The Elven Duke Reluctantly Marries The Cursed Lady - Chapter 50
The next day, Violette joined Hydrangea for breakfast as if nothing happened.
“The bread today is a crescent roll which is the pride of the Northpole family.”
Violette pointed to the bread from her seat as it was served and began to talk proudly about it.
“This is an artistic bread where butter is placed in between the dough and repeatedly rolled out, cut and rolled into crescent shapes, and baked.”
Violette happily picked up the crescent roll served to her by the attendant.
Just like its name, the waning moon was splendidly captured in the crescent roll.
She then tore a piece of the bread from the edge and popped it in her mouth without adding anything. She must have enjoyed it so much that her mouth formed an arc like a crescent moon.
Upon seeing her reaction, Hydrangea decided to try the bread as it was served to him.
As he held it in his hand, the bread felt more substantial than it looked, perhaps owing to the butter folded into the layers of dough.
He tore the bread from the edge just like Violette did. The layers of dough were both visible on the outside and inside of the bread.
The aroma of butter softly wafted through the air. When he put it in his mouth, the butter’s aroma became stronger.
The bread was crispy outside, flaky halfway through, and soft inside. When he chewed, the rich flavor of wheat and richness of the butter spread inside his mouth.
It was a truly delicious bread.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s just, this is the first time I’ve had something like this. It’s delicious.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
Both Hydrangea and Violette become honest with each other when it comes to matters related to food.
“By the way, a merchant came over yesterday to sell their products.”
“… Yes, it happens all the time.”
The merchant was sent by Tritoma Celsia. But of course, their goal was not to transact.
It was obvious that they were trying to sell something bad that would affect the House of Duke Laudense, as there seemed to be a magical reaction to the goods they brought over.
Perhaps the other party was also hesitant to infiltrate the Laudense estate.
That was how dangerous the mage’s base was.
“But our family has only done business with exclusive merchants. We don’t just transact with anyone new.”
“Certainly, it is best to buy from merchants who are trustworthy.”
Hydrangea gave a big nod at Violette’s words.
◇◇◇
Prince Magnolia called him over first thing in the morning. It seems the investigation was completed. Leaving Quince in the office, Hydrangea teleported to Prince Magnolia’s private chambers.
Prince Magnolia greeted Hydrangea with his arms resting on the armrests and his long, slender legs crossed in a dignified manner as befitting royalty.
“The spy we sent has returned.”
“Did you learn anything?”
“We did.”
First, the name of the minister who bought the magically tampered tea and sweets from Tritoma Celsia was identified. It was the minister whom Hydrangea had frightened with the gargoyles the other day.
“Once further evidence has been gathered, the privy council will start their inquiry so we can thoroughly investigate.”
Currently, he is now under custody.
But if that fact came to light, then the mage under Tritoma Celsia might make their move.
For now, it seems like the story released to the public is that the minister is ostensibly suffering from an infectious disease and is being quarantined.
“If I’m not mistaken, that Minister’s daughter was—”
“Yes, she is married to my uncle.”
Did he try to poison the king to improve his status?
“With all that’s happening, I am beginning to suspect my uncle as well.”
“Understandable. But if that were the case, won’t you be his next target?”
Prince Magnolia is next in the succession, while his uncle, the King’s brother, is the second.
If he wanted to be king, then the prince was also a hindrance to the throne.
“Your life is not in particular danger right now, is it?”
“Yes, not really. But I have been invited by my uncle to a soiree…”
Up until now, his uncle has never hosted a soiree before.
It was his first time receiving such an invitation from him, so Prince Magnolia was wondering whether to attend or not.
“My uncle is holding a soiree. Why don’t you attend with me?”
“It’s dangerous, so it would be better to refuse his invitation. Besides, it’s difficult to bring my wife along.”
Married couples must always attend with their partners. However, Violette is cursed to turn into a cat when touched by the opposite s*x, making it impossible for her to attend.
“You just don’t want to show your beloved wife to other men, don’t you?”
“That’s not it.”
“……”
This incident and the trouble surrounding the House of Count Northpole are connected.
Therefore, it would be faster to introduce him to Violette and tell him about the curse.
Besides, Prince Magnolia is also proficient with mind interference magic, so he might be able to search Violette’s memories.
“Shall I introduce you to my wife?”
“Ahh, right. I have been curious about the woman who serves as your wife.”
The prince expressed how hung up he was on the idea, but Hydrangea pretended not to hear and carried on with their conversation.
“When are you free?”
“It just so happens that I have the time this evening. Other than that, my schedule is packed.”
“Then, this evening it is.”
“……”
When the topic of Hydrangea’s mansion came up, Prince Magnolia’s expression instantly turned grim.
“What is it?”
“Well, I just think your mansion is a bit eerie.”
“Right, you did say that before.”
