Thank You For The Confinement, Grand Duke! - Chapter 75.2

“So, I heard that the rebels are researching ways to artificially create wizards. For them, Lady Rivette, who can produce excessive amounts of magical power and transfer it to others, is the perfect research subject.”

‘…Ah. I understand now.’

“So, if I get caught by them, I’ll be subjected to unbearable fear of death and disgraceful treatment as a woman?”

The reason Enfrise kept Chaperil locked up like this, with chains preventing her from leaving, all while saying nothing about it… it could be explained by this one thing.

“Chaperil.”

As I held his hand, Enfrise’s other hand gently came to rest on top of mine. His grip tightened, and I smiled at his movement.

“I’m not worried. Enfrise will protect me, right?”

“Of course.”

His eyes were fielded in unyielding resolve.

It was so lovely, heartbreaking, and sad. I simply stared into his eyes.

How long had it been like this?

Ahem, Elmare cleared his throat.

“This time, after speaking with my second brother, the current Emperor, we reached an agreement with the Magic Tower and the Church. With Lady Rivette’s consent, they’ll assist with research as long as no harm comes to you, and in return, they will help protect you.”

How much was ‘no harm’? I didn’t like the idea of being a test subject in either case.

“Elmare. That…”

Enfrise spoke as if he had the same concerns, but Elmare raised a hand, signaling for him to stop.

“I understand your heart, Brother. You wouldn’t like this at all because Lady Rivette is precious. Still, the research into Lady Rivette’s condition will go down in the history of the Empire’s magical studies. And, above all, the Magic Tower and the Church will do anything to protect Lady Rivette.”

That would ease some of Enfrise’s burden. If my consent is required, then…

“There’s a condition.”

“Chaperil. You don’t have to accept. Even if you refuse…”

“Brother is right. Even if you refuse, the Church and the Magic Tower won’t be able to lay a hand on Lady Rivette. However, you’ll need to be protected by my personal guard.”

A personal guard?

If I had to be protected like that, I might as well stay here. I wasn’t really uncomfortable here. At the end of the day, this confinement was something I chose for myself, but I wasn’t locked up against my will.

“Is there no option to just stay as I am?”

“It’s not impossible. But…”

Elmare pressed his lips together.

Was he hesitating on purpose? Or was he unsure about something? After a moment’s pause, he spoke again.

“This… is something I shouldn’t be discussing. However… since the Emperor is already aware, it would be wise to assume that this will leak from somewhere. The Emperor has countless people around him, and not all of them work in his best interest.”

Hmm.

It was true that situations like ‘the maid saw it,’ ‘the servant knows,’ or ‘the attendant overheard’ happened all the time. Even without those, there were assassins or information guilds that moved around unnoticed.

“The problem is that Brother Enfrise… is someone who couldn’t have a personal guard.”

“….?”

I glanced at Enfrise.

A Duke with no personal guard? Then, how did he maintain security in his domain?

Instead of answering, Enfrise lowered his gaze slightly.

“Currently, the entire territory of Grand Duke Blame is managed by the Imperial family. What that means, as I mentioned earlier, is that information could leak from somewhere. The more people involved, the harder it becomes to control or oversee everything.”

Hmm.

If they were called the rebels, their power must be significant. It would be difficult for Enfrise alone to stop all of them…

It seemed like staying here for too long could be difficult.

“I’m fine with just staying here.”

“…I’m sorry, Chaperil, but I want to give you a broader world. I don’t want to keep you trapped in such a small place.”

‘What is this man…’

Was he really the male lead of a tragic male-oriented novel? A captive romance main character? Why was he in such a hurry to keep me from leaving? Usually, it was the female lead who wanted to leave and the male lead who prevented her, right?

Ugh. Oh well.

“I understand. If I’m to cooperate with the research, there are a few conditions.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“First, Enfrise must accompany me at all times. I don’t have other commitments, so it’s fine for me, but the schedule for the experiments must always be arranged around Enfrise.”

My lifeline. I wouldn’t let go of it.

“Second, before any experiment, the details must be thoroughly explained, and if I refuse, it won’t proceed.”

“That’s understood.”

“Third, there might be changes between the explanation and the actual experiment. If that happens and the experiment continues without both my and Enfrise’s consent, I’ll never cooperate again.”

Elmare nodded, either in agreement or just to comply.

Finally, I stated my most important condition.

“Fourth, not only my life but also Enfrise’s safety must be guaranteed. That’s my condition.”

I’d protect my lifeline, yes.

With that thought, I smiled proudly and looked at Enfrise.