Chapter 88
“Stay away from that shapeshifter.”
When I heard the Countess’s words, my heart ached as if stabbed by a knife. I never expected such strong opposition.
The wall of discrimination that I hadn’t felt while being Karden’s healer now seemed to block my path.
Everything went dark before my eyes and my fingertips trembled, but I held back for fear of worrying Karden.
Then Karden spoke in a resolute tone.
“I cannot follow your instruction, Grandmother.”
“Y-Your Grace.”
I called out to Karden urgently, but he continued speaking with unwavering determination.
“Shuvelia is my only lifelong companion.”
The Countess looked at Karden as if he were foolish and clicked her tongue.
“Noble society does not welcome marriage with shapeshifters. Would that be acceptable to you?”
A cold sneer appeared at the corner of Karden’s mouth.
“I do not care about such perceptions. Their misguided views can be changed by amending the laws. For this purpose, I am currently working to mobilize members of the Noble Council to propose legislation.”
The Countess let out a low sigh and turned her gaze to the documents on the table.
“I have heard reports of your activities since arriving in the capital. Preparing legislation for shapeshifter rights, they say. It will take a long time to move the arrogant noble society.”
“No matter how long it takes, I will accomplish it.”
Karden turned his gaze to look down at me.
When I met his kind and warm eyes, I felt the fear I had just experienced melt away like snow.
“I only wish for Shushu to be free and safe wherever she goes.”
This person always puts me first.
He has always been my reliable shelter.
The Countess narrowed her eyes, seemingly trying to gauge Karden’s intentions.
“I understand the Grand Duke’s firm resolve. However, Miss Shuvelia does not seem to share the same feelings. Just now, she said she has no intention of becoming the Grand Duchess.”
Karden slowly looked at me. I couldn’t bear to look at him, so I lowered my head.
His large hand gently held my tensed hand. Preciously, with the care one shows something invaluable.
Karden’s gentle voice settled softly near my ear.
“Shushu, I’m sorry if I’ve pressured you. Whether Grand Duchess or healer, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want. Just allow me to stay by your side.”
“I, I…”
My head was complicated and spinning, making me dizzy.
I was confused about how to process these unexpected words.
But one thing was clear…
I looked down at Karden’s hand holding mine.
Would I be okay with losing this hand forever?
The warmth and gentle strength from Karden’s hand gave me courage to take a step forward despite my cowardice.
I swallowed hard, straightened my posture, and looked directly at the Countess.
The Countess’s gaze remained cold like that of a stern examiner.
“I apologize if you think I’m selfish and presumptuous. I want to stay by the Grand Duke’s side. I want to protect him with my own strength.”
Even as I spoke, I was furious at myself for being selfish until the end.
My power might harm Karden, yet I wanted to be with him. But this feeling is genuine.
Even if a situation arises where I must leave his side, I want to be with him until then.
The Countess tapped her fingers on the armrest of her chair and nodded.
“I understand Miss Shuvelia’s intentions.”
The Countess’s eyes glared sharply at Karden.
“Karden.”
My heart sank.
For the Countess to call the Grand Duke by his name in private.
Until now, she had treated him as the head of House Helleide and the kingdom’s guardian sword.
Does this mean she is extremely angry?
What if the relationship between the Countess and Karden deteriorates because of me?
I had heard from Yudis and the aide that Karden cherishes and respects his grandmother.
The Countess moved from the northern castle to the capital out of concern that Karden’s magic might affect her health.
Because of this, Karden always worried about his grandmother’s health and felt guilty.
I should apologize and say I’ve done wrong. I should say I’ll leave.
The Countess began to scold Karden loudly.
“You are incredibly obtuse. Unable to capture even the heart of the woman you love—has fighting monsters daily made you so dull?”
…What?
The Countess wore an angry expression, but a faint smile lingered on Karden’s lips.
“I apologize, Grandmother. I’ve tried my best, but it seems my sincerity is still lacking.”
“Tsk, tsk. What effort could a sword-swinging fellow like you have made? Didn’t this old woman emphasize that to capture a woman’s heart, you must pour out sincerity that would move heaven itself? I bet you haven’t even taken Miss Shuvelia on a date since coming to the capital. Too busy running around with palace affairs and meetings, tsk, tsk!”
I looked back and forth between Karden and the Countess in confusion.
What exactly is happening here? The Countess seems angry about something strange.
Wasn’t she strongly opposing me just moments ago?
“Your Grace, what’s going on?”
I was so surprised that I gently grabbed Karden’s collar and asked.
Karden met my gaze and apologetically caressed my hand.
“Shuvelia, I’m sorry. It seems Grandmother was testing your feelings. Had I known in advance, I would have cautioned you. Are you alright?”
“A test?”
As I repeated blankly, the Countess began to speak.
“I apologize for startling you, Miss Shuvelia.”
The Countess looked at me affectionately with a gentle smile.
I was confused by how quickly her cold gaze had changed.
“I wanted to know Miss Shuvelia’s true feelings. No, I needed to know.”
“Pardon? Why?”
“I wanted to know if you were qualified to be the Grand Duchess of Helleide.”
The Countess’s gaze briefly turned toward the window. Beyond the window, the distant view of the capital was spread out like a painting.
“Any noble lady in the capital would desire to become the Grand Duchess of House Helleide. But those ladies know nothing of the harsh north. The honor of our family has been built solely through dedication and sacrifice.”
As she spoke her final words, the Countess’s gaze turned to Karden. Karden responded by silently nodding.
“In the border region where fierce battles constantly occur, one never knows who might lose their life and when.”
The Countess’s gaze wandered briefly into empty space. From her wrinkled eyes, one could sense the joys and sorrows of years past and her profound longing for her bloodline.
The Countess shifted her gaze back to me and looked at me intently.
“The greatest virtue of a Grand Duchess is a steadfast heart that truly loves her husband and overcomes any crisis together. A virtue that ladies raised like greenhouse flowers cannot possess.”
The Countess gestured for me to come closer. As I rose from my seat, my eyes met Karden’s.
He smiled gently and nodded slightly, clearly intending to reassure me not to worry.
I carefully approached the Countess. She firmly grasped my hand.
Tears welled up at her unexpectedly warm touch.
“If this old woman’s actions have hurt Miss Shuvelia’s feelings, I apologize.”
“No, not at all.”
“Earlier, I lied because I wanted to know Miss Shuvelia’s true feelings. It wasn’t my true intention.”
“Then… you’re saying it’s alright that I’m a shapeshifter?”
The Countess slowly shook her head.
“Miss Shuvelia, you are a benefactor who fulfilled this old woman’s only wish. How could I oppose you?”
“Me?”
The Countess’s gaze turned to Karden.
As I watched her look at her grown grandson with what seemed like overwhelming joy, why did I suddenly thought of my own grandmother from the countryside?
“Just being here with my grandson feels like a miracle. I already consider Miss Shuvelia a member of our family.”
“Countess…”
For some reason, tears fell from my eyes.
Embarrassed, I hurriedly tried to wipe them away, but the Countess personally wiped my eyes with her lace handkerchief.
“Miss Shuvelia, I would like to see you often and for a long time to come.”
“Th-thank you, Countess.”
“Would you join me for a walk in the garden? It’s a hobby of mine in my old age, and my roses have bloomed beautifully.”
I finally realized that the Countess had opened her heart and accepted me. I smiled broadly.
“Yes, I’d love to see them.”
Just as the Countess rose from her chair with a benevolent smile.
“Ugh…”
The Countess grabbed her knee and let out a groan of pain.
Karden hurriedly supported his grandmother.
“Grandmother, are you alright?”
The Countess waved her hand while holding her knee.
“It’s nothing. Just my chronic knee problem acting up again. The physician will be here soon, so don’t worry.”
Though she said this, the Countess was still in pain, even breaking into a cold sweat.
What should I do about this? Can the Countess endure until the physician arrives?
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