Chapter 19
The journey from the capital to the western borderlands naturally came with many variables and uncertainties.
Because of that, when Beatrice first heard the report from the head maid, she had simply accepted it as normal.
‘There’s no way the knights’ order wouldn’t be able to handle something like this.’
The only thing she had debated after hearing the situation was whether she should attend the meeting with Head Maid Naod or not.
Her hesitation was brief.
“Ria, you…”
“I’ll go!”
If she was going to be hit anyway, she might as well take the blow first.
Even though she had reduced her direct interactions, she couldn’t avoid everyone entirely while staying in the marquessate.
‘It’s better to at least check things lightly when I can.’
She was wearing thick glasses enchanted with an illusion spell, and her hair had been dyed brown and curled tightly—there shouldn’t be a problem.
‘Most importantly, these are items certified by Her Majesty the Empress!’
Thinking that, Beatrice naturally followed behind the head maid and blended into the crowd, quietly taking a seat toward the back.
A position where she wouldn’t stand out—but also wouldn’t be completely absent.
But the nervous anticipation of being discovered faded quickly.
As she observed the people’s expressions, Beatrice realized the situation was far more serious than she expected.
“Has His Highness the Crown Prince been informed that he is personally present?”
“Of course. However, the Downer Marquisate has still not lifted the entry restriction order.”
“Furthermore, Grand Duke Alec has sent word suggesting the Crown Prince reconsider joining for his own safety. Nothing is clear yet, but there are reports of an ominous presence in the western borderlands.”
“…Any contact from the advance team?”
“Only partially… Mountain monsters have become more frequent, and supplies are running low.”
“……”
“And even those who followed Grand Duke Alec and the monks reportedly disappeared in the blink of an eye. Contact was lost after that.”
At the knights’ grave voices, Beatrice subtly adjusted her thick glasses and pricked up her ears.
Since their destination was the “Cursed Downer Marquessate,” she had expected abnormal signs.
Nothing like this ever happened without warning.
‘But still, this is too much. Are we already at the stage of blocking entry?’
That didn’t feel right.
She clearly remembered it being a season cold enough to sting the nose.
‘Then something else must have changed.’
Beatrice blinked and began listing everything that had changed from the past.
In mysteries like this, the cause was often something unexpected.
‘Like in detective novels—when the least likely person turns out to be the culprit!’
At any rate, there were three major differences from the past:
‘First, our marriage. Second, Grand Duke Alec and Lady Valoa Crawford, who weren’t originally involved with the marquessate, are here now. Third, Clyde arrived much earlier with the Crown Prince for support than in the past.’
Hmm…
Ignoring the ongoing discussion, Beatrice fell into deep thought.
‘If I had to pick the biggest difference, it’s the number of people entering the marquessate… Could the increase in people affect the curse? For example, does the curse deepen when more people die?’
If the “unknown patient” she had discussed with the Empress was truly connected to this incident, that theory might not be unreasonable.
‘Or maybe the princess is behind this again.’
Valoa Crawford would know that monks were heading here with the Crown Prince.
Since preventing the Crown Prince from resolving the western border issue would be a thorn in her side, that possibility also existed.
‘Either way, I’ll only get answers by investigating inside the marquessate.’
But the meeting showed no sign of reaching a conclusion.
That was expected. This concerned the Crown Prince’s safety and potential conflict with the marquisate.
“However, given the circumstances, it is highly likely there is a serious internal issue. With current manpower and resources, now may be the best time to resolve it.”
“I agree. If we miss this opportunity, the situation could spiral out of control later.”
“I understand, but that is precisely why we must oppose it. How can we send His Highness into such unknown danger—!”
Knights and aides clashed sharply, voices tense.
‘This doesn’t look easy. Can I even get in…?’
Beatrice carefully scanned the room, searching for Clyde.
‘Ah. There he is.’
Clyde sat quietly among them, as composed as a painting, listening without interruption.
Then his gaze suddenly shifted toward her.
‘Ah—!’
Did she stare too obviously?
Startled, Beatrice quickly lowered her head.
At that moment, a familiar voice rang out.
“Then let His Highness remain here and form an escort unit. It doesn’t need to be large—just a few people, including myself.”
“But we’ve already lost contact with the advance team…”
“Then we cannot retreat either. We should set a time limit instead.”
“Hm…”
This was the most reasonable solution available.
All eyes turned to Crown Prince Krowell. The final decision was his.
Tapping the table lightly, he slowly opened his eyes.
“Let’s proceed as Sir Dalton suggested. Without accurate information, any decision may lead to a wrong conclusion. Clyde, just confirm the situation in the marquisate. Do not take unnecessary risks.”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I may look like this, but I’m newly married—dying recklessly would be inconvenient. I’ll prioritize my safety if things go wrong.”
Clyde’s light remark eased the atmosphere in the room.
The Crown Prince gave a short laugh and nodded.
“Good. Take knights as you see fit, and for aides…”
Before he could finish, Head Maid Naod raised her hand slightly.
“I would like to recommend someone.”
“You, Head Maid?”
“Yes. I recommend Ria Kruger beside me.”
Beatrice was startled and looked at Naod with wide eyes, deeply moved.
‘Honestly, I was wondering if I’d have to climb a mountain alone…’
Some of the Crown Prince’s aides briefly looked intrigued before quickly masking their expressions.
“That person is…”
At the Crown Prince’s gaze, Naod stepped forward on Beatrice’s behalf.
“As I mentioned earlier, this is Ria Kruger. She was originally brought in as my administrative assistant and external investigator. She has magical abilities and connections to the marquisate.”
“She is from the Downer Marquessate?”
“In a sense. She’s been too restless ever since hearing the meeting’s content. I believe she would be more useful if allowed to join the escort unit.”
“Hm…”
“I trained her myself. She will be helpful.”
“Very well. A local with magical insight is valuable. And if the head maid vouches for her identity… Clyde?”
“I have no objections.”
“Good. Then Ria Kruger, I look forward to your service in the escort unit.”
“Ah—yes.”
She bowed reflexively, but Beatrice quickly suppressed her racing heartbeat.
‘I almost reacted when they said I’m from the marquisate. I’m really terrible at this kind of hiding…’
I really need to be more careful.
