AFRPR 61

Episode 61

Lennox calmly explained what had happened so far.

“I happened to get a tip. And since the imperial family owed me a favor because of the holy relic issue, the conversation went smoothly.”

“So the existing relic was proven fake?”

“The temple doesn’t want to admit it, but once the imperial family had doubts, it was over.”

Lennox gave a sly smile.

“Thanks to that, I’ve been given full authority to investigate Count Bellonsa.”

“……”

“Just so you don’t misunderstand, I have no intention of going easy on the Count.”

Count guilty of tax evasion?

That wasn’t in the original story.

The Count Estelle knew was greedy, yes—
but in neither the present nor the future did he evade taxes.

Why would he bother, when Estelle was the one bringing in the money?

The Count did complain about needing money, but that was just whining. So if he got arrested…

It was probably Lennox’s doing.

Getting a tip like that by coincidence? Impossible.

Estelle stared at Lennox.
His normally neat hair was messy,
and his pure white gloves had splatters of dark red.

Noticing her gaze, Lennox quietly took off the gloves and shoved them into his pocket.

“I must look rough from rushing over. Is it bad?”

He touched his hair awkwardly.

“Huh? No, you look the same as usual—no, actually, even better.”

Lennox didn’t look satisfied, so Estelle quickly added that last part.
Only then did he seem reassured.

But why was he reassured?

Estelle had worried how to face him after her ability to handle Magi was revealed—
but the situation kept taking unexpected turns, distracting her from her fear.

“Estelle, I don’t care what kind of person you are.”

“Me too!”

“What matters is that you’re my wife right now.”

“Me too! Even if I can’t be Mom’s boyfriend, what matters is she’s my mom!”

Duren shouted as if he’d made an important decision.

“Duren, do you even know what your dad’s talking about?”

“Yeah! That he loves you!”

Duren’s eyes curved like crescent moons. So cute that Estelle’s lips softened too.

Pffft.

She laughed out loud, though it made her want to cry for some reason.

I haven’t done anything for him…

But Duren loved her with his whole being, and it made her emotional.

“Mom loves you so, so much too.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

She hugged Duren tightly, breathing in the mix of soap and his own warm scent—
her favorite smell.

“Your Grace, thank you for everything.”

“I only did what I had to. And keeping that conversation from that day a secret is also my job, so I will.”

Estelle’s arms tightened around Duren.

“I haven’t told anyone. And I never will.”

She couldn’t ask for details in front of Duren,
but she understood exactly what Lennox meant.

He’s saying he’ll pretend not to know my secret.

Her heart thudded.

“…Thank you. Truly.”

“For now, just rest. I’ll be staying in the capital until you recover.”

Lennox then beckoned to Duren.

“Mom’s tired. Come here.”

“Mmm…”

“I’ll carry you instead.”

“Hmmm…”

Seeing Duren hesitate, Lennox offered a special deal.

“I’ll read you the MiniMew storybook.”

“Dark Lord!”

“Yes, and I’ll even do the Dark Lord’s voice.”

“I’ll be PinkMeow!”

“Sure. Beat up the Dark Lord all you want.”

His half-resigned tone made Estelle laugh again.

“I want to watch too.”

“That’s… a bit…”

“Mom can be Queen Berry!”

Duren dashed off to get the book himself.

“I won’t laugh too much.”

“…Please do.”

Duren returned, and under his strict direction, Lennox’s performance began.

“So, it’s you again, PinkMeow.”

“No, no! Dad! Make it more evil!”

“Isn’t it already evil?”

“It’s just scary!”

Lennox’s expression clearly said, Isn’t scary enough?,
but he stayed silent and focused on acting.

He cleared his throat, trying for maximum villainy.

“So, it’s you again, PinkMeow.”

“Bad Dark Lord! PinkMeow Punch!”

“That’s not in the script.”

“PinkMeow Punch!”

“…Ugh. Strong… PinkMeow.”

“Hahaha!”

Duren laughed heartily. Estelle had to stifle her own laughter.

“Pfft.”

The cheerful voices lingered—
though the peace didn’t last long.

Count Bellonsa was released.

He limped out of the palace, supported by imperial knights.

“Father! Are you all right?”

Matthias rushed over.

As he tried to help, he stepped back—
he’d never seen his father in such a miserable state.

Unwashed, smelling unpleasant…

“Ma… tthias.”

“Yes? Oh—let me help you.”

Though reluctant, Matthias put his father’s arm over his shoulder.

“The Duke is definitely protecting Estelle.”

“……”

“Whether it’s her looks or her fortune, he wants her for himself.”

The Count muttered, eyes bloodshot.

“He wants to monopolize her. If Estelle dies before the marriage contract ends, the Duke inherits her wealth. A perfect deal for him.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“The remaining contract period is too disadvantageous for us. Damn that special clause…”

Ignoring his son, the Count continued muttering.
Even Matthias thought he sounded crazy, so he kept quiet.

They rode back to the estate—only to find it in chaos.

The Count’s legs gave out.

“The imperial knights took everything valuable.”

If Matthias wasn’t holding him up, he would’ve fallen.
He wanted to smack his son for saying We’re ruined so casually.

“This won’t do.”

They couldn’t just sit still.
The Count’s eyes lit with determination.

“We’ll use that method.”

“That method?”

“Yes, that one.”

A few days later, at the Duke of Winterlen’s mansion…

It was a peaceful afternoon—Duren had eaten well, played happily with his parents and aunt, and was napping in the sunlight.

Then the mansion suddenly became noisy.

“Estelle! Estelle!”

An uninvited guest was looking for her.

Lennox frowned.

“Another peddler?”

He thought things had quieted down after Estelle stopped her sponsorships.

“I told you not to let people like that in. Do I have to deal with them myself?”

“Your Grace, it’s not that…”

“Throw him out.”

But Pippin’s expression was odd.

“My lady said she wants to meet this guest personally.”

“What? Estelle?”

“Yes. It’s just that…”

As soon as Pippin explained, Lennox rushed to the parlor.

There, Estelle was already facing the guest—
a middle-aged man with teary eyes.

“Estelle, I finally found you.”

Her tone was cold, though her expression looked unsettled—
like someone about to have their weakness exposed.

“Please state exactly who you are.”

The man’s voice trembled.

“I’m… your father.”