The Elven Duke Reluctantly Marries The Cursed Lady - Chapter 20
Hydrangea asked a nearby attendant to show him a record of the King’s meals. He took the leather-bound record book and looked at the King’s diet for the past month.
“Wha—!?”
He was speechless at the absurd list of food recorded there.
“You are taking fruit juice at breakfast, dried fruits at lunch, and an assortment of 3 fresh fruits… for dinner?”
“I’ve been avoiding my favorite foods such as cookies, ice cream, and cake for three days now, but the physician said it was okay for me to have fruits.”
“Yes, well, he’s not exactly wrong there, but…”
The sugar content of fruits is said to be bad for diseases that are caused by high sugar in the body but in reality, it has no significant effect at all. However, that common sense only applies when fruits are eaten in moderation.
If one included them in meals thrice a day as the King did, then the sugar intake would be too much. This is especially true in the case of dried fruits, as the drying process increases the sweetness of the fruit.
“What did the Court Physician say?”
“The new physician told me he’s going to observe first.”
“New physician?”
“Well, the Minister recommended a good physician, so I switched him out.”
“…..”
The King replaced the Court Physician who had been serving the Royal Family for so long for a new physician. Hydrangea slapped his forehead and sighed deeply.
He suddenly dismissed the Court Physician, the new doctor prescribed a strange diet plan, and said doctor was recommended to him by the Minister.
It seems there are unsavory powers at work here. It’s just a hunch, but my hunches are always right.
I’m already having a hard time with my household and yet here I am finding another problem in the Royal Family.
This is making my head hurt.
For now, I should consult this matter with Prince Magnolia.
“Please refrain from consuming any fruits for now.”
“B-But!”
“Do you want to go blind?”
“!?”
“If you continue this, then that’s how you shall end up.”
“Th-then what should I…”
“First, have the previous Court Physician look at you and correct your lifestyle habits. Then, please take the magic potion that I prepared for you.”
“Uh…”
When he stared at him, the King said “alright” in a small voice.
“So, what can I do for His Majesty?”
“O-oh, right. I wanted to give this to you.”
The King pulled out several matchmaking profiles from under his pillow.
“This is the Minister’s niece, this is the Knight Captain’s daughter, and that one is—”
Hydrangea received the five or so books and handed them directly to Quince.
It’s possible that these people are related to the ones who have been whispering strange things to the King recently.
“So, what do you think of these marriage prospects?”
“About that, I have already decided on the one I will be marrying.”
He took the marriage certificate from the silver tray Quince was holding and showed it to the King.
“This is—!”
“I have no desire to marry anyone else but her.”
“B-but haven’t you heard of the rumors about the House of Count Northpole being on the brink of bankruptcy?”
“I intend to support her household.”
He then motioned for the attendant to prepare an overbed table, pen, and ink.
The capable attendant prepared them at once.
“Hydrangea, why is a cat’s paw stamped on the area where your bride is supposed to sign?”
“It seems she used her beloved cat’s paw in lieu of her signature.”
Isn’t it cute? He resisted the urge to say the words out loud.
As for Violette’s name on the document, Hydrangea was the one who wrote it.
It was a marriage certificate that was almost a forgery, with the forcibly stamped paw and the bride’s name which was written by somebody else.
“Please, Your Majesty. If you allow this union, I would work harder to serve the Royal Family and the country.”
Hydrangea bowed his head. Since he had already gone this far, it was impossible for the King to refuse.
“Very well… If you insist.”
“I am most grateful.”
The King affixed his approval immediately and even affixed the royal seal firmly on the document. And with this, the marriage between Violette and Hydrangea was made official.
◇◇◇
They returned to the office the same way through Transfer Magic.
“Ueeeeegh~~!”
Quince experienced Transfer Magic sickness when they came back as well. While he crouched down and fought the wave of nausea, the person at the edge of his vision turned his back to him and began to pass his decision on the documents on the table.
News of Hydrangea’s marriage spread until evening. He refused the Royal Publicist’s request for an exclusive interview and went straight home.
He sighed as he sat on the armchair in his private chambers.
He remembered that he had not requested an audience with Prince Magnolia yet, so he moved to the study next door and picked up a pen. Since it was urgent, he used Correspondence Magic and threw the letter outside and sent it flying into the evening sky.
And with that, his job was done for the day.
Wondering what Violette was currently up to, he took out the crystal and watched as she elegantly enjoyed a cup of tea in her chambers.
Surprisingly, it seemed like she had already adapted to life in the Laudense Ducal Household.
A smile naturally graced his features when he saw Violette drinking tea with a composed expression on her face.
