* * *
The chaotic, sitcom-worthy first encounter with my future in-laws had mercifully drawn to a close.
“How did I fare today?” I inquired because, naturally, client feedback is paramount.
Will I be able to receive the incentive as planned?
He glanced down at his thigh with what appeared to be contemplative intensity, then promptly looked away.
Hmm. Radio silence. Perhaps my performance wasn’t quite stellar as anticipated?
I studied Duke Kalinos with the practiced eye of a professional and noticed his ears had taken on a rather fetching shade of pink. How curious. I pride myself on being reasonably perceptive, but this particular gentleman defied all conventional understanding. In such circumstances, directness proves most effective.
“Anyway, things went smoothly and we’re getting married, so that’s fine, right?”
He—who had been studiously avoiding my gaze as if I were some sort of particularly fascinating wall decoration—finally looked at me with what I can only describe as the expression of someone who’d discovered a reliable umbrella in a thunderstorm. “Yes, I had complete faith in you.”
“I was surprised. When Duke called me ‘darling,’ I genuinely wondered if my hearing had abandoned me entirely!”
Though Duke was preferable than those Marquis Berto types, I’d still thought of him as the ultimate villain in secret.
Just as I was basking in genuine admiration, he produced a small notebook from his pocket with the flourish of a magician revealing his finest trick. “I memorized the entire [Encyclopedia of Lovers! 191, 719 Ways to Become a Lover], without missing a single word.”
“What? You memorized the entire thing?”
“Approaching it as research made the endeavor quite enjoyable, actually. Naturally, I didn’t stop there—I assembled my researchers to conduct a comprehensive study of romantic vernacular. ‘Darling’ ranked second among terms of endearment in the year 732 of the Imperial Calendar.”
I examined the situation. This man, whom I’d initially dismissed as merely an ordinary villain, appeared infinitely more terrifying than I’d previously imagined.
Does he truly excavate information to such depths?
As I regarded Duke Kalinos with newfound wariness, he bestowed upon me the most peculiar smile. With years of social maneuvering under my belt, I possess reasonably keen instincts, and I realized with startling clarity that he wanted to be praised!
“Well, um, it’s genuinely quite remarkable. Whatever it is you’ve accomplished.”
“What a relief to hear.”
Life as his partner was proving considerably more entertaining than I’d initially anticipated. Having someone who trusted me without reservation wasn’t entirely disagreeable.
“However, I’d prefer if we could avoid unnecessary physical contact in the future.”
“Oh, you mean sitting on your lap? “
“Precisely. Following that contact, my heart rate increased by more than 1.75 times the normal rate, and I detected unusual anxiety symptoms, including the reddening of my ears. I suspect it might be attributed to an overproduction of norepinephrine.”
I studied him carefully. His cheeks did appear rather flushed…
What in heaven’s name does that mean? Is he attempting to confess romantic inclinations in the most roundabout manner possible?
No matter how thoroughly I analyzed the situation, it remained utterly bewildering. Given his extraordinary eccentricity, grasping his meaning proved impossible. One thing, however, was abundantly clear.
Judging by the conspicuous absence of any mention regarding incentive, I guess that’s not happening. I’d even prepared a separate purse for the occasion, but it looked like I was out of luck.
As I wallowed in dejection while searching for any encouraging signals, Duke Kalinos spoke again. “In any case, I look forward to working with you for the next year.”
“Yes, understood.”
I mentally catalogued my employer’s peculiar state and moved to the next pressing matter.
“So, what precisely should I be doing until the wedding?”
“I’ll assign you etiquette and household tutors. They’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the family’s affairs before the wedding.”
Well, considering I’d been rather abruptly introduced as a fiancée, an opportunity to study the family seemed prudent.
“Who will serve as my tutor?”
“Senator Agnis. He resembles a bandit and possesses a temperament to match. He’s a close aide to my mother—adept at handling monsters and remarkably skilled at ignoring people.” Duke Kalinos stared at me before adding, “He might make you do something dangerous.”
“Really?”
Dangerous thing, huh.
I squinted as I perused the note he’d handed me, then paused mid-examination. “Wait just a moment.”
“Hmm?”
“You said Senator Agnis.” I grinned as I fixed my attention on the name Agnis with renewed interest. “Could you possibly show me a map of the family estate?”
“…All of a sudden?”
“Yes, I find myself in sudden and urgent need of one.”
6. Stacking Up Money
“Sigh. You truly don’t know this?”
“No, I haven’t the faintest idea!”
It was the next morning. Giselle fixed her tutor with the sort of penetrating stare typically reserved for particularly vexing mathematical equations, Duke Kalinos’s note fresh in her memory.
[You will be given an introduction to the family’s basic history and operations. He’s quite a sharp-tongued person. The layout of the family’s research lab is attached below.]
“The Kalinos Family is a prominent family known for its research. You know that, right? Even if you don’t know anything else…” Agnis began with the enthusiasm of someone reciting a grocery list.
“Yawn—so what? What sort of research does the senate pursue?”
“Our senate produces potions. In particular, I’ve created a wonderful masterpiece called < Goblin’s Phlegm>.”
“Oh, potions?”
“Precisely.”
Agnis stared at the yawning Giselle with open disdain. Even though I’m not as skilled as the senators from other families, I’ll hit it big soon enough. The potions developed by his colleagues often suffered disappointing sales despite their remarkable effects. But this time, his < Goblin’s Phlegm> would surely be a rousing triumph.
“Hallones Grass, hmm?”
“Yes, if only we possessed Hallones Grass…! Wait—how did you know that?”
“It’s written in the book you brought, Lord Agnis. Right there: <Imaginary Herbs: Hallones Grass>.”
He retorted quickly, “Regardless, there’s a limit to what one can glean from books. Since you appear woefully ignorant about the Kalinos family, I should provide you with some practical experience.”
“Hmm, practical experience?”
“Indeed. I shall show you our pride and joy—the potion laboratory at the Kalinos family’s lab. It’s a place brimming with the essences of all manner of monsters. Many people flee in terror because it’s so utterly bizarre and frightening.”
“Are you attempting to intimidate me with that?”
As Giselle regarded him with the sort of expression one reserves for lukewarm tea, Agnis coughed delicately and averted his gaze.
“…Ahem! Besides, since you’re so remarkably astute, Lady Giselle, I should introduce you to the other senators. The timing is fortuitous—there’s a meeting scheduled.”
“Perfect! I truly know nothing about the lab, so I’d be delighted to meet the other senators!”
Giselle grinned and got up. Her eyes were fixed on the mention of ‘imaginary herb’ written in the open book.
* * *
It was located at the entrance to the senate. Agnis glanced at Giselle—apparently finding her more subdued than anticipated—and hesitated. He had been warned by Yuliana that she wouldn’t be easy to deal with, but she appeared surprisingly delicate.
In truth, compared to me, she’s nothing. People often described him as resembling a bandit in both appearance and temperament. It wasn’t uncommon for fragile ladies to be frightened at first sight.
With a decidedly smug expression, Agnis opened the laboratory door. To properly intimidate Giselle, he’d brought along a live troll. Standing roughly 120 centimeters tall, the diminutive creature sported vivid green skin.
“Ha! You’re terrified, aren’t you? You should be—”
“Hmm, its skin is green?”
“Graaargh!”
The troll tried to threaten her by raising its hands, but Giselle just blinked at it. She observed the mini troll with complete indifference and lifted her chin. “It’s ugly.”
The troll—appearing thoroughly affronted—gaped in astonishment before slinking away down the laboratory corridor.
What is this presence? I-Isn’t that too powerful?
As Agnis’s eyes widened in alarm, Giselle gestured with her chin. “What are you dawdling for? Aren’t you going to open the door?”
To venture deeper into the laboratory required drawing a secret magical circle. However, Agnis had no intention of revealing the circle’s configuration to her, an obvious outsider.
“Very well, I’ll open it. Simply stand before the laboratory door. This will require some time.” He prepared to abandon Giselle at the threshold while he entered the laboratory proper.
Just then, Giselle called his name. “Lord Agnis.”
“Yes.”
“Spring has arrived, hasn’t it? Soon, flowers and grass will be blooming everywhere.”
“What’s with the sudden sentimentality? Are you frightened? If you’re scared, you should simply return now.” He regarded her with obvious contempt.
Giselle, however, was simply staring intently at the forest beyond the servants’ quarters, right next to the laboratory, as it happened. “No, Lord Agnis… Giselle just had a real~ly good idea.”
🤩💗💗💗✨️✨️thank you!!!!✨️✨️💗💗💗