Chapter 53
“Ah, so it was something like that.”
Regina nodded. The House of Marquis Sibyl was one of several noble families that had been keeping the Baluar family in check.
In the past, the family had virtually no presence, but over the past decade or so, through business and inter-territorial exchanges, they had gradually gained influence and now held significant weight in high society.
Part of this influence came from the fact that the marquisate’s eldest daughter, Marita, had become a strong candidate for the crown prince’s fiancée—possibly a future in-law to the imperial family.
“But of all families, it had to be the Sibyls…”
Unlike the Marquis of Riond, who had blatantly mocked the Baluar duchy’s founder for being of common birth, or the Earl of Finbrea, who spread absurd rumors that Baluar was a barren, unlivable land—the Sibyl family had never openly slandered Baluar.
“Who would’ve thought they were plotting to defame us behind the scenes.”
Even after uncovering the culprits behind the curse after such a long struggle, Regina didn’t feel joy. If anything, the realization that an unexpected family was behind it only added to her confusion.
Was this truly the work of the Sibyl family alone? Could there be no connections to the other houses? Doubts swirled in her mind.
“But something feels off,”
Just as she was about to lose herself in thought, the shaman spoke up. Regina immediately responded.
“What do you mean?”
“This reagent only detects the scent of the person who cast the curse directly. It has nothing to do with whoever ordered it. In other words, the curse wasn’t outsourced to a shaman—it was performed internally, by someone from the family. Or they doused the shaman in the same scent.”
“…!”
His point was valid. Regina slowly smiled, pleased at having obtained unexpectedly useful information.
She had a feeling that some investigation into the Sibyl family would uncover useful weaknesses.
“Oh, is that so…”
Being caught using sorcery meant at minimum a prison sentence, or even the death penalty depending on the severity—according to imperial law.
There had once been noble families that secretly employed shamans, but after a string of incidents, the imperial family had begun enforcing strict punishments. Since then, no one had dared dabble in the occult.
If it came to light that the Marquis of Sibyl had not only used sorcery but curses, the most forbidden type, the scandal would be enormous.
“I can’t let this go. What’s done to us will be repaid in full—that is the rule of Baluar.”
* * *
Back in the present, Regina sternly warned Miela and Istin—sharing the information she had learned from the shaman a few days earlier.
Miela, who had been buzzing with excitement over the upcoming Founding Festival, suddenly looked very serious.
“I’ll remember everything you said, Lady Regina. So we need to be careful of the Sibyl family at the ball, right? If I spot them, I’ll run away, even from a distance! Oh—but I don’t really know what they look like…”
“It’s not the Count family, but the Marquis. Be wary of them, but don’t worry too much. I will expose their sins and make sure they pay the proper price.”
Yurhan, normally calm and composed, was unusually sharp and coarse with his words—as if venting years of pent-up anger at a long-time rival.
Then Miela called out boldly in a steady voice.
“Got it. I trust in you and Lady Regina!”
“Miela, you can trust me too. I’ll protect you from the Sibyls,”
Istin added immediately, looking slightly hurt that Miela hadn’t mentioned him.
“Of course I trust you too, Titi!”
“What’s that look for? You seem unsure.”
“No way! I’ll stick right by your side the whole time in the capital!”
“Okay, promise?”
Seemingly satisfied with her answer, Istin smiled faintly. Meanwhile, Miela was already thinking to herself:
“Is there anything I can do to help the Baluar family?”
Unfortunately, in the original story, the identity of the person who cursed Istin was never revealed. That meant this was the first time Miela found out the Sibyl family was behind it. Regrettably, she couldn’t think of a way to punish them just yet.
“It’s fine. Once I get to the capital and spend some time there, I’m sure I’ll come up with something.”
Though disappointed in herself for not being of much help, Miela didn’t stay down for long. She soon picked herself up and stood.
* * *
Two days later, the Duke of Baluar household was busy preparing to leave their estate for their townhouse in the capital.
“Um… should I bring this too…?”
Miela held a soft cushion tightly against her chest. She needed it to rest comfortably—without it, her back would hurt. A maid smiled warmly and shook her head.
“No, young lady. There’s no need. The townhouse should have just about everything you need. And it’s not like you’re leaving here for good. Just bring what’s necessary or things you absolutely need to carry with you.”
Despite the advice, choosing what to take was still difficult. She’d only lived here for about half a year, yet somehow accumulated quite a few belongings. She suddenly recalled how she had tried to bring every little thing with her when she first came to the duchy.
After some hesitation, Miela made a decision.
“Okay. I’ll just take a few keepsakes that remind me of Mom… and leave the rest.”
A surprisingly firm choice for someone usually sentimental like Miela.
“I’ll be back soon anyway. No need to be too wistful.”
Even though it hadn’t been a full year, she had already grown deeply attached to the duke’s estate. Just leaving it briefly made her feel a little emotional.
“Miela, are you all set? Think carefully—did you forget anything?”
Just before departure, Regina, dressed in her traveling clothes, called out to her.
“Yes, I’m ready! I don’t think I forgot anything. Probably.”
“Good. Then let’s head out. We’re meeting by the teleportation circle in the lobby.”
“W-Wait a second. Aren’t we taking a carriage?”
At Miela’s surprised question, Regina tilted her head.
“That was the plan. But the capital is quite far from here. So I had the teleportation circle upgraded recently, so we can travel without scrolls—it’s much more convenient.”
Now she understood why a mage had been summoned to repair the magic circle a few days ago—Regina had planned it all.
Miela marveled at the duchess’s foresight.
“This’ll be my first time using a teleportation circle! I read in a book that it feels like being sucked into a swamp of light. Is that true?”
Regina gently cautioned the overly excited girl.
“Don’t get your hopes too high. Even with the upgrades, you still get motion sickness while traveling.”
When they reached the circle, Istin was already there waiting. He extended his hand toward Miela.
“It might be scary, so let’s go in together—stay close.”
“What? Nah, I’m not scared at all! I’m actually super excited!”
Istin raised an eyebrow at her oblivious enthusiasm.
“The truth is… I’m scared. So hold my hand, Miela.”
He had used magic circles countless times before without flinching. Lying through his teeth was even easier.
And once again, Miela fell for it.
“Oh! You should’ve said so sooner! Here—take my hand.”
The moment the circle activated, a white light engulfed the entire Baluar family.
Her body jolted slightly, and she squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened them again…
“Wow! So this is the townhouse? It’s amazing!”
Though about the size of a villa, it had everything—from a garden to a grand banquet hall.
“Is it because this is the imperial capital? Look at all the tiny buildings outside! And there are so many people walking around!”
The Baluar townhouse was located just slightly off the main urban district.
If one looked out from the third-floor window, they could even see the city center and the distant imperial palace—tiny like a fingernail.
Miela, without even unpacking, was completely absorbed in staring out the window.
