Chapter 54
“You…”
Verdick opened and closed his mouth, looking lost for words, as though he didn’t know what to do.
Honestly, I wasn’t confident either.
If it was already so hard to convince Verdick right in front of me, how could I ever persuade people who knew nothing about mental illness?
“…Then I’ll go with you.”
“What?”
I stared at him blankly, surprised by the unexpected answer.
Meanwhile, Verdick quickly moved to the desk, pulled out paper, and started writing.
“If they find out I let you go there alone, they’ll only worry more. I’ll send a message to our teacher.”
“…”
“And I’ll prepare the carriage. Tell the young lord to wait a little.”
I was stunned by how decisive Verdick was.
While I stood speechless, he lifted his head again and added firmly:
“This time, I absolutely won’t let you go alone.”
“…”
Overwhelmed by his determination, I could only nod.
***
Thanks to Verdick’s quick arrangements, before long, we were on the carriage heading to the duke’s house.
But the atmosphere inside was heavy and cold.
It would take over a day of travel, and the silence during the ride was unbearable.
Finally, I glanced at the two and asked awkwardly:
“By the way… what kind of person is this uncle?”
Chade, who had been staring silently out the window, turned his head. After glancing at Verdick, he answered.
“…He’s someone I should be grateful to. Even after Mother passed away, he visited often and took care of us.”
“I see…”
“The problem is… he’s extremely stubborn. Once he decides something, he almost never changes his mind.”
Chade frowned, clearly troubled. Seeing that, I sighed too.
‘Of all people, why does the marquis have to side with Mabel?’
Still, Chade tried to reassure me.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure no harm comes to you. I promise.”
“…Thanks, Chade.”
“I’ve already gathered some information about Mabel. Once he hears it, he’ll come to his senses.”
Even though he must have been confused himself, he smiled at me to ease my worry.
That only made me angrier inside.
‘Why do the children always have to suffer like this?’
I turned my eyes to the window quietly, my thoughts filled with worry for Lily.
‘Please, just be safe, Lily.’
No matter what, when I arrived, I would check on her first.
***
But things didn’t go as I hoped.
The moment we stepped down from the carriage at the duke’s estate, Roman greeted us with a grim face.
“…Roman.”
“The marquis ordered me to bring you and the lady straight to him.”
I hadn’t expected to be summoned so quickly. I glanced nervously at Chade.
He kept his expression calm, staring at the mansion as he asked flatly,
“…Where is my uncle?”
“In the office.”
“Tell him we’ll come right away.”
I quickly spoke up in the gap.
“Um… I’d like to check on Lady Lily’s condition first.”
Roman looked at me with regret.
“…I’m sorry, but the marquis ordered that you be brought as well.”
“Not even a quick visit?”
“He forbade you from meeting her until you’ve spoken with him.”
“…”
I bit my lip, my mind racing. Then I looked at Verdick and spoke quickly.
“Then what about Verdick? He’s just my friend. Surely the marquis didn’t ask for him too.”
“…”
“Please, I beg you. Lady Lily must be very anxious right now…”
Roman’s face showed hesitation.
“…Haah. Very well, I’ll allow it.” He shook his head.
“But be discreet. I’ll keep it from the marquis.”
“Thank you!”
Grateful, I turned to Verdick with urgency.
“Did you hear that? Go to Lily’s annex first. Tell her I’ll come soon, and ask her to stay calm until then.”
“I can’t just leave you—”
“Please. I can’t leave right now. I’m only asking because I’m worried.”
Verdick hesitated, then let out a long sigh.
“…All right.”
“Thank you so much!”
Overjoyed, I jumped and hugged him quickly. Then I patted his shoulder for encouragement and watched him leave with a maid.
‘Good. At least Lily is taken care of for now.’
I turned to Chade with a bright smile.
“Now we can go.”
He smiled back and offered his arm politely.
I placed my hand on it without hesitation.
‘All right then. Let’s see what this great marquis is like.’
***
I had been in the duke’s office several times before, but every time it made me tense.
‘It always feels like being interrogated here.’
I sighed as I entered and saw the man waiting for us.
He had neatly combed light brown hair, clear blue eyes like a lake, and elegant clothes.
A nobleman through and through.
‘So this is Marquis Heres.’
The aura around him was heavy, creating a cold, oppressive atmosphere.
“It’s been a while.”
He watched us enter, then pointed with his chin for us to sit.
Chade and I silently took our seats across from him.
“So, your little trip was quite long.”
“…”
“Have you nothing to say for yourself?”
Chade let out a quiet sigh before replying.
“As you may have heard, both Lily and I owe this young lady a great deal. So please, speak with me first, and leave her out of it.”
The marquis scoffed.
“Owe a debt to a girl with no proper license? I’d like to hear just what sort of debt that was.”
“I can explain—” I began, but he cut me off.
“I wasn’t asking you, Chade.”
Then he turned his sharp gaze on me.
“Well? Tell me. How exactly did you trick my nephews and niece? And don’t bother with fancy words. I won’t be swayed, so stick to the facts.”
“…”
His hostility made me fidget with my hands.
‘I expected this, but… he looks like he won’t listen to a word I say.’
Still, I bit my lip and steadied myself.
If I backed down now, it would all be over.
If I wanted to protect Lily, I had to prove my methods were right.
“First, may I ask how much you know about Lady Lily’s illness?”
“I receive regular reports about her condition. I know well enough how she should be treated.”
“I see. Then you must know she suffers from emotional instability. If she’s left in isolation under such conditions—”
But I couldn’t finish.
It was like I had pressed his trigger. The marquis suddenly raised his voice.
“Emotional instability? Ha! A member of the duke’s family cannot be weak from such trivial nonsense! And even commoners know you must never let the sick wander outside carelessly!”
Then he jabbed a finger at me, shouting louder.
“A little girl without even a license dared to act above her station, dragged Chade away, and left a sick child alone? You call that a doctor?”
“Uncle, please. Let me explain. Just calm down—”
“Silence!”
His roar nearly shook the room. Chade’s desperate words were drowned out.
Then suddenly—thump!—a thick bundle of papers dropped to the floor at Chade’s feet.
The knights nearby moved forward in alarm to protect him.
But Chade raised a hand calmly, signaling them to stop.
“Do you even know the state of the duke’s household right now?”
“…That’s what I’d like to ask. What happened to make you act this way?”
The marquis stared at him with disdain and replied,
“First, pick up those papers at your feet.”
