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Chapter 22
It was clear that he was completely absorbed in researching Devil’s Claw. Fortunately, she seemed to have arrived just in time.
She let out a sigh of relief.
Rebecca had once read a newspaper that featured an interview with Yustaf.
In that interview, he had mentioned that many noble families had offered him employment, but he had declined them all. He admitted that, as a result, he had endured hardships and now slightly regretted it.
He had also said that he liked the spring potatoes from Monferr the most.
“The lab in the photo back then didn’t look this shabby. Looks like he made quite a bit of money from Devil’s Claw.”
Rebecca organized her memories and observed Yustaf with sharp, keen eyes.
“If you have something to say, say it quickly. I want to refuse it fast and get back to my research.”
“You seem very interested in Devil’s Claw,” he said.
Caught off guard by her sudden comment, Yustaf looked at her warily for a moment.
Rebecca gestured toward the books Yustaf had scattered about. His eyes immediately lit up.
“Oh, you can tell just from the books here? Are you interested in plants?”
Rebecca smiled slightly at the trace of interest he showed. Then, brushing a fresh leaf that had fallen beside her, she spoke.
“I can’t say I’m completely uninterested. Still, it’s a shame to see such rare plants left neglected like this.”
“Neglected! I’ve cared for them so diligently…!”
“I see these blotchy spots. Could it be that the temperature isn’t right?”
“So you’ve changed strategy, huh? Sending in an expert just to scold me?”
“Unfortunately, I have nothing to do with the count you’re referring to.”
“Then who might you be, exactly?”
“I could be someone very important—or not at all.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Either way, that wouldn’t concern you, right? You’d be more curious about what I can give you, wouldn’t you?”
“Perhaps, but there’s no one who can give me what I want.”
“First, I’ll have a large greenhouse built for you.”
“Hmph. That’s the kind of offer most people would make.”
“I’m talking about one in Monferr. Still sounds the same as everyone else’s offer?”
“Monferr…?”
Yustaf’s eyes widened, and he straightened up.
Monferr, located in the Duchy of Johannes, was a famous port city.
Because of this, it was the best place to receive goods from all over the world quickly.
It was the ideal spot for acquiring rare plants that were only available abroad.
Moreover, with fertile land nearby, it was a dream location for anyone wanting to farm or cultivate plants.
Of course, that also made the land extremely expensive.
People believed that living in the Duchy of Johannes meant receiving the goddess’s blessings many times over.
This perception, combined with Monferr’s advantages, had caused land prices there to soar.
Rebecca watched Yustaf’s intense reaction quietly and then spoke.
“Yes. And I won’t interfere with whatever research you do. Whether you grow carnivorous plants or vampiric plants, it’s entirely up to you.”
Yustaf’s eyes sparkled for a moment, tempted, but then suspicion returned to his gaze.
“You’d go that far? What exactly are the conditions?”
“I’m a bit thirsty. Could you give me a cup of tea first?”
“Ah, I wasn’t thinking straight with a guest here. J-just wait a moment.”
Flustered, Yustaf got up and headed to the kitchen.
While he was gone, Rebecca thoroughly examined the documents on the table. She wanted to see how far his research had progressed.
She picked up a well-used notebook among them.
<When dried Devil’s Claw was placed in water with poison, it bubbled vigorously and then purified the water. Judging from the results, if a human were to ingest this plant…>
Rebecca’s eyes went wide.
He had discovered the effects of Devil’s Claw long ago.
She guessed that the long time it had taken was probably due to the expenses involved in research.
And there must have been another obstacle as well.
“Here, drink. It’s a refreshing herbal tea.”
Rebecca took the tea Yustaf handed her.
It was the most delicious tea she had ever tasted.
Truly, he was an expert when it came to plants.
Savoring the herbal aroma, she spoke.
“You need test subjects, don’t you?”
Pfft.
Yustaf spat out the tea he was drinking.
“W-How did you…?”
“I read some of your notes while you were away. Ah, forgive my rudeness. I only glanced because they were open.”
“And?”
“The theory is fascinating. It’s a theory my… no, my employer would find interesting. Let’s do this: you asked about conditions, right? The condition is simple. Conduct your Devil’s Claw research under my employer. I’ll provide test subjects and Devil’s Claw seeds.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“If I succeed in the research, that esteemed noble will probably take all the credit, won’t he? I’ve seen countless colleagues abandoned that way.”
“Ah, if that’s what you mean, don’t worry. My employer is already reputable and doesn’t care for trivial honors. Um, let’s say they have abundant intellectual curiosity.”
“Trivial honor? If this gets published, it will…”
“It will make a huge impact and earn a fortune. It’s practically a cure-all. How you discovered this is remarkable.”
Yustaf’s eyes went wide. Then his face flushed as he tried to calm his excitement.
Though he had often been called a madman or lunatic in academic circles, he had never received praise like this.
“You’re the first to recognize the true value of my theory.”
‘Surprisingly straightforward.’
Rebecca smiled as she watched him scratch the back of his neck, blushing.
Suddenly recalling a worry, Yustaf’s expression turned suspicious again.
“But if you’re providing test subjects, your employer isn’t involved in any shady dealings, right? I plan to rise to a high position, so illegal activity won’t do.”
‘Even has a sense of honor.’
He was transparent in many ways, but Rebecca preferred that to a cunning person who hides their intentions.
Instead of a long explanation, she took a pendant from her pocket.
“Will this answer your question?”
Yustaf swallowed as he received the golden pendant.
It bore a crest of a cat with a die beneath its paws—the crest of the Duke of Johannes, known even to street urchins.
It was an item Julian had given Rebecca during their previous meeting, to use if she ever encountered trouble.
‘His reaction is stronger than I thought.’
Yustaf examined the pendant carefully with trembling hands before cautiously handing it back.
Even a non-expert could see it was a delicate piece; it was no counterfeit.
‘What a windfall.’
Researching Devil’s Claw cost a fortune.
He could barely acquire seeds, and even obtaining dried leaves was difficult.
He had nearly spent all of the inheritance left by his wealthy merchant parents.
He had even considered taking a side job.
In fact, he had been tempted by several noble offers before.
But most of them required that he obey their commands.
Additionally, he had an interest in unusual plants that grew in the wild, some even from monster-infested lands.
A strict noble employer could never allow that.
Yet here was someone who imposed no restrictions, with the only condition being the cultivation of Devil’s Claw.
He couldn’t imagine a more tempting offer.
Yustaf swallowed, hastily took up a pen, and, now much more polite, spoke carefully.
“Where should I sign?”
The duke’s carriage carrying Danae moved smoothly but swiftly.
It was her first time riding in a carriage with magical gemstones.
This luxurious carriage, one of only five in the Empire, was an alchemical marvel that could cover an hour-long distance in just ten minutes.
‘And I’m supposed to remarry the Duke of Johannes, who owns a carriage like this?’
Danae could hardly believe it.
Even if Rebecca was strikingly beautiful, she had barely ever left the mansion.
Moreover, the Duke of Johannes was three years younger than Rebecca. Why would someone like him…?
As Danae pondered, the carriage reached the duke’s estate.
The iron gates, adorned with a huge cat emblem, slowly opened as if to greet her.
“From here, you must transfer to this carriage. The cats might be startled otherwise.”
A servant courteously guided Danae to a small white carriage.
Though smaller than the gemstone carriage she had just ridden in, it had a tea table inside and looked just as luxurious.
“It will take some time to reach the mansion. Would you like some tea?”
The maid in the carriage treated Danae with utmost care.
Danae accepted the tea in a daze.
The carriage began slowly rolling along the white gravel road leading to the mansion.
On either side of the road were lush forests.
Among the trees, cats of all kinds played and frolicked.
At intervals, dedicated servants were seen feeding the cats or waving toys.
‘As expected of a family blessed by the goddess Defria. They weren’t exaggerating when they said this is a paradise for cats.’
“We’ll help you relax and ease the fatigue from your journey,” said the maid, gently massaging Danae’s feet.
Initially resistant, Danae soon leaned back comfortably in the soft chair, soothed by the cool touch.
‘It’s been so long since I’ve had a moment to rest like this.’
Managing such a large estate without proper staff, Danae had lived without respite.
At times of real financial need, she had even done sewing work until her eyes blurred.
Of course, she couldn’t sell them publicly, so a maid would do it for her.
‘Thanks to my daughter, I can live in luxury.’
Danae remembered that she had once lived in such comfort and smiled wryly.
Just as she began to enjoy her rare rest, the carriage stopped.
“Welcome, Lady Obelia.”
Danae stepped out, eyes wide in astonishment.
A large number of servants stood in rows at the gate, bowing to her.
And in their midst stood a tall, handsome young man, greeting her with a gentle smile.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Julian Johannes.”
