Chapter 29
On the terrace of Belita Palace.
Belita was pacing around the room, nervously biting her nails. Suddenly, she shot a glare at Benjamin, who was sitting across from her.
“Do I really have to just sit here and take this?”
Belita growled in frustration.
“And if you don’t sit still? If you make a useless fuss, you’ll only fall out of Father’s favor.”
Benjamin gave advice while looking at his immature younger sister.
“That arrogant daughter of Clasid must have done something. Otherwise, why would Emmet suddenly start digging through the budget records? Don’t you think?”
“…Maybe. But Belita, aren’t you being too sensitive? She’s only six years old.”
“I didn’t like the look in her eyes from the start.”
In the history of Roberk, every direct descendant had red eyes.
Hair color sometimes varied, but the bright blood-red eyes, like garnets, were proof of being a Roberk.
They were a sign of being born with a mana heart—the heart of a powerful mage—manifested through their eyes.
But.
Lilia had pink hair, and on top of that, eyes of a color no one had ever seen before.
Like tender light-green leaves in spring.
Or fresh green grapes glistening with dew.
They were the exact same color as her mother Serna’s eyes.
Belita hated Lilia, who looked exactly like Serna.
“…Anyway, Emmet must have already reported everything to Father. Strange that we haven’t been summoned yet.”
Belita forced a smirk, though inside she was nervous.
“You’ve done more than one or two questionable things. He’s not the kind of man to call you in just to scold you for each of them. Be careful. If you act foolishly, you might suddenly fall hard.”
Benjamin brushed off his clothes and stood up.
“I should go spend some time with my family.”
Belita looked up at him with a twisted expression.
“Ugh, how disgusting. Anyone would think you truly care about your family.”
The two siblings looked at each other with contempt and disgust.
“Why don’t you go stay with your husband and child instead?”
“I can’t. I’m still undergoing treatment. If something goes wrong and it affects our dear prince… I might actually end up facing a divorce this time.”
Benjamin shook his head, thinking that even living like trash required a certain kind of talent.
“By the way, it’s been quite a while since our eldest brother went to the imperial capital. When is he coming back?”
Benjamin shrugged.
“How would I know about someone who rarely shows himself?”
“Really? Then I suppose, as his aunt, I should have a little talk with Roberk’s only eldest grandson.”
“Conrad?”
“Yes. Children’s fights should be settled between children of the same level.”
Belita’s face brightened instantly, and she waved at Benjamin.
“I’ll be going first, dear brother!”
Click.
As the door closed, Benjamin muttered the words he hadn’t said to her face.
“Crazy bitch.”
After finishing a meeting in the aide’s office, Emmet bowed to the person he met outside.
“Young Master Conrad. What brings you here?”
“Is Grandfather inside?”
“Yes, he said he would soon take a walk in the rear garden.”
“Then I will wait until he returns.”
Just then, the Duke stepped out of his office and walked toward the aide’s room.
“Hm, what brings that cold fellow here on his own?”
“Grandfather.”
“Judging by that look, do you have something to ask of me?”
“Pardon? No. I simply wanted to take a walk with you.”
“Very well, let’s walk. The night air is quite cool.”
The Duke led the way, and Conrad followed, linking arms with him.
“You rascal. Why are you acting in ways you never do?”
“Just because, Grandfather.”
As they entered the rear garden, Vladimir glanced at his eldest grandson walking silently beside him.
Perhaps because he resembled him, Conrad was known for being cold and reserved.
He focused only on what lay ahead, endlessly training himself—a true Roberk by blood, strong and steadfast.
He was not overly evil, nor overly good.
A boy suited to power and leadership.
The Duke believed he himself had skillfully avoided leaning too heavily toward good or evil, and so he saw Conrad as a child similar to him.
A person who could become evil when necessary.
And good when necessary.
That was what the master of Roberk needed more than powerful magic.
Strength could be created or obtained when needed, but one’s innate nature was hard to change.
“This season will be the last of your successor training.”
“Yes. I am doing my best not to disappoint you.”
“You have always brought the highest results.”
“You flatter me. I still have many shortcomings.”
Conrad’s lips slightly curved upward at the Duke’s praise.
‘As expected, Grandfather trusts me. Perhaps he’ll tell me to stop this successor training and gain experience in real business.’
Maybe in one of the core enterprises of the great Roberk family—like the Roberk Bank or the magical railway.
As his most favored grandson, surely that much would be possible. Of course, he would begin as an apprentice, but he could rise later.
However, instead of the answer he had hoped for, he heard—
“There is a child who recently entered the main residence.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“You will take care of that child.”
“…Excuse me?”
Conrad’s voice rose in surprise, but he quickly regained composure.
“If you mean someone who recently entered the main residence… whom are you referring to? There are many successor candidates.”
“Hm, have you not heard?”
There seemed to be a silent meaning in the Duke’s gaze—had he not even known this information?
“Yes? Yes, I’ve been busy studying magic theory lately.”
“I will arrange a formal introduction soon. She is your youngest uncle’s daughter. Lilia von Roberk.”
The composure Conrad had been holding finally faltered, and his brows furrowed.
“Lilia von Roberk.”
The girl who occupied the small reception room in the east wing—the one who looked like a beggar.
The weakest among the direct descendants, and without a mother.
She was so insignificant that he had never even bothered to pay attention.
“Yes. Before your successor training begins in earnest, the two of you should go on a field trip together.”
“…A field trip?”
Conrad’s narrow eyes widened for a moment.
“It wouldn’t be fun if you knew where in advance. I’ll have Emmet inform you. For now, just keep that in mind.”
“Yes. I will prepare.”
After finishing their walk, the Duke patted Conrad’s shoulder and returned to the castle first.
Conrad fell into deep thought.
A field trip meant his grandfather was giving him an opportunity.
But telling him to take care of that girl—what nonsense was that?!
He barely restrained himself from shouting and instead hurled a stone violently.
Whoosh.
The stone burst into small flames, crackling as it burned.
“…Oh my, dear nephew. Playing with fire in the middle of the night? Did someone set your heart ablaze?”
Belita crushed the burning stone under her heel and smiled slyly.
“Aunt?”
“Yes, how lovely to see you. I was looking for you.”
Conrad unconsciously frowned. Lovely? She was a woman he avoided on purpose.
“What do you want?”
“Shall we go somewhere and talk?”
Belita brushed off the hem of her nephew’s jacket and smiled sweetly.
Early the next morning.
After devouring scrambled egg toast, fried potatoes, and grilled shrimp delivered from the main residence, Lilia patted her full belly.
“The chef’s cooking is truly a treasure. A restaurant I want to keep secret.”
Happily chewing the last spoonful, Lilia looked at Yupi as she spoke.
“Miss, it’s almost time for your appointment. The carriage is ready. Shall we go? Kiki is still sleeping in the basket—will you be taking him with you?”
