The Obsessive Male Lead Is Jealous Of My Doll - Chapter 40

20 — 2

Ignis also had the ability to immediately recognize the amount of magical power of those who possessed magical power. He also possessed the ability to instantly assess the magical power of those who wielded it. That was why he had brought Stella, who hadn’t yet manifested but possessed tremendous magic power, all the way to the North…

As he considered the possibility that he might have forever lost the precious treasure his mother had left him, a vein pulsed visibly in his neck.

Joseph gulped dryly at the sight of Ignis. The hairs on his body stood up on end at the sight of the fearsome creature, and he tensed, not knowing what kind of unpleasant orders would come.

“Tell Gemma to ask her to join me for breakfast tomorrow.”

“My apologies—! Yes? Y-You mean breakfast?”

Joseph rolled his eyes in confusion as he tried to figure out his master’s intent.

“Otherwise, Stella’s anger won’t subside.”

He bowed deeply at the unexpected words.

Ignoring Joseph’s reaction, Ignis turned his gaze away and looked at the moon, now visible as the clouds cleared. The sight of stars and moon together under the bright moonlight was remarkably beautiful.

‘Karentina Lorraine. I’ll have to keep an eye on her for now.’

The Princess, who somehow seemed like a frightened small animal, kept lingering in his mind.

̊ · : * ✧* : · ̊

For several days, torrential rain had been falling over the imperial capital, obscuring the view ahead. The atmosphere around Duchy of Horton was laden with a sense of gloominess, even the moonlight obscured by the raindrops.

“Still no word from Oswell!”

The thunderous voice of Duke Horton filled the ears of his aide as items that should have arrived with Oswell had yet to make any sign of arrival.

“Y-Your Excellency, I apologize. For some reason, I can’t get any signal from the magic tool.”

“Ha!”

Under the furious glare of the grey-haired Duke Horton, his aide continuously bowed, sweat pouring down his back.

“Please do not worry too much. Isn’t Oswell a pirate who ruffles the seas of the empire? I’m sure he’s somewhere drinking and will show up in a few days.”

“Isn’t it already too late!”

“This has happened often before. In addition, we’ve received correspondence from Her Highness the Imperial Consort as well as Viscount Maurice saying that the work proceeded without a hitch, so I don’t think you need to worry too much.”

“….”

Duke Horton furrowed his brow deeply at his aide’s words and examined the seal of Lorraine’s family placed on his desk.

【 Your Excellency the Duke Horton, a letter has arrived from the Northern butler. He mentions that everything has been handled perfectly, so you can set your mind at ease.

Unfortunately, due to the rampage of the magical beasts, the mining of magic stones may take some time. However, it’ll return to normal soon. At that time, I’ll be greeting Your Excellency as the proud Duke of Pablo Lorraine.

By the way, Your Excellency, have you heard the recent news of Bishop Viano being caught in the corruption investigation at the Grand Temple?

Of course, the money sent under the butler’s name was delivered as a donation, so there should be no major concerns.

— Pablo Maurice. 】

The contents stated that all plans had been handled perfectly. However, he was strangely bothered by the last sentence.

The Duke stroked his chin roughly as he thought of Bishop Viano.

‘…The Bishop was greedy and foolish, but he was meticulous in matters involving money. How did such a person get caught up in the corruption investigation at the Grand Temple?’

Unlike Bishop Viano, Pope Leonius wasn’t an easy person. Duke Horton inwardly muttered, saying that he was as difficult as Ignis.

“Contact them repeatedly until you get a signal. Send out ships if you have to! Find a way to bring him to me immediately!”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“Pathetic and incompetent b*stards. I can’t stand the sight of you, so get the hell out of my sight.”

The aide wiped the sweat that had formed on his forehead and bowed once again before hastily leaving the Duke’s office. Once the aide left, Duke Horton threw the glass he had been holding against the wall.

Crash—!

The glass shattered with a loud shatter, and the wine spilled out like blood.

Everyone was saying the plan had succeeded, yet he couldn’t shake this restlessness. The Duke turned his head and stared out the window.

Rumble—boom!

A flash of lightning accompanied by thunder struck down upon the mansion.

The variables in this matter were Bishop Viano being taken away and the fact that they couldn’t reach Oswell.

Duke Horton, who had been tapping his desk, paused in thought.

‘There’s nothing wrong with investigating.’

He grasped the bell string to summon the head knight, who soon knocked on the door and entered the study.

“Did you call, Your Excellency?”

“Select the agile men immediately and send them to Lorraine Castle in the north.”

“Yes?”

“I want to know who comes and goes, and what’s going on in the castle. Choose men who will report everything without omission.”

“I understand, Your Excellency. However, I’m afraid we won’t be able to use teleportation circles due to the sudden heavy rain. As soon as the weather clears, I’ll dispatch the knights to the North.”

Duke Horton waved his hand repeatedly in displeasure upon hearing the knight commander’s words. The darkening sky and looming storm clouds only exacerbated his unease.

Please consider sending some love either through the translator’s Ko-fi or by leaving a rating/review for this series on novel updates~!