Chapter 32
…He wouldn’t suddenly change his mind later, would he? Say the punishment was too light, or that a new punishment was needed?
Knowing Prince Claude, that was entirely possible.
Didn’t he forget a promise he made with his own mouth in just a week?
And what about when he tried to kick me out for the most ridiculous reasons?
Of course. A handsome man like him couldn’t possibly have a good personality too.
I shook my head.
The fact that Prince Claude showed up at my wedding and even put out a newspaper article was probably just a way to maintain our contract relationship.
So I shouldn’t be fooled just because he’s been nice to me the past few days—especially not by that ridiculously handsome face!
I narrowed my eyes with determination.
To be honest, aside from his perfect looks, Claude really wasn’t my type.
In my previous life, I’d been burned too many times by good-looking men. What I wanted now was a man who was gentle, kind, and only had eyes for me.
But what’s the use?
This life is already a lost cause when it comes to love and happy marriage.
I’m too afraid to even try.
I was afraid I might meet someone like my crazy ex-husband again.
It’s like I’m scared before anything even starts.
First steps are always important. The beginning leaves a deep imprint on your memory.
With a sigh, I opened the door to my lab.
Then, I spread out a newspaper on the table and began cutting it up with scissors.
I cut out Alex’s crazy face—huge and in full color—and pasted it into my scrapbook.
Then I added Rachel’s ghostly pale face right next to his.
After carefully compiling their disgraceful moments, I laughed like a full-bellied lion.
My goal was to fill the whole notebook with their humiliations.
Alex, Rachel, and Pierre—all of their shameful moments, captured forever.
Grinning, I placed the scrapbook carefully in the bottom drawer.
Alex, who used to care so much about his reputation, was now thoroughly disgraced.
And Rachel, who hadn’t been seen in days, was probably hiding in some quiet inn on the outskirts, afraid of getting stoned by the public. After all, her face was now plastered all over the papers as “the woman who stole her sister’s husband.”
By now, everyone in the Empire knew what they looked like. Perfect.
But I couldn’t let my guard down. Alex had nothing left, but his pride was dangerously high. He’d definitely try to strike back.
Just like in my past life—he was a monster beyond anyone’s imagination.
This time, it was time to control “him,” the final weapon Alex might use and Prince Claude’s biggest enemy.
With my arms crossed, I thought for a moment, then opened the medicine cabinet.
I took out a bottle with a pretty ribbon tied around it.
The thick, dark liquid inside shimmered in several colors under the light as I moved it.
Perfect! This is exactly what I needed!
I smirked.
Unlike other mana herbs, Anatatuven became far more potent after aging.
If you held a well-aged Anatatuven up to the light, it glowed with a soft rainbow color—that was proof that its medicinal effect had reached its peak.
I inspected the liquid with a sharp eye, then smiled and returned it to the cabinet.
By now, Luan must’ve finished the clinical trials I asked for, right?
Click. I locked the cabinet and turned around, picking up the medicine bag in the corner.
It clinked and felt heavy—full of all sorts of things.
I placed it on the table and looked inside.
There were so many similar-looking bottles all jumbled together, it was hard to tell them apart.
Ever since the day I ran into Silver at Prince Claude’s castle, I had given up organizing the bag.
It was just easier to carry around everything like a traveling shop. Convenient in emergencies.
For now, let’s go with my instincts.
Smiling, I reached in and searched around.
Hmm, this one’s slightly warm—must be the disinfectant I made recently. Ah, this small round one is the healing ointment.
After checking the types of items by touch, I shook out the dusty bottom of the bag.
Dust that had collected over the years flew up into the air.
Cough!
I let out a dry cough and waved my hand in the air.
Should I clean the bag?
Hmm…
Nah. Dana washed it last year. I’ll do it next year.
I disinfect it often, so it’s fine.
That’s what I told myself as I hoisted the heavy bag over my shoulder and stood up.
***
Leaving the mansion, I headed straight to the factory to check on the epidemic cure.
As soon as I opened the heavy door, a strong herbal scent hit me.
The old, musty smell from when I first visited with Brother Pierre was completely gone.
Now the place was full of finely prepared ingredients and high-tech automated equipment.
The floor was lined with shiny tiles, and every section of the factory was neatly organized.
All thanks to Prince Claude generously funding everything.
You give some, you get some.
Since he helped me, I was more determined than ever to take good care of his health.
Tomorrow, I’d be seeing Prince Claude—so I’d make sure to give him top-notch treatment for his money!
“Welcome, Lady!”
Luan greeted me with a bright smile.
Despite all the gossip about my wedding and the recent newspaper articles, Luan didn’t pry.
He just greeted me cheerfully, like the morning sun.
“I’m so glad you’re back! The whole factory feels lively again!”
His energetic welcome warmed my heart, and I smiled back.
“I’m glad to see you too, Luan. Everything okay while I was gone?”
“Yes! The factory manager and the workers are all doing great. We’re fully prepared to start producing the cure you asked about.”
He looked like he was silently asking, ‘Did I do well?’
I gave him a few pats on the shoulder.
“Well done. The cure might be needed more than we thought, so keep the ingredient supply steady. I think we can start production next week. Also—what about the clinical trial results?”
“Yes! We’re just doing the final checks. The participants are actually here today. Would you like to meet them?”
I followed Luan across the factory.
I saw workers in white lab coats, masks, and gloves, carefully handling medicines.
They’d taken my instructions about safety seriously—and were doing a fantastic job.
Luan really was a smart one for his age. I’d picked the right person!
I grinned while glancing at the safety posters we’d put up on the walls a while back.
“Lady, here are the clinical trial participants. They’re lined up from left to right by severity of symptoms.”
Luan’s voice came from behind me.
I turned around and saw several men bowing politely when our eyes met.
As I approached, Luan handed me their reports.
They were all men, selected for having similar ages, names, and infection timelines to the Second Prince.
I scanned the reports, then looked up.
“Thank you all for participating in the trial. I’m going to ask a few questions now—please answer honestly.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Their voices were so loud and clear, I almost felt like a military officer.
Clearing my throat, I began the questioning.
“Did anyone experience side effects while taking the medicine?”
They all widened their eyes and looked around.
They had the expression of, “Not me. Did anyone else?”
Reading their reactions, I moved on.
“Alright then, may I check each of you up close?”
“Of course, Lady! I don’t mind!”
I approached the participant on the far left—the one with the most severe symptoms.
According to the report, his hair had been thin and patchy not long ago, but now it was thick and full.
Seeing how well the medicine worked made my heart swell with pride and excitement.
Yes! This is more than enough to get the Second Prince’s attention!
With a determined nod, I checked off the report and stepped forward to speak to the group.
