IPAMB 18

Chapter: 18

My vision began to spin.

This can’t happen—I have to stay here!

My heart pounded violently, and my mind went hazy.

I can’t believe I just proved myself to be a liar!

“So it seems you’re not perfect. Seeing the future, I mean.”

“Ah, yes….”

I didn’t know either, but that’s what happened.

I lowered my head gloomily.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Cain looking flustered, as if he were about to say something at any moment.

Cain probably thinks I’m a liar too. He’s going to tell them to throw me out.

Just as Cain was about to open his mouth—

“Very well.”

A low voice from above my head cut in first—the Duke.

Huh…?

I slowly raised my head.

Without a change in expression, the Duke continued calmly,

“I will permit you to remain in the ducal residence and relay what you know of the future.”

“R-Really? Even though I was just wrong…?”

“You have never once mentioned the purification stone. Yet you knew of it. Therefore, I cannot simply dismiss everything you say as false.”

Objectively speaking, that was entirely reasonable.

Thank goodness. I thought it was all over.

I stood up and bowed politely.

“Thank you for trusting me. Next time, I’ll be sure to bring you a future that will truly be helpful!”

The Duke gave a slight nod.

Good. Now I just need to drive my brother away!

My request to capture the villain organization and my stay at the ducal estate—both had been resolved.

Of course, the road ahead was still long, but just taking the first step made the corners of my mouth twitch upward.

Still, not everything was good.

“……”

Cain’s expression wasn’t good. Or rather, he was staring blankly into space.

He must not like that I wasn’t kicked out.

When our eyes met, I quickly stopped smiling, feeling oddly apologetic.

“……”

For some reason, Cain’s expression grew even more vacant.

Come to think of it, I need to mend things between Cain and the Duke too.

Although the Duke had readily granted my request, I still wanted their relationship to improve.

After all, the one who would ultimately have the power to completely defeat Luminior was Cain.

An awakened Cain.

It absolutely cannot follow the original story!

I wanted Cain to overcome his emotional wounds quickly and awaken.

Of course, I felt a bit guilty for using him like this…

But I justified it to myself—resolving his painful past sooner would ultimately be good for him too.

Anyway, if he’s going to overcome his wounds, it should start with improving his relationship with the Duke.

Fortunately, the situation wasn’t entirely hopeless.

After all, Cain came here to see the Duke first.

Maybe they could reconcile without my mediation.

Though at the moment, they were sitting far apart, not even making eye contact, let alone talking.

“May I ask one thing?”

As the conversation was winding down, the Duke addressed me.

“Yes! Please, ask anything!”

“It need not be something that will happen soon, but is there anything you know about the future of House Argent? Something concerning a member of the family would be preferable.”

So he wanted to hear about another future.

This time, I have to get it right!

Though he hadn’t asked in a suspicious tone, I burned with determination.

“Um, just a moment….”

Suddenly trying to think of something else, I wasn’t sure what to say.

Still, this time the timing didn’t matter.

After thinking carefully, I opened my mouth.

“Then I will tell you about the future concerning Young Lord Cain.”

Yes, talking about Cain would be best.

“…Very well.”

For just a fleeting moment, something like disappointment crossed the Duke’s face.

Huh?

I blinked. His expression was as composed as ever.

Did I imagine it?

“What is it?”

“Ah.”

I collected myself and said what I had in mind—one piece of information about Cain from the original story.

“Young Lord Cain will become a Sword Master.”

“!”

Cain’s eyes widened, and at the same time the Duke’s gaze shifted to him.

They were silent, but it was clear that both of them were deeply shocked.

Perfect choice. Absolutely perfect!

I felt proud of myself.

House Argent was a prestigious family of swordsmen. Naturally, the Duke would be interested in hearing that Cain would reach the realm of Sword Master.

This is how you create a topic and give them a chance to talk.

It might still be awkward between them, but with a shared interest, conversation could begin.

And once conversation began, surely they would eventually open up about the wounds they had carried all this time.

I was certain of it.

At least, until the Duke spoke again.

“Him?”

“……!?”

I doubted my ears.

What did he just say…?

The Duke’s words were short, but the meaning behind them was not simple.

You dare say someone like you would become a Sword Master?

I clapped a trembling hand over my mouth.

But it wasn’t my mouth that should have been covered—it was the Duke’s.

“One does not easily reach the realm of Sword Master.”

As if his previous remark hadn’t been enough, the Duke added coldly.

I stiffly turned my head toward Cain.

“I am aware.”

Cain replied just as coldly, then rose from his seat.

“In that case, it seems this discussion is over. I will take my leave.”

With a brief farewell, he left the drawing room.

“……”

I alternated my gaze between the closed door and the Duke, who calmly sipped his tea.

…Something had gone very, very wrong.

I knew his way of speaking was a problem, but I didn’t think it was this catastrophic.

I was still reeling from the Duke’s shockingly blunt manner.

“How on earth did they reconcile in the original story?”

It hadn’t been described in detail, which left me at a loss.

Did I take this too lightly? I thought if Tristan was dealt with and I created a space for them to talk, it would resolve naturally.

Now I realized I had been clinging to a ridiculous hope.

“Still… I said everything I needed to say….”

Even after Cain left, the Duke and I continued talking for a while.

Since I was already speaking, I also brought up the monster we had encountered in the forest—the one Cain had told me not to interfere about. The Duke seemed to already know to some extent, so even if Cain found out later, it didn’t seem like it would become a major issue.

Anyway, thanks to that, I was able to tell him that Tristan had been spreading false rumors and that even the servants found it suspicious.

When he heard that, the Duke made a terrifying expression—so frightening that even I felt chills just watching him.

Seeing that, it’s clear he doesn’t actually hate Cain.

The Duke’s disastrous way of speaking came to mind again. With that tone, he would never be able to clear up the misunderstandings between them.

I shook my head.

I’ll have to mediate somehow! Get it together!

This time, Cain had come so suddenly that I hadn’t been able to prepare properly.

But it wasn’t over. Even as the relationship between the Duke and Cain fractured further, I had secured my place in the ducal estate.

There was still a chance.

What should I do? I should create an opportunity for them to talk. Maybe suggest they share a meal?

With Tristan imprisoned, the Duke had an overwhelming amount of work to do. It seemed difficult for him to make separate time.

But meals were necessary. If I suggested they dine together, perhaps it would work.

Though I don’t know if Cain will agree.

He looked deeply hurt.

After my meeting with the Duke ended, I tried to visit Cain, but he said he wanted to be alone, leaving me no choice but to turn back.

It was difficult to comfort him. If I wasn’t careful, it would sound like I was criticizing the Duke.

“Still, I have to try!”

Nothing would change if I just stayed like this. It wasn’t as if I had no options.

If I ask the Duke first and then pass the message to Cain, it’ll look like the Duke is the one inviting him to dine together!

Maybe that would soften Cain’s heart a little.

“Good.”

I immediately put my plan into action.

“Secretary!”

As I stepped into the corridor, I spotted the Duke’s secretary walking briskly. I hurriedly stopped him.

“Lady Winiel? What is it?”

“I have a request. Could I have breakfast tomorrow with His Grace and Young Lord Cain? When I think about it, I usually see the future in the mornings, so if I do, I’d like to tell them both right away!”

It was a hastily fabricated lie, but the secretary accepted it with a pleased smile.

“I see. Understood. I will relay the message to His Grace.”

And shortly after—

“His Grace has declined. My apologies.”

The plan failed before it even began.