# 44
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“By the way, Amelia, have we received any responses from the subordinates regarding the summoning?”
“Ah… most of them have arrived. They have all accepted the request.”
“That's good. I plan to find a solution to the salt damage problem this time.”
Amelia spoke carefully, watching Dunswell's expression warily.
“If it's okay, can I share my opinion on this matter?”
Dunswell nodded.
“Of course. What do you think?”
“My thoughts are… since we can’t save the coastal lands from salt damage anyway, it might be better to move the residents near the Holy Mountain to extract ores instead.”
Amelia cautiously suggested what she had been hoping for for a long time.
In the territory of Leonok, there was the Holy Mountain, which was said to have been the residence of rulers in the past. According to records, thanks to the Holy Mountain, the duchy did not suffer from monster attacks.
Although the monsters were now extinct, the value of the Holy Mountain remained unchanged.
Not only did it have the reputation of being a holy place, but it also contained a huge diamond vein.
Amelia has always wanted to develop that area. The current income from the Leonnok Territory was great, but the diamonds would bring unimaginable wealth.
Dunswell spoke in a disapproving tone.
"This won't work. Have you forgotten about that incident?"
There was a legend that those who tampered with the Holy Mountain would be cursed, being as holy as it was.
In the past, some people went crazy after climbing the mountain without permission. Dunswell was referring to this incident.
“But this wasn’t because they touched the raw vein; it was because they tried to touch the golden fruit at the top, right?”
Amelia replied.
At the top of the Holy Mountain, it was said that there was a golden fruit that never rots. Legend has it that eating it can cure any disease, which has led some foolish people to try eating it.
“Whether it is the Golden Fruit or not, anyone who tries to touch the Holy Mountain will suffer the same fate.”
“However, it might be worth a try...”
“I will not risk people’s lives.”
Dunswell's firm statement left Amelia no choice but to keep her mouth shut.
“…If this is what you truly want, Your Highness, there is nothing I can do.”
Amelia bit her lip slightly as she left Dunswell's room.
Returning to her room, Amelia threw herf into a padded armchair. However, she did not feel particularly comfortable.
She rubbed her temples, taking deep breaths as if swallowing her anger.
Nothing seemed to be going her way.
“It's all because of that woman.”
At first, she thought that Evelyn would quickly agree to a divorce from Dyffrin if she frightened her a few times, given her quiet and introverted nature. But her actions proved otherwise.
She promised Amelia Marquis Benford that she would secure the divorce at any cost.
When Amelia's expression turned cold, a maid knocked on the door.
“Ma’am… a message has arrived from the academy.”
“What day is it?”
Bad news seems to come one after another.
Amelia replied in a tired tone, feeling the fatigue creeping in on her.
“Come in.”
The maid entered hesitantly.
“What does the letter say?”
“It’s about Young Master Isaac… He caused another professor to resign from the academy.”
Amelia sighed deeply.
Isaac was the son of Amelia and Dunswell, Deveryn's half-brother.
He was only twelve years old, and was still studying at the academy, which was in the Transsea Kingdom.
At first, they enrolled him in an academy within the empire, but due to repeated incidents, they had to send him abroad last year under the guise of early study abroad.
It was not uncommon among nobles to send their children to academies in other countries to build relationships, so no one found it strange.
The problem was that he was causing trouble there too.
“Fill the bag with double the number of gold coins as last time and send it with an apology letter.”
Amelia was tolerant of Isaac.
Her treatment was very different from Dyfferin's childhood, but because it was her child, she couldn't resist it.
In fact, Isaac was the most important thing to her. She tried to hide it, but Isaac was probably more valuable to her than her life.
“Yes, ma’am. And also...”
“What's up now?”
Amelia's voice, already tense, was sharp.
“Oh… the academy vacation season is almost here. Young Master Isaac is going home.”
“Hoo.”
Even though it was an annual vacation, it felt like it came often. While she was certainly happy to see her beloved son, the thought of dealing with more headaches made it less welcome.
“I understand. You can go now. I’m tired.”
Amelia waved her hand dismissively, holding her forehead. The maid bowed politely and left.
Her mood worsened.
In her heart, Amelia wanted to smash every light-emitting thing in the room and flog the maid until her anger subsided, but she was no longer a naive young woman.
She had to maintain her dignity and composure, as befits a lady of the Duchy of Leonok.
Amelia thought of Evelyn again.
No matter what, she had to get Evelin to release Differin, but it proved to be very difficult.
‘…The next plan has to be very careful.’
Her mind wasn't working well after today's events, but she would plan carefully again.
A sinister gleam appeared in Amelia's dark eyes.
***
Meanwhile, Evelyn was checking the messages she received. Since she had not looked at it during Dunswell's stay, the desk was piled with letters.
While she was leafing through the letters, Evelyn found a letter from Mrs. Oakley.
She mentioned that she bought all the Kashyak blackberry seeds as she requested. She also mentioned that Evelin could visit the merchant's warehouse to inspect it if she wished.
However, Evelyn trusted Oakley and only sent a reply confirming receipt. Now, she just had to wait for the article she wanted to make headlines.
“News about a doctor who is an expert in Kendaline's disease is equally important.”
Evelin felt anxious thinking about her illness but tried not to focus on it. Stress will only make her condition worse. Worrying in advance will not help her.
The tips of her nails were still dark, but she always wore gloves, so no one could see them.
Even when indoors, she continues to wear gloves. It was common for noble women to wear gloves indoors, so it was easy to hide.
She rarely coughed now, so she seemed healthy on the surface.
“It's exhausting that Devrin is paying so much attention to me these days...”
Recently, Devrin has been talking to Evelin excessively. Not only did he suggest that they have dinner together after coming home early, but he also asked for a massage first sometimes.
Considering the expense, it was worth the happiness, but his demanding attitude upset her. Evelyn would sometimes ask Dyffrin to massage her in return.
Surprisingly, he did so without any fuss, which made the matter even more problematic. Every time he massaged her, Evelin felt a strange sensation, almost reminding her of the warmth of their kiss.
His strange behavior did not end there. For the first time, he suggested they go out together.
It wasn't for any particular purpose, just for entertainment. The destination was the opera house.
“People call this a date.”
A date between a couple wasn't unusual, but with Differin, it was different.
A date with Differin seemed as unlikely as having “Differin” and “kindness” in the same sentence.
After shaking off her thoughts, Evelin remembered to take her medicine. Collapse again in Differin's presence would be disastrous. He relentlessly asked her about her health.
Evelin decided not to reveal her condition, so she completed her preparations, putting on pearl earrings and long silk gloves.
Soon I heard a knock on the door. She went out and saw Differin.
With his blond hair neatly styled and dressed more formally than usual, he looked exceptionally handsome. When their eyes met, Devrin cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Shall we go?”
"Good."
Evelin got into the carriage and looked out the window. The street lights disappeared into the darkness.
She had been feeling the weight of various worries lately, but for the first time in a while, she felt a little excited.
“What made you decide to go to the opera suddenly?”
“...I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to see the opera after such a long time.”
“It's nice to enjoy cultural activities like this from time to time. I've always loved watching shows.”
In her past life, she enjoyed watching movies. Although opera and movies are different, they are similar in that they involve watching something outside the home.
“I think it would be nice to go with Merlin to shows from time to time.”
“Go with me.”
Evelin turned sharply to look at Dyffrin.
Devrin spoke frankly, resting his chin on his hand on the window frame.
“You have a husband. There is no reason to go with a maid.”