IMMCFC 15

Chapter 15

Conrad was flustered. From what he had investigated, she had received no proper formal education and had learned everything on her own.

“Analysis of the Mechanisms and Principles of Pharmacological Reactions Acting Specifically Within the Body of the Dragon-Blooded.”

Even so… something like this at such a young age? And an ancient text written in the old language?

‘I knew she was no ordinary person, but this goes far beyond that, doesn’t it?’

Well. Just looking at how she treated Jayden, she was clearly not an average person. And she did not fear Cain, a dragon-blooded, in the slightest.

‘She may very well become a benefactor of this house.’

Thinking he should firmly instruct the maids to attend to her with even greater care, Conrad immediately went out to carry out the order.

After returning to my room, I immediately took off my ruined clothes and changed into fresh ones.

“Looking at them now, they really are a mess…”

I hadn’t fully realized it while wearing them, but aside from the sleeves being torn, they were heavily stained with blood.

“I’ll throw away my shirt… Ah. This one needs to be hung properly.”

As soon as I entered the room, I had taken off Cain’s jacket carefully so it wouldn’t get damaged.

“Wow… he’s really big.”

His shoulders were nearly twice the width of mine.

No wonder I mistook him for a knight when we first met.

Just then—

A knock sounded at the door, and I paused what I was doing.

“Yes, come in.”

The moment the door opened, a small figure charged at me at terrifying speed. That familiar silhouette belonged to—

“Melody!”

“Mooom!”

The child ran straight into my arms.

“What’s this? Why are you so excited?”

“Heehee.”

She usually looked gloomy when separated from me, but contrary to my worries, she seemed to have had a good day.

After welcoming her, I lifted my head slightly and saw two maids standing nervously at the doorway, blinking at me with tense expressions.

Holding Melody’s hand, I approached them.

“Hello! I didn’t properly greet you this morning, did I? I’m Viola.”

“Gasp. Yes! Hello! I’m Becky!”

“Ah, hello. I’m Marie…”

They looked to be in their late teens. Becky appeared lively, while Marie greeted me more timidly.

“Uu! Oooh! Waaah!”

Melody jumped happily between them.

They both seem like good people.

We hadn’t spoken much yet, but their presence felt kind. Most importantly, I could tell from Melody’s expression.

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Becky. Miss Marie.”

I smiled gently as I greeted them, and both of them startled and stared at me.

“Oh my goodness, please call us comfortably!”

“Y-yes, that’s far too much…”

Marie’s face turned red, and she couldn’t continue. But I simply replied calmly.

“Oh, how could I? I’m grateful to you.”

“Huh?”

Becky looked puzzled, but I meant it sincerely.

I know how difficult it is to care for a child.

It required stamina, constant vigilance, and attention to countless details.

And Melody suffered from aphasia.

Though she was relatively calm, caring for her wouldn’t have been easy.

I looked down at Melody, who was still fidgeting excitedly beside me.

This little one definitely had an amazing day.

I smiled softly.

“I’ve never seen Melody this happy before. You must have taken very good care of her.”

“…Gasp.”

“Thanks to you, I feel much more at ease. Please continue to look after Melody.”

After finishing sincerely, I looked at their faces again.

Wait… did I pressure them too much?

Becky’s mouth hung open, and Marie’s large eyes were brimming with tears.

Becky and Marie didn’t know what to say and only glanced at each other.

Though they didn’t say it aloud, they both knew they were thinking the same thing.

How can someone be this kind?

Though Viola herself didn’t seem to know, she had been the center of rumors for several days.

The rumors began with Susan, a maid dating the guard John.

“Do you know Squirrel Lady?”

“Who’s that?”

“Well! John said that if Lord Conrad finds Squirrel Lady, we’re to report it! His Grace is looking for her!”

“So who is she?”

“How would I know?!”

At first, everyone thought it was exaggerated gossip. It was hard to believe the Duke would issue such an order.

A man who treated women like stones was searching for one? And what was that adorable nickname?

But within a day, everything changed.

Squirrel Lady finally revealed her identity. And she suddenly began staying at the ducal estate!

Though she was hired as a dedicated herbalist, her treatment was entirely different from her predecessors.

Even Conrad had personally told them to pay special attention to her.

If even strict Lord Conrad is that attentive, there must be more to it!

Outwardly polite, he was actually very cold. Otherwise, he could never have served a dragon-blooded duke for so long.

Speculation spread among the servants.

And then Becky and Marie were assigned to care for her child.

“Heehee.”

“Hello, Lady Melody. Shall we explore the estate today?”

“Uh!”

Melody was utterly adorable. Caring for her was enjoyable—but their curiosity only grew.

If they’re family, they must resemble each other. She must be stunning…

After all, Melody was so cute.

But meeting Viola in person exceeded all expectations.

“Are you both alright? Did I pressure you too much? If so, I’m sorry.”

“No, no! Not at all!”

“Y-yes! We’re just h-happy!”

Even slow-speaking Marie rushed her words.

“Then I’m relieved.”

Viola smiled gently, her soft pink curls swaying slightly.

Wow…

Marie unconsciously let out a breath of admiration. She had never seen someone whose smile was so beautiful.

Even her smallest gestures carried elegance. It was impossible to hide the noble etiquette ingrained in her.

After meeting Viola face-to-face, the two maids became convinced.

She must be a princess from some kingdom!

Surely she was hiding her identity due to complicated circumstances and had sought refuge in the ducal house for safety.

With that thought, they felt deeply honored.

Marie blurted urgently, uncharacteristically,

“B-but still… please speak comfortably.”

“But…”

Becky quickly chimed in.

“Viola, pleeease? We’ll get scolded!”

They waited eagerly for her answer.

Meanwhile, Viola squeezed her eyes shut.

I’m weak against this kind of thing…

When she opened them again, Becky and Marie were still staring at her earnestly.

Even Melody joined in, thinking it was a fun game.

In the end, she nodded.

“Phew. Alright then.”

The two maids clapped happily.

“Thank you! We’re really happy.”

“Y-yes!”

To think they were this happy over something so small. Viola felt almost guilty for having refused before and smiled warmly.

Then—

“Huh?”

“What is it?”

Becky was pointing at the wardrobe. The door had been left slightly open, revealing something hanging inside.

“Isn’t that His Grace’s outer jacket?”

“Your eyesight is quite—”

Honorifics slipped out of habit, and Becky’s eyes drooped.

Ahem. Viola corrected herself.

“Becky has sharp eyes. Yes. I spilled something on my clothes earlier, so he lent it to me.”

She scratched her cheek awkwardly.

In truth, it had been to hide her blood-soaked state—but she couldn’t say that in front of Melody.

So she brushed it off.

But Becky and Marie misunderstood in a completely different way.

“Ahhh, I see!”

They nodded as if convinced—but they were thinking something entirely different.

Oh my goodness. Did you hear that? The Duke personally lent her his clothes!