The Elven Duke Reluctantly Marries The Cursed Lady - Chapter 26
What Hydrangea ordered was a Ruby Rod adorned with the finest gem. The wand itself was made out of mana-rich wood from a sacred tree while its surface was painted gold.
The materials used for the wand were first grade and the size was perfect for beginners.
“Is this a present?”
“I guess you could say that.”
“In terms of compatibility with its owner, I’m guessing this ruby’s owner is a strong-willed woman?”
“Yes, something along those lines.”
“If that’s the case, then I’ll throw this in for you.”
The owner reached into one of the shelves and took out an egg the size of a fist.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a mythical beast egg. I don’t know what’s inside it.”
According to the owner, the egg has not hatched in 10 years and has been bought and returned repeatedly to the store.
“All the customers who bought this egg have all been male, so I guess that’s why it hasn’t hatched. I bet it would hatch if you took this to a woman.”
“Is there such a thing?”
“Who knows?”
“Is this really alive?”
“I think it is.”
He included the egg as a freebie and told him that it could serve as a familiar in case it hatched. When Hydrangea received the egg, he felt the thump of a heartbeat. It was so strong that it was hard to believe that the creature had been encased inside the egg for 10 years.
“See, isn’t it alive?”
“Yes, how curious.”
Violette was able to carry around Pomeranian the first time they met, so this one should be fine.
I’m not sure if this egg will hatch, but I’ll gratefully accept it just in case.
“Well then, I shall be off.”
“Next time, bring the ruby’s Mistress with you.”
“That depends on my mood.”
After saying that, Hydrangea used Transfer Magic to go home to his private chambers in the Duke Laudense Estate.
◇◇◇
After getting home, he called for Verbena to listen to her report.
“The Madam spent the whole day inside the underground library and had a great time reading magic books.”
“I see.”
“She was even saying how she wanted to study magic soon while her eyes sparkled.”
It seemed like she was open and honest towards everyone except Hydrangea.
“When was the curse lifted?”
“Well, that’s—”
It was already past noon when she turned back from a cat to a human. Until then, Verbena and the other female attendants were turning the pages for her.
“She lamented that she couldn’t do anything with her paws.”
“There’s nothing to weep about, really.”
Cat’s paws are the best.
The round, plump shape, those supple claws, those mysteriously soft paws. Those paws are simply wonderful no matter how I look at it.
For Hydrangea, the most beautiful pair of hands (or paws) in the world belonged to cats.
“Where is she now?”
“Madam is still eagerly reading in the underground library.”
“What about dinner?”
“She has already eaten. We had it brought into the library.”
“The air down there is not good. Next time, have her eat her meals in the dining hall.”
“As you wish.”
If she’s still in the underground library, then that’s great. Hydrangea brought the wand and egg and went to see Violette.
“Are you going to walk there, Master?”
“She might be frightened if I were to suddenly appear in front of her while she’s engrossed in reading a book.”
“Indeed, that might be the case.”
Verbena accompanied him as he headed to the underground library.
“Should I carry that wooden box for you, Master?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Although the wand itself was light, the box that contained it was heavy so Hydrangea decided to carry it.
“Speaking of which, did you ask her if she wanted anything?”
“Yes. She had a huge smile on her face as she pointed at a book inside the library.”
“I see.”
So she doesn’t feel a particular need for any dresses or jewelry.
While thinking how his wife’s wants did not cost much money, Hydrangea arrived in front of the door which led underground. He opened the heavy iron door and descended the dimly lit staircase.
“It’s dark. Make sure to add more lights around here.”
“Yes, Master.”
There was no problem if Hydrangea was the only one using this particular area in the house. After all, elves were able to see even during the night.
But the area was quite dark for Violette and the attendants, and there was a risk that they might not find their footing.
An attendant was waiting in front of the library. When she noticed Hydrangea approaching, she moved away from the door and moved closer to the wall.
The door was immediately opened when Verbena called out to Violette.
“Verbena, I was just about to go back to my private cham— Kya!”
Violette rushed out as soon as the doors of the library were opened.
But since Hydrangea was standing by the door, she made contact with him and turned into a cat.
[U, uugh~!]
“You bumped into me.”
[That’s because I never thought that you would be standing in front of the door like this!]
They bickered.
The two couldn’t help but argue whenever they met.
Feeling the reproachful look Verbena was sending towards him, Hydrangea decided to change the topic of their conversation.
“Right, I have something good for you.”
As he spoke, Violette turned a doubtful gaze towards Hydrangea.
She just couldn’t trust him.
