Chapter 19
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 19
Of course I remembered.
It was that day, less than twenty-four hours after I’d possessed Tulia Frezier, when I couldn't say what I wanted to Grand Duke Asis Frezier because of that damn Personality Penalty.
It was that gauge that had flashed a threatening red above the Grand Duke’s head.
It wasn't hard to guess that it was a sort of 'Affection Bar.'
The gauge, reappearing now, shimmered in a pale sky blue. It was a color that looked much more reassuring to anyone’s eyes.
It was also the exact same color as the marble floor of this incredibly expensive-looking bedroom...
I suddenly shifted my gaze, looking out through the massive floor-to-ceiling window.
An unexpected sight unfolded in the direction where Grand Duke Asis Frezier’s gaze had been fixed just moments ago.
It was a field that felt familiar, in a way.
‘I mean, sure, it appeared with a much more desolate visual in <The Milk Bread>.’
It was the Statis Plains.
Before the disastrous failure of the horse ranch business, the Statis Plains were quiet and beautiful, like a flower garden out of a fairy tale.
‘Just how good is the location of this bedroom?’
To think the Statis Plains were visible at a single glance like this, even though they were quite a distance from the Main Castle.
“Grandfather.”
I asked cautiously, just in case.
“Was this perhaps one of Grandmother’s bedrooms?”
“It was her favorite.”
“I see.”
No wonder...
Grand Duke Asis Frezier, silent for a moment, pulled on a milky-white tassel.
Shadows fell once more as thick curtains, densely embroidered with golden thread, covered the window.
Grand Duke Asis Frezier began to walk away without a hint of hesitation. I hurried to follow him, though I tilted my head in confusion.
Just now, it was only for a fleeting second.
But I had seen Grand Duke Asis Frezier’s eyes sink with a profound bitterness.
It was something I didn't quite understand.
According to the story I knew, Grand Duke Asis Frezier wasn't supposed to have a single shred of affection for the Grand Duchess.
They were portrayed as a political couple whose relationship was the absolute worst.
‘Besides, during the vote earlier, I overheard the senior vassals whispering a few things.’
They said that in the Grand Duchess’s later years, she and the Grand Duke even lived separately.
They seemed to have such a business-like relationship—no, rather, a relationship of mutual loathing.
So why did Grand Duke Asis wear such a yearning expression?
I tilted my head, looking up at the Grand Duke’s massive back.
If it were his real granddaughter standing here instead of me, she would have felt a vague sense of reliability from that sturdy back.
‘Well, it’s not like I’ll ever find out the true story of the Grand Ducal couple anyway.’
* * *
That evening.
I sat frozen with a spoon in my hand.
Flashy text with an incredible effect sparkled before my eyes.
[System] Benefit Acquired!
[System] You have achieved over 50% Favorability with ‘Asis Frezier,’ granting you a Special Benefit!
[System] Character Importance of Asis Frezier: ☆☆☆☆
‘Wh-what did I even do to hit 50%?’
Does it go up this easily just because I’m his flesh-and-blood granddaughter?
The multicolored letters made my head spin.
[System] Playing Benefit ‘Lost Ring’!
‘Playing?’
Not acquiring?
The thought that the phrasing was strange lasted only a moment.
Suddenly, everything went pitch black as if I’d entered a movie theater. I didn't even have time to scream in surprise.
It happened in an instant.
Vivid, full-color images were thrust directly into my brain at high speed.
It was a scene I’d never seen in The Milk Bread—a young Grand Duke Asis Frezier fighting passionately with a woman.
It felt like I’d been watching for over thirty minutes, but when the mysterious footage finally ended, not even thirty seconds had passed.
The warm steam was still rising in puffs from the onion cream stew I’d been eating for dinner.
I let out a hollow laugh, understanding a beat late what this unannounced Benefit was.
The woman fighting so fiercely with the young Grand Duke Asis Frezier was none other than the deceased Grand Duchess.
Tulia’s grandmother, and the original owner of the Statis Plains.
It was a face I’d never seen despite playing The Milk Bread for so long, and a hidden backstory I’d never known.
I shoved a sandwich topped with smoked salmon and chicory into my mouth, looking utterly dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, the salmon, which melted in my mouth, tasted incredible.
“No, so you’re saying the Grand Ducal couple was actually madly in love?”
And the part about them hating each other was just total nonsense?
I slammed my hand down on the table.
“Even if the characters in the game are set up to be deceived, what kind of manners is it to deceive the player too?!”
What kind of game deceives the person playing it for over two years?!
So give me more!
Tell me in more detail!
About their hidden love-hate story!
I shouted like that, but the hand picking up the ice cream spoon was light and cheerful.
The Benefit I’d just seen, ‘Lost Ring,’ was actually quite—no, honestly, it was incredibly gripping and fun.
To summarize briefly, it was a classic hate-to-love romance.
The deceased Grand Duchess’s name was Lisiyan.
Lisiyan was royalty from a neighboring continent and had no desire for a political marriage. She wanted to be the King of her own country, not the Grand Duchess of another.
They fought several times, but Grand Duke Asis Frezier, who absolutely needed Lisiyan’s status to inherit the position of Family Head at the time, eventually forced the political marriage.
Even after they married, they fought hundreds, thousands of times.
Crucially, when Grand Duke Asis Frezier failed to keep one important promise to Lisiyan, their relationship spiraled toward catastrophe.
However, contrary to what the world knew, while Grand Duke Asis and Grand Duchess Lisiyan hated and loathed each other, they secretly harbored unrequited love for one another.
...That was the main content of the Benefit ‘Lost Ring.’
The fact that the stoic Grand Duke Asis Frezier was actually a huge romantic was also very interesting. I almost wanted to giggle mischievously.
‘Of course, if I did that, the Grand Duke would probably slice me to pieces.’
I was enjoying my dessert in a pleasant mood when...
Knock, knock.
That was when I heard a knock at the door.
“Lady Tulia.”
I had sent all the maids out, including Adel, because I felt more comfortable without anyone waiting on me during my meal.
But Adel, who hurried inside, said something unexpected.
“His Grace the Grand Duke’s Chief Aide has arrived.”
“Luc? Why?”
“I am not sure myself...”
I quickly wiped my mouth and brushed my teeth. Then, accompanied by Adel, I went to see Luc.
In the process, it occurred to me that it was rare for Luc and Adel to face each other like this.
I stole a glance at Adel, but she merely kept her head lowered, making it impossible to read her expression.
However, a clear look of pity flashed in Luc Kelposher’s eyes as he glanced at Adel.
It was very brief, but just as intense.
What’s your story now?
Why are you making me so curious with things that weren't even in the game?
Seriously, you’re driving me crazy. This game...
“Lady Tulia. Were you having dinner?”
“No. I just finished.”
“Is that so? That is good.”
“What’s going on?”
“His Grace the Grand Duke is looking for you. He requested that you join him for evening tea.”
I heard the maids standing behind me gasp in unison.
Since Asis Frezier had been appointed Grand Duke, he had never once called a specific grandchild for tea.
Not unless it was after a prospective daughter-in-law like Corico had entered and built up a massive amount of favorability.
As a veteran Chief Aide, Luc clearly knew.
He knew exactly how this tea invitation from the Grand Duke would elevate the status of a master who was being ignored by the servants—how it would make it skyrocket in an instant.
Luc Kelposher smiled very softly, driving the point home.
“His Grace said he would personally bestow a gift upon the Young Lady.”