Chapter 20
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 20
“A twenty-carat yellow diamond, mined from the Angbeju Mine, cut by Artisan Pagrit, and once the most cherished treasure of Empress Irace two hundred years ago.”
“……”
“Chateau Grangerie, a twenty-room estate located in a southern resort, along with two thousand pyeong of private beach.”
“……”
“Twenty chests filled to the brim with gold.”
“……”
“Pick one.”
As I listened to the Grand Duke’s voice, only one thought crossed my mind.
Does the Grand Duke have a thing for the number twenty?
Or did he intentionally coordinate everything to match?
Regardless, every single one of them was a jaw-droppingly magnificent gift. No, the word 'gift' felt far too modest. This was a level of wealth that defied reality.
And all of this was a reward for protecting the memories of the late Grand Duchess?
This is why hate-love relationships are so terrifying.
Someone once said that adding salt to something sweet makes it even sweeter. I could feel it now through this staggering amount of wealth—that when you add mutual loathing to a story of pure, undying devotion, it creates a love that one wouldn't trade for the world.
If I chose the yellow diamond and resold it at an auction, it would fetch an astronomical sum. A private castle by the beach was the kind of thing a commoner like me could only dream of.
And twenty chests filled with gold? Wow…
Just hearing about it made it impossible to keep the corners of my mouth from twitching upward. It was a relief that Tulia, if nothing else, had been thoroughly trained in etiquette.
“Which will you choose, Tulia?”
I sat there with a humble and polite expression, but inside, I was practically weeping. To achieve that damn A-Rank, I had to give up every single one of these incredible things.
“Grandfather.”
Once I got back to my room after this talk, I was going to bury my face in my blankets and sob.
“Is this a reward for protecting Grandmother’s land?”
For a moment, Grand Duke Asis Frezier’s eyebrows twitched. If I hadn't obtained that 'toxic romance' benefit, his eyes would have been terrifying enough to make me prostrate myself on the spot—they were as fierce as a lion’s.
But they’re not that scary anymore, are they?
At least not when it comes to matters involving the Grand Duchess.
After staring at me for a moment, Grand Duke Asis Frezier turned his head as if dismissing the thought.
“It is a reward for a mere child reminding me of the Frezier Family Law.”
“I see.”
I calmly continued.
“Then, Grandfather, if I were to say I want none of those three, what would you do?”
“……?”
Grand Duke Asis Frezier’s brow furrowed. He looked at me as if wondering if I had a death wish, so I quickly added more.
“It’s because there is a specific reward I want. You can decide after you hear it.”
“……Speak.”
“I currently have no father to protect me, and my mother has passed away.”
“…….”
“The main castle of the Frezier Grand Duchy is as vast as the Imperial Palace, and I need more authority to protect myself.”
I looked at Grand Duke Asis Frezier and spoke carefully, yet clearly.
“I want to receive the ‘Lineage Pendant’ ahead of time, Grandfather.”
“According to family law, the authority of the direct line is granted on one’s sixteenth birthday.”
Grand Duke Asis Frezier raised an eyebrow.
“Are you refusing the gifts I am offering just to ask for that now?”
I asked back cautiously.
“Um…… Grandfather.”
I was asking because I truly didn't know.
“When is my birthday?”
“……What?”
“No, it’s just that no one has ever celebrated it for me, so I don’t really know when it is……. I’m sorry.”
I had played The Milk Bread for quite a while, but I hadn't memorized every single character's birthday! Especially Tulia—she was just a pretty villainess; how was I supposed to know her birthday?
However, my answer seemed to have struck a nerve with Grand Duke Asis Frezier. The look in his eyes shifted strangely again. It was like an icy sea where snowflakes had begun to settle.
Ah, what now? What did he dislike this time?
While I was busy trying to read his mood, wondering if I had done something wrong again, Grand Duke Asis Frezier abruptly turned away.
“Grandfather?”
“In so many ways, you are……”
“……Yes?”
“Never mind. That is enough.”
The dismissal followed immediately.
“You may leave now.”
* * *
“Father! This makes no sense!”
Lilius raised his voice to Grand Duke Asis Frezier, a rare occurrence. He was currently sporting dark circles under his eyes, having taken on a significant amount of debt after failing to secure the ownership of the Statis Plains.
Perhaps that was why he had lost his sense of caution; he didn't hesitate to shout at the Grand Duke.
“Tulia hasn't even had her debutante ball yet! To give her the authority of the direct line now!”
Even Tedric had his Lineage Pendant confiscated recently; this would only make the comparison worse!
“Where do you think you are, raising your voice?”
At the dignified voice, Lilius reflexively hunched his shoulders and clasped his hands together. He continued in a much more subdued tone.
“But Father. This matter with Tulia truly makes no sense.”
“Why are you questioning a decision made by the Family Head, Lilius?”
“Tulia has had no proper education. She will only diminish the dignity of the direct lineage.”
At the mention of her lacking a proper education, Grand Duke Asis Frezier instead thought of the Tulia he had seen recently. Ancient Language was a field where the Imperial Family, prestigious noble houses, and merchant guilds invested the most resources. And Tulia was so talented that she had mastered it through self-study.
Is the child actually a genius?
Just like her grandmother, who used to tackle difficult problems with even more fervor. Just like the late Grand Duchess.
But Grand Duke Asis Frezier soon shook his head.
No. A child should be seen as a child. Comparing her to other brilliant talents is poison.
Unaware of what the Grand Duke was thinking, Lilius spoke emphatically.
“Father. Wouldn't it be more in line with the family law to provide Tulia with a private tutor and then grant her the Lineage Pendant after her debutante ball?”
“Lilius.”
Lilius flinched at the stern voice and shut his mouth.
“I have made my decision.”
“B-but Father……”
“Naturally, she will be required to pass the basic examinations first.”
“That is……”
In the past, Lilius would have been relieved by those words. But not now.
Tulia Frezier had changed far too much. More than a patient who had taken a heavy blow to the head. He had an uneasy feeling that she would somehow miraculously pass the exams for the Lineage Pendant as well.
Just as Lilius opened his mouth to say one more thing, Grand Duke Asis Frezier put his hands behind his back and turned away.
“And as for the family law, does Tulia Frezier not know it better than you, Lilius Frezier?”
“……!”
The Grand Duke was referring to what happened during the council meeting. Lilius’s face turned a dark, sickly shade of purple.
* * *
“My Lady. How about this dove-colored outfit for today?”
“I like it.”
Most of the dresses in Tulia’s wardrobe had voluminous sleeves. It went without saying that they were draped in lace, jewels, and ribbons.
However, the walking dress Adel brought out now was practical, with fitted sleeves and a dark lining.
This means even if I get some ink on it, it won't show.
“You will do well on the exam, My Lady.”
Adel’s words were warm. Of course, she was saying that because she didn't know that Lilius and Aubrey had never provided me with a proper tutor. Still, it didn't feel bad to have someone believe in me and cheer for me so blindly.
“I heard your brothers also passed the direct line examination with perfect scores. Surely you will do the same, My Lady.”
Oh, right. Those two were set up to be incredibly smart.
As candidates for the male lead, the twins were talented individuals who possessed both beauty and intellect. They were currently away at the Academy, but they returned to the main castle once or twice a year.
They usually come for the Grand Duke’s birthday banquet, so they’ll be here soon.
After briefly reflecting on their relationship with Tulia, I swallowed a sigh.
This isn't going to be easy.