The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 16.2

“It’s a family business. My parents run a bed ‘n breakfast.”

Louis said as if reading her mind. Evelyn’s mouth opened in surprise. She smiled at the different personalities of her knights.

When the fish started to look edible, everyone lowered the hand that blocked their noses. Just as the eagle had said, the nasty smell quickly disappeared and only the scent of something delicious probed their noses. Livell jumped up and down at the scent.

Louis filled a plate with the meat and handed it to Evelyn as soon as the cooking was done. Evelyn picked out a piece of meat with a fork and fed it to Livell, his legs dancing merrily at the taste.

“Livell, is it that good?”

Evelyn smiled at her son who had his mouth wide open like a baby bird even before the fork had left.

“Human, you should eat too before it gets cold.”

Evelyn chewed at the small bits of fish in admiration.

“It’s amazing! It’s so soft it melts on my tongue.”

Emptying her dish, Evelyn smiled at the boy.

“This is the best food I’ve ever had to eat,” Evelyn added.

Arthas beamed. “Heh, I’ll catch it for you again.”

“Thank you… really. It’s the best gift I’ve had.”

Evelyn let out the biggest smile since arriving at the Grand Duchy. It wasn’t the gift itself but the thought… she could feel something warm blossoming in her heart.

Arthas scratched at his head as if shy, and looked at Livell.

“Young Master, would you like to go for a run?”

“Yes!”

Evelyn grabbed her son. When she was wiping at his mouth, Arthas took notice.

“Oh, that.”

At his words, Evelyn spread open her handkerchief. In it, unknown medicinal herbs were strewn inside. She had picked out whatever she could get her hands on…

“The roots almost look human, doesn’t it? I’m just using it because I received it as a gift.”

“It’s not that… It’s interesting because I ate it a lot when I was young.”

Evelyn seemed pleased at his words. A few days ago when Sophie’s sister sent this handkerchief, she had fallen into deep anguish. Evelyn’s eyes now twinkled as if she had met her savior.

“Do you know the name?” she asked Arthas.

“Not me, but my mother…”

Arthas clamped his own mouth shut. When he awkwardly looked at the eagle, it intercepted quickly.

“What does the brown bear know? Let’s ask the owner. A sorcerer knows everything.”

“Sorcerer?”

Before Evelyn could finish her sentence, the eagle took off. A moment later, a woman’s voice could be heard from the beak of the returned eagle.

“I will visit you tonight with the King.”

While everyone stood surprised, only Arthas grinned sheepishly.

* * *

It was around night when Ilya and Rene arrived at the outhouse.

“This is Rene. She’s a sorcerer who worked at the Royal Castle.”

She grabbed the hem of her dress, pulling one leg back, and lowered her knees. Despite the easygoing way of talking, her etiquette was that of a perfect aristocrat.

“It’s an honor to meet you, My Lady. I am Rene.”

Evelyn had thought of a sorcerer as a wrinkly old man, so she did not expect someone like her. Arthas had told her of her exceptional skills as a sorcerer, but it wasn’t fair how young and beautiful she was. Hiding her perplexed thoughts, she greeted her.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Evelyn… Maduse.”

Evelyn trailed off. After looking at their interaction he took a seat and spoke.

“Why don’t you all sit?”

The maids brought out refreshments. Rene could not help but smile at the artistic sugary sweets and cakes. Ilya grinned at Rene.

Evelyn looked at the two. They had to be on friendly terms to call her by name, right? He was not a man who easily allowed someone by his side. Her thoughts stopped at his thick and low voice.

“Evelyn, Rene came because she had something to ask you.”

“Good. I had something to ask her, too.”

Rene, her expression happy with appreciation for the scent of drink, laid down the teacup. Her face changed into a serious one.

“My Lady, I heard you were curious of the Mandrake.”

“…Mandrake?” asked Evelyn, curious.

“The medicinal herb spread in your handkerchief is called Mandrake. The handkerchief, may I see it?”

The handkerchief that Sophie’s sister had sent was Evelyn’s secret weapon. She did not want to reveal it to her husband but she had no choice. A few moments later, Sophie brought out the handkerchief.

“Hmm. This is questionable.”

Rene let out a sigh at the picture of a golden fox grabbing at the Mandrake with its front paw.