My Contract Husband Resembles the Male Protagonist - Chapter 25
Especially in the Lord’s Castle, there was a pungent odor.
Similar to the smell emitted by my grandfather when he was sick.
[I heard there was a strange incident in Grunwald’s Lord’s Castle. It seemed to be related to the lord, but I’m not sure what it is. Be careful, miss!]
“Instead, just tell me one piece of information I need.”
“I can tell you anything! Except for information about the Imperial Castle, I will certainly share it.”
“Why not the Imperial Castle?”
At that, Rozanna turned pale.
“My throat will be cut.”
She caressed her own neck.
“Because His Imperial Majesty is not a merciful person.”
Rozanna, who was trembling, suddenly looked at Dale.
Dale was casually handling vegetables in the kitchen.
He seemed a bit upset.
When our eyes met, Dale smiled faintly. I looked back at Rozanna.
“Why? What’s wrong? Is something going on?”
“No, nothing. I suddenly felt a chill. It might be because of my mood.”
Rozanna looked at me and coughed feebly.
“So, what are you curious about?”
“Tell me about Grunwald.”
“Well, Grunwald. Isn’t this the land here?”
Rozanna tilted her head.
“I’m not from Grunwald. I was born in the capital and mostly live there, so I might not know much.”
“About the Lord’s Castle. I heard that the Lord is very sick and can’t move….”
“You already know. Well, it’s a story that has spread far and wide.”
Rozanna wiped her chin and looked at me.
“So, you want to know why the Lord became like that. And perhaps, are you curious about Kiedland as well?”
I laughed at Rozanna’s words.
Born with the qualities of a merchant indeed, she was quick-witted and had a good information network.
“I was wondering why you were sitting uninterested at Adelaine’s party. I take it you were interested in Kiedland, weren’t you?”
“The empty land in front of the Lord’s Castle is also said to be owned by Kiedland.”
“Probably, after the Lord collapsed, Grunwald purchased it from Kiedland.”
“How so?”
“Originally, even if it was Kiedland, they wouldn’t give up the land. But when the Lord collapsed, Grunwald needed money urgently. Financial support, of course.”
Rozanna shared everything she knew.
“Kiedland helped Grunwald in every way, and it seemed like the Lord’s illness showed some signs of improvement.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But in the end, the result was the same, and the effect of the medicine quickly disappeared. Still, Grunwald, as a token of devotion, gave the wasteland requested by Kiedland.”
“Do you know why? Any reasons?”
“I don’t know.”
Rozanna nodded decisively as if she didn’t know beyond that point.
However, her eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Rozanna seemed secretly interested in the reason as well. I looked at her.
“If I find out the reason, would you be willing to pay more?”
“Well, I’ve already compromised once.”
But after a moment of contemplation, Rozanna smiled broadly.
“But information is more expensive than money. Although it may sound like a bet, if you, the trader, can find out, I’ll give you more for the necklace. Or, if you need my help later, anytime?”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Then, shall we go with the latter?”
“Sure.”
I made a promise with Rozanna.
After looking at the abundant herbal pots at Dale’s and my home, she seemed to recall something.
“But Viscount Kiedland’s dealings are not to be underestimated. I’ve met them before, and I’m sure.”
I agreed with her.
I knew the reason why Kiedland acquired that wasteland.
So, this was a bet that Rozanna would lose.
“Is Adelaine Kiedland now the adopted daughter of the Lord?”
“No, it’s not that. Lord Kiedland cherishes Adelaine, the only daughter of Viscount Kiedland, a lot. Do you know that the two territories were originally one?”
I nodded, and Rozanna continued.
“The Lord just cherishes his young granddaughter’s relative.”
“…Having lost family, even distant relatives might be as precious as close ones.”
“Yes, Lord of Grunwald is known for his gentle personality.”
“Then, where is the real granddaughter?”
“She’s always in Grunwald Castle. Didn’t you see her that day?”
Oh, right.
Come to think of it, there was a woman who referred to Adelaine as her sister.
But Adelaine was the only daughter of Kiedland.
“What was her name? I feel like I remember the granddaughter’s name, but wait a moment.”
Rozanna searched her personal ledger and stopped on a page.
“Here.”
She pointed to a name.
“Sophia. Sophia Grunwald.”
