ILOIML 29

Chapter 29

The Crowde family’s villa had been inherited by the Marquis’ wife from her family.

Thankfully, there was a portal nearby, so we arrived quickly. But from the portal to the villa, we still had to take a long carriage ride up a mountain road.

I quickly turned my head away from the dizzying cliff outside the window.

“I think I’m afraid of heights.”

“Af—what? My lady, what did you say?”

Amy answered with her eyes tightly shut.

‘That’s exactly what I meant. She’s even worse than me.’

The mansion surrounded by mountains was strangely quiet.

“My lady, this place feels like a haunted house, even though it’s a noble’s villa.”

Amy wrapped her arms around herself. When I looked at her, she flinched and quickly waved her hands.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry? I was just agreeing with you. Don’t get so startled every time I look at you.”

I shook my head. Sometimes, Amy acted like I was some kind of madwoman.

“No, it’s a misunderstanding.”

“Hmm… I see. Still, this is my first time here too… but why is no one coming out to greet us?”

I looked around at the entrance.

“Ah! You scared me!!”

At the same time, the front door creaked open with an eerie sound. I screamed and stepped back, and the knights rushed in front of me protectively.

They didn’t show it, but it was obvious Leon had warned them after the incident at the temple. The knights looked extra alert.

‘It’s a bit much, but better safe than sorry.’

A middle-aged woman came out of the mansion—someone I hadn’t seen even at the capital estate.

“Welcome, Duchess. I’m Lewen, the caretaker of this villa. The Marchioness is waiting. Please come in.”

Inside, the mansion was dark, even though it was daytime. It seemed they didn’t use magical lighting at all. The corridor, with no windows, was dimly lit by flickering candles.

“How is the Marquess…? Is he very unwell?”

Lewen didn’t answer. I wasn’t sure if she didn’t hear me or just didn’t want to answer. I didn’t ask again.

‘I’ll see with my own eyes.’

“This way.”

Lewen stopped in front of a bedroom and knocked.

“My lady, it’s Lewen. The Duchess is here.”

“Bring her in.”

I heard the Marchioness’s voice from inside. Lewen opened the door, and a bright light spilled into the dark hallway.

Amy and Mary tried to follow me in, but Lewen stopped them.

“Only family members may enter.”

I nodded to Amy and Mary to stay.

Inside, the Marchioness was sitting next to a bed, talking seriously with an older man. I bowed to her.

“You’re here?”

“How have you been?”

“I’ll leave you now.”

The man bowed and left the room.

“That’s Vincent, the new family doctor. Sir Owen retired due to old age.”

“I see.”

I didn’t look at the Marquess lying in bed. Instead, I plopped onto a nearby sofa.

“You’re unbelievable.”

The Marchioness clicked her tongue and sat down in front of me.

“How sick is he?”

She sighed deeply. Tears welled up in her eyes. She gently dabbed them with her handkerchief and sniffled.

“Go greet your father.”

I looked at the bed. There was no sign of movement.

‘Just how bad is it…?’

I didn’t want to see someone I had just spoken to through the communication stone now lying motionless. I shook my head.

“He’s mostly unconscious. But sometimes he wakes up, so greet him while you can.”

“I didn’t pack much. I’ll see how things go.”

“Walter’s here too. He’s out hunting now. He’ll be back soon. Let’s have dinner together.”

Walter was Bella’s half-brother. I hadn’t met him since becoming Bella.

But to go hunting while your father is bedridden? He must be crazy.

“Leon—the Duke—is waiting anxiously for me. I’ll visit Father as soon as he wakes up and then leave.”

“Suit yourself. There’s a room prepared for you, so rest.”

“I’m fine. I’ll stay here.”

“No, I want to stay by his side.”

She wiped her eyes again with her handkerchief.

Crying again?

Even if their relationship seemed cold, I guess people become sentimental when someone is ill.

I couldn’t help but think of Leon. Would he save me if I were in danger from monsters?

‘I’m still not sure about that.’

Leaving the Marchioness to her tears, I left the room.

Lewen led us to our guest room.

“I never want to come here again.”

I said to Amy as soon as Lewen left. She nodded.

“The room looks classy, but it’s really old. If you shake the bedding, I bet a ton of dust would come out.”

She looked around. The floor creaked, and the bedding looked like it hadn’t been touched in years.

“Don’t tell me Lewen is the only servant here?”

“No way.”

Amy pulled back the heavy curtains and opened the window wide. A cool breeze rushed in.

“At least the air is nice.”

*.* *

Later, someone knocked.

“Come in.”

Lewen peeked in.

“Has Father regained consciousness?”

“No, that’s not why I’m here.”

Not the answer I wanted. It was getting darker outside, the sunset casting a red glow into the room. I was getting anxious.

“Then what is it?”

“My lady invites you to dinner. The young master has returned from hunting.”

Do I really have to eat dinner? I sighed. I just wanted to go back to Aster now.

“Okay, I’ll be there on time.”

After Lewen left, I told Amy and Mary we’d be staying overnight. I hadn’t fully unpacked because I’d made it obvious I wanted to leave quickly.

At the appointed time, I went to the dining room.

I hope Walter isn’t a total psycho.

When I entered, a man who looked strikingly like the Marchioness stood up with open arms.

“Bella, you troublemaker!”

He came toward me so fast that I instinctively stepped back.

He hugged me. I was too stunned to move, then pushed him away.

He just laughed more—there was no malice in his smile.

“You never visit anymore. Is the Duke treating you that well? I remember you said he was the absolute worst.”

“Huh? Did I say that?”

I quickly walked past him and sat down.

“You haven’t forgotten, right?”

He sat across from me, tapping his head playfully.

I almost thought Walter and Bella had a good relationship.

“Bella, I heard Leon Aster paid off your debt to Elizabeth?”

Why is that bastard saying Elizabeth’s name?

I could tell the mood was about to turn. I’d figured him out enough.

“How do you know about that?”

“Wait. Did you just say you to me? Me? Are you getting cocky now?”

He tilted his head, and for the first time, I noticed the madness in his eyes.

“Call me ‘Your Grace the Duchess,’ you jerk.”