PSD Chapter 55

Though the magic power contained in the jewel was taken from her against her will, it could not be used without the owner’s permission. That vast amount of power was something special—enough to save someone’s life…

‘My son is dying.’
‘So?’
‘I’d like your permission to use your power.’
‘Calion Luxen. Is that the attitude of someone asking for a favor?’

Without any prior notice, Calion came and knelt before Sharpeil Silvert, hoping to save his child. Sharpeil looked at the grand duke coldly—or rather, with a sense of annoyance. What if Lexion happened to see him show up like this?

‘I heard your child was born.’
‘…Yes.’
‘That amount of power would be overwhelming for a baby.’
‘I’ll take care of it.’
‘Hmph. Fine. Then be on your way. Don’t think of stepping foot in Silvert again. There are plenty here who’d grind their teeth at just hearing your name.’

Sharpeil granted permission for Calion to use the power he had stolen. Even if his paternal concern was fabricated, it didn’t matter. That was the end of it.

He opened his eyes and looked at his large personal physician. He hadn’t expected things to become noisy again.

“My power saved someone’s life. Isn’t that enough? That magic power is no longer mine.”

His voice was dry, as if he had not a speck of lingering attachment.

“I’ll be going now.”

As Hector turned to leave, Sharpeil spoke to his retreating figure.

“Lexion’s atonement weighs too heavily. That’s why it hurts even more.”

Twenty years ago, there had been a scandalous case in the Empire involving the kidnapping of noble children—only male heirs were taken. Of the three Silvert children, only two returned.

Who was the one who didn’t return? The world never knew. The child who died was erased as if they had never existed.

One of the returned children, consumed by guilt, devoted himself to the family and his older brother. Ironically, that very guilt became the lifeline for another child who had no will to live.

“Rest well.”

Hector pretended not to hear the head of the household and exited the bedroom.

“If young master Lexion had given up, the Lord would probably have died long ago.”

It was a pity. Sharpeil Silvert was a genius—exceptionally talented in the use of magic. If only he had been healthy, he could have aimed for the position of Tower Master. But he lacked the will to live.

His only motivation was taking care of his younger brother, who was weighed down by guilt. That was all.

In that case, he would have to find a way to keep him alive, even by force. He could extract the waning life force from Ashdel’s body to sustain him.

If forced to weigh the young master’s life against the Lord’s, he would inevitably lean toward the Lord.

Though bound by loyalty to a vassal family, Hector was, at heart, a free-spirited mage.

The late Duke had been his student. He couldn’t stand by and watch the son of someone he had cared for die in vain. First, he would begin his research. If the now-healthy Lord punished him for it, so be it.

He didn’t hold any particular feelings toward “Luxen,” but if the child had been saved by that experiment…

He could live with killing him.

⋯⋯

What’s going on?
Milena awoke from sleep, dazed with confusion.

“Young madam! Young madam!”

“…Huh?”

“Oh dear, are you still not fully awake? Is the bathwater to your liking? Should I add more bubbles?”

Jenny’s cheerful voice was what finally roused her. But the unexpected crowd that followed her in left Milena speechless.

“Jenny, I’ll do it myself. Could you please leave?”

“Yes! Just let me know if you need anything—I’ll be right outside.”

“Thanks.”

Splash.
Soaking in the warm water that loosened her body, Milena began to reflect on her situation.

The night before, her physician had finally declared that she could leave the bedroom. At the same time, she had received an invitation from the matriarch for tea.

What woke her this morning was the arrival of attendants who had come to serve her. What was all this?

She was the wife of the duke’s third son. Lexion was still only a lord, and she was merely his wife. This treatment felt excessive.

Even her sister-in-law, the duchess, likely hadn’t received such luxury. Everything—from the bath, the massage, the cosmetics, to the dresses—was of the highest quality. It was all so overwhelming for her.

Adorned from head to toe by professional hands, she headed to the matriarch’s greenhouse.

Under the streaming sunlight, the matriarch sat by a modestly set tea table, her poise flawless. Her tightly tied hair and upright posture gave her an air of discipline and precision.

When the matriarch, who had been admiring the blooming flowers, met Milena’s eyes, she smiled warmly. Only then did the faint lines of age become visible on her otherwise ageless face.

“Welcome. Are you feeling well?”

Their first encounter had been disastrous, so Milena felt a bit tense. But the matriarch’s welcoming attitude made her feel at ease. Milena curtsied politely.

“I apologize for my rudeness on the first day. I’m Milena Lastia.”

Rudeness, huh. Now that I think about it, that little one used the same word.

The matriarch gazed at Milena for a moment, then sternly corrected her.

“Your greeting was incorrect.”

“…Pardon?”

What did I say wrong? Milena felt cold sweat trickle down her back. She had never been corrected on etiquette before.

After a brief silence, the matriarch clarified her greeting.

“You’ve entered the Silvert family now, so you should use the Silvert name. Try again.”

Feigning composure, Milena greeted her again.

“I am Milena Silvert. Mother.”

The matriarch smiled in satisfaction at the natural use of the honorific.

“I’m Diana Silvert, Lexion’s mother. Since the Lord is not yet married, I manage the household. That’s why I’m so glad you’ve come. Please, sit.”

Milena cautiously took her seat across the table. She didn’t quite understand the connection between managing the household and her being welcomed, but responded with a smile.

As strong tea was poured into her empty cup and conversation was about to begin—

“Mom! You were here? I’ve been looking everywhere!”

Without warning, Claudia burst into the greenhouse.

Despite her unrefined entrance, the matriarch’s voice remained elegant as she introduced her daughter.

“That wild child is my daughter and Lexion’s sister—Claudia Fluid. Though she married into the Fluid family, she oversees the duke’s knights.”

She added that both Claudia and her husband were deeply involved in the duke’s affairs and therefore lived with the family.

The tall, strikingly beautiful woman waved cheerfully at Milena.

“No need for introductions—we’ve met before, right? Now, what should I call you?”

“I’m Milena Silvert. Please feel free to call me Milena.”

“Ha! Then I will.”

Immediately dropping formal speech, Claudia laughed heartily and plopped into her seat. The matriarch, seemingly used to her behavior, didn’t scold her.

Claudia gulped down her tea and slammed the cup down like she was in a tavern.

Isn’t that hot?
Concerned, Milena glanced over, but the maid behind Claudia whispered that her tea had been served at a lower temperature for her.

Unbothered by Milena’s gaze, Claudia spoke up first.

“Mom, the news about Lexion’s marriage already reached the capital!”

“Did it now.”

“Are you the one who spread it?”

“Thank you for overestimating your mother’s influence, my dear.”

“Then what about Milena’s pregnancy?”

“That too—I let the rumor spread. All the staff saw it, didn’t they?”

Milena had actually been intending to discuss that issue. She joined the conversation.

“Is it okay to let such a false rumor spread?”

“Yes. Let’s leave the rumor as it is.”

The rumor of her being pregnant wouldn’t last more than a few months. Once her belly didn’t grow, people would begin to doubt. Wouldn’t that harm Lexion or the duke’s reputation?

Unable to grasp the intention behind letting the false rumor be, Milena looked puzzled. Claudia, however, nodded in understanding.

“That’s probably for the best.”

“Indeed.”

Why were they the only ones who understood? Someone explain, please.

“Lexion’s past rumors are so notorious that we need something to bury them. I hope you understand, dear.”

“Right, Milena. That guy’s got some filthy rumors floating around.”

Milena asked, still clueless,

“Um, rumors? What rumors?”

Clink.
The matriarch put down her teacup with more force than intended. Both mother and daughter’s expressions twisted with disbelief.

“You mean… you don’t know Lexion’s rumors?”

That’s right. Due to Lexion’s meticulous efforts to conceal things, Milena had yet to hear a single rumor about him.