TLDOWN 57

CHAPTER 57…………………

Lea, who had boldly declared she would take responsibility to the Duke, soon succeeded in developing an aphrodisiac.

“This is good enough!”

Having confirmed the drug’s safety through a few volunteers, Lea shook the ivory-colored vial with a satisfied smile.

She planned to sell it first to the empire’s nobles through Magnolia Trading—at a very high price.

‘If the nobles spread the word, then commoners and even foreigners will flock to buy it.’

Lately, the empire’s low birthrate had been a serious issue. With this medicine she created, she could help solve a national problem, earn money, and support the Duke as well.

Whose idea was this? Truly ingenious. Lea walked out of her room beaming, proud of herself.

“Why are you grinning like that? You look stupid.”

Just as she turned a corner, a familiar voice stopped her. Rikel was there, smirking crookedly.

Calling her stupid? Was he starting to resemble his master after sticking by the Duke’s side all the time?

“And who exactly are you calling stupid?”

Lea frowned deeply. Rikel lifted a finger at her.

“You.”

‘This guy…’

Here we go again.

Ever since returning from the execution ground, whenever the Duke wasn’t around, Rikel would always find some excuse to pick a fight with her.

But today she was in such a good mood that she could afford to overlook his petty taunts.

‘Even if I make a fortune, you’re not getting a coin, Rikel.’

Imagining her bright future, Lea flashed a smug smile.

“If you knew what I’ve developed, you wouldn’t say that. Do you know what this is?”

She shook the vial at him. Rikel, who had been indifferent at first, now looked intrigued.

“What is it?”

“An aphrodisiac.”

“…What?”

He blinked in disbelief.

“Wait, don’t tell me… You’re planning to sell that to make money?”

“Yep. So have Magnolia distribute it. Start with nobles.”

Even in this world, men’s concern with virility was intense. Certain foods were rumored to help, but their effects were questionable at best.

‘They don’t even have the concept of taking medicine for virility here.’

Once this drug was revealed, it would definitely attract huge interest. With Magnolia backing it, people would doubt its safety far less. Lea spoke confidently.

“Start with lower-ranking nobles. Once word spreads, advertise it as something even nobles are taking. Then both commoners and nobles will rush to buy it.”

Rikel eyed the vial skeptically.

“But does it actually work? You’re not pulling a scam, are you?”

‘A scam?’

Feeling insulted, Lea glared at him.

“If you’re so curious, try it yourself. Looks to me like you might need it.”

“Ha! Me? Need that? Are you serious? That’s the first time in my life anyone’s said that to me. First time ever!”

He clicked his tongue in disbelief.

“I don’t need anything like that. In fact, if I took it, things would get dangerous.”

He shrugged, brimming with confidence. Lea, with no way to prove him wrong, gave him a slow once-over and nodded.

“Well, since you’re so insistent, I’ll believe you. Not like there’s a way to confirm it anyway.”

When the two of them ganged up to tease the Duke, they were close. But otherwise, they were always snapping at each other like this.

Rikel rubbed his neck, stung by her jab.

“Why don’t you give it to the Duke instead of me?”

At that, Lea stroked her chin thoughtfully and muttered.

“Well, His Grace…”

She had been about to say doesn’t need it when—

“I don’t need anything like that.”

A voice spoke unexpectedly behind her.

❀ ❀ ❀

Akkia had come to receive a letter from the palace in Rikel’s place. He had been working in his office, but Rikel had gone out and hadn’t returned.

So Akkia himself had gone down to the entrance and received the letter.

‘The palace again…’

It contained the Emperor’s summons for Lea. Though she had refused the position of palace apothecary, the Emperor now wanted her to come in person.

Looking for her, Akkia checked the laboratory, then her bedroom. Neither. She must have gone out for a walk.

As he walked through the garden, Akkia recalled her words from yesterday—declaring she would take responsibility for him.

‘Does she even know what she’s promising to take responsibility for?’

Did she realize how much the townhouse cost? From the look in her eyes, she seemed ready to buy a palace, not just a townhouse. The thought made him chuckle quietly.

‘Well, it feels nice anyway.’

Who else in the empire would dare say they’d take responsibility for a Duke? The word stirred something in his chest.

Just then, voices drifted toward him.

“So does it actually work? You’re not running a scam, right?”

“If you’re curious, try it. Looks like you could use it.”

“I don’t need it. If I took it, it’d be a disaster.”

Akkia froze. So this was where she’d gone—alone with Rikel, tucked away in some corner. And seeing how close they looked made his mood sink.

‘When did they get so friendly?’

Was it since right before they left the territory? After Bayern had been hauled to the capital, the two seemed to grow closer.

Akkia’s eyes darkened as he watched them.

“Well, since you insist, I’ll believe you. Not like there’s a way to confirm it anyway.”

“Why not give it to the Duke instead?”

‘Me?’

The very fact he was being compared to Rikel irritated him.

‘How dare you compare us?’

Unable to hold back, Akkia strode over.

“I don’t need anything like that.”

Startled as if they’d been caught in a secret, both of them jumped.

“Y-Your Grace! What brings you here?”

Seeing Rikel’s wide eyes only annoyed Akkia more.

“This is my house. Why? Were you saying something I wasn’t supposed to hear?”

“N-no, nothing like that…”

Rikel swallowed down the words it’s just you hardly ever come out for walks. The Duke’s expression was too grim.

“Rikel. What are you doing out here idling at this hour?”

“Well, I—”

“No excuses. You have one hour to sort all the files on my desk.”

“What?! One hour?”

Rikel gaped at the unreasonable order.

“Hurry. You’ve already wasted one minute.”

Snapping to his senses, he rushed off. Lea shot the Duke a sidelong glance.

He clearly looked sulky, taking it out on Rikel. Not wanting to be caught in the crossfire, she tried to slip away.

But then—

“You really have no shame, do you? Talking about virility in front of another man.”

His low voice made Lea whirl around.

“And why would that be shameful? As a healer, it’s my duty. Sexual desire is just a natural, biological urge.”

“…Ha.”

Akkia let out a short laugh at her shameless answer. So she wasn’t embarrassed at all discussing such things with Rikel?

Even he felt his face heat listening to it. And poor, inexperienced Rikel? Gods knew how he’d taken it.

“Do you have any idea how that kind of talk sounds to a man—!”

Just as Akkia raised his voice—

“Your Grace. Can I ask you something?”

Lea tilted her head, interrupting him.

The way he’d bristled at seeing her with Rikel—he almost looked… jealous.

“Are you, perhaps, jealous?”

For a moment, Akkia froze at her blunt question. Then, lips twitching in disbelief, he answered.

“Me? What reason would I ever have to be jealous?”

Jealous—of Rikel, of all people?

“As I said, I don’t need that drug. You, of all people, should know that best.”

“….”

“Am I wrong?”

He stepped closer, his teasing gaze locking onto hers. Understanding exactly what he meant, Lea flushed crimson.

Unable to withstand his eyes, she tried to flee—but—

“Where are you going?”

She found herself face-to-face with him, far too close.

‘Ugh.’

Ever since his recovery, it had been hard to meet his eyes. At this distance, it was impossible.

“I—I don’t have time to waste. I should get back to developing the cure.”

She kept her eyes on his hand gripping her wrist, wishing she were anywhere else.

“More importantly, Lea. Someone came from the palace.”

“What? Already? They replied that fast?”

Startled, she unfolded the letter he handed her.

[Apothecary Lea. I had hoped you would serve as my personal physician, but alas. Still, I would like you to come and examine me, at least once.]

The Emperor’s seal gleamed at the bottom. The message was simple: if she would not work at the palace, she should at least visit.

“I suppose I have to go now.”

To refuse further might be considered treason. Reading over her shoulder, Akkia’s expression darkened.

He knew as well—this was not a summons Lea could decline.