RVMPT Chapter 101

Chapter 101 

The news that Harold had recovered spread quickly throughout the capital overnight.

“He used sword energy and was totally fine?”

“Was that illness even curable?”

At first, people were shocked and couldn’t believe it.

“I saw it with my own eyes! The Duke used sword energy for 30 minutes and was still perfectly healthy. Everyone there saw it. I even shook his hand, and his body temperature was normal!”

A noble who had attended the party excitedly showed the hand he had shaken with the Duke.

“You can’t fake body temperature. That means… he’s really cured?”

“Can you tell us more about what happened, Young Lord?”

The man shrugged and started describing the party in detail. He even repeated how Harold had called his recovery a “miracle.”

People had different reactions to the word miracle.

“Maybe he just doesn’t want to share the medicine? He’s always been the type who doesn’t like sharing.”

“Or maybe he used some shady method and can’t talk about it?”

Some remembered Harold’s past behavior and guessed. Others were suspicious.

Then, a devout noblewoman put her hands over her chest and spoke.

“But the Duke did say it was a miracle. His wife often volunteers at the temple—surely the gods have blessed them. Oh, Great Lord.”

She even shed tears while praying.

“Well… even if it’s a miracle, it wouldn’t be strange. No one’s ever recovered from that disease before.”

Other nobles nodded in agreement.

“But what will happen to Young Lord Kaiden now?”

“It’s a shame, but what can you do? That glory was only his because the Duke was sick. Now that the Duke is healthy, it’s all over.”

The nobles casually talked about Kaiden’s ruined future as if it were light entertainment.

Only those who had invested time and effort in building ties with Kaiden were visibly troubled.

“If I knew this would happen, I would’ve tried to get close to the Duke instead. Damn it.”

“I have to go greet the Duke and Duchess properly—right now.”

Starting with one mustached noble, many others who had tried to get close to Kaiden left the party in a hurry.

***

The news quickly reached the Emperor as well.

Sitting on the throne, the Emperor widened his red eyes after hearing everything from the head chamberlain.

“…The Duke of Baisen has recovered from his illness? Ha, unbelievable.”

His eyes, once dull, now gleamed strangely. They resembled his once-brilliant eyes from youth—but twisted somehow.

“I thought he was struggling against death, just like me. And now he’s found a way out, leaving me behind.”

The chamberlain bowed lower and asked,

“Your Majesty, shall I summon the Duke?”

The Emperor didn’t answer right away. Instead, he tapped his armrest in thought.

Eventually, he stopped tapping.

“No, Chamberlain. I doubt he would give me the answer I want, even if I called him.”

“Who would dare disobey Your Majesty’s questions?”

The Emperor chuckled and looked up. His hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

Just then, the door to the audience chamber opened, and the Emperor brightened at the sight of a familiar face.

“Jayna.”

“I greet Your Majesty. Hearing your strong voice makes me happy.”

“It’s thanks to the medicine you prepared for me. I feel ten years younger. I even enjoy looking in the mirror now.”

“I’m honored.”

“Ha, Jayna. Did you hear the news about the Duke’s recovery?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I did.”

Their eyes met in the air.

“It seems the moment we’ve wished for is finally near.”

Jayna smiled sweetly, and the Emperor laughed heartily in agreement.

***

At the Baisen estate, waves of gifts were being delivered, and the servants were rushing about to handle them.

I helped the butler sort the gifts and finally had a moment to rest.

Today was a bit more relaxed, so I sat on the sofa and sipped the tea the butler brought me.

“Thank you for your hard work, Madam.”

“You too, Butler. You’ve done a lot.”

He smiled gently and bowed his head. Though he was older, he didn’t show any tiredness despite the busy days.

I suddenly remembered how his eyes had turned red with emotion when he first heard that Harold was healthy again.

“What’s Harold doing now?”

“He’s meeting a guest.”

“Again?”

Since the party, Harold had been meeting with nobles and retainers more often.

I thought he didn’t have any appointments today… Did I get it wrong?

“Well then, I’ll return in time for the Marchioness Mayer’s visit.”

After the butler left, I opened my language workbook to study the Prolang Kingdom language.

I planned to study until the Marchioness arrived—but I couldn’t focus.

Sigh.

As soon as I got a break, I started thinking about the moment we finished organizing the contract. My heart felt restless.

Since then, Harold hadn’t mentioned divorce or anything about wanting my ability—not even once.

At this point, I had no choice but to accept that my assumption was wrong.

…So he wasn’t being nice because he wanted my ability?

Then… why?

If he didn’t want my ability, it would be natural to talk about divorce since the contract was over—but he never brought it up.

He didn’t even say he wanted to stay married or live together.

In fact, Harold had tried to give me the treasure vault key like it was the most natural thing in the world.

It felt like… he was sure I’d stay by his side.

I couldn’t understand his attitude, no matter how much I thought about it.

Am I missing something?

Was there another reason he was so kind to me—other than my ability?

I started recalling our daily life together: sleeping, eating, and being physically close…

The more I thought about it, the more I wondered why I hadn’t noticed how strange all of it was sooner.

…No way.

My heart pounded hard at the sudden thought. I tried to stay calm and lifted my teacup.

Knock knock.

Ah!

I spilled the tea on my hand. Ouch!

“Madam, the Marchioness Mayer has arrived.”

Already?

I quickly dried my hand and hurried out of the study. The butler’s eyes widened slightly when he saw me.

“Madam, are you feeling unwell?”

“Do I look sick?”

“Yes. Your face is red.”

“Oh. I’m fine. Just a bit hot. Maybe I should leave the window open.”

I smiled awkwardly and checked my pocket watch.

Did I lose track of time while thinking? But it was still 30 minutes before the scheduled time.

Why did she come so early? Was it because she had something to ask, like she wrote in the letter?

I went to the drawing room. When I entered, Marchioness Mayer stood up and greeted me.

“Duchess, I’m sorry for arriving earlier than planned and disturbing you.”

“It’s no trouble. Please sit comfortably, Marchioness.”

I gently sat across from her—when something caught my eye.

What’s that?

There was a velvet box placed in front of the Marchioness.