Chapter 139
While Eugenie was rolling around in the mine with Carter, Cassius, and Percival, Magnus and Alfred were relatively safe above ground. Even when the group reunited, the two of them looked fine.
‘And Percival’s complexion has improved a lot too.’
The wild, beastly aura he’d shown earlier had completely vanished on the way back. Yet, whenever he looked at Eugenie, his cheeks seemed to flush more often—was that a lingering effect of his transformation?
In any case, there were already plenty of people in the castle she needed to be wary of, and now even Napier—who had seemed fine—was added to that list.
Cassius tilted his head and explained.
“He didn’t look well, you know? The noble who’s always immaculate even loosened his tie.”
“…”
“The doctor insisted he didn’t need any treatment, though.”
Eugenie crossed her arms, displeased. Lately, anything involving Napier had her on edge.
“Ever since the hunting festival, it’s been like this.”
Cassius watched her expression and smiled.
“Feeling concerned, Lady?”
“…”
“It’s natural for nobles to get irritable when they’re tired. It’s probably nothing serious.”
“…Yeah, that must be it.”
“Then you should—”
“But I still need to check on him. You stay here, Cassius.”
“…Hmm. Very well.”
Cassius, still smiling like a sprite, watched as Eugenie hurried down the corridor.
“Hmm, now that I’ve made my mind up, complications already appear, huh?”
The Southern hero Napier had always been friendly as an older brother figure, and the priest—strangely dual-natured—was her childhood friend, so that made sense.
But why was she so worried about the esteemed Count Napier, who had been her rival back in the academy?
“But whatever.”
Cassius grinned smugly.
Now that he’d taken the first step, it was time to see who would ultimately become her final husband.
* * *
Magnus Napier had prided himself on having excellent judgment since before he came of age.
So, in the past, any annex Carter Livingston had chosen would be mercilessly criticized—each inhalation and exhalation dissected with delight. Even if it was a nice place, if Livingston picked it, he would have judged it harshly without stepping inside.
The rooms assigned to him in the Duke’s castle were no different. It’s difficult for someone from the provinces to meet the standards of a central noble, after all.
“Ugh…ugh…”
But now there was no time for complaints. He clutched his chest with one hand, while hurriedly tossing emergency pills into his mouth with the other.
‘Damn it.’
Why had this attack come on after so long of nothing?
‘Good thing I brought these, given how restless things have been lately.’
If he hadn’t… The thought made his head spin.
A moment later, a knocking sounded at the door. Whoever it was, he didn’t need to see to know.
“Napier.”
“…Just a moment.”
Magnus straightened his shirt without a single slip. Even his hair, disheveled from coughing, was neatly combed back. Why bother so much with vanity?
Because in front of this woman, he wanted to appear perfect—no matter what.
When the door opened, Eugenie appeared, arms folded, eyes darting around.
“What? You alright?”
“Norton.”
He almost asked why she’d come in annoyance, but quickly realized that would be a mistake.
‘If I provoke Norton’s curiosity now, there’s no way to avoid it.’
Since she was his wife, there was no reason to be upset even if she entered his room without notice. He should be pleased she came on her own.
Yet, his heart thumped wildly, and he frowned.
“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I just asked because you didn’t look well. Do you think I’d ask without reason?”
Eugenie frowned slightly at his retort but nervously scraped the floor with her toes.
Ever since the academy, she’d grown used to Napier’s scolding, mocking, and haughty laughter.
But being ignored like this now felt strange.
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