[Chapter 194] Rebecca Shirley's Daughter

"No, not exactly. It's a herbal remedy, and she was quite picky about what suits her and what doesn't. She mentioned that some items are hard to come by these days, so she came here willing to pay more. She seems to be in poor health. She requested to keep her search a secret."

Rebecca seemed to be someone who paid a lot of attention to her health. Neris considered instructing Talfrin to send Rebecca the needed herbs. Would that make it easier to investigate?

At that moment, Joanne discreetly confirmed that the door was securely closed and whispered.

"The pharmacy department mentioned, Your Highness, that the herbs Miss Shirley is looking for are typically consumed by women after childbirth to aid recovery."

"What? Then it must be for herself?"

Rebecca had never heard of giving birth to a child, neither in her past life nor now. Could it be that someone close to her had given birth?

"No, judging by the tone, it seemed like she had been taking it continuously. That's why she came all the way here and requested strict confidentiality. She gave birth without being married, that's why."

Of course, Rebecca didn't know that Neris wasn't included in Joanne's idea of strict confidentiality.

It was about the future stepmother of Megara. Could that be the reason why Lord Ricandros and Rebecca got married? To prevent a child born separately from becoming a bastard? Neris smiled mischievously.

"Rebecca has been quite famous in the social circles for a while. Not being a noble, she doesn't confine herself to her own domain according to the season. Dora, tell Talfrin to investigate her recent activities, starting from her past actions, until we find a clue. Find out if she hid her appearance for several months during a difficult period, if any of her acquaintances suddenly gave birth."

Joanne immediately nodded.

"Yes, my lady."

Megara had a younger brother who was significantly younger. Although the late Lady of the Ricandros family had passed away long ago, the siblings had grown up receiving their father's unconditional love.

However, if Rebecca had indeed given birth to a child.

There were many variables, considering the unknown status and existence of the child. Yet, Neris had a strong feeling that this information could be very useful in extracting the past dues from Megara.

***

"Miss Shirley."

Rebecca admired the calm and refined voice that seemed to pierce through the noise of the many people. When she turned to the person calling her, she was satisfied with her reaction. It was 'that person.' Clearly from a high-class background.

Indeed, it was no surprise that such noble jewels appeared. She recognized the Duke who had married into the aristocracy.

Rebecca, a commoner mingling in noble society, understood the dynamics there better. No matter how hard one tried to imitate, true nobility naturally exuded grace and upper-class habits acquired through years of education.

Those lacking such dignity, even if praised, were never truly accepted into their society.

Although he had treated Rebecca like a wife for a long time, Lord Ricandros had never proposed to her, still hesitant like before.

Of course, Rebecca also understood Lord Ricandros's perspective. With his children not yet engaged, it would be difficult for him, a high noble, to risk his family's status by falling in love with a commoner.

But what about her perspective? How much had she endured for such calculated reasons?

Resentment that she hadn't felt before was growing, especially since the arrival of the new maid... ever since she overheard the maid muttering, 'I didn't expect the famous Lady Rebecca to receive such treatment.'

However, faced with a woman considered one of the most noble in the country, she couldn't afford to have any other thoughts. Rebecca bowed politely.

"Your Grace."

"Have you come to buy something?"

She couldn't understand why such a high-ranking person would speak so casually to her. Rebecca cautiously replied, keeping it brief as her purchase of herbs was meant to be a secret.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"I'm sorry for startling you. I just, as you know, don't know many people in the court. It's rare for someone like me to enter such a large store, so I was a bit overwhelmed and just wanted to talk to someone passing by."

Someone she knew? In fact, it was surprising that the Duke recognized Rebecca. They had only met once before, briefly exchanging greetings.

Recognizing Rebecca was easy for the Duke. There was only one person in the world with such purple jewels. But how did the Duke recognize her?

Suddenly, a sense of caution crept in. Rebecca looked at the Duke with a sense of unfamiliarity.

Investigation? It was not uncommon among the nobility. The issue itself wasn't the problem. However, conducting an investigation and then approaching as if nothing had happened usually had a purpose. The Duke, of course, knew that Rebecca was aware of his dislike for Megara.

Despite feeling uncomfortable being stared at by a commoner, the Duke maintained a calm smile. It was as if he didn't care about what Rebecca might be thinking.

Slowly, the two locked eyes. The Duke whispered softly, "I recognized you by chance. Everyone has a unique way of walking. You walked with a similar rhythm as at the masquerade ball, and your stature was similar. So, I called out your name, and you turned around, didn't you?"

Indeed, that was true. Rebecca felt convinced. And once she felt convinced, she became certain.

Yes, maybe she could find out.

For a brief moment, Rebecca's gaze wavered, but the Duke continued to speak, still staring at her.

"I really liked the outfit you wore last time. If you don't mind, could you teach me about the current trends in the court? If you have the time, of course."

Yes... she might be curious about that. And even if not, could she dare to refuse anyone? Rebecca was perplexed, but unknowingly found herself nodding.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Then shall we go have some tea together?"

In an instant, the Duke found himself linking arms with Rebecca. It was a familiar gesture, allowing them to look into each other's eyes at a close distance, almost like siblings.

Surrounded by the maid and attendants, the Duke naturally walked towards the tea room of the Mori shop, ensuring a subtly wide space to prevent others from overhearing the conversation between him and Rebecca.

"I heard you're similar in age to my mother. If you had married early, you might have had a child like me. I got curious about marrying at a young age, wondering if you ever thought about getting married and having a child."

Mentioning age in a not-so-close relationship was considered impolite. The Duke didn't seem like someone who lacked such etiquette.

However, Rebecca didn't find the question odd. Somehow, she had been feeling dazed since earlier.

Ever since giving birth a long time ago, she hadn't been feeling well. It was because she hadn't taken care of herself properly. So, at times when she felt tired, it was extremely, extremely difficult.

Was the thought of that child surfacing due to her poor health?

"I don't think I necessarily need to get married."

A warning signal rang in her chest. Rebecca tried to avoid mentioning anything about children and answered. The Duke smiled, his gaze intensifying.

Intense eyes.

"Of course, you don't have to get married. I'm just asking about your personal preference. Can you tell me? No one knows much about you, so there's no risk of the conversation spreading."

It sounded like the right thing to say.

"I... dreamed. I hoped that a child born between me and the person I love would stand proudly before God, that the relationship between us would be defined by words of blessing and recognition, not words of contempt..."

"If a child were born, you would hope it wouldn't be a bastard, right? Yes, that's how everyone feels."

"Yes, Your Grace... And that they would resemble me, so I could say they are beautiful and intelligent..."

"That's all your imagination, right? Feel free to speak freely. How beautiful would it be? If it's your child, whether a daughter or a son, they would undoubtedly be very lovely."

"If it's a daughter... with thick golden hair like honey, eyes as purple as iris flowers... My mother had such golden hair, and my grandmother had such purple eyes. If the child was born with a good destiny, they would undoubtedly be loved by all with such features... And, there would be a red mark on the thigh... The women in our family always strangely have that."

Rebecca was barely aware of what she was saying, and even after speaking, she couldn't remember. She felt so exhausted. A sense of confusion buried in fog...

And moments later, as she sat in the tea room with the Duke, sipping on cold tea with added sugar, her mind was completely diverted to mundane topics, like the hat styles trending in the court.

For some reason, the Duke's face seemed stiff, and she found it odd with a clear mind that had returned.

***

"Are you in your right mind?"

Abelus usually respected his sister. He believed that he, being smarter despite being born first but not receiving the prince's position, should show more consideration.

But at times like this, his sister had a talent for truly annoying people.

"What's the matter, sister?"

"Do you not know? Even at the far end of that continent, it's known that you will marry Natasha Gruenwald. The Gruenwald Duke is discussing marriage terms with your father. But are you turning a blind eye again? I told you not to make enemies when dealing with nobles!"

Oh, what a conversation it was. It was about the lovely Megara.

Abelus thought he was being foolish to have come all the way to the 1st Princess Palace as his elder sister Kamil called him. Human time is finite, and he felt it was a waste to spend it listening to his sister's nagging.

Looking at his younger sister who was absentmindedly fiddling with her ears, Kamil glared at him fiercely.

"If you keep this up, you'll make enemies in the royal family! Do you think the Gruenwald Duke will just stand by while his daughter is insulted? What about Natasha's brother, Eustace? If he hears what my sister is saying, he's the kind of person who would sell out the family!"

Listening on, Abelus eventually explained his actions with a sheepish smile.

"Oh, sister. I'm not saying I won't get married. As long as it's certain that my daughter will become the Crown Princess, the Duke will come around."

"Why do you have to create dissatisfaction?"

"I have my own thoughts as well. Honestly, how stubborn is the Gruenwald Duke these days? So, I'm trying to create some tension among the nobles."

"Tension?"

Kamil was puzzled. Abelus continued with his grandiose speech.

"I'm trying to make anyone who is loyal to the royal family think they have a chance of becoming the Crown Princess if they do so. That way, wouldn't the Duke also treat us better?"

To someone unfamiliar, it sounded plausible. If you don't know if the gold in front of you will be yours or not, people tend to pour more effort into it.

Except for the fact that if the promised gold is suddenly taken away, one would harbor resentment and turn away from the one who took it."

While Kamil was stunned, Abelus stood up with a confident smile.

"Sister, my marriage matters are being handled by Abamama and Umamama, so please don't get too involved. If you're bored, go get married. I'm not a child, and as the future emperor, I don't need your permission to establish my power among the nobles, do I?"

With that, he left.

Alone in her reception room, Kamil seethed with anger. After a while, she called for a trusted subordinate and gave an order.

"Tell Lord Ricandros that I will see him!"