[IFITAOAMV] Chapter 26

"If he thought an heir was necessary, he should have done it sooner. Hasn’t he always seemed disinterested in marriage?" Genoa mused. The Duke was twenty-two this year, which was relatively late, considering that most great nobles got engaged around sixteen.

"Could it be that he’s unwell?" Dylan speculated, unaware of the curse that plagued the Crawford family. Nevertheless, his guess was quite astute. With the extermination of the Jueria, the Duke’s madness would have intensified over time. Perhaps he had reached his limit, necessitating an urgent need for an heir. 

If that were the case, it would explain why he chose a commoner orphan as his bride—it was the fastest and easiest way to marry, and she could be conveniently dealt with later.

"Hmm, that does make sense," Genoa acknowledged, though he still felt like he was missing something.

"My father once told me that the Crawford curse is passed down through generations," he recalled. If that were true, then what was the point of securing an heir? Was this merely the Duke’s last desperate act?

A smirk tugged at Genoa’s lips. "Dylan, continue investigating the Duke’s fiancée. Report any new information immediately."

"Understood."

"And what about Duke Chavini?" Genoa inquired. The bait had been set, so it was time for him to make a move.

"It seems he began taking action right away."

"He’s quite the useful chess piece. We can’t let his efforts go unappreciated."

"Shall I arrange for Lady Chavini to be invited soon?"

"Duke Chavini will be pleased, I’m sure."

"And make sure that news reaches Duke Peyton’s ears as well."

"Don’t worry. I’ll handle it discreetly," Dylan assured him. After Dylan left the office, Genoa sat in silence for a moment before speaking slowly.

"Kasan."

At his call, a shadowy figure materialised from thin air and knelt before him.

"It seems something is wrong with the Duke of Crawford. Find out his exact condition."

"Understood."

"And investigate the Duke’s fiancée as well. I want a detailed report on her appearance and any special abilities she might have."

Kasan bowed deeply before disappearing like smoke.

Nothing must be overlooked. The Duke was a monstrous hunter, and the slightest misstep would result in a lethal counterattack.

"I can’t allow that. I must be the one to win this fight," Genoa thought as his green eyes gleamed with sharp determination.

*

"You're awake?"

I jolted awake, startled by the sudden burst of Edwin barging into the room so early in the morning.

"Ed?"

"Hurry up and get out of bed," he said, plopping down on the bed with a wide grin.

What kind of noisy wake-up call was this? Lately, I had grown so used to seeing Edwin first thing every morning that I barely even flinched anymore. Was that why he changed his approach, trying to shock me into a heart attack?

"Let’s go out today."

Edwin’s voice was filled with excitement, seemingly oblivious to my shock.

"What? Go out? Outside?" I was desperately hiding to avoid being discovered as a Jueri by the royal family, and now he wanted to take me outside?

"Are you that happy about it? You must have been feeling quite cooped up."

No! I had absolutely no desire to go outside! I shook my head frantically, but Edwin just kept smiling at me. Seeing that I wouldn’t be able to get out of this, I quickly tried to find the right words.

"Ed, why are we going out all of a sudden?"

"Remember how you said you wanted us to get matching accessories? I’ve been thinking about it, and there’s a lot we can do."

No, no, I never wanted that. I regretted the words that had slipped out of my mouth just a few days ago. If only I could go back in time and sew my lips shut.

"I could summon the merchants here, but I just can’t wait to show off my bride. So, let’s go out together."

Wait, what happened to protecting your bride? Didn’t you say the Emperor was hunting down Jueris? Wasn’t it you who told me to be careful? I was so taken aback that I struggled to find the right words. Trying to calm my racing heart, I carefully chose my response.

"Ed, isn’t Raven still hunting for me? Are you sure it’s safe to go outside?" I even shook my white hair for emphasis, but Edwin just tilted his head as if he didn’t see the problem.

"I’ll be with you, so what’s there to worry about? Those guys are all bark and no bite."

"Of course, I know you’ll protect me, Ed. But if they find out I’m a Jueri, it’ll only cause trouble," I said, trying my best to avoid upsetting him while giving every possible reason not to go.

"Sure, if Raven finds out, it could be a hassle."

I nodded enthusiastically. Yes, you hate hassle and inconvenience, so let’s just stay inside.

"Then we’ll just make sure they don’t recognize you."

The words "What nonsense is this?" nearly escaped my lips, but I managed to hold them back just in time. I knew there was hair dye in this world, but it only lasted two hours at most and made your hair look like a straw broom, which was far too noticeable. The biggest problem, though, was my eyes. There was no way to hide my gem-like eyes.

What could he be thinking?

"I told you I’d protect you, so don’t worry. Now, go wash up," Edwin said, winking as he nudged me towards the bathroom.

"Does he have something up his sleeve?" I wondered. Was he just trying to mess with me, or was there really something he had planned? His confidence only made me more curious.