Chapter 10
Of course, if I were in Lady Odilon’s position, I wouldn’t send my child into this kind of chaotic family either.
So I had no intention of criticizing her decision—or of trying to reconnect with her.
Still, this situation was troublesome.
‘We might actually run into each other.’
It wasn’t like there had been a major falling out, but she was definitely someone I’d rather not face.
However, my ultimate goal was to destroy Xavier’s slave trading network. And to do that, I needed Lady Odilon.
She was the one who could lend me power.
‘Well, I’m sure Xavier’s already allied with some high-ranking nobles…’
But looking at it another way, if those nobles sensed danger, they might cut ties with him immediately to save themselves. Xavier was replaceable, after all.
In other words, if I played this right, he’d be left isolated—forced to take all the blame alone.
“For that bastard to fall, I need at least one strong ally.”
Charging in without a plan would be too dangerous.
I didn’t even know which noble families were involved in the auction yet. For now, winning Lady Odilon’s cooperation was the most efficient and certain move.
‘And conveniently, she’s planning to divorce her husband soon.’
If things went well, she could even use this scandal as solid grounds for her divorce.
Slave trading was a serious crime in the Empire, after all.
In a way, we could both help each other—mutual benefit, a clear give-and-take.
“But still… something feels off.”
Just as Matthias had said, the distance between the Tenth District and here was enormous.
There was no way high nobles would personally go down there. They must’ve brought the slaves up themselves for sale.
‘Then… the slavers might be looking for Matthias right now.’
Tch. That was bad.
If they’d called him a “top-grade product,” that meant he was valuable.
Of course they’d search for him if he suddenly vanished.
‘Ugh, I didn’t think about that.’
I’d been so focused on the debt issue that I hadn’t properly considered Matthias’s safety.
I’d just thought, I’ll bring him home and protect him. That was it.
So far, only Sofia had seen him since his room was right next to mine—but until Xavier was dealt with, I needed to be extra careful.
“This one’s on me.”
Should I assign a guard to him? No… the mansion was already stretched thin.
Several knights and servants had left, and I couldn’t rely on the remaining house guards too much.
After thinking for a while, I decided to start with something basic but important.
‘I should teach him reading and writing.’
Communication was crucial in emergencies.
He could talk, but his speech was still awkward—and he seemed embarrassed to express himself.
He was strong but didn’t really know how to use that strength properly… maybe I should at least teach him some basic self-defense.
‘A cleaner education than what those damned nobles give.’
And I definitely wouldn’t teach him anything strange.
Just as I was making that firm promise to myself, Sofia burst into the room, slightly out of breath.
“My lady! If you have a moment, please come to the room quickly.”
“The room? Why?”
Sofia looked troubled.
“Sir Matthias… he’s a little agitated.”
“What?”
Who?
At that same time.
While I was rushing over, the doctor Sofia had called—Enoch Franz—was already there, looking utterly baffled.
‘Good grief.’
He’d been summoned urgently, so he’d expected an emergency… but not this.
“Get out.”
Enoch stared at the beast in front of him, its fur bristling as it bared its teeth.
The creature—Matthias—glared at him from the corner of the room, radiating hostility so thick it was almost physical.
If Enoch took even a step closer, he’d likely be bitten.
“Heh…”
Not that Enoch had done anything wrong.
He was only there to treat Matthias’s injuries. He hadn’t done, or even intended, anything harmful.
All he’d done was ask him to take off his shirt so he could examine the wounds.
“Get out before I kill you.”
The large man’s growling voice was deep and dangerous. His sharp teeth glinted in the light.
“One wrong move and he’ll eat me alive,” Enoch muttered under his breath.
Sofia had said Matthias was gentle, but—
‘…Where, exactly?’
If Enoch let his guard down for even a second, he was certain his throat would be torn open.
“Matthias!”
Just then, the door burst open, and I ran in.
By the time I got there, the room was a mess.
Medicine bottles were scattered across the floor, and Matthias was crouched in a corner, trembling, while others stood by helplessly.
I quickly assessed the situation and gave Sofia a glance. After a moment’s hesitation, she slipped quietly out of the room.
“…Aria?”
Matthias spotted me and shivered slightly, clearly overwhelmed and confused by everything happening.
The man still in the room bowed politely.
“Lady Renesti, it’s an honor. I’m Enoch Franz, a doctor introduced by Miss Sofia.”
“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Doctor Franz.”
I returned his greeting briefly, then glanced toward Matthias. Enoch seemed to understand that an explanation was necessary.
“I asked him to remove his shirt so I could treat his external wounds, but…”
He trailed off, glancing down at the spilled medicine.
That said enough. I nodded.
“I see. I’m sorry, Doctor, but could you wait in the next room for a bit?”
“Of course. Call me whenever you need me.”
As expected from someone Sofia trusted—he was perceptive.
After giving me a respectful nod, Enoch quietly left.
Click.
Once the door closed, I approached Matthias quickly. His eyes, filled with relief and confusion, met mine.
When I crouched down to his level, he suddenly reached out.
“Wah?!”
I lost my balance and fell backward—but before I could hit the floor, a large hand cradled the back of my head.
And then I realized—Matthias was clinging to me.
“M-Matthias?”
He was like a frightened animal.
I awkwardly tried to push him off, but sensing that, he only tightened his grip around me.
And then, unbelievably, he buried his nose against my neck.
The ticklish warmth spread quickly across my skin, and my whole body heated up. I hurriedly patted his broad back.
“W-wait! Give me a second!”
Sure, I might be weak to handsome faces, but come on—
I wasn’t about to pounce on an injured man!
My brain was flashing red alarms as I struggled in his arms.
Thankfully, his strength slowly relaxed as his reason returned.
After a moment, he pulled back a little, lowering his gaze.
“Another… person…”
“Yeah. He came suddenly—it surprised you, didn’t it?”
Matthias nodded right away. His reaction was so fast it was clear he’d been truly startled.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve explained before bringing him in.”
He lifted his eyes slightly, looking uncertain—as if worried I might find him troublesome.
That look tugged at me. So I softened my voice as much as I could, gently reassuring him.
“He’s not scary, I promise. He just came to treat your wounds.”
“Then…”
Matthias clutched the buttons of his shirt.
“Aria should do it.”
Click.
One button came undone.
“Treat… me.”
