Chapter 10

However, Magritte didn't think that the Duke of Gannongruf would suddenly take action.

She learned from running a restaurant that there is a huge difference between hearing rumors and seeing things for oneself.

Judging based solely on appearance or rumors is premature.

"Before I came here, I heard the rumors. But I really want to meet the Duke of Gannongruf."

"…Why?"

"There's something I want to ask!"

Magritte's eyes sparkled as she pressed her cheeks with both hands to prevent drooling.

She had been deeply thinking about the corruption magic in the carriage.

Why did she follow her parents' wishes and take the risk of possibly being killed to come here instead of Adel?

It must be because she could finally achieve her long-desired "it" with the ability to use corruption magic.

"There are those who say that… but everyone is afraid of the power of magic and stays away."

Isaac said this with a sad look, lowering his eyelids.

"That's not true! Besides, I came here to win the favor of the Duke of Gannongruf!"

"I've never heard anyone say that before. You're a strange one."

Isaac smiled, raising the corners of his mouth, but when he felt Magritte's gaze, he cleared his throat to cover it up.

"Is the Duke of Gannongruf that terrifying? I've never been in society, so I don't know much about it."

"…What? You've never been in society? Aren't you the daughter of the Viscount Nepharial?"

"Yes. But since I can't use magic, I've always worked as a servant."

"Can't use magic? Is that true…?"

Isaac frowned, placing his hand on his chin and tilting his head.

Then his face came close to hers.

"No… this mysterious feeling can't be wrong."

"…?"

Magritte, being stared at intently by Isaac, hastily put down her cup and pulled back her body.

"A, ah… Isaac, you're too close."

"…Sorry."

Isaac quickly put some distance between himself and Magritte.

Thinking that he wasn't very used to interacting with people, Magritte, feeling awkward, took a sip of coffee and asked Isaac about the reason for the dilapidated state of the mansion.

It seems that there are no servants in this mansion because they are afraid of the Duke of Gannongruf.

The maids and butlers are elderly and have retired, and the new maids and footmen sent for Adel's arrival have all left out of fear.

Isaac apparently does everything by himself, and the reason the mansion is not well-maintained became clear.

Isaac seemed taciturn and intimidating, but when Magritte asked questions, he answered clearly.

(In other words, Isaac is managing the mansion alone now. I wonder how the Duke of Gannongruf gets his food?)

When Magritte asked what he was eating, Isaac answered, "Whatever…" while avoiding her gaze.

From his hesitant response, she realized he didn't cook much.

Isaac also said that the Duke of Gannongruf was out and it was unknown when he would return.

(Isaac seems to be hiding something…)

This time, she asked Isaac about the local specialties.

Isaac, finding the question strange, stood up and opened the window.

The sea breeze and the smell of the ocean, along with the warm wind, caressed Magritte's cheeks.

The Gannongruf territory, as Magritte had expected, was rich in seafood, and fresh fish were lined up in the market every morning.

Magritte's eyes sparkled when she heard that there were many ingredients she had never seen in the capital, such as vegetables and grains.

"Given this situation, I understand your desire to seek revenge on your family, but it's better to leave here quickly."