Chapter 53

“Haah.”

Norman let out a small sigh as he watched Chacha’s retreating figure after she finally received permission to attend social gatherings.

He had once thought of her as a shameless and unscrupulous wicked woman. And for good reason—she had trapped his master and inserted herself into his life.

That’s why even when others, even Nine himself, showed friendly attitudes toward her, Norman still didn’t fully trust Chacha.

He thought everything Chacha had done since entering the North was an act to win Nine’s favor, and as he watched people change one by one because of her, he vowed to himself that he alone would never let down his guard.

What began to change Norman’s thoughts about Chacha was after he accompanied her to the Blueberry Count’s estate.

Norman himself was a noble and had seen the family dynamics of various noble houses, but most were utterly cold and desolate.

But the Blueberry Count’s house was different.

A noble family that treated their servants like family—it was unheard of, yet perfectly natural there.

The harmonious scene where love for each other was palpable, the warm atmosphere.

After witnessing all this, Norman had no choice but to finally acknowledge it.

‘This must be the foundation of what she’s shown us all this time.’

And if that was truly her genuine self, she was a much better person than he had thought.

Then came the love potion incident that he was ordered to reinvestigate by Nine.

Unlike the superficial investigation before, he discovered there were many suspicious aspects.

The deeper he dug, the more Norman’s suspicion grew that this incident wouldn’t end here.

‘Besides, she’s a graduate of Dragonia Academy, which even I couldn’t enter.’

Even setting that fact aside, considering the administrative abilities Chacha had shown in the North so far, she was an extremely intelligent person.

‘Would such a person really commit a crime so carelessly?’

Even assuming she had, there were no traces of her doing anything to achieve her purpose after the incident.

At the end of this deliberation, Norman finally made this judgment about Chacha:

‘I still can’t fully trust her, but at least she’s not someone who would harm the family.’

Her purpose was unclear, but if harming them had been her goal, she’d had countless opportunities until now…

“Norman.”

“Yes.”

Just as he was lost in thought, Nine called Norman. Norman quickly snapped out of his thoughts and answered.

“Our family’s standing in high society is dismal. It hasn’t been much of a problem, so we’ve just left it alone until now.”

“That’s right. After all, the imperial family and nobles are indebted to us for the monster problem.”

Norman returned to his position and organized documents while looking at Nine.

Nine was lost in thought, tapping the armrest of the sofa with his index finger. It was an unusual sight.

Having assisted Nine for many years, Norman could quickly tell what he was worried about.

Normally, he would have found and presented a solution before Nine worried this much, but this time he didn’t even want to pretend to know.

“Tully said it’s a stable period, but she still shouldn’t overexert herself.”

Damn it.

Unable to ignore it any longer, Norman just quietly listened to his words.

Of course, he understood what Nine was worried about.

Even back in their academy days, if Nine showed even a little interest, that woman would suffer tremendous harassment both inside and outside high society.

Nine and Norman both knew who the ringleader was.

But.

‘You seem to have completely forgotten who was beside that ringleader.’

In Norman’s view, Chacha wasn’t the type of woman to be easily pushed around in high society.

“It’s difficult for me to protect her directly within high society…”

Nine continued muttering.

It was a question seeking Norman’s opinion, but Norman didn’t know much about women’s social battles either, so no good solution came to mind.

If Kate, the former duchess, had been of sound mind, asking her would have been the fastest and easiest method, but…

After thinking for a moment, Norman reluctantly spoke.

“Shall I contact the Viscountess?”

The Viscountess he was referring to was Norman’s mother.

Cornelia Pellona.

Though she’d recently become absorbed in enjoying her grandchildren and rarely left home, she was considered one of the northern nobles with the most influence in central high society.

Norman didn’t have a good relationship with his family, so even though she was his mother, their relationship was currently awkward, but he ultimately recommended the Viscountess’s advice to Nine.

‘Helping my master is more important than my personal feelings.’

Norman was a professional aide.

***

After finishing only the urgent documents, the two headed straight to the communications room.

Norman contacted the Viscount’s house from the communications room and then smoothly stepped back.

He didn’t particularly want to exchange pleasantries with his mother.

They’d met at Duke Eclipse’s inauguration ceremony, so there was no need to introduce them separately.

When the communication crystal connected, a servant familiar to Norman’s eyes appeared.

– Why, isn’t that young master Norman?

“That’s enough; bring the Viscountess.”

The servant looked at Norman with apparent joy, but he coldly cut off the greeting and stated his business.

The servant hurriedly left at Norman’s words, and not long after, a woman walked through the door on the other side of the crystal.

She was a strict-looking noblewoman with white hair elegantly styled up high.

– I greet the master of the North.

She greeted Nine, then looked at Norman standing behind him, clicked her tongue, and sat down.

The Viscountess spoke.

– Do you have business with me, Your Grace?

Nine nodded.

“I need to seek your advice on something.”

– You’re seeking my advice, Your Grace? How rare. What could it be about?

“My wife’s health isn’t good.”

The Viscountess raised one eyebrow quizzically.

Norman also looked at Nine briefly at the unexpected opening but soon understood the meaning.

‘He phrased it that way because he can’t reveal the pregnancy.’

It was somewhat similar since she did need to be careful with her movements.

Nine continued.

“Since she’s become the duchess, she’ll receive much attention in high society. However, since Eclipse hasn’t established a position in society, other nobles probably won’t be very favorable toward her.”

– And yet the duchess wants to venture into society?

“Yes.”

He’d laid the groundwork adequately, but the Viscountess had an expression that said, ‘is that all?’

High society was naturally unforgiving, so it was nothing special as a preface.

However, the Viscountess’s expression changed with the following conversation.

– So what is it that Your Grace desires?

“Since it’s difficult for me to protect my wife by her side directly, I was hoping you could tell me if there’s another way to help her.”

– …

“There’s also someone who might directly harm her, so I can’t just sit idly by.”

The more Nine spoke, the more surprise appeared on the Viscountess’s face.

Eventually, she spread her fan to cover her mouth and expressed all her impressions with a short exclamation.

– Oh my!

She looked extremely interested. Norman clicked his tongue inwardly at the sight.

‘This is going to be troublesome.’

Judging by her reaction, she’d actively give good advice as if listening to a fresh teenager’s romantic concerns, but he had a feeling this would be a long conversation.

And at the same time, Norman could predict what nagging he’d receive afterward, so he secretly sighed.

– Oh my goodness gracious. I never imagined I’d be giving such advice to Your Grace in my lifetime.

“…So, is there a way?”

– Oh my, pardon me. I was just so surprised.

The Viscountess cleared her throat and looked at Nine in the crystal again as if she’d calmed down.

She spoke in a voice that couldn’t hide her enjoyment.

– What Your Grace desires is actually quite simple.

The Viscountess’s subsequent advice was straightforward.

In high society, especially in the world of women, ‘my husband loves me dearly’ was a powerful weapon.

So if Nine wanted to protect Chacha, he should show everyone, as if boasting, how much he cherished and cared for her.

– Just that alone will make them understand ‘I cherish and love this woman dearly, so if you treat her carelessly, I won’t stand for it.’

“…”

Having heard the Viscountess’s words, Nine fell into contemplation.

His expression showed he had no idea what to do. The Viscountess’s expression on the other side of the crystal became sly.

She looked quite pleased.

– That’s right. Let’s start with going out to meet the duchess first, shall we? Hohoho!

‘Start?’

Does that mean she’ll continue advising?

Norman’s face contorted.

But Nine, not noticing Norman’s reaction, nodded to her, thanked her, and stood up from his seat.

It had been three hours since Chacha left the estate.