Chapter 22
“What’s going on?”
“W-well…”
The veterinarian’s eyes were filled with clear surprise.
“I think the black tiger spirit beast has awakened.”
And as soon as the veterinarian finished speaking…
“Awwooooo!”
The black tiger, which had appeared to be dead, stretched and howled loudly.
Then it ran over to Coco and tightly embraced her.
It was clear to anyone…
“It looks like they’re sharing an intimate bond.”
***
As soon as the black tiger woke up, many veterinarians were called.
And then…
They all said in unison that the tiger spirit beast had become much healthier than before.
There was also a report that the black lion near the spirit beast’s paw had faded.
As soon as this was recognized,
“Then I’ll take it away now!”
Coco was quickly carried by Rus, still wrapped in the blanket, to the next room.
Chloe also lightly bowed her head and left the room.
The strict Duke Ardoth knew that Patricia would have to deal with the punishment fitting for Teresia.
“I’ll have to change the person to interrogate. Those who acted recklessly.”
In the interrogation room where everyone had left, Duke Ardoth’s gaze became cold.
Despite being the one to be interrogated, Patricia remained calm.
She gracefully stood up from her seat and stared at Lea.
“Lady, why didn’t you properly examine the tiger spirit beast?”
“That…”
“You should have examined it further before making a judgment. Your reckless actions have caused harm to Lady Chloe’s reputation.”
Lea’s complexion turned pale.
“F-Forgive me, Your Grace.”
Even if she claimed it was all Patricia’s orders, would anyone believe her?
Lady Lea murmured, hesitating,
“But… the situation was one that could easily be misunderstood.”
“True, that’s not wrong.”
The tiger spirit beast had been declared dead by the veterinarians.
Duke Ardoth tilted his head as if he would continue to hear excuses.
Her eyes gleamed, clutching at the lifeline.
“Well, I had no choice. My only fault was misunderstanding a situation that could easily be misunderstood!”
And finally,
Duke Ardoth’s thunderous voice rang out.
“But it was a complete misjudgment.”
“Th-that’s…”
“Also, you were the one who spread rumors about the direct family.”
“…”
“You were the one who intimidated the child and recorded it. Did you apologize to that child?”
“Well, there wasn’t enough time…”
“If I hadn’t said it like this, would you have apologized for misunderstanding?”
Lady Lea bit her lip.
“You’ve not only made a wrong judgment, but you must also take responsibility for your reckless actions.”
Patricia turned her head and held her head high without facing Lea.
“From now on, you are banned from entering the Amond family’s main residence.”
Lea’s eyes widened in shock.
Being banned from the main residence meant that all communication with the Duke’s household would be severed from now on.
The future of the family would also be jeopardized.
“I-I can’t be thrown out like this! Patricia! Patricia!”
But Patricia coldly turned her gaze away.
The Duke glared at the trembling Lady Lea and spoke coldly.
“Leave. If you defy my orders, there will be no mercy.”
Having dealt a heavy punishment to the collateral, now it was Patricia’s turn.
“Patricia, if you want to be recognized, you should focus on your duties.”
“Yes, Father.”
After his late wife passed away,
The Duke was forced into marriage with Lucretia by the Emperor’s arrangement.
He saw how Lucretia often discriminated against Patricia and Chloe.
Even the slightest mistake of Chloe was exaggerated.
Like her mother, Patricia also subtly ignored Chloe.
That’s why the Duke had called his daughter to speak.
***
Duke Ardoth:
“I know Lucretia and Patricia have been tormenting you. Do you want me to stop them?”
“No, I can handle it myself.”
Strong-willed Chloe couldn’t stand relying on others to solve her problems.
So, unless it was a big issue, she would observe quietly.
But this time, the line had clearly been crossed.
“Patricia, stay away from the family business.”
“Father! Please reconsider. My mother’s plans are delayed due to her being in the temple. And I haven’t done anything wrong…”
“Do you think I’m a fool?”
“….”
“Other people might not know, but do you think I would believe you acted independently without my orders at the Amond family?”
Patricia couldn’t find any words in response and bit her lip.
He turned his gaze away from her.
“Reflect and be in seclusion. This is my mercy. If you act recklessly again, there will be no more mercy.”
At that moment, tears welled up in Patricia’s eyes.
“Father, this isn’t fair.”
“What?”
“I’m not your real daughter; I was adopted. That’s why you treat me differently. If Chloe did something like this, would you treat her the same way?”
It was a common refrain.
Her face, which looked pitiful, was so heartbreaking that one might want to wipe her eyes with a handkerchief.
But who was her opponent?
The unshakable Duke Ardoth.
“What a laughable thought. If you want a chance again, reflect and be in seclusion. This is my mercy.”
Despite Patricia’s pleas, Duke Ardoth left coldly.
As he walked away, Patricia clenched her fists, her eyes filled with anger.
She had thought she could gain her father’s favor.
“But everything is falling apart.”
Since Coco arrived at the estate, things had gone wrong.
The subordinate who had been planted in Chloe’s annex was dismissed, and her closest allies were severed from the Duke’s household for acting recklessly.
Patricia’s punishment had also caused her to lose face.
But on the other hand, Chloe…
Chloe’s little friend, Coco, had not only found the tiger but also helped it recover its health.
Fortunately, Coco likely didn’t possess any special abilities.
“But Father likes those who achieve things.”
More than that, what made Patricia even more upset was that…
“The story that Chloe saved the tiger is being spread by me.”
Patricia’s eyes flashed with rage.
***
After dealing with the bad ones, Duke Ardoth looked at me with his black eyes.
“Your name is Coco.”
“Yes!”
“You were declared powerless earlier.”
Is he some kind of scary fool, since he’s Rus’s dad?
I raised my tiny hand and shouted loudly.
“But I do have abilities! I have a lot of them! You must have seen them wrong earlier!”
His gaze looked down at me.
I expected him to angrily deny it, but instead, he replied calmly,
“Yeah. I can see the potential for abilities.”
It was a little sudden, but…
“Yay! Finally, we’re speaking the same language!”
“What?”
He chuckled in disbelief, while I gleamed with excitement.
“Well, now that I’ve done something good, I’ll make sure to get everything I want!”
He raised an eyebrow at me.
“I suppose I should go through the proper procedures first.”
“Umm, what are the procedures?”
He narrowed his eyes as if testing me.
“Before the priest brings the holy item, what should I do?”
I rolled my eyes and answered with all sincerity.
“…Roast sweet potatoes?”
