I was really busy before leaving for the dukedom. It hadn’t been long since I started taking care of internal affairs.
“Plus, there are things I have to do in secret.”
– It seems like the last rampage had something to do with your fairy power. Judging by the scars on your body, that’s clear.
“So, can my fairy power stop black magic rampages like divine power?”
– While it had similar effects, divine power and fairy power are different. It seems the baby doesn’t quite understand how special fairies are.
– Speaking of which, we have something to tell the baby. Would you like to guess?
The trees’ voices, laced with a hint of pride, made my eyes sparkle.
“Are you talking about fairies? You said the nearby trees knew less than you, didn’t you?”
– “Yes! That’s right. Absolutely. But who are we?
– “Didn’t you say we’d do anything for our baby?” I’ve been harassing the sleeping cloud trees to get new information! I can’t believe how much I’ve suffered from their annoyance…
“Cloud trees? Are there trees like that?”
I’ve spent quite a bit of time with trees, but I still lack knowledge about their world.
-There are such people. They sleep all day, but they’re so proud of having lived since ancient times. They think they’re the only special people in the world.
-They haven’t even talked to our special fairy baby!
“I heard you, the trees, slept all day before I came…”
-What?
“I don’t know how special the cloud trees are, but if there’s one tree that’s most special to me, it’s you.”
I hugged the trunk tightly to keep the squirming trees from swaying. The trunk trembled and danced along its branches, as if touched.
-As expected, our fairy baby has no one but us. If you need anything in the future, just let us know. We’ll help you with anything.
-That’s not important right now. I’m already busy, so let’s get to the point!
-Anyway, the Cloud Trees say fairies are beings with the blood of gods. I don’t know if that’s true, but here’s the important thing: fairies have the power to perform miracles.
-You told me before that black magic is connected to the power of gods, right? That’s why you couldn’t contact us back then.
The trees talked about this and that, but I was stunned by the mention of gods.
“God’s blood? Am I connected to such a great being?”
Gods were truly unimaginable. I blinked, speechless, until the trees tapped me on the shoulder with their branches.
“But why am I the only one with fairies? And why was I in an orphanage?”
It was incredibly strange that such a special being, with such extraordinary abilities, should disappear.
“Even the Cloud Trees didn’t know much about that. Anyway, they bragged for a while, but they didn’t know anything important. They say that each fairy’s power varies, so you can’t know until you meet them in person.”
“Actually, we think the original story you told us might have something to do with your fairy powers.”
“It’s definitely highly likely they’re related to fairy powers. I’m still working on resolving the curse, so I don’t fully understand my powers, and I can’t use them, though.”
These days, I’ve been practicing the language of the trees whenever I have time, reflecting on the strange things that have happened to me. It could be related to fairy powers.
“Anyway, I’ll continue to contact the various trees and find out. As long as it’s not related to dark magic, you know you can contact us from anywhere in the world, right? And that we’re still waiting for the baby?”
“Of course I know. You told me you couldn’t sleep because of me, right?”
Trees were supposed to sleep for a certain amount of time. But the trees, they say, wait for my voice, trying to minimize their sleep, not knowing what might happen to me.
“Is this what family is like?”
The trees were precious beings who always took my side. I kissed the rough trunk.
“Thank you always. You have no idea how grateful I am for you, trees.”
For some reason, the brown bark seemed to tremble and turn a deep red. The nearby trees shed their leaves in a rustling roar.
“Why did we all get the information together, but only that one!”
“This is unfair! Even though that one was the first you spoke to, we’re all putting in the effort!”
In the end, I had to kiss the other trees too.
“When I see them like this, they sound like grandfathers?”
It was especially so because the trees’ voices were mostly those of elderly or middle-aged men. Thinking of the trees, who always seemed to be in awe whenever they were involved with me, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Betty was waiting for me in my new office.
“Madam! I’ve prepared everything you asked about this duchy tour.”
“Thank you.”
This duchy tour was quite important.
“I need to reduce the hostility of the Blanchet family’s retainers so it’ll be easier to advance in high society.”
Because of the duchy’s internal affairs, I was currently able to manage the Blanchet family’s assets. However, I couldn’t embezzle funds carelessly.
“So I need to go out into high society and expand my available resources.”
This would allow me to create a false identity and find a way to escape. This was especially difficult because I had to deceive the mastermind, John.
“First, I need to start by making myself less hated…”
While I was scanning the information about the Blanchet family, Betty clapped her hands, as if she’d just realized something.
“The Master has instructed us to take special care of your health in connection with this inspection of the duchy.”
“The Duke?”
“And this is something I’ve secretly found out…”
Betty whispered solemnly in my ear. There’s no need for that, since there are only two of us anyway.
“It seems the Master has warned his servants not to treat you rudely. So you’ll have as little to worry about as possible.”
“My goodness. To that extent?”
“The Master clearly cares deeply for you. What nobleman in the world would do this for his wife? I know that well, don’t I?”
For some reason, my heart pounded.
“Still, you can’t let your guard down, Estelle.”
John hadn’t told me the truth yet. He hadn’t even told me he loved me yet.
“I want to believe it as it is, like Betty.”
But there were too many entanglements for that.
“Oh, the cook said he’s preparing your favorite dish before he leaves. Look forward to dinner tonight, too.”
Listening to Betty, it felt like everyone in the ducal palace loved me. But I knew full well that I wasn’t someone who could be loved.
“You must know your ma’am is hurting, but you still act like that. No matter how much she’s a child, she’s truly unlovable. You should be grateful when you’re loved beyond your means.”
“How could an orphan of unknown origin be so foolish? Just watching our Miss Stella eat made me feel good and loved. How did something like that come in…”
“You’re pretending not to notice even though you’re listening to us right now, right? How can you be so shameless?”
She must have been a libertine to begin with, but Betty was incredibly precious to me.
“Even if Betty were a future traitor.”
Because it was clear that the reason I wasn’t suffering or hearing any bad things was because of Betty’s efforts. Even now, you’re lying for me. I held Betty’s hands and smiled.
“Betty. Thank you for being strong for me. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to endure.”
Betty’s eyes reddened at this.
“No. You don’t need to thank me like this, Madam.”
Betty confessed with a voice filled with guilt.
“In the end, I couldn’t do anything for you, Madam. I couldn’t stop Patricia or convince my brother.”
“I’m grateful that you’re doing something for me. No one has ever done that for me.”
Betty, a woman of deep emotion, began to shed tears. I hugged her tightly to calm her down.
“Thank you so much. And if you ever feel like I’m making things difficult for you, you can give up or take a break, okay?”
Betty’s sobs grew louder.
“Madam.”
“Huh?”
“I will never forgive anyone who treats my lady rudely.”
Betty’s tearful expression was utterly murderous. It seemed she would stab anyone in the gut. Betty muttered quietly.
“Even if it were you, Master…”
~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~
The day of the inspection of the estate approached. Perhaps due to a lack of sleep the night before, I wasn’t feeling well. John, noticing my condition, looked at me with concern.
“Madam, aren’t you feeling well? Should we postpone it for another day?”
“No. I think I’ll be fine soon.”
Many people, including the Knights, were mobilized for the move. Postponing it by a day would only exacerbate the damage. John rubbed my forehead gravely at my refusal.
“Madam, you’re too weak to take me anywhere.”
“Honestly, it’s not that bad, is it?”
“I’m afraid I can’t take you. I am.”
John cupped my cheeks with both hands.
“Madam, you’re so ignorant about your own health. You think too little of yourself.”
With a serious expression, he pinched my cheeks.
Your face isn’t pretty when it’s so squished like this. John, though serious, let out a chuckle.
“Do you know how anxious I am every time you move?”
“You’re being too harsh…”
“If you did something wrong, what punishment will you receive?”
John’s eyes sharpened slightly. His shoulders flinched at the mention of punishment. It was meant to be playful, but with John, there was no telling what would happen.
“Honestly, a punishment is a bit…”
“That’s not the attitude of someone who admits their mistakes at all.”
“What husband in the world would punish their wife? This is too much.”
“Here.”
Despite my discontent, John remained unmoved, firmly pressing his forehead against mine.
“We’re going to the Duchy of Blanchet. There shouldn’t be any major problems, but there could still be unexpected issues.”
John’s voice softened.
“I’ll put your safety first, but you need to be vigilant yourself, too. Understood?”
I nodded. Then John finally removed his hands from my cheeks. When he touched them, they felt a burning sensation, like a slight puffiness.
“Isn’t this a punishment?”
As I stared at him with that look, John crinkled his eyes and smiled.
“You’ll only look cute, so give up.”
“…Actually, I was trying to look cute.”
“Then it worked. Even your breath is cute, isn’t it?”
John’s demeanor had definitely changed since his outburst.
“I can’t say for sure…”
John had always been affectionate, but he had an undeniable arrogance. That made me cautious, but now he kept joking around, and I unconsciously revealed his relaxed side. Perhaps John, the mastermind, had changed his tactics. I rekindled my fading vigilance.
‘If I make a mistake like this, it’ll be a disaster.’
Soon after, the carriage set off for the Blanchet Duchy.
~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~
The road to the Duchy was more treacherous than I’d imagined. Even using magic circles to cover short distances took a long time.
‘Of course, it’s probably because my constitution doesn’t respond to magic.’
Around evening, the carriage procession stopped, and Knight Commander Raymond opened the carriage door.
“My lord, I think we should stay at a nearby castle before we go. It’s raining, and I fear something dangerous could happen crossing the mountains.”
In the unpredictable summer weather, the once clear sky suddenly began to pour down rain. The rain showed no signs of stopping.
“Count Hettel’s castle is nearby. I’ve already contacted him, so you should be able to enter immediately.”
The mastermind’s preparedness was truly exceptional. John seemed to be prepared for anything.
“The Count Hettel family was on Betty’s list.”
They have a long history, but despite being counts, their power is as weak as that of the Viscounts. They’ve always been neutral, but they’re said to be eager to establish ties with the Duchess Blanchet.
“I’ve heard there have been a lot of noble families like that lately.”
Count Hettel rushed out in the pouring rain to greet us. He was accompanied by his wife and the count’s two daughters.
“Good morning, Duke Blanchet. It’s a small but welcome visit to the Hettel family. It’s a true honor to have the opportunity to serve you, Duke!”
They were visibly delighted to have the Duchess Blanchet as their guests. Of course, they didn’t seem to be guests. They didn’t even glance at me, just focused on John.
“As nobles, they seem to understand my situation.”
Countess Hettel smiled benevolently and patted her daughter on the shoulder.
“I’m sure you were quite taken aback by the sudden downpour. You’d better warm up while dinner is being prepared. Lotte, would you please show me to the castle so the Duke can rest comfortably? Even though my daughter is quite lacking, please be kind to her.”
Lotte, Count Hettel’s daughter, was about to approach John with a shy expression.
“She’s so lacking.”
John muttered softly so everyone could hear, then hugged me tightly. His firm embrace enveloped me as I stood there awkwardly.
“It seems I made a mistake coming to Count Hettel’s castle. If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn’t have stopped by.”
“T-what was that…”
“Raymond. Hurry up and look for another village nearby. Even if it’s a bit difficult, I’ll stay somewhere else.”
Count Hettel’s once joyful face turned grave.
“Duke Blanchet. If we were being rude…”
But John didn’t look at Count Hettel, only at me.
“I’m sorry, Madam. I know you’re not feeling well, and I’m afraid I’ll have to stay elsewhere.”
Of course, the rest of Count Hettel’s family felt the same. Countess Hettel, unable to hide her embarrassment, finally looked at me.
“Duchess Blanchet.”
~·~·*· . ·**##^^##**· . ·*·~·~
Hey there, It’s Green Rose 😉
Since I human I might have make some mistakes while translating so please if you find them let me know here in the comments or in the Discord group so I can correct them and be careful in the future so they do not repeat.
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
~~~Next Chapter~~~
Next chapter will be released Tomorrow.
See you then!!
Thank you 🥳💗