Suspicion

When the doctor left to inform the duke, he had met Lady Ophelia, the eldest daughter of Viscount Brooks who was also the duchess' relatives. He, of course, knew of this lady due to her excellent reputation. In fact, Ophelia had been the talk of the capital as she was expected to be the best debutante in the future.

Although Ophelia had yet to come of age, the lady had been attending tea parties and sometimes could be seen accompanying the duchess along with Lady Alice for a formal party. She might be young but she had already more or less dominated high society

Not to mention her talent in magic. When Ophelia had her assessment at a young age of three, she had astounded the court for she was born with a six star class magic. The highest class was ten stars and so far the best mage was at nine stars, but that was achieved after years of effort. However, Ophelia Penelope Brooks had effortlessly achieved it from just being born.

Thus, with such talent in magic and a pleasant personality coupled with her beautiful look, Lady Ophelia became the most sought after and admired flower of the kingdom. Even the ice-cold duke who was known to be indifferent and emotionless cared for Lady Ophelia as well.

Although the duke didn't necessarily smile or accompany her all day long, his action towards Ophelia was completely different from his usual self. It could be said, the duke was absolutely lenient towards her.

For example, in the present when the duke was busy working. Everyone knew the duke hated being disturbed if it wasn't important. The duchess herself had never sought for him during the day and only met in the evening when he was finished with his work. Although everyone was aware of the couple's affection for each other, the duke still wished for his own space.

However, Lady Ophelia hurriedly went over to his office when the doctor had told her that her cousin, Lady Alice, had awakened but might need assistance from the church.

She knocked but didn't wait for the duke's permission and directly entered the room. Such impudence yet the duke didn't comment anything. This itself had already shown the duke's partiality.

"Uncle, pardon for the interruption. Alice has awakened but the doctor said there are some strange marks on her body. Therefore, could you please invite a priest to look at it? I'm afraid it might be something dangerous. And let's check Alice too while we're at it," Ophelia had pleaded weakly with tears hanging on the edge of her eyes.

Those who were at the tea party did know that the first one to run towards Alice when she had collapsed was Ophelia. Her complexion had been pale as she hugged her cousin and cried for others to help. Nevertheless, everyone knew that the duke had never favored his own daughter.

He didn't neglect Alice. He fulfilled every need she had, but more than that, the duke had always been indifferent towards his daughter. No one had ever seen the duke indulge her or even talked to her. On the other hand, Alice had always been scared to look at the duke.

She couldn't meet his eyes without trembling from head to toe and her face turning ashen. Hence, the relationship between father and daughter became worse. In the end, they avoided each other as much as possible.

Now, Ophelia had asked for the duke to invite a priest for Lady Alice. The butler and knights as well as a vassal who had been in the office felt that the duke would definitely agree.

But, for his grace to actually visit Lady Alice and in the middle of work no less, it seemed rather far-fetched. So, they all had sighed inwardly.

The doctor who had come with Ophelia had been nervous too. No matter what, he was a doctor and held compassion towards his own patient. Of course, he wished for Lady Alice to be well. Besides, when he was reminded of that petite girl with her weak body and pale complexion, he couldn't help but pity her.

It was then, the duke had surprised everyone when he had said, "Okay." After that, he stood up and headed towards the door while ordering the butler, "Go fetch a priest."

This event had further alleviated Lady Ophelia's status in everyone's eyes then. The duke truly spoiled his niece. That was why in the present, there was such a big entourage coming in with Ophelia.

Meanwhile, Kalliope, who heard the demon's words, was staring fixedly st the priest. She was literally sizing him up from head to toe with a face devoid of any emotion. No one seemed to notice the difference in Lady Alice whose eyes appeared dauntingly cold and held every inch of disregard in her presence.

'Something familiar?' Kalliope raised an eyebrow expressionlessly. Nothing seemed to be out of place with the priest. He appeared completely harmless with his pure attire that represented God.

Then, Kalliope's eyes drifted to the man beside the priest. Midnight hair and eyes as dark and piercing as the night sky. Tall nose, strong defined jaw, and thin lips that make up the man's dashing look. Dressed in a lavish navy blue clothing that further embellished his noble look, the man's towering figure stood gallantly by the doorway.

He stared straight at the young girl dressed in her nightgown. His stoic face encouraged his intimidating presence. In that moment, when Kalliope's eyes had met his, Kalliope felt her heart pumped violently in her chest.

She narrowed her eyes slightly as she tried to determine what she was feeling right now. Fear? Excitement?

Regardless, Kalliope didn't look away and continued to study the man in a somehow disparaging manner while not letting the slightest emotion escaped to her face. Those who were currently observing this sight seemed to be shocked out of their mind.

"So, besides the fever and a change in her look, my cousin is already fine, right?" Ophelia asked as she intimately hugged Kalliope's arm. In that instance, there was a slight change in Kalliope's expression.

She naturally hated the humans on Earth without exception but her aversion was further heightened towards Ophelia because of Alice's reaction.

Right now, Kalliope completely, absolutely, and utterly abhorred this insect that was latching onto her arm. A strong desire to swat Ophelia raged within Kalliope. However, she swallowed it down since recklessness was currently out of option.

She hadn't fully grasped the whole situation, much less known these people. So, she couldn't take any action for now. And she also understood something that surprised her into confusion from these people.

Their body held mana which was different from what Kalliope had learnt from the history back in Zarronium.

In addition, among them, there were even two who had strong magic. One was the insect and the other was the iceberg by the doorway. But either way, their power was still below her if only she wasn't stuck in this weak body.

'Weak,' Kalliope spat in her heart.

The doctor who was questioned by Ophelia immediately went to the pale-faced Kalliope and spoke while reaching out for her arm, "Excuse me, My Lady." He raised her sleeve and turned to the duke. "This is what I was referring to, Your Grace."

The staff who were standing behind the duke gasped when they saw the terrifying dark veins that covered their lady's arm. Ophelia widened her eyes and immediately released Kalliope's arm as her face turned pale. Upon this sight, the duke stepped forward and pulled Ophelia back.

Seeing this, everyone was again convinced that the duke deeply cared for Lady Ophelia more than his own daughter. After all, he had just pulled Lady Ophelia and shielded her behind his back after the doctor had shown the black marks.

Everyone thought deep down, 'His grace must've been worried that whatever it is plaguing Lady Alice's body could infect Lady Ophelia.'

Meanwhile, the subject of their thoughts knitted his brows and grabbed Alice's small hand. The duke then assessed his daughter's condition with his magic. He sensed a dangerous dark energy from those black marks that rejected his mana but besides that, he couldn't decipher much.

"It seems the marks have almost covered every part of the lady's body," the doctor added.

With that said, the duke shifted his attention to the priest. His silent gaze was enough for the priest to register his meaning. He slowly approached the lady and with a kind smile, he extended his hand and asked, "May I?"

However, there was no reaction from 'Alice'. The girl remained silent as she stared at the priest. Her sharp gaze that seemed to peer directly into one's soul sent a jolt to his heart and his blood ran cold all of the sudden. He tried to maintain a smiling face that now looked very awkward.

The duke frowned. Then, when everyone thought the lady would continue to refuse the priest, a wide enchanting smile graced her face. She obediently put her hand on his palm.

"Excuse me, My Lady," the priest said as he rolled up her sleeve. As soon as he encountered the black marks with his own eyes, a sharp glint flashed past his eyes. It was so fast that no one was able to notice it. But, that small change wasn't missed by 'Alice'.

The lovely smile on Alice's face turned even lovelier. Then, a rather raspy voice that exuded the innocence of a young girl escaped from her lips.

"How is it, Sir?"