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Chapter 44
“The Grand Duke is working hard on many fronts. But to make it real, magic from another dimension is needed. For example…”
Angela paused, then chuckled softly.
“Oh my, your eyes are shining so brightly, Miss Clement.”
“Ah, really?”
She was about the same age as Psyche’s mother. Perhaps for that reason, Angela looked at her with a warm, approving gaze.
“Have you heard the story of the ancient magicians?”
“Yes, I’ve heard it’s a famous legend in the Grand Duchy.”
It even appears in History for Children.
“If all four descendants of those magicians appear, it might become possible.”
“Oh… I see.”
Like dividing the directions into East, West, South, and North, the Grand Duchy had key figures shaping history, each with a role. One of them was Grand Duke Roxalana.
‘If descendants exist, then the Grand Duke is among them.’
But no information existed about the other three, making it impossible to realize. Psyche quietly swallowed her disappointment and smiled.
If she searched hard, another way might exist.
She wished she could help many people survive the winter safely.
“Technically, the Grand Duchy is still lacking. Being a closed country, development is slow. The current Grand Duke regrets this deeply. You two will make a very compatible couple.”
Angela’s voice rose slightly, spoken elegantly.
But Psyche wondered, why was the monastery neglected if the Grand Duke cared so much about the people?
She still remembered the red-haired boy she met in the streets.
‘His leg needs treatment quickly.’
It was pitiful. Even if treatment facilities existed, they weren’t properly run for the poor.
As Psyche thought about this, Angela continued speaking.
“In fact, the Grand Duke resembles the former Grand Duke closely. Sometimes, seeing him feels like the previous Grand Duke has returned.”
“……”
Psyche focused on Angela’s face.
Angela twitched slightly.
“I don’t look much like him. My hair and eyes are different.”
“…You know I’ve never seen his face.”
“He hid his face from me strictly since childhood. Even after becoming an adult, I never saw it.”
Not even family could see him. Psyche wondered, worried about the Grand Duke’s mental state.
If he needed treatment, it might be beyond her ability—but she could try to help.
“At least publicly, he hasn’t been seen. Maybe he’s hiding nearby.”
“…Your Majesty, are you joking?”
“It’s quite possible. Look around. Notice any memorable beauties.”
Angela openly called it a “beauty.” Psyche found it believable.
“I say this because I like them, so keep it a secret.”
‘A beauty…’ Naturally, the word reminded Psyche of Aster, the Grand Duke’s envoy.
‘But that’s impossible.’
She had once wondered if they were the same person. But the more she observed, the more different they seemed: tone, thoughts, voice, scent—everything.
“Wow, beautiful.”
Psyche murmured to herself. Soon, a dark blue flower in a vase was placed on the table—rare even in greenhouses.
“The Grand Duke is pleased with Your Majesty’s visit and sent this.”
A familiar voice accompanied the rich scent of the flower.
Psyche looked up to see a man, expressionless, staring down at her.
Today he wore his unusual conquest outfit. His uniform and cutlass proved he was a knight.
Angela’s eyes flickered with interest as she slowly observed the sudden but calm appearance of Aster.
“Are you a knight?”
She smiled warmly, as if encountering something delightful.
“Yes.”
“Please thank the Grand Duke on my behalf.”
“Understood.”
Aster nodded. To Psyche, he seemed rude, but Angela said nothing.
Aster placed a cage in front of Psyche. Inside was a bird with black feathers, looking like a miniature palace.
“The Grand Duke sent this bird to Miss Clement. It lives in warm regions but was brought here carefully. The greenhouse should suit it well.”
Aster revealed the bird with black feathers and a large, red-tipped beak—peculiar yet cute.
“It’s expected to grow larger as an adult and is intelligent enough to bond with its owner.”
“Oh my, it’s a Black Palm Cockatoo… I asked for this gift many times, and now only my wife gets it. I feel jealous but impressed.”
Angela interrupted Aster’s explanation.
“How about the name ‘Nabi’?”
“…Yes.”
As Aster spoke, Angela hurriedly set down her teacup and gracefully wiped her mouth, smiling.
“Sorry, I was rude. But your naming ability is impressive.”
“The Grand Duke personally suggested the name.”
“Yes, I said impressive. I was praising him.”
Both spoke as if ignoring each other, focused only on their own words.
Psyche quietly watched, then spoke.
“Are you two acquainted?”
Angela looked shocked, then glanced at Aster, coughing lightly as if nothing happened.
“Impossible.”
“…Really?”
“We’re complete strangers! Ah… no, total strangers. Right, Sir?”
Angela nudged Aster’s side, smiling. The awkwardness made it seem like a lie.
Aster, unmoving, slowly spoke.
“…I’ve occasionally met while delivering the Grand Duke’s messages.”
“Doesn’t that ruin my reputation if you say so?”
“Miss Clement isn’t trusted at all, anyway.”
Psyche listened quietly, smiling awkwardly.
“I tried to trust you.”
“Oh my…”
Angela hid her mouth with a fan, sighing.
“By the way, Sir Aster, is the Grand Duke preparing well for the New Year?”
“He’s preparing even more carefully with such an important guest.”
“From this year, I won’t need to help anymore.”
Angela’s gaze shifted to Psyche.
“Miss Clement, help the Grand Duke as much as you can. Before becoming the Grand Duchess, this is a great chance to show your abilities to many people.”
Their eyes met, and Angela smiled softly, her long, straight eyes folding gracefully.
