Chapter 68
“Although you probably already know, let me introduce myself. I’m Eustaf Macfin.”
“Rebecca Devon… no, Rebecca Obelia. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sorry for having deceived you last time, albeit unintentionally.”
“No, it’s all right. I understand the circumstances. I also went through the journal you gave me last time. Thanks to your meticulous notes, it was a great help. But… why did you seek me out?”
“You are not only an excellent botanist but also a physician. Could you examine me? I’m curious when the symptoms of the poisoning will completely disappear.”
“Eh? How did you know I was a doctor…?”
Eustaf blinked in surprise, staring blankly at Rebecca.
Rebecca met his gaze with clear eyes, devoid of any hidden intentions.
Before becoming a botanist, Eustaf had been a medical student. He had earned his medical license and started working at a small clinic but quickly lost interest in what he considered a service-oriented job.
To alleviate his boredom, Eustaf studied herbal medicine as a hobby—and eventually fell in love with plants.
His profound botanical knowledge wasn’t the only reason he could achieve great success with the Devil’s Claw in his previous life; it was also supported by his exceptional medical expertise.
Rebecca was well aware of this fact.
Eustaf studied Rebecca carefully.
It didn’t matter where she had learned about him. What mattered was her ability.
The sharpness he had noticed when first meeting her had not been a mistake. She wasn’t Julian’s secret lover or a subordinate. If anything, it was Julian who might be on that side.
“As my father always said, knowing which side to align with is the key to success.”
Eustaf bowed quickly after confirming where he should place himself.
“Just give the orders. How shall I serve you?”
“Would this position be comfortable for you? Is this not uncomfortable?”
Julian watched Eustaf, who was examining Rebecca from all angles, with a sullen expression.
Since she had arrived, he had rushed the servants to get her ready. After finally seeing her in an outfit he liked, he hurried toward the reception room—but the Rebecca who would have greeted him brightly wasn’t there.
Since giving Julian a formal greeting, Rebecca had spoken only with Eustaf.
Moreover, because of that girl, Kanna, who kept staring at him, Julian felt unusually uncomfortable in this situation.
‘I thought she came alone…’
He let out a small sigh and stabbed at his cake with a fork in frustration.
Seeing this, Kanna let out a small laugh, which only made Julian fume.
Meanwhile, Eustaf’s bright voice carried through the room.
“Fortunately, you are recovering well. The size of the blisters is gradually decreasing. At this rate, you should be free from the poisoning before winter comes.”
“Before winter…? Would it be difficult to recover before autumn arrives?”
“It is possible, but…”
“But?”
“May I ask your current weight?”
“Oh… my weight…”
“Eustaf!”
Rebecca was about to answer willingly when Julian, unable to contain himself, shouted. He fixed his gaze on Eustaf’s hand holding Rebecca’s arm.
“If you intend to be rude, I’ll make you pay with your neck.”
Despite the rather harsh threat, Eustaf raised his head with composure.
“Rude? What are you imagining? As a physician, I am merely trying to assess the patient’s condition.”
“What could I possibly be imagining…”
Julian’s objection drew the attention of everyone in the room, including Rebecca.
Their eyes met, and Julian’s face flushed red.
“Ah…”
Rebecca, slightly blushing, quickly looked away.
Reading the unusual tension between them, Eustaf raised his lips with interest.
“Hmm. So that’s how things are between you two. Now I’m quite curious what the Duke was imagining.”
“Macfin, if you keep that up, the moment you leave the Duke’s castle, you might just leave this world too,”
Croa raised one eyebrow, giving Eustaf a warning disguised as a joke.
Eustaf cleared his throat and fell silent.
Croa glared at the back of his head.
‘The Duke can only tease me. Who does this newcomer think he is!’
Unaware of Croa’s true intentions, Julian was deeply impressed by his loyalty. He decided to reward Croa later today, sending him a look of deep trust.
Despite Julian’s attempts to stop her, Rebecca didn’t hesitate to tell Eustaf her weight.
The revelation shocked not only Eustaf but also Julian, Kanna, and even Croa.
“You really weigh that little? That’s serious. No wonder your recovery has been slower than expected.”
“Is it that serious?”
“You often felt dizzy and had difficulty breathing. After taking the Devil’s Claw, you also started sleeping more.”
“Yes, that’s true. I thought it was normal…”
“That’s all because your body is weak. To recover by autumn, Rebecca, you need to start gaining weight immediately. Your nutritional state is terrible. Your weight is even less than a young debutante who hasn’t had her first performance yet.”
“I’ve been trying to eat more recently, though…”
“You need to eat even more. Drink water frequently. I’ll recommend foods that are excellent for nutrition.”
Eustaf tore a sheet of paper and began listing foods, even jotting down brief recipes.
Rebecca looked up from his quick movements, catching the sharp gaze of the others. Julian, Kanna, and Croa were all staring at her.
“Why… why are you all looking at me like that?”
Julian was the first to speak.
“You’re so thin. This is all my fault. Eustaf, give me that list of foods.”
Kanna immediately reached for it too.
“No, this is my responsibility. Macfin, give me the paper. I’ll make sure Rebecca gains weight properly.”
“Don’t forget who your employer is, right?”
Julian smiled, pressing Eustaf’s shoulder firmly.
Eustaf cried out in protest.
“Why… why are you all doing this?!”
“Macfin, many in the Duke’s house are weak, so I have expertise in nutrition. How about adding a dish made from octopus? It may look strange, but it’s excellent for restoring vitality.”
Even Croa began contributing ideas to Eustaf’s food list.
A commotion broke out.
Eventually, Eustaf decided to write identical lists for both Kanna and Julian, bringing the chaos to an end. Croa’s suggestions were all incorporated. Croa looked satisfied as he scanned the list.
Julian turned to Rebecca.
“All right, Rebecca. Special training starts now. Let’s eat immediately. Five meals a day—or rather, ten.”
Kanna quickly countered.
“Rebecca, you should go home and eat. Your father will prepare excellent dishes for you.”
“What nonsense. The Duke’s chefs outnumber yours, so eating here allows you to try a wider variety of dishes.”
“Are you disregarding Theo Obelia’s cooking?”
“What? When did I ever say that…”
Julian and Kanna started bickering again.
Rebecca sighed, but didn’t dislike the commotion entirely.
“Enough, both of you. This could go on forever. Let’s send one of the Duke’s chefs to the Obelia estate. How does that sound?”
Croa stepped in to mediate.
“That would be best. You won’t be visiting here frequently anyway. Thank you, Croa.”
Rebecca quickly expressed her gratitude.
Seeing her agree, Julian and Kanna reluctantly nodded, though slightly disappointed.
“If that’s what Rebecca wishes…”
“If that’s what you say…”
Rebecca winked discreetly at Croa.
Croa, who had been exhaling in relief, flinched slightly at her wink.
‘She might not be as bad as I thought…’
No, no.
Croa pushed away the budding fondness he felt for Rebecca. He was certain she was hiding some cunning intent, just as she had tried with naïve Julian.
He shook his head, keeping watch over Julian as he occasionally glanced at the dazed expression on his face as he looked at Rebecca.
He had to remain vigilant to protect the Duke’s household from that sly woman.
He squared his back with a sense of duty.
But his determined expression soon deflated like a balloon losing air.
“Could everyone excuse us for a moment?”
“Eh?”
“I have something to discuss with Julian, alone.”
Rebecca gave Julian a fresh, cheerful smile.
Julian paused for a moment, then smiled and immediately ordered everyone out.
“Didn’t you hear me? Out.”
“But, Duke!”
“Out!”
Croa bit his lip in frustration, watching Rebecca.
Although her beauty had slightly faded due to illness, Julian seemed even more captivated by her.
It wasn’t just her looks; Rebecca was more resourceful than he had expected.
‘Unfortunately, I’ll let this slide for now.’
Julian still needed stability. Too much excitement could make him relapse after just having left his sickbed.
Although strong for someone in the Empire, he was still blood of Duke Johannes. His heart could fail at any moment, so excessive stimulation was forbidden.
“Sigh…”
Croa let out a quiet sigh and led Kanna and Eustaf outside.
“Let’s go get some tea elsewhere.”
Kanna and Eustaf also seemed reluctant, glancing at Rebecca and Julian.
In the end, they followed Croa out of the reception room.
