But the Edmund I knew was not someone who would say something absurd.
Purification Stone. The sudden appearance of an unknown creature.
It was uncanny how both incidents happened at the same time, in the same place.
Experiencing one of these events in a lifetime would be rare, but both at once? Could it really be a coincidence?
I decided to take a more theoretical approach.
“Do you have any basis for that assumption?”
Edmund leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together and resting them on his lap. Then, in a hushed voice, he spoke.
“At that time, the Duke’s territory had security just as strong as the Buell family. The guards were vigilant, and no faults were found, so those in charge were cleared of any wrongdoing. Yet, the Mage Tower couldn’t determine the origin of the event and ultimately declared it an unknown cause.”
“That sounds quite similar to our situation.”
I sighed and rubbed my lips with my fingertips.
‘It’s definitely not an impossible theory.’
Suddenly, I met his piercing golden eyes.
“Are you saying you believe me?”
I nodded.
“It’s a plausible possibility.”
“That’s much better than saying you believe me just because it’s me. But you seem to trust people rather easily.”
Easily? I narrowed my eyes and glared at him.
“Oh my, what do you mean by ‘easily’? Are you saying I’m gullible? Or do I look difficult to approach but turn out to be naive?”
I had intended to question him seriously, but Edmund frowned slightly and let out a mischievous laugh.
“I’m not saying you’re gullible. I just find your unguarded side… cute.”
“Cu…”
I was at a loss for words.
‘Why does he keep calling a fully grown, divorced woman cute?’
His reasons for finding me cute were also odd. Last time, it was because I was angry, and now it was because I was careless.
Despite my grumbling, I found myself unconsciously smiling as well, forgetting even my initial irritation.
When our eyes met again, I quickly changed my expression, not wanting him to notice my amusement.
“Ahem, anyway, back to the main point. I’ll request a collaboration between the Mage Tower and the temple for a detailed analysis of this Purification Stone. If we can determine the first known case of its manifestation, then the Purification Stone found in the Mipedian Duke’s territory can also be analyzed.”
“As I mentioned before, no Purification Stones were found in the Duke’s territory.”
“None were found at all?”
I had assumed he had submitted them to the temple, since personal possession of them was illegal.
“There was testimony from the Magic Stone Management Office about a suspicious individual. That person was found dead. His mother, who has a serious illness, is currently in a coma, so we don’t know when she will wake up to provide any statement.”
Listening to Edmund, I felt a dull headache forming. From what he said, it was clear that he had been tirelessly working to uncover the cause.
In other words, he had never let go of this case. Perhaps…
His sharp eyes, which had been clear, suddenly turned cloudy with emotion as he nodded.
“Just as you suspect, I am still chasing the monster that killed my parents.”
My heart sank. I quickly asked,
“Since when?”
“Since before I was even fully aware of it myself.”
“Does Lilien know?”
Edmund gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
“I don’t want my sister to know. Chasing after a monster that may never be found would only erode her hope.”
His handsome face was marked by years of deep exhaustion.
But you’re suffering just as much. It must be lonely, painful, and draining.
Feeling his distress so vividly, I licked my lips and suddenly widened my eyes.
“Edmund, is there still no change in the testimony that the monster turned into a human?”
“That’s correct.”
“Then… do you think that monster is hiding among us, living as a human?”
Edmund nodded firmly, his unwavering gaze sending chills down my spine.
I rubbed my arms. The thought of a monster disguising itself as a human and living among my loved ones was horrifying. If it were true, I couldn’t guarantee the safety of myself or those around me.
For over a decade, it had been in hiding. Could it really have refrained from harming humans all this time? And in the future, would it spare Lilien? Would it spare Edmund, the man who hunted it?
The realization hit me like a heavy weight. Anxiety spread through me, impossible to contain.
There was only one way to resolve this fear.
‘…I have to help him destroy the monster.’
Now that I knew his goal wasn’t just revenge, I had no reason not to help. In fact, even if it were just revenge, I still would have helped.
I pressed my lips together and made my decision.
“Edmund, do you remember what I said? That you should ask for help if you need it. Now I finally have the chance to help.”
“What do you mean?”
“If my case proves to be a new instance of monster manifestation, then even without the Purification Stone, people will start seeing the Duke’s tragedy as a similar case. That means your testimony from all those years ago, which was dismissed as delusions, may finally be reconsidered.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I didn’t seek the cause just to have my testimony believed.”
“I know. You wanted to close in on the monster. But proving your testimony true is also important. It’s unfair otherwise.”
He quietly lowered his gaze, as if acknowledging my point.
‘This man really tugs at my heart.’
I suppressed my emotions and maintained a composed expression.
“And there’s another way to corner the monster for good, so don’t worry.”
His golden eyes wavered with unease.
I grinned playfully.
“You know, I’m the head of the Buell family, which owns the Lebron Mine. I’m also planning a business venture using Lebron gemstones.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“I’ll create jewelry using Lebron stones. Of course, they’ll be lighter than the accessories knights wear. But if Lebron becomes widely used, the monster will be forced out of hiding.”
Edmund straightened and shook his head. The moment had shifted—his usual agreeable demeanor now turned firm.
“No.”
“It’s fine. I can persuade Baron Totair. The negative public opinion on Lebron refinement is already changing thanks to nonprofit-sponsored knights.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what?”
I tilted my head in curiosity, and he let out a strained sigh, closing his eyes.
“Do you think a monster that has lived as a human for over a decade has developed morals? If it feels threatened, it won’t just reveal itself—it will attack you.”
“Helping means taking risks. That’s not a valid reason to refuse my help.”
“Count…”
I smiled as he sighed in frustration.
“Sorry, but even if you try to stop me, I’ll do it anyway. You’ve helped me many times.”
After a long battle of gazes, I won. Edmund exhaled sharply in resignation.
“Who could stop you?”
“Thanks for giving in.”
“Then please promise me just one thing.”
“What is it?”
“Don’t try to stop me from protecting you in any way.”
Edmund’s bright yellow eyes were wide open, as if saying this was the one thing he couldn’t give up.
I grinned and shrugged my shoulders.
“Alright, that much is fine.”
I wrapped the purification stone in a handkerchief and stood up.
“First, let’s find out the reason behind the manifestation. I’ll visit the Temple of the Divine.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Are you going to protect me in case I trip over a rock on the way? How sweet.”
At my subtle teasing, he shook his head and laughed in disbelief. Seeing that he wasn’t offended like before, it seemed he truly didn’t dislike my jokes anymore.
Soon, we were walking together toward the temple.
“Thank you, Count.”
His voice was soft and calm, like a dawn after the rain.
Feeling proud and warm inside, a smile slowly spread across my face too.
“Thank you as well.”
For giving me the chance to repay a favor.
Edmund tilted his head slightly in confusion.
It didn’t suit his strong frame, and I almost laughed because it looked a little cute—but that would stay my secret.
The day before, I had submitted the purification stone to the Divine Temple and asked the administrator to request cooperation from the Magic Tower.
At first, the administrator dismissed it as nonsense from a lazy noble with too much time. He waved his hands and said it was an impossible assumption. But after I called for Lova, he quickly backed down.
“Lady Etricia!”
Lova had come running, excited to see me, but his face turned serious as soon as he heard the story.
“This is a serious matter for us too. It’s unusual, but considering the situation, it’s worth checking. I’ll request cooperation from the Magic Tower.”
Thanks to that, everything was resolved smoothly. But I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling that I owed Lova a favor. If he ever called me, I probably wouldn’t be able to say no.
From the satisfied gleam I caught in his eyes, maybe he helped me so willingly because he expected that very thing.
Even if he sometimes looked loose or even a little pitiful to me, he still held the heavy responsibility of acting as the deputy to the High Priest. He wasn’t easy to deal with.
As I tried to shake off the lingering discomfort like spilled water, I met a pair of reddish-brown eyes.
Ah, right. I had made time to have tea with Lilien in the garden, even in my busy schedule.
