“Hmm...”
In the guest chambers of the Praha Duchy, I stared intently at two purple pills placed before me.
These were poison resistance elixirs, crafted primarily from mirror frog poison glands and mandragora roots. A single dose would allow the body to resist most toxins—but their odor was utterly abhorrent.
“…Really don’t want to eat this.”
Naturally, abstaining wasn’t an option. Rejecting such a potent elixir merely due to its scent defied logic. Nevertheless...
I swallowed dryly, eyeing the pills. Despite steeling myself repeatedly, my hand hesitated to reach for them. Beyond my own reluctance lay a more pressing concern.
“…How am I supposed to make her eat this?”
Convincing Lea Praha to consume this elixir presented a significant hurdle.
If it were me, I wouldn’t touch it.
Even disregarding the smell, under normal circumstances, anyone would refuse such suspicious-looking medicine. Then again, having cured her mysterious affliction, perhaps she would trust my judgment.
Hargh. I should at least bring it to her.
With an inward sigh, I collected the pills and departed my chamber. Despite its dubious appearance, I had restored her health; surely she would at least hear me out.
Knock. Knock.
“Louis Berg. May I enter?”
CRASH! BANG!
The moment my knuckles touched her door, chaotic sounds erupted from within, as if objects were being hastily concealed.
…What, was she reading erotica or something?
As something of an expert in that domain, I recognized the telltale signs of hurried concealment. A calmer approach would have proven less conspicuous.
Such an amateur.
I mentally clicked my tongue at Lea, who had yet to master the discreet consumption of such materials.
A few minutes passed.
Just as I was wondering if she was ready yet, the door creaked open.
Lea peered out, perspiration dotting her brow as she asked, “W-what is it?”
“I’ve come to verify there are no lingering abnormalities in your condition.”
“N-no, there aren’t any...?”
“I’ll determine that myself. May I enter?”
“...Yes.”
Creeak. The door swung fully open, revealing the brightly lit interior. Evidence of hasty tidying confirmed my suspicions about her reading material.
I should recommend some quality titles later.
With an inward nod, I stepped inside.
After closing the door, I settled into a chair. Lea nervously approached and seated herself opposite me.
“Could you extend your hand?” I asked.
“M-my hand?! W-why?”
“…To assess your progress, naturally.” In truth, I had no intention of monitoring her recovery; this merely constituted an act to cultivate trust. Yet what difference did it make? This pretense of treatment was necessary to convince her.
As I waited patiently with my outstretched hand, Lea hesitated before reluctantly placing her palm atop mine with a soft thud. I briefly checked her pulse before delivering my prepared statement.
“Your heartbeat is elevated. Likely due to the medicinal surge. While the affliction is fully eradicated, I employed ingredients with toxic properties that require time to purge from your system.”
“I-is that so?”
“It is a condition remedied through additional medication.” I extracted the pills from within my garments and presented them to Lea. Her expression contorted with revulsion at their noxious odor, but circumstances left no alternative.
If I wished to prevent her death, she had to consume this.
“Take this. Despite its smell, it will bolster your resistance to poisons.”
“...But the odor is too much, don’t you think?”
“Unavoidable, I’m afraid. As the saying goes: bitter medicine is often the most effective.”
With unabashed confidence, I produced identical pills for her inspection and continued, “To allay any suspicion that I might be attempting to poison you, I’ve brought identical medicine. Select one, and I shall eat the other.”
“...Must I take it?”
“Well, not necessarily. But not doing so may result in your death, which is the problem.”
“...Then you should simply force the matter.” Lea picked up one of the pills. Her pronounced pout revealed her profound reluctance.
“You needn’t partake, Young Lord. If not for your intervention, I would have lived my entire existence resembling a monster before perishing in pain. If you now wish my death, I shall simply accept it.”
Lea offered a faint smile before placing the pill in her mouth. Moments later, she clamped her hand over her lips as the revolting taste spread, barely managing to swallow.
It looked like she just swallowed it without chewing.
…Maybe I should take mine later.
Her intensely genuine reaction momentarily weakened my resolve.
I discreetly slipped the pill into my pocket, cleared my throat with deliberate emphasis, and said, “You must maintain secrecy regarding this medicine. Beyond the scarcity of ingredients, this represents a confidential elixir preserved within our House.”
“Like the remedy that cured my affliction?”
“Precisely.” When I nodded with shameless assurance, Lea inclined her head slightly in comprehension.
“Very well. I swear to keep it a secret.”
“Then I will be taking my leave. The hour grows late, and it won’t do to have others witness my presence here.”
I rose from my seat. Having accomplished one objective within my week-long timeframe, other priorities demanded attention—attaining Aura Adept status, for instance, or claiming the reward for Lea’s cure.
Before going to slay the Goblin Lord, I need to find myself a serviceable weapon, at least.
Unlike Berg County, the Praha Ducal manor likely housed various armaments. Surely a suitable bow existed among their collection.
Since I’ve given Lea her medicine, it’s about time I report her complete recovery.
And simultaneously receive my reward, while I was at it.
As anticipation of compensation curved my lips upward, Lea cautiously voiced a question.
“By the way… why did you wish to marry me? Berg County aligns with the Noble Faction, and my appearance then was hideous.”
Why did I want to marry her? The question prompted momentary reflection.
The true answer—revenge against the Artezia Duchy—remained unutterable.
After contemplation, a memory surfaced, and I chuckled softly before responding. “Let’s say it was because your swordsmanship possessed a certain beauty. Regardless of appearance, a blade wielded in protection always embodies grace.”
“...I’m sorry?” Lea blinked, her reaction suggesting my response was unexpected.
I offered another chuckle.
My answer had been sincere… though I referenced the Lea Praha from my previous existence, not this timeline’s incarnation.
The swordsmanship she employed to protect the North and its people was truly beautiful.
Unlike myself, who served merely as a tool, the blade she wielded to safeguard her family and the entire Northern region shone brilliantly.
And to think that she had protected those who insulted her, those who pointed accusatory fingers and branded her a witch. Could I have demonstrated similar nobility?
As if I could.
I shook my head decisively. I likely would have slaughtered those who insulted me before surrendering to the enemy. Or perhaps debased myself, begging Hera Artezia for directives.
“I’ve provided my answer, in any case, so I trust you’ll maintain secrecy. Oh, and prepare thoroughly for the Goblin subjugation. Don’t demonstrate your usual carelessness and overlook essential provisions.”
With those words, I departed Lea’s chamber.
* * *
Lea remained alone, staring blankly at the door through which Louis had exited.
“...Usual carelessness? My swordsmanship was beautiful? What’s that all about?!” She exclaimed, her complexion flushing crimson.
No wonder he had declared before her father that he would sacrifice his life to save hers!
“Ha… What am I to do?”
It appeared Louis Berg had harbored admiration for her across considerable time.
* * *
When dawn arrived, I sought an audience with the Grand Duke.
“What brings you here?” he asked.
“I come to report that Lady Lea’s treatment is complete.”
Upon hearing my declaration, the Grand Duke exhaled with palpable relief, passing a hand across his features.
“That’s most reassuring.”
“You appear to have been deeply concerned.”
“You’ll comprehend when you father a daughter yourself. Such is the parental heart, agonizing over the slightest injury and wishing to assume their suffering.”
Perhaps. Could one so consumed by vengeance as myself ever become a parent?
I regarded the Grand Duke, suppressing the involuntary dubious chuckle that threatened to escape.
The Grand Duke paused his writing and continued, “Moreover, you recognize my situation. I must return to the Demonic Realm shortly. My presence here stems solely from His Majesty’s benevolence. Should His Majesty learn of Lea’s recovery, I doubt I’ll maintain my current liberty within the House.”
“...”
“Therefore, before departing, I wished to confirm Lea’s complete recuperation.”
It made sense.
Recalling my past life, the Grand Duke had devoted an unusual amount of time to family affairs—an anomaly by any measure. Though this period amounted to less than half a year, it represented an eternity compared to his customary allocation.
If the Grand Duke remained present in my previous life, the Artezia Duchy wouldn’t have triumphed so readily.
I nodded, recollecting those events. In that timeline, the Grand Duke had vanished without warning. Only reports of his disappearance within the Demonic Realm had reached us, while the precise circumstances were never clarified.
Yet his absence undeniably contributed to the Praha Duchy’s annihilation.
…Does the Artezia Duchy have something to do with his disappearance?
Upon reflection, numerous aspects appeared suspicious. The Artezia Duchy’s offensive against Praha commenced only after the Grand Duke vanished.
I suppose I should investigate this later.
I filed away this observation for subsequent examination.
Just then, the Grand Duke fixed me with a penetrating gaze. “Now, address your true purpose. Delivering news of the treatment personally suggests an underlying motivation, does it not?”
“I truly cannot deceive Your Grace.” I replied with a slight shrug. “I’ve come to claim the reward you previously mentioned.”
“Ah, the reward... Indeed, compensation is due. What do you desire?”
“I request three considerations. Would that be permissible?”
“That depends on their nature. First, proceed with your requests. Should any prove presumptuous, I shall decline accordingly.” The Grand Duke gestured for me to quickly continue.
Only a fool would squander such an opportunity. I drew breath and began to speak.
“I...”