"We're still searching."

"I'm sorry, Father, for burdening you with this."

"Don't say such things. It's only natural for parents to protect their children."

As the Duke gently patted Evelyn's shoulder, her eyes softened.

"Rest now."

With those words, the Duke left Evelyn's room.

Outside the door, the family physician was waiting with a grave expression.

"Do you have something to say to me?"

"Yes, I have something urgent to discuss."

"Let's go to the study."

The Duke turned and walked away, his steps heavier than usual.

Once back in the study, he sat at his desk and closed his eyes. Shortly after, his aide Perron and the physician entered the room. Silence hung in the air for a moment before the Duke opened his eyes and asked the physician,

"So, what do you have to say?"

"It seems we need to research the young lady's illness more."

"What do you mean? Didn't you say it was a complication from the fever?"

"The high fever, body aches, and headaches are indeed symptoms of a fever. However, green spots do not appear. I've never seen anything like these spots before."

"Then why did you say it was a fever?"

The Duke's brows furrowed as he questioned.

"No other illness can explain the young lady's symptoms."

"So, the light sensitivity might not be a complication of the fever either?"

"I can't say for certain right now. If you allow me some time, I will research it further."

"If you find the name of the illness, will you also find a way to treat the light sensitivity?"

"I'm afraid I can't guarantee that. The optic nerves are already damaged."

The Duke sighed deeply as he watched the physician bow his head low.

"Do your utmost to help her recover."

"Understood. I will take my leave now."

After the physician left, Perron looked at the Duke worriedly.

"Perron, it would be wise to inspect the inside of the estate."

"Finding a culprit without knowing the illness will be difficult."

"True, but check for anything suspicious. The timing is too coincidental."

The Duke's sharp gaze narrowed.

The Crown Prince's prophecy, which the royal family had been carefully hiding, had suddenly leaked. It wasn't widely known, but those with wealth and access to information could discover it. Could the royal family truly be unaware of this? 

Unlikely. The Duke knew the royal family's secret organisation monitored the entire empire. So why were they staying silent? 

It was also suspicious that the Crown Prince invited Lady Shabine right after the prophecy's details became known as if he had been waiting for this moment. And now, with Evelyn suddenly falling ill with an unknown disease and suffering complications, the Duke couldn't shake his unease. 

"I'll conduct a thorough investigation." Perron's eyes, usually filled with a smile, turned sharp. 

"Your Grace, something terrible has happened!" Suddenly, a panicked voice called out from beyond the door. As Perron opened it, a man with dishevelled clothing rushed in. "What is it?" "The Ilia mine has collapsed." The Duke's eyes widened at the news that a mine, which had never experienced an accident, had caved in. "Casualties?" "All the workers inside were buried. Rescue operations are underway, but a second collapse is feared, making the situation difficult." "I'll leave immediately." The Duke quickly grabbed his coat and left the study. Lost in thought for a moment, Perron followed behind, recalling the Duke's earlier words about the suspicious timing.  

* * * 

"You seem to be in a good mood," Seth remarked as Edwin hummed a tune and signed some documents. Edwin nodded, still grinning. 

"Yeah, I feel like I'm on cloud nine." 

His eyes were so narrowed in happiness that his blue pupils were almost invisible, clearly showing his elation. 

"Is this everything that needs checking? I need to finish quickly so I can go see Lina." 

Edwin swiftly started reviewing the remaining documents on the desk. Although he had never been neglectful of his duties, he rarely approached them with such enthusiasm and joy, which loosened Seth's usually stern expression. 

"What has the Crown Prince been up to lately?" Edwin asked. 

"He recently invited Lady Shabine to the Crown Prince's palace," Seth replied. 

The pen in Edwin's hand abruptly stopped moving. 

"He invited a woman to the Crown Prince's palace?" 

"It seems he's considering taking a Crown Princess." 

"Is he jealous because I got engaged? No matter what he does, he won't find anyone as perfect as my Lina." 

Edwin pouted. 

"There is no one like the Madam anywhere in the world," Seth agreed with a nod, his expression still blank. 

"I think we should hurry up with the wedding. I can't let the Crown Prince beat me to it." 

"I'll start preparing right away." 

"Yes, yes. Ensure everything is ready so we can have the ceremony as soon as Lina is ready." 

Edwin shivered excitedly, imagining how delighted Lina would be when he surprised her with a sudden wedding. The image of her bright smile when he placed the engagement ring on her finger resurfaced in his mind, sending a thrill through him once more.