Chapter 54
After finishing her dinner, Cecilia summoned Lady Lennox.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“As you wish.”
Lady Lennox, lowering her head respectfully, waited for Cecilia to continue.
“You mentioned there was an issue at the border area.”
“I received a report saying it’s not a serious problem.”
“But it’s still related to monsters, isn’t it?”
Lady Lennox pressed her lips together, trying to reassure Cecilia, then, after a brief pause, replied slowly:
“…It’s probably a matter you’d want to keep an eye on.”
Cecilia didn’t know the full details either. She only knew that there had been some changes regarding monsters and that the message conveyed was for her to visit the border area earlier to receive a report.
The exact details would be clear once her husband returned, but Lady Lennox seemed to predict that it would be wise not to take the matter lightly.
In fact, this was fortunate. Her words would carry weight.
Cecilia continued, keeping a calm expression.
“We haven’t suffered any direct damage from monsters yet, so I’m not exactly sure. But I think it’s better to be as careful as possible. So, about that…”
She spread a map, which she had borrowed earlier from the archive, across the desk and traced the forest surrounding the castle with her finger.
“I’m thinking of expanding the restricted areas in Vesborun. Not for long—just until we can ensure it’s safe at the border.”
Lady Lennox’s gaze followed the map. She examined the areas Cecilia intended to restrict and let out a short hum of contemplation.
“May I speak frankly?”
“Of course.”
“There might be some who say it’s excessive precaution.”
She added a bitter joke about everyone being careless with safety.
Cecilia recalled the day they had fled in panic to the underground shelter. Such a reaction meant that monsters rarely approached the castle grounds, she thought.
So, any pushback would likely be considered in that context.
‘Although I feel their complacency isn’t good…’
“Besides, since the manufacturing operations are expanding, I don’t think they’d want to cause unnecessary worry,” Lady Lennox continued, even as Cecilia smiled wryly.
“The more restrictions you place, the more vigilant people become.”
“But if it’s serious enough to contact my husband from the border, there’s no harm in being prepared. It’s better to prevent an incident than to deal with it afterward, don’t you think?”
“I agree with Your Highness. But it’s such a conservative group…”
“That’s why I called you.”
Cecilia’s eyes twinkled as she firmly addressed Lady Lennox, who hesitated at the words.
“I don’t intend to make a big demand. Just a few words from you will be enough.”
Her pale green eyes glinted mischievously.
“For example, just suggest that ‘it’s better to refrain from going there for now.’”
Placing her hands side by side on the desk, Cecilia mimed swapping their positions.
“The idea is not to impose restrictions that create anxiety, but to reverse the order. Anxiety naturally brings about restrictions. But there’s no need to instill excessive worry. Just a feeling of ‘Ah, I should be careful’ is enough.”
She tilted her head slightly, narrowing her eyes.
“What do you think?”
Lady Lennox fell into a brief contemplation.
If the people of Lotreben, so stubborn and obsessed with being right, were given a suggestion like this, it would definitely work.
A phrase like ‘for now’ or ‘better to refrain’ would make them alert without feeling forced, creating a naturally cautious atmosphere.
Moreover, the information would come through a servant rather than a superior.
They wouldn’t feel that the Grand Duke or Grand Duchess had imposed the restrictions, but rather that they themselves had noticed and acted on even small hints.
People often resist imposed restrictions, but if it’s something they set for themselves, they are likely to follow it. Some might even feel proud of their caution. Several faces already flickered through Deborah Lennox’s mind.
If the self-imposed restrictions were recognized by the Grand Duke and Duchess, their pride and sense of duty would only grow stronger.
Ultimately, Deborah Lennox had no choice but to respond:
“If the words are chosen carefully, the matter will proceed as the Grand Duchess intends.”
Of course, this required some careful wording.
Cecilia simply nodded, as if unconcerned by such details.
“Good. Then I’ll leave this to you. I’m counting on you.”
As Deborah bowed to accept her mistress’s order, she felt a strange emotion.
The Grand Duchess consistently trusted her abilities and allowed her to make use of them.
Holding sway over the social scene could be tricky—it could give an impression of cunning or provoke suspicion—but here she was, being allowed to utilize it.
As a servant, what better mistress could she hope for?
‘…Probably none.’
Her light purple eyes sparkled as she lowered her head. Determination filled her chest warmly.
While Deborah successfully carried out her instructions, the Grand Duke returned to the castle, looking utterly exhausted.
His return was two days later than last month.
The Grand Duchess rushed to him with a worried expression, and after a brief greeting, the first thing the Grand Duke did was secretly summon two trusted knights.
“Sir Ayer, and Sir Nodin.”
Embers from the fireplace leapt wildly.
Trying to lighten the heavy mood, the curly-haired knight fussed:
“Why so serious all of a sudden? Speak freely!”
The rigid, attentive knight glared sharply, but Marcus Nodin paid no mind, smiling as if ready to play along.
Behind the fireplace, Yuli spoke in a heavy, grave tone:
“The Grand Duchess discovered that I had ‘mutated.’”
“…Oh.”
“It’s been a while since she found out. But she didn’t know the bear was me. I met her occasionally, but that’s not the point.”
Marcus’ expression clearly showed: ‘If this isn’t the important part, what is?’
Rarely at a loss for words, he turned to his companion.
Dylan Ayer, too, stared at their lord in shock.
Fortunately, he wasn’t the only one surprised.
Shaking his head, Dylan mulled over the shocking news.
“And a few days ago, the Grand Duchess, coming to meet the ‘mutated’ me, was attacked by monsters.”
The news hit him even harder.
Reflexively, Marcus raised his hands, stopping Yuli’s words, clutching his bewildered head.
“Wait, wait! …When are you talking about? The Grand Duchess—she hadn’t gone out…”
She had, dammit! She always changed into her usual outfit when leaving the city, so he had no idea.
‘She actually went out to meet our lord.’
Marcus’ mind tangled in confusion: the punishment he might receive, the Grand Duchess’ safety, and why the Grand Duke was only now revealing this.
Until now, being unaware of this fact meant he had neglected his duty.
Losing his words, Marcus turned pale. Dylan, on the other hand, quickly regained composure and asked:
“She went out without guards, so it must have been difficult to respond immediately.”
“I happened to cross paths with her at the right moment… that is, the bear—me.”
“But… the dates don’t seem to match?”
Dylan calculated quickly, worried. The Grand Duchess should have been in her human form on the day she went out earlier than usual.
He wondered whether to feel relieved that she had been rescued in time, or anxious that there had been some anomaly in the curse until now.
