HRNGDS 82

~Chapter 82~

Jerian frowned.

“Kassen must be feeling threatened. The Rikeion family, which he thought was his strong support, is no longer on his side.”

“So, you’re saying he’s rushing to kill you?”

“Yeah. If I die, he can completely take the Fuat Duchy for himself.”

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

Leila still didn’t know that Kassen was trying to kill Jerian.

“No proof. A wizard must think logically. If I look ahead, all I’d be doing is stirring up trouble between my brother and the family. If I wanted to act, I’d need real evidence that he’s been using black magic.”

At that moment, Jerian’s eyes shone with the same sharpness he had when healthy.
He was the same cynical wizard with a critical view of the world, though Delphina noticed he was holding back his usual temper.

He clearly wanted to punch Kassen right now but was restraining himself.

Jerian was thinking about the people who would be left after his death.

“And I’ll probably die. If my family sees the evidence I gathered only after I’m gone, and learns that Kassen killed me—what difference will it make?”

“You’re telling me now for a reason, aren’t you?”

“Yeah. I’m worried that after I’m gone, my brother won’t leave you alone. He might use the same power he used on me to harm you. At that point, you could be sure it’s black magic… but I wouldn’t be there to help you anymore.”

“…”

“When our parents return from the Imperial Capital, my brother will inherit the Duchy. They already know I can’t hold on much longer.”

Jerian’s face darkened.

“My symptoms seem connected to the foul power once called black magic. The temple calls it ‘corruption.’ But even if Kassen did use it, there’s no way to stop it.”

Even suspecting Kassen was the cause, Jerian couldn’t stop him—there was no certain proof.

Delphina asked, “So you just let it happen?”

“I’ve thought about killing him. But I’m not even sure that would cure me. And I couldn’t do something like that for my parents’ sake.”

Delphina sighed lightly. Like the Duke and Duchess of Fuat, Jerian had his soft spots. But she also understood his position—there was only suspicion, no proof.

Just then, Jerian coughed violently.

“Cough! Khh—!”

Blood stained his hand, and his face went pale. His condition had worsened in an instant.

After regaining himself, Jerian continued,

“To be honest… I suspected you’d already been touched by black magic. Otherwise, I can’t understand why someone as smart as you liked my brother.”

“…”

“And I couldn’t understand why you still cared for the Rikeion family after they treated you so badly.”

“Jerian.”

“So it’s dangerous, Delphina. If I die, that corruption might come after you next. My brother wants you—no matter if you’re happy now, he’ll bring you to his side.”

Delphina looked at the system window above her.

<The god Frad is enraged by the foul power threatening his apostle.>

From Frad’s reaction, Delphina knew Jerian’s fear wasn’t just paranoia.

Am I… the apostle they’re talking about? Since when?

She had never agreed to be Frad’s apostle. But thinking about it now, it made sense—after all the quests and labor, she couldn’t be a “nobody” to him.

Delphina felt wronged.

Since when have I been your apostle, Lord Frad?

<He says he’ll reward you according to your work.>

‘I am your apostle starting today, Lord Frad.’

<The god Frad is impressed by his apostle’s quick change of stance.>

Delphina could already guess what would happen.

If Jerian dies, the next target will be me. Kassen failed last time but still has the power to threaten me.

It was a shame for Jerian—his own brother was likely the one who cursed him.

Judging from Frad’s reaction, whether or not it’s truly Kassen, Jerian has definitely been hit by black magic.

In a way, it was almost fortunate—

Because I can heal him.

But it would require a very high-grade dish… and time to make it.

<The god Frad urges you to start cooking right away. At least a B-grade dish is required.>

‘Just B-grade?’ she asked, and the system answered:

<Save Jerian Fuat! He is afflicted by the foul power. To save him, the Saintess and the god’s apostle must work together. Prepare at least a B-grade dish to channel divine power into him. Reward: Jerian Fuat’s grand recovery. Failure: Great danger to Delphina from Kassen’s schemes after becoming Duke.>

Delphina frowned. Like the Grand Madam before, Jerian couldn’t be healed by her power alone.

The black magic on him was stronger than what Alfonso had suffered.

‘But will the Grand Madam be safe? Saving Jerian will delay my trip to the North.’

<The god Frad clicks his tongue at his greedy apostle. He says it’s fine—the North will be safe until winter arrives.>

Relieved, Delphina asked Jerian, “If there was a way for you to be cured, what would you do?”

“A cure? There is none. Do you think I haven’t tried? I used all the Duchy’s resources searching—famous high priests, top physicians in the Empire, even foreign healers. Every single one was a fraud. All they could tell me was that they didn’t know the cause… but that I didn’t have long to live.”

“What would you do if you were cured?”

Jerian’s voice turned sharp.

“I used to think about that often, but I stopped—it’s pointless.”

Delphina met his gaze. Now he felt like the old Jerian again.
The kindness he’d shown earlier didn’t suit him—in fact, it gave her chills.