Chapter 34

“It’s quite remarkable how her recovery speed has accelerated within a few months. It’s evident that prior to her capture by the Van Yela Army at the border, she endured injuries, inflammation, and even a prolonged fever for at least a month and a half. However, after her fall into the lake, her suffering lasted a mere two weeks. It’s truly puzzling.”

“Perhaps the initial period of suffering when she was first captured by the Van Yela Army was largely influenced by psychological distress.”

“Isn’t the experience of nearly falling off a cliff and almost drowning something that would cause significant psychological trauma? It appears to make sense, if not more so.”

“Well, that’s a valid point, but…”

The physician stammered, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. Rezette delicately placed the parchment on the desk and began to gather his thoughts.

If there has indeed been a change in her physical condition, and the underlying cause extends beyond the physician’s diagnosis, there is only one plausible explanation.

“The Princess employed magic, a large-scale barrier that shielded the heads of hundreds. Could its influence be at play here?” asked Rezette.

“Magic remains an enigmatic realm, one yet to be fully explored and understood. We cannot be certain,” Freya replied.

Magic and the boundless wellspring of mana. These subjects were jealously guarded within the sacred domain of the Argan Imperial Family in Grandel.

While the populace of Grandel held magic in awe and coveted its power, the Argan lineage diligently veiled this mystical force from the prying eyes of the continent. Even Rezette, with the very essence of mana coursing through her veins, possessed only a meager understanding of this enigmatic power.

The Argan Castle’s Institute of Manaology had fallen into the hands of the Ugel tribe, leaving only Elizabeth Aseica and her profound knowledge of magic as the guiding beacon in the realm of the arcane.

“In the end, we can’t know anything until she opens her mouth,” Rezette mused, his gaze momentarily drifting towards the medical records handed to him by the physician before gently setting them aside.

“However… Your Highness,” the physician cautiously interjected, carefully observing his reaction.

Apologizing for her audacity, she continued, “Even with her slight improvement, it would be unwise to assume that she possesses the same level of health as ordinary women. Therefore, when you share an intimate bond with her, you must exercise utmost caution—truly, and with great care. I trust you are already aware of this.”

Rezette fell into a contemplative silence, absorbing the weight of the physician’s words.

“And, if possible, be gentle… Her Highness, the Princess, appears to be unfamiliar with the nuances of intimacy between men and women, let alone the natural pleasures that accompany it…”

“In essence, you are advising me to approach her with restraint?” Rezette sought clarification, his voice laced with a hint of resignation.

“I-I apologize,” the elderly physician stammered, her concern etched upon her features. Bowing her head deeply, she conveyed her earnest apologies. Rezette, feeling the weight of mounting pressure upon his temples, gently massaged them, a burgeoning headache emerging in its wake.

“If only I were oblivious to such knowledge, I wouldn’t find myself trapped in this predicament,” Rezette lamented, his voice tinged with regret.

Though the princess possessed the potential as a magician, Rezette had no intention of relying on a slim possibility that held no guarantees. He had learned a valuable lesson after unreservedly revealing his desires to Elise at the inn—once the boundaries of reason were crossed, there was no retreat.

The insatiable nature of a dragon could not be satiated by mere fleeting encounters. A single day? Perhaps two? Rezette couldn’t even assure himself of that. The mere thought of Elise’s golden irises, shimmering with moisture, and the intoxicating floral fragrance that emanated from her eyes ignited a fervent heat within his mind.

For how many days should I keep my distance? Rezette pondered, a mixture of annoyance and frustration clouding his thoughts. He made a lackluster gesture, devoid of enthusiasm.

“You may take your leave now,” he uttered dismissively.

“Yes, Your Highness,” responded the physician, bowing respectfully before exiting the office. Rezette redirected his attention away from the documents, fixating his gaze upon the closed door.

Through the gap left by the departing physician, Rezette caught sight of a vibrant green dress. A voice soon followed.

“May I come in, Your Highness?”

Rezette nodded in acknowledgment.

Lady Petisson entered the study with purposeful strides, exuding confidence in her demeanor. Rezette briefly glanced at the window, gauging the late hour. It was well past sunset, ensuring that Lady Petisson wouldn’t approach him at an inconvenient time.

“What brings you here, Lady?” Rezette inquired, his tone composed.

For a moment, Lady Petisson maintained a thoughtful silence, an uncharacteristic display of hesitation for someone known to provide unwavering advice and counsel. Finally, she spoke.

“I have learned that Her Highness the Princess retired to her bed not long ago.”

Rezette had already received a report regarding Elise’s rest. His eyebrow arched slightly as he awaited Lady Petisson’s next words.

“And what about it?”

“With the arrival of the mistress, it is only fitting that certain changes take place within Rotiara Castle. There is a matter I would like to discuss with you, Your Highness,” Lady Petisson proposed.

“Speak.”

Lady Petisson took a moment to gather her thoughts before addressing a topic that hadn’t crossed Rezette’s mind. It was a matter that had been overshadowed by Elise’s unexpected proposal, leaving little room for other considerations. Specifically, the responsibilities and duties that befell Elise as the grand duchess and the wife of the lord.

In Rezette’s regular absences from Rotiara, the management of the castle fell under the oversight of Alfredo, the steward, and Lady Petisson, the housekeeper. Particularly, Lady Petisson had been the figurehead of the family, efficiently handling the affairs of the Petisson Marquisate as the young widow of Lord Petisson. She had proven her competence in managing the internal affairs without causing any disruptions.

However, with the change in circumstances and the appointment of a new mistress, it seemed like an opportune moment to reevaluate the situation and engage in a discussion.

Beneath the surface, the marriage between Rezette and the princess was nothing more than a facade, with an uncertain expiration date hanging over their heads. Entrusting the management of internal affairs to someone who would only be present temporarily would not be the most efficient approach.

Rezette delved into the pile of accumulated documents, meticulously organized by those who had been in charge for nearly 15 years. The papers were immaculate, a testament to the competence of those who had handled the responsibilities in his absence.

In truth, it seemed more practical for Lady Petisson to continue overseeing the internal matters and seeking his approval, just as they had done before. If Elizabeth hadn’t been the princess of Argan, that would have been the natural course of action.

Rezette’s contemplation was brief. He casually voiced his decision.

“First, inquire about the intentions of Her Highness.”

Lady Petisson stared at her master, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity in her eyes. Seeking the princess’s wishes first was tantamount to granting her indirect authority over internal affairs. Although she recognized that the grand duke never spoke without purpose, she couldn’t help but seek clarification.

“Are you granting decision-making authority to Her Highness the Princess?”

“If she wishes,” Rezette responded calmly.

Lady Petisson raised a valid concern, expressing her worries about the potential consequences if someone unfamiliar with Rotiara hastily took an interest in internal affairs and made mistakes.

“Is my domain so fragile that it can be easily shaken by a few mistakes?” Rezette questioned.

“But it would depend on the specific areas she shows interest in. Take finances, for instance. While Rotiara may be prosperous, it differs greatly from the flourishing days of the Argan Empire. Your standards may not align,” Lady Petisson elaborated.

Nodding in acknowledgment, Rezette understood the implications. The princess, having spent her entire life within the confines of the Argan Imperial Palace, would undoubtedly be ignorant about the intricacies of Van Yela or Rotiara.

“That is true,” Rezette concurred. “If the Princess wishes to gain knowledge, we will provide her with the necessary information. There is no need for her to seek my permission for every decision. Serve her as you would serve me, and we shall not encounter any shortcomings.”

Having conveyed his perspective, the grand duke redirected his focus to the documents before him, indicating that the discussion had reached its conclusion.

Lady Petisson pressed her lips together, deep in thought. She had anticipated this turn of events, but witnessing her master’s willingness to accommodate every request from the princess left her pondering.

Why would he go to such lengths? He’s not one to be easily ensnared… Lady Petisson mused, contemplating the underlying reasons behind her master’s actions.

Reluctant to burden her recently returned master, Lady Petisson had initially refrained from bringing up her concerns. However, given the course of their conversation, there was one crucial matter that needed to be addressed.

Ever since she first heard the rumors about the relationship between the grand duke and the princess, Lady Petisson couldn’t entirely dismiss her suspicions.

“There is something that troubles me. Her Highness, the Princess, has been hesitant to let me witness her receiving treatment from the court physician,” she revealed, shifting the topic unexpectedly.

Rezette looked up, his attention captured by the sudden shift in focus.

“And?” he inquired, awaiting further explanation.

“As the Lady-in-Waiting, it is my responsibility to be fully informed about Her Highness’s condition. This knowledge would enable me to handle any emergency situations that may arise,” Lady Petisson stated firmly, emphasizing the importance of her role.

“Didn’t the physician keep a record of the treatment?” Rezette sighed wearily, placing the documents on the desk. Lady Petisson braced herself for his response, knowing that her intentions could not be openly expressed in the presence of the grand duke. If he truly was the astute ruler she believed him to be, he would discern the underlying doubts she harbored regarding the grand duchess.

“Petisson,” Rezette began, his voice tinged with a sense of exhaustion. His next words, however, caught Lady Petisson off guard, deviating from her expectations.

“I explicitly instructed you to serve me as you would serve me. Have you been imposing your own interpretations on my intentions?” he questioned, his tone firm.

“No, never would I dare to do so,” Lady Petisson hurriedly responded, her voice filled with deference.

“Then there is no reason for the Princess to act differently. If she does not wish to share her condition, she has the right to withhold that information. I fail to understand why this conversation persists. Moreover, did you forcibly examine her against her will?” Rezette’s words carried a hint of reproach.

“Excuse me?” Lady Petisson’s voice wavered with surprise.

“McLan mentioned that he went to her bedroom,” Rezette calmly stated, his tone carrying a hint of authority.

The revelation hit Lady Petisson like a sudden gust of wind, rendering her momentarily speechless.

“There should be no occurrences within my domain that elude my awareness,” Rezette continued, his voice firm.

“I apologize,” Lady Petisson offered, her voice laden with contrition.

“I must seem like a stranger to you,” Rezette remarked, his tone tinged with a hint of disappointment.

“I underestimated your thoughts. Please forgive me,” Lady Petisson swiftly responded, her words laced with remorse.

In Rotiara, where the watchful eyes and attentive ears of the grand duke pervaded every corner, not even Lady Petisson, as a confidant, could escape their scrutiny. However, due to her deep-rooted connections in Rotiara, her every move garnered even more attention.

“In that case, I shall inquire about the matter concerning the appointment with Her Highness tomorrow,” Lady Petisson declared, her voice composed.

“Please do so,” Rezette acquiesced, allowing a brief pause to hang in the air.

Lady Petisson closed her eyes, fighting the urge to release a sigh of exasperation. She knew it was time to withdraw, yet her feet seemed unwilling to comply.

“May I dare to raise one more matter?” Lady Petisson’s voice quivered with a mixture of trepidation and determination. “This time, not as the Lady-in-Waiting of Her Highness the Princess, but as Your Highness’s trusted aide.”

Rezette, who had just poised his hand over the pen, froze in place.