stones.”
The young priest picked up the pouch in admiration.
“Oh, quite a quantity, isn’t it?”
“Just a small token of my estate.”
“Meowww.”
Louis patted Soda’s back.
“Separately, I intend to supply the temple with a fixed amount every year.”
“Every year…?”
The unexpected generosity made the priest’s eyes widen.
Though magical stones are rare, they can be purchased with enough money. But those supplied by the House of Duke Sestain were of the highest quality.
“Cough, cough. If they’re from the House of Duke Sestain, there’s no reason to refuse. But—”
The priest seemed to ask if Louis required more.
Louis smiled warmly.
“I hope this will aid the gods’ work.”
“May the gods’ blessings be with you.”
“And with you.”
The young priest tucked the shiny pouch securely into his chest.
After a moment of hesitation, he returned with a box.
“This is what you requested. The High Priest had been keeping it, so it must be correct.”
