Chapter 42:
“Even Estein, when he was little like you, touched this carnivorous plant and ended up with blood, just like you.”
For a moment, Lizzina saw the image of young Estein overlap with the current Miella.
By the way, the sap of carnivorous plants contains substances that prevent blood clotting, which is why, if left untreated, blood does not stop easily. Eventually, she called for the butler to bring a healing potion.
“My Lady, I have brought what you requested.”
A short while later, the butler, Gray, entered with the potion. He appeared the same as always, but Miella couldn’t help but feel that he looked a little worn out.
‘Could the potion also help restore his vitality?’
With just a drop of the potion, the small cut on her fingertip was instantly healed.
Miella hesitated, holding the remaining potion bottle in her hand. If it was effective, she wanted to offer some to Gray as well. He had just been reporting to Lizzina about the major and minor affairs of the duchy.
“Considering the damage the grain in the storage suffered from pests around this time last year, I’ve already stocked charcoal and insect repellent in advance. Also, as you ordered previously, I’ve investigated and documented cases where the villagers have faced financial hardship due to accidents or illnesses. We plan to provide grain assistance to them.”
“Good work. But, Gray… are you feeling unwell? Your eyes don’t seem to be focusing properly.”
It wasn’t only Miella who noticed something odd about Gray. The Duchess paused mid-report and looked at the butler with sharp eyes. Surprised by the direct question, Gray looked flustered.
“What?”
“Don’t try to hide it. After all the years I’ve known you, you think I wouldn’t notice if something was different?”
Gray reluctantly confessed the truth under Lizzina’s pressing gaze.
“…That’s correct. I can’t hide anything from you, my Lady. Heh. Actually, recently, my vision has become blurry. I’m sorry for not reporting it sooner. I thought it was just a temporary issue or perhaps a misunderstanding. No… maybe I was hoping it was just that.”
Although Gray’s expression remained calm as always, there was sadness and anxiety in his eyes.
It wasn’t just the vision loss. He could feel his body weakening in an instant. That made Lizzina’s expression turn serious as well.
“I believe you mentioned it was a family trait, didn’t you? You must have expected this to some extent.”
“Cough, yes. It’s a hereditary condition. I suppose I should hand over the position of chief butler to Dayton and retire from active service.”
Gray forced a bitter smile. His family had served the Valuar Duke’s house for generations, and he took great pride in that fact, so the prospect of retiring was understandably difficult.
“It’s a very old story, but I’ve heard our ancestors were once known as superhumans.”
This was due to their exceptional physical abilities, which far surpassed ordinary humans. However, despite their remarkable traits, due to their isolated nature, only a handful remained, and they were at risk of extinction.
At that time, the first Duke of Valuar had done them a great favor, and the family swore an oath to serve the Duke forever.
“Have you ever resented it? Being bound to Valuar in such a way?”
The sudden question from the Duchess made Gray respond immediately, without hesitation.
“No, I have no regrets about dedicating my life to Valuar. The oath for those of our bloodline is as important as life itself. As you already know, my Lady.”
“I see.”
Lizzina lowered her gaze, appearing calm, but deep down, she felt conflicted. Even someone as indifferent as her couldn’t help but feel bad about sending away a servant who had been with her for so long.
She remembered how much help Gray had been when she first took charge of the Valuar household.
“I will make sure to give you a proper retirement package. But what will you do after retiring?”
“Originally, I had thought about tending a small garden, but… I believe I will need to focus on my health instead.”
Gray’s expression grew somber. It was a common sentiment among those of his kind. They possessed abilities far superior to ordinary humans, but once their powers faded, they aged at an accelerated rate.
As they aged, they became weaker than ordinary people of the same age, and soon, death would be imminent.
“I’m just grateful I’ve been able to hold this position until now.”
Gray murmured quietly, looking terribly lonely. The thought of leaving the position he had held for his entire life saddened him. He didn’t even know what to live for anymore.
As the butler left the room, the atmosphere in the greenhouse grew heavy and quiet.
‘What should I do? The butler looks really sad. Is there any way I can help him?’
In the silence, Miella quietly glanced around. Lizzina briefly explained for Miella’s sake.
“Oh, you didn’t know? Gray and Dayton come from the bloodline of superhumans, and they’ve been serving the Valuar family for generations. Once Gray retires, Dayton will take over as chief butler.”
However, contrary to what Lizzina expected, Miella already knew all about it.
That was because she had heard much about the Valuar family from Stephanie in the past. It was just that the details about the butler were only mentioned once or twice in passing, so she didn’t immediately recall them.
‘Hmm, I’m sure Mom mentioned something about the butler, too…’
Miella closed her eyes and quickly retraced her memories, sifting through the many stories of novels to remember the original story that formed the backdrop of this world.
Among those memories, there was indeed information about superhumans.
“Ah, you must be feeling quite sad about it. You’ve probably seen Gray a lot in the villa, so it’s only natural. But don’t be too upset. As the little Duchess, you’ll meet and say goodbye to many more people in the future.”
Seeing Lizzina’s expression, Miella misunderstood. It seemed as though tears were about to form in her eyes between her soft brown lashes.
She gently patted Miella’s shoulder, who was deep in thought, trying to help the butler.
‘Ah, thank goodness. I just remembered!’
Suddenly, Miella’s eyes brightened, and she carefully spoke to Lizzina.
“Excuse me, Lizzina. I have something I’d like to tell you.”
“Of course, go ahead.”
“I think I can help Gray, the butler.”
“What? Really?”
Lizzina raised an eyebrow in surprise at Miella’s unexpected statement. Miella replied confidently.
“Yes. I just remembered something my mother told me.”
“…!”
Lizzina instantly recalled something she had forgotten. Miella had inherited the bloodline of a prophet.
Her face became attentive, and she urged Miella to continue.
“Go on, Miella.”
“Gray is a descendant of superhumans, right? So….”
What Miella revealed was truly surprising!
It wasn’t just a way to help Gray. She could actually solve the hereditary illness that had plagued his family for generations.
And the solution wasn’t even that difficult. To the Duchess, it seemed quite simple.
“…You may not believe it, but it’s true. Please, do everything you can to help the butler.”
When Miella finished, she nervously glanced at Lizzina, remembering how hard it had been for her to believe Miella’s earlier claim about breaking Estein’s curse. She worried that Lizzina might not believe her once again.
“I see. I understand, Miella. I will immediately tell my subordinates to find what you mentioned.”
But Lizzina’s response was quite different from Miella’s expectations. Without hesitation, she nodded and agreed right away.
Miella, shocked by the sudden agreement, jumped up from her seat.
“Really? You believe me?”
“Of course. It’s you, Miella. If you say it, I trust it.”
From breaking Estein’s curse to now, Lizzina’s trust in Miella had grown much stronger.
Realizing this, Miella felt a lump form in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes.
“Th-thank you, Lizzina.”
“Oh, no. I should be the one thanking you. How is it that a child so intelligent and kindhearted exists?”
