IPAMB 19

Chapter: 19

“…Why?”

I had no idea why.

If Cain had refused, I could have understood—but for the Duke himself to turn it down…?

Is he just too busy?

That was possible. The ducal estate was in complete chaos right now.

Between dealing with the Tristan incident and investigating all the things I had reported, his workload must have exploded.

Then I’ll just wait and ask again later.

I tried to calm my anxious heart and let some time pass.

Fortunately, after a few days, something happened that greatly lightened the Duke’s burden.

“The results of the black magic investigation are in.”

A reply had come from the Mage Tower.

“Tristan’s signature was confirmed.”

Thank goodness.

I had expected it, but hearing it directly was a relief. The Duke believed me, but solid evidence was still necessary.

“This is ridiculous! That brat did everything! I’m innocent!”

Of course, Tristan refused to confess until the very end.

But no one believed him.

During the investigation, everything he had done to the servants had been laid bare.

Not only did he spread vicious rumors about Cain—he also handed out money and extra vacations however he pleased.

That was why Rain had been running himself ragged. He had been desperately trying to protect the estate on his own.

“Take him away.”

“Your Grace! Listen to me—! Bellatia! I did it all for you—!”

Tristan screamed and struggled, but the Duke showed no mercy.

And rightly so. The Mage Tower’s analysis had revealed another shocking truth.

Two signatures…

Judging from the timing and Tristan’s recent movements, it was clear he had used black magic to summon the monster I had seen in the forest—the day I first met Cain.

If you peel him any more, nothing will be left.

It was almost impressive how he kept insisting on his innocence even after all that.

In the end, Tristan was dragged away. He would face trial for countless crimes, and it seemed unlikely he would escape with his life.

You have to take responsibility for what you did.

I watched him scream with wild eyes before quietly heading back inside the ducal estate.

Now that Tristan’s dealt with, the Duke should be less busy, right?

Then it was time to create another opportunity for Cain and the Duke to talk.

Over the past few days, they hadn’t even crossed paths—not once.

It seemed absurd, but given the size of the estate, it also made sense.

Anyway, nothing would move forward unless I forced the issue.

If only the original novel had explained their reconciliation in more detail.

Grumbling internally, I walked down the corridor, planning to discreetly ask the secretary about arranging another shared meal.

“That’s ridiculous! Why should I be fired? I didn’t do anything wrong!”

I froze when I heard the angry voice as I turned the corner.

“Exactly! Since when is taking money a crime!?”

“I worked so hard here!”

They were servants.

Right—Tristan wasn’t the only one in trouble.

Because of this scandal, all the servants and knights under him had been dismissed.

Tristan was the worst offender, but they too had ignored and disrespected Cain.

And they still don’t feel any remorse.

Hopeless people.

I didn’t even want to run into them.

I turned to leave—but someone suddenly grabbed my shoulder.

“You were eavesdropping, weren’t you?”

Rough hands yanked me around.

“Ugh…”

Pain shot through my shoulder. I groaned, but the maid who grabbed me didn’t care.

“I asked if you were listening in. I’m already in a bad mood, you little brat.”

Apparently venting among themselves hadn’t been enough—now she’d decided to pick a fight with me.

“I was just passing by.”

“Oh please. You were hiding and listening!”

“Calm down. You’re too worked up.”

Another maid tried to pull her back, patting her shoulder—but then she glanced at me and added,

“Probably about to go tattling again. Kids always have loose mouths.”

“Exactly! No wonder the Duke found out. You went and told everything, didn’t you?!”

Though she pretended to restrain her friend, she wasn’t any better.

The first maid got even angrier.

“So you’re a Saintess candidate? With a heart that rotten, do you really think you can become a Saintess?”

“Stop it, you’ll make her cry. What if she runs off and tells again?”

“So what? It’s all over anyway. Let her tell.”

They clearly thought I’d be scared into silence.

Why do they keep doing this to me? Seriously.

I had tried to avoid them, but they wouldn’t let go. My irritation finally reached its limit.

“Then I will.”

My answer was exactly what they wanted to hear.

The maid’s already twisted face contorted even further.

“What did you just say?”

“You told me to report it to the Duke. So I will.”

“Wow. You’re funny.”

She laughed hollowly.

“Just because the Duke listened to you once, you think you’re something special now?”

“Yes.”

“Ha! You think he’d bother listening to something like this?”

“Yes.”

“And even if he did, you think anything would change?!”

“Yes.”

“……”

“If you’re done asking questions, may I go now? I have something important to do.”

Maybe they had run out of things to say. They didn’t try to stop me.

Huh. That was easier than I expected.

If I’d known, I could’ve just answered casually from the start.

They tried to make me look like the villain, but honestly, I felt nothing.

I hadn’t done anything wrong. They had.

And no matter what, they’re getting kicked out anyway.

I shrugged.

The estate would be empty for a while as new staff were hired—but that was far better than keeping people like them.

They said they’re bringing people from the North temporarily, right?

It wouldn’t be many, but enough to keep things running.

Those servants should be good people.

Anyone who followed the Duke through the brutal northern cold must be deeply loyal.

At the very least, they wouldn’t spread nasty rumors about Cain.

Alright. Let’s try again!

Operation: Restore the relationship between Cain and the Duke!

I dashed down the corridor to find the Duke’s secretary.

The Duke’s Office

With the crimson sunset glowing behind him, Bellatia reviewed the documents Silven handed over.

“It appears Tristan purchased black magic on the black market during his last vacation.”

“Find out who sold it to him. No matter what.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Silven replied calmly.

As expected—anything involving Young Master Cain makes him sensitive.

The Duke was blunt and reserved, but his feelings for Cain were genuine.

Even when Young Master Cain sends those strange messages through magic communication tools, he never hesitates to rush back to the estate.

He had once said they were meaningless scribbles—but that was only because they truly were nonsense. There had been no hidden meaning.

Still, now that he’s been traveling to the North so often, they barely see each other. I wish he’d be warmer when he does speak to him.

Silven remembered the day Cain had appeared during Bellatia’s meeting with Winiel.

It had been shocking.

Cain, who always avoided people, had come on his own.

But Bellatia had crushed that courage without hesitation.

After that, Cain had shut himself away, refusing to see anyone.

If only they could be forced to spend some time together… Oh, right—earlier…

Silven recalled running into Winiel in the corridor.

She had once again asked to arrange a meal between Bellatia and Cain.

It was the perfect excuse.

“By the way, Your Grace, Lady Winiel requested that you dine together with Young Master Cain—”

“No.”

Bellatia cut him off instantly.