I Unintentionally Cured the Grand Duke’s Insomnia - Chapter 141

71. — Trap (1)

The sound of chattering voices echoed in the empty hallway. One voice, restless and filled with a mix of worry and fear, chattered on without pause.

“Above all, when you speak to him, be careful not to upset him. Think through every single thing you do. Just now, I really thought the lord’s head was about to fly off!”

“Oh, come on, would he really intend to kill me?”

“Would he? Absolutely! He wouldn’t hesitate for a second!”

“….”

“Has the lord really never heard the rumors about His Highness, the Grand Duke?”

Even as Phem asked with a frown, Andre’s face remained calm and unperturbed.

“Is there anyone in Lian who hasn’t heard about him?”

“….”

“The battle of Vandro Gorge, which seemed doomed to fail, was turned into a victory by using a double who looked just like him, all to protect the powerful.”

“No, no! That’s not the kind of rumor I’m talking about!”

Andre raised an eyebrow at Pem, who was waving his hands to cut him off.

“The one about the ‘Mad Grand Duke’…!”

“Phem.”

“…I spoke out of turn. I apologize.”

“When speaking, you must always watch what you say and think carefully before you act. If you end up losing your head, just think of how sad I’d be.”

Phem’s lips pursed in dissatisfaction as Andre repeated his words back to him.

“I’m not just saying this, my lord. You really need to be even more cautious in front of Grand Duke Destro.”

“….”

“I’ve heard rumors that the Grand Duke is merciless toward anyone who covets what is his. He’s sharp and perceptive, too.”

“Well, aren’t all men that way?”

“….?”

“Who would easily ignore someone they thought might be their woman’s first love?”

Phem doubted his ears at Andre’s casual remark.

Did he really understand the warning?

“In any case, you must always be careful. He’s a frightening man, isn’t he?”

“…A snake with its mouth open, or a hound that thirsts for blood.”

Andre’s low chuckle only made him more nervous. Seeing his master start to hum to himself, Phem sidled closer and whispered.

“Keep in mind, Lady Adelia is officially engaged to His Highness, the Grand Duke. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to tread carefully…!”

“Phem.”

Phem, who had been chattering without pause, looked up at the sound of his name. Andre sighed, casting a weary gaze at his subordinate, who returned it with a puzzled expression.

“You worry too much.”

“Please, don’t brush this off as nagging. I’m only saying this for your own benefit…”

Phem’s words trailed off as he noticed Andre’s gaze drifting elsewhere.

‘What is he even looking at…?’

Following his master’s gaze, he spotted Adelia in the courtyard, having tea with a man named Michael.

“That guy… wasn’t he supposed to be here as the Saintess’s escort?”

At Andre’s question, Pem frowned and nodded.

“Yes, that’s right. I heard that’s the case, but in truth, he resembles the Grand Duke so much he could easily be a body double concealing his true identity.”

After Phem’s comment, Andre considered the possibility.

Grand Duke Destro was the only Grand Duke in the country and the sole remaining legitimate heir of the Destro family. Given his position, it would actually be strange if he didn’t have a body double.

As Andre narrowed his eyes, watching the two, he noticed Adelia’s cheeks turning red.

“To be honest, I’d believe it if someone said he was a hidden younger brother rather than a body double. Not only do they share the same face and build, but even their voices are nearly identical… M-My lord? Where are you going now?”

Andre, who had begun striding toward the stairs, suddenly froze at Phem’s words. He scratched his eyebrow thoughtfully, then glanced back and spoke.

“…Don’t you think the timing is perfect?”

“Pardon?”

“The longer this little play continues, the more it puts us at a disadvantage.”

Andre’s serious tone made Phem’s face stiffen. Watching his subordinate’s tense expression, he spoke with a sly look on his face.

“All right, I’ll be off, then.”

“Please be careful.”

“And you, make sure to handle everything carefully and precisely.”

Andre smirked as spoke.

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