Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 96.1
Chapter 96.1
‘He wouldn’t actually imprison me, would he? What kind of scheme is he concocting? Maybe that’s why he’s been putting on such a friendly face. Perhaps hiding his true expressions is a family trait.’
He had been strangely kind.
‘It’s a little odd, considering the circumstances. Why would he be so nice right from the start? He must have an ulterior motive.’
As I hesitated, consumed by suspicion, Mrs. Tene smiled and gazed at me intently.
“D*mn it… I’ll go down.”
I couldn’t think of a way to refuse her apparent goodwill. With a nervous gulp, I slowly descended the stairs.
‘To think such a space exists beyond this solitary door…’
As if by magic, each step I took downwards triggered another light to illuminate the path ahead.
“It’s quite deep.”
I remarked, surprised by the seemingly endless staircase.
“It’s a space designed for protection.”
A kind voice responded from behind.
Imagining, absurdly, that I might be pushed, I continued my descent. At the bottom, another door awaited.
“Use this to open it.”
Mrs. Tene uttered, offering me the magic stone she’d used earlier.
As I touched the stone to the door, it rumbled open with a majestic groan. The space within was far brighter than the stairwell.
“It’s vast.”
“If everyone huddled together, it could probably accommodate the entire ducal staff.”
She replied.
The numerous lights, bright as daylight, allowed me to easily survey my surroundings. One wall was lined floor-to-ceiling with shelves filled with vials of strangely colored potions.
“What are these?”
“Potions to sustain you while sheltering here. We have preserved food as well, but space can be limited. The potions are specially treated to last indefinitely. There are also healing potions.”
“Indefinite shelf life?”
“Yes. One never knows when danger might strike.”
‘Good heavens. How much did all this cost? Special treatments like that require mages from the magic tower. It’s so expensive, it’s usually just a pipe dream.’
Besides the potions, there were sleeping quarters and a small collection of books. Mrs. Tene explained that a small group could survive here for a year, which astonished me.
“Has this place ever been used?”
“Not during my time at the ducal estate.”
“I see.”
I’d been wondering if monsters had ever overrun the estate, necessitating the use of this shelter. It seemed unlikely to be needed unless a natural disaster struck.
“There’s another room?”
I noticed a door to the left, camouflaged against the wall, its handle barely visible.
“Yes, an identical room.”
“Oh.” That settled it. I glanced at Mrs. Tene, suspicion returning.
‘What if she’s acting on Kairos’s orders? What if she dislikes me and plans to lock me in here? Judging by the current atmosphere, it seems unlikely… but I can’t be too careful.’
To be prepared for a quick escape, I cast a simple illusion spell, making myself appear present while I actually stood behind her, observing. She, of course, saw only the illusion.
‘She’s getting on in years. Even if she does have ill intentions, attacking her directly feels wrong…’
Ready to bolt if necessary, I stayed near the entrance and addressed the back of her head.
‘It’s high.’
I thought as I glanced up. Despite the magic stones regulating airflow, the space was surprisingly comfortable. The sheer height of the chamber explained the lengthy staircase. The entire shelter was far more grand than I’d expected.
“It’s truly magnificent.”
“It’s the duke’s secret pride.”
“Indeed. It’s a shame he can’t boast about it.”
I watched my illusory self as Mrs. Tene smiled warmly.
‘Why is she smiling so warmly? It’s unnerving.’
“Shall we go back up?”
“Yes, I’ll escort you.”
My suspicions seemed unfounded as Mrs. Tene politely led me back to the surface. Yet, a lingering unease followed me. Even as we reached the top and closed the door, her demeanor remained impeccably courteous.
“Ah, here.”
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