Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 113.2
Chapter 113.2
“It’s alright. It’s not your fault. I was preoccupied and didn’t hear you coming. Are you finished with your work?”
“Yes, Madam! Today was preserving day. We had to smoke the sausages for a long time…”
Indeed, the scent of wood-smoked sausages clung to her.
With the increased frequency of subjugations, we had to prepare preserved foods throughout the winter, as well as in the autumn. On preserving days, the head chef and the kitchen staff worked from dawn till dusk.
“You’ve worked hard. Go and rest.”
“Yes, Madam. Have a good night!”
Angela bowed deeply and hurried past me.
“My heart nearly leaped out of my chest.”
I quickly entered the study, retrieved the document, locked the door, and practically ran back to the bedroom, not wanting another surprise.
* * *
“…Angela! You startled me.”
Back in her room, Fay giggled, replaying Hazel’s surprised expression.
Despite several attempts to approach her undetected, Hazel clearly hadn’t recognized her. Changing tactics had proven effective. Hazel remained oblivious to her true identity, even when standing right in front of her.
At first, Fay had underestimated Hazel, dismissing her as a naive illusion mage. That had been a grave mistake. Fortunately, her foolish family had facilitated her escape from the dungeon.
“Hmph, this power wasn’t easily obtained.”
This power, granted by Him, had come at the cost of immense suffering, a sacrifice of her very soul. The dark magic wielded by humans was a mere imitation of His power. No matter how skilled Hazel was with dark magic, she was still just a human.
Fay had already confirmed this during the encounter with Duke Hadid.
The Duke hadn’t recognized her, so as long as Hazel remained unaware, her plan was perfect. This place, once inhabited by His followers, felt strangely comforting.
It had taken time to uncover this information, being a relatively new member of the group. This time, she would succeed. She would bring Hazel to Him and earn His favor.
Fay Martin opened her hand, and black smoke coalesced into a small vial. A dark red liquid shimmered within.
Fay smiled, anticipation building.
…Success was within reach.
The following days, Fay continued to seek opportunities when Hazel was alone. Hazel spent much of her time in the study, except when she was out on subjugation missions. Her efforts to combat the magical beasts seemed amusingly futile to Fay.
Mrs. Tene, the head maid, entered the kitchen.
“Madam would like some refreshments. Can you prepare them?”
“Oh, I’ll take them to her! She enjoyed the juice I brought her last time!”
“Oh, Angela. Yes, please prepare them and take them to the study.”
“Certainly, Head Maid.”
Hazel was usually alone in the study, making this the perfect opportunity.
Fay prepared juice and cookies, hurrying towards the study. She planned to trigger Hazel’s uncontrolled magic while Duke Hadid was away. She had already done it once, during the banquet at the Duke’s estate.
She had hypnotized a servant to place a glass of water before Hazel. The simple hypnosis wore off immediately after the task was completed, eliminating any risk of discovery. She had waited for the outburst that day, but nothing happened. Perhaps someone else had drunk the water.
Uncertain, Fay had infiltrated the estate to observe Hazel directly.
Ordinary people were unaffected by the potion, so she hadn’t worried about exposure. She had simply waited outside, failing to confirm the outcome.
‘But not this time.’
If Hazel lost control of her powers, she would be forced to leave. Despite wielding similar magic, Hazel was cautious. It would be best to take her while she was unconscious.
“Madam, it’s Angela.”
“Come in.”
Fay entered, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.
“I brought you the juice you enjoyed last time, along with some freshly baked cookies.”
“Thank you. You’ve been working so hard because of me.”
“It’s my pleasure to serve you, Madam. Please, try them. They’re perfect right now.”
Fay deliberately pushed the tray closer to Hazel.
“Ginger.”
Hazel’s voice made Fay pause.
Ginger? Damn it! She wasn’t alone?
As Hazel spoke, a woman with white hair emerged from behind a bookshelf, seemingly part of the wall itself. Fay hadn’t sensed her presence at all! The woman snatched the glass of juice.
“Hey, wait!”
Fay tried to intervene, but Ginger gulped down the juice like a traveler finding an oasis in the desert. The empty glass landed on the tray with a soft clink.
“Mmm! Delicious. Did you make this?”
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