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Chapter 63
“Count, thinking about the things your son said to my daughter, even if I were to duel you, it wouldn’t satisfy me…”
Theophanes said this as he returned to his seat.
The count’s face had gone pale.
Of course, he could send a proxy instead of fighting directly, but the problem was that there was no one capable of defeating the duke and his knights.
How could he possibly overcome the Umbra Knights he faced?
When Count Billedan remained silent and sat down, the other nobles cautiously followed suit.
Watching them, Theophanes called Henderson, who had been standing behind him.
“Take care of the children’s meals, and make sure to prepare desserts as well. They’ll be very hungry. And inform my wife that I leave the rest to her. Don’t forget to take care of her meal, either.”
“Yes, sir.”
After Henderson left to carry out the instructions, Theophanes casually glanced over those seated, picked up his wine glass, and said,
“Let’s continue our meal.”
The moment he finished speaking, everyone eagerly picked up their utensils.
“Oh, and Count Billedan.”
The count, slicing his steak with a knife, was startled when his name was called, scraping his plate with the knife in surprise.
Clink, screech!
The grating metallic sound made everyone furrow their brows and stare at the count.
Only Theophanes smiled gently.
“Thanks to you, Count Billedan, I just remembered something. I’ve been forgetful lately, you see.”
Theophanes swirled his glass leisurely.
The deep red wine sloshed with the movement, almost like liquid blood.
The count and the other nobles stared at it, almost entranced.
Then Theophanes stopped, set the glass down, rested his chin on his hand, and smiled slyly.
“This year, we’ll need a tax audit. Every estate, thoroughly.”
The moment he said this, dozens of eyes fixed on Count Billedan.
“Thank you, Count Billedan.”
The count’s face went pale, almost blue, and he looked utterly dumbfounded.
The Anaxis medical office was bustling thanks to the little visitors.
As they arrived in the lobby, the Countess stopped.
“We’ll be returning to our room now.”
Daphne glanced at the child.
As a mother and as an adult, she didn’t like leaving a child hurt for so long.
“Count Youngsik seems to be injured quite a bit. It would be best to get him treated first. Shall I call the attending physician?”
The Countess paused for a moment at Daphne’s suggestion, then bowed her head deeply.
“Then, though it may be impertinent, may we take up your kindness?”
Daphne smiled warmly and nodded.
“Of course.”
She then bowed slightly and looked at Jaquet.
Jaquet nodded in satisfaction, wiggling her hand slightly and giving a thumbs-up.
This was Jaquet’s way of making a request.
While walking from the dining area, she had stopped, and Daphne had no choice but to stop as well.
‘Mom, I want to get treatment with that kid.’
‘Wouldn’t that be inconvenient?’
‘A little, but I hit him, so it’s only fair.’
Jaquet’s eyes were wide and she clearly communicated her intentions.
From what she had observed earlier, Jaquet was a very brave child.
‘Also, I noticed you seemed like you wanted to talk to that lady.’
And she was smart too.
Daphne wanted to ruffle her hair, but cautiously patted it instead, worried about possible head injuries.
‘Your courage is truly remarkable.’
As she said that, Daphne gave a thumbs-up to signal approval.
‘What’s that?’
‘It means “amazing.” A compliment saying you’re really brave.’
Jaquet wiggled her hand and lifted her thumb.
‘Like this?’
‘Yes.’
‘Amazing!’
Daphne chuckled at Jaquet, then turned her gaze to the Countess, whose hat had begun to move away.
‘Ah, we might miss her. Let’s go quickly.’
‘Alright!’
Recalling the earlier conversation, Daphne gently tapped her own cheek with her thumb.
Jaquet saw this and covered her mouth, chuckling softly.
Daphne ignored the child’s laughter and looked up at the Countess.
“Shall we go?”
She guided the Countess into the reception room.
“Please summon Jura to the reception room.”
After instructing a maid, she entered the room herself.
“Please have a seat.”
Daphne seated Jaquet on the sofa, then offered a seat to the Countess.
“Oh… thank you.”
Once seated opposite each other, silence briefly filled the room.
The Countess avoided Daphne’s gaze, looking down.
Taking advantage of the pause, Daphne quietly examined the Countess.
A somber expression and pale, almost white skin.
A full-length dress covering from neck to toe, common in Himonas.
In the mild Anaxis climate, such winter attire was rare.
It reminded her of someone—the dowager always looking listless and gloomy.
Just as Daphne was about to ask if the Countess wasn’t too warm, there was a knock at the door.
“Madam, I’ve brought Dr. Jura from the medical office.”
“Send her in.”
The door opened, and Jura entered.
“I’m Jura, attending physician of Anaxis.”
Bowing to the Countess, Jura immediately examined the children.
“Jura, start with Count Youngsik. It seems the injuries are worse than expected.”
“Understood.”
Jura approached Youngsik silently.
“Can you show me where you were hurt?”
“I’ll provide first aid for now. When you return, you should have the family physician examine him again.”
Jura inspected Youngsik’s injuries and spoke to the Countess.
“Understood.”
The Countess nodded while moving her arms several times.
Jura cleaned, applied medicine, and bandaged Youngsik’s wounds.
When finished, she turned to Jaquet.
“For you, miss, there aren’t major injuries, but there are some scratch marks on your face.”
“Why?”
“Scratches from nails carry a higher risk of scarring. The wounds also take longer to heal.”
Among nobles, especially young ladies, facial blemishes were considered disadvantages in the marriage market.
Hearing this, Daphne sighed quietly but patted Jaquet’s head.
“It’s upsetting that a pretty face was scratched, but I doubt she’ll regret it later.”
“Pardon?”
“I mean, the only regret is that the child was hurt.”
Jura nodded at this, then continued to treat Jaquet carefully.
Compared to Youngsik, the treatment was simple.
Considering she had fought multiple people, Jaquet was remarkably unharmed.
Could our child be a fighting prodigy?
Daphne pondered seriously as Jura finished packing the doctor’s bag and moved toward the door.
“I’ll be leaving now. Call if you need me.”
“Thank you.”
As Jura left, a maid entered.
“What is it?”
“There’s a message from the mistress.”
With Daphne’s permission, the maid whispered it into her ear.
Daphne smiled softly.
“Madam, you probably didn’t finish your meal earlier. Would you like something light to eat?”
“Oh… well.”
The Countess hesitated at Daphne’s question.
Her expression clearly showed she just wanted to go rest.
But Youngsik’s expression was different.
He looked eager, eyes sparkling, as if he were hungry.
“Count Youngsik, what about you? Feel free to speak. The Duke instructed that the children be given dessert as well.”
At Daphne’s words, Youngsik brightened and tugged at the Countess’s clothes.
“Mom…”
Seeing this, the Countess finally nodded.
“A light meal sounds good, then.”
“Excellent choice. Please prepare a light meal along with dessert for the children.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Daphne smiled warmly at the Countess.
