Chapter 6: 6

The palace was not only the residence of the king and the royal family but also a place where officials gathered to carry out their duties.

When appointing officials, nobles were primarily selected, and their qualifications were verified through exams held at certain intervals.

Being direct officials under the king, many nobles viewed this position as an honor, receiving generous salaries and appropriate treatment.

Therefore, the competition was naturally fierce, and some nobles spent many years trying to pass the official exam.

Kaltz Laird passed the central official exam at the age of 21 and had been working as a third-grade royal administrator, handling administrative tasks ever since.

Entering the palace allowed one to meet many nobles and occasionally encounter the king or the royal family.

Over time, one would naturally mingle with them, forming connections and influence in the process.

Zion was aware of this and intended to leverage Kaltz’s connections.

“What kind of item is it?”

“It’s an herb. It’s quite rare and not widely known.”

It was an herb even pharmacists didn’t know how to use.

The herb was hard to find, and even when used medicinally, it showed no effects.

One had to obtain it in bulk to find a proper one and follow a specific preparation process to achieve its intended effects.

“… It’s not a drug, is it? I can’t get that for you if it is.”

“It’s not a drug. And I’m not using it for anything bad. You can check it yourself if you’re suspicious.”

“Really? What’s the name of this herb?”

“Limpi Dekina. It’s not dangerous. Please look into it and get it in large quantities. I’ll cover the costs myself.”

Since coming to this world, Zion had tried repeatedly to find Limpi Dekina.

But it wasn’t easy to obtain, and he couldn’t investigate the entire kingdom of Allein on his own.

Kaltz, with his connections, could probably find someone who had it.

“In large quantities? It’s not dangerous, right?”

“No, it’s not. If you don’t trust me, you can ask a pharmacist.”

“Hmm…”

Kaltz pondered, taking the first step.

Normally, Zion was quiet in the mansion and shy around people.

He didn’t seem to have any goals, enjoying reading and walking, and stayed away from drinking and gambling.

But now, having accepted the marriage with the notorious lady, Zion was showing a cold and decisive side.

“Zion.”

“Yes, brother.”

“You’re not planning anything bad, right?”

“I won’t use it for anything bad. So the answer must be clear.”

“… You’ll use it for good?”

“Yes. Using it for myself is a good thing, isn’t it?”

To use the magic sword, Zion had to consume Limpi Dekina.

Of course, there were other items he needed to obtain, which would require significant funds.

But using the wealth and reputation of Marquis Laird could make it somewhat easier.

“I can see how you use it, right?”

“Yes. It’s fine. I’ll be the one consuming it.”

“Oh… really?”

Kaltz finally felt reassured, remembering the name of the herb.

He had perfectly adapted to his administrative duties and built friendships with some royals and nobles.

Even if Limpi Dekina was rare, his connections would help him find it.

‘What does he want to do with it? I don’t get it.’

* * *

Duke Adelaira’s residence, first-floor hall.

Zion entered the mansion with the servants.

The servants set down the heavy luggage and left.

The butler and maids in the first-floor hall bowed simultaneously to greet him.

“Welcome. Have you been well?”

Yenid greeted Zion warmly, approaching him.

Zion bowed lightly and responded politely.

“Yes, thanks to your concern.”

“The head of the family had to leave for business. He asked me to convey his apologies.”

“It’s alright. As the head of Duke Adelaira’s family, he must be busy.”

Zion maintained his manners while discreetly surveying the interior.

The mansion seemed more splendid than that of Marquis Laird, and even the garden and courtyard appeared larger.

The guards and soldiers at the gate seemed well-trained, and the number of maids and servants seemed greater.

It wouldn’t be inferior even compared to the palace.

“Everyone except Hanette and me is out, so there’s no one else to greet you. Sorry about that.”

“As members of Duke’s family, they must have many duties.”

Zion suppressed his desire to make a snide remark and adjusted his tone.

The head of the family had to maintain connections and power, naturally meeting many people.

However, the children had plenty of time and spent their allowance playing around.

They probably saw his engagement to Hanette as just another part of their daily life.

“… Where is Lady Hanette?”

As soon as he mentioned “lady,” the butler and maids stiffened and straightened up.

It was a rather affectionate and gentle term, but perhaps a bit excessive.

“Hanette is sleeping. She seems very tired and has been sleeping for a while.”

Yenid smiled awkwardly, watching Zion’s reaction.

Normally, Hanette should have been woken up and brought here.

But she stubbornly refused, locking the door and staying in her room.

While they could forcefully wake her by unlocking the door, it would cause a commotion, so they reluctantly gave up.

“They say beautiful women sleep longer. I think it’s true.”

“…?”

Yenid was surprised by his unexpected response but didn’t show it.

His eyes were clear and serious, not sarcastic.

Above all, he wouldn’t say something unnecessary in front of her.

“When a man leaves home, a woman should guard the house. I’m grateful she stays at home. Even Lady Hanette must get tired.”

“… Right. Thank you for understanding.”

The butler and maids listened in disbelief.

They hadn’t expected Zion to compliment Hanette’s rude behavior.

Only someone who genuinely liked her would act this way.

“I’ll see Lady Hanette later. Where is my room?”

“Oh, I’ll show you.”

Yenid led the way up the stairs, and Zion followed immediately.

The butler and maids silently followed, while some maids appeared to carry Zion’s luggage.

“… Have you become close to Hanette? Please understand her flaws. She may seem tough, but she’s kind and gentle.”

“I understand. She might be hiding in her room because she’s shy to meet me.”

Zion made up a story calmly, but he admitted it was partly true.

Despite her troublemaker act, Hanette never harmed anyone.

She knew that lying to gather money was wrong and tarnished the family name.

But she had no other options and reluctantly hid her true self, bearing the guilt.

“Really? She didn’t seem shy at the engagement.”

“She might exaggerate her actions out of shyness. Or there could be another reason.”

Zion was to stay at Duke Adelaira’s residence during the engagement period.

Until Hanette escaped, they had to appear as a loving couple.

That way, even if blame was assigned, the Laird family would be in a better position, and the divorce would proceed smoothly.

“Is that so? I didn’t know Hanette had that side.”

“I’ll try to get closer to her. We can’t be shy at the wedding, can we?”

“You’re right. You’re thoughtful.”

Yenid, deep in thought, agreed with Zion.

Contrary to her expectations, Zion was showing a positive attitude toward Hanette.

Since the engagement, Hanette had only frequented bars and gambling houses, never meeting Zion separately.

It felt as if one side was pushing this relationship.

‘Could it be…’

Yenid, walking down the corridor, stopped in front of a door.

It was not certain, but it wasn’t impossible.

From her perspective, it was a happy thought, and Robbenz might feel a bit relieved hearing this.

“This is your room. The head of the family prepared a good room for you. Hanette’s room is right next door.”

“Oh, really? I should thank him.”

“Hehe… I’ll convey your thanks. Here’s the key.”

Yenid handed the key to Zion, smiling contentedly.

If left alone, Zion could naturally enter Hanette’s room.

Although they were only engaged, their marriage was planned, so visiting each other’s rooms wasn’t improper.

If they even shared a night, the marriage would be sealed.

“If you need anything, just ask. The butler or maids will help you quickly.”

“Thank you for your consideration. Before you go, can I ask a few questions?”

“Of course. What do you want to know?”

“I know it’s been discussed, but I want to ask again. Before the wedding, I’d like to move freely. I might come back late or leave early. Is that alright?”

“Oh, the head of the family allowed that. He just asked that you avoid any controversies.”

“There won’t be any issues. I can’t cause trouble before the wedding.”

Zion had already negotiated this with Freed, and Robbenz and Yenid should be aware.

But minor details could be forgotten quickly, so he wanted to confirm them while he had the chance.

If any problems arose later, it would affect not just him but also Marquis Laird’s family.

“I’d also like to know what I should be careful about and the rules of the mansion. Please tell me about the family members too.”

“Oh my, you’re thorough. You don’t have to go that far.”

“I’m living here temporarily, so I should be careful…”

“Yawn… why is it so noisy?”

A woman in a nightgown appeared from the next room.

Her orange hair was disheveled, and her eyes were half-closed.

Yenid was too shocked to speak.

“Huh? Why are you here…”

Hanette noticed Zion and tilted her head in confusion.

After a moment of thought, she seemed to remember something.

She vaguely recalled hearing about Zion Laird’s arrival in her sleep.

“Your hair’s a mess. That outfit isn’t bad either.”

“… Ugh.”

Hanette blushed and quickly retreated into her room.

Zion watched her, then chuckled.

‘She’s cute. What an interesting fiancée.’