I Unintentionally Cured the Grand Duke’s Insomnia - Chapter 133

67. — This Sibling Relationship is Doomed (1)

The story Cain told was simple.

The reason the Count and Countess had been arrested by the Imperial Knights was that Retinem, the Blaise family’s estate, was the location where most of the bodies had been discovered throughout Lian.

To be honest, hearing it like this, it was understandable that Joan would suspect the County of Blaise more than anyone else. However, knowing the full story myself, I couldn’t help but feel both hurt and frustrated by the accusation. There was no way my parents, who didn’t even know the slightest thing about black magic, could have done something like that.

And as long as I was alive, there was no way my parents would turn into villains. Of course, I could be certain of this because I knew the truth, but it wasn’t something I could say to Yoan or Cain.

I let out a shallow sigh, finally understanding how things had spiraled to this and asked.

“So, what Your Highness is saying is, if they investigate the incident at Retinem and find proof that my parents aren’t involved, they will be released soon?”

“Yes. So, although you’re worried, if you wait here, I’ll…”

“Then I’ll go there as well.”

“…What?”

In the current situation, there was only one way to resolve this as quickly as possible.

“I said I’m going too. To my territory.”

I had to go to the territory myself—since I knew more about the incident than anyone else. There was no faster way to resolve it than this.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

It was an early dawn with thick fog still lingering.

As I climbed into the carriage, leaving behind the servants who saw me off with tears, I sighed and looked at Cain, whose face was still crumpled.

“It’s already been decided, so why don’t you relax your expression a bit?”

“I think there’s still enough time to change your mind and go back.”

Cain responded to my question without backing down. Judging by the scowl on his face, it was obvious he wasn’t happy about me coming along.

I couldn’t help but smile mischievously at his expression.

“You didn’t even ask me when you took me to Winder Village, but now you’re this worried?”

“…I didn’t think you’d still be holding a grudge over that.”

Cain’s voice, tinged with both surprise and guilt, made me laugh. Seeing him let out a shallow sigh at my giggling, I continued speaking.

“Please yield this time, Your Highness. Even His Majesty the Emperor also said that it was right for me to handle this since this happened in our family’s territory.”

“…I still don’t understand the Emperor’s intentions.”

Hearing Cain’s muttering, I also thought of Joan.

In reality, the easiest way for Cain to reject my request to go along would have been to use Johan as an excuse. However, contrary to his expectations, the Emperor had agreed that I should go to Retinem.

“Retinem is originally the territory of the Blaise family, and in principle, it’s their right to handle all matters occurring within their land. Although the Count and Countess were arrested due to the seriousness of the issue, it’s understandable that the Young Lady wishes to prove their innocence. Therefore, Adelia Blaise is permitted to accompany you.”

Cain, unable to tear up the Emperor’s decree, could only crumple his face in frustration.

Ever since we set off, he had worn a constant frown, so I tried to lighten the mood by showing him the yellow backpack I was carrying.

“Don’t worry too much. Oh, do you remember my survival kit? Last time, I felt a little embarrassed asking you to trust me, but this time, I’m totally prepared!”

“Why, did you bring an antidote to turn yourself back into a human this time?”

“Oh, really! That’s not it at all!”

Even though I pouted at his teasing, I quickly smiled with confidence. Seeing me like this, Cain furrowed his brows suspiciously as I pointed to the backpack and spoke.

“The kit Eli gave me last time was full of random, strange potions, but this time, I’ve got an ally I can trust 100%.”

Just as I laughed playfully, a familiar face popped out from the backpack.

「 Lia, can I come out now? 」

“Ah, Noya! I’m sorry. We’ll be getting off soon, so can you hold on just a little longer? If you’re feeling cramped, you can stick your face out.”

In response to my answer, Noya leaned his face against the inside of the backpack with a sulky expression. On the other hand, Cain’s face crumpled even more at Noya’s unexpected appearance.

“… You’re not telling me that the ally you trust 100% is him, are you?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Isn’t he very reassuring?”

His face crumpled even more when I replied, my eyes sparkling with confidence.

Despite the doubt written all over his face, I was certain this time. In a situation that clearly seemed to involve black magic, there couldn’t be a more reliable ally than Noya. Moreover, it seemed Joan was aware that the situation was tied to black magic. So, I thought that was probably why he had granted Irene’s request to cancel the return ceremony, even if it was against his better judgment.

Pretending not to notice Cain’s growing concern, I turned my head to look out the carriage window.

Through the thick fog, I spotted two figures. It seemed Abel was also uneasy about sending Irene alone, as he decided to join us on the journey to Retinem.

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