Chapter 46

### Julius's Perspective

Incidentally, Anna is strong with Julius. As a senior, she is merciless and scolds him without mercy.

Albert overzealous faction.

Julius was going through a vast amount of documents. He was reviewing all the information from the time he was not assigned to Albertina. That girl, who is always vague but incredibly creative, had once again created something outrageous while he was away. The writing instrument she called a fountain pen was far more innovative than the traditional quill. Although it was somewhat complex and heavy due to its structure, its durability and ink performance were incomparable. The new ink, despite being black, had a much better color. It was also more water-resistant and less prone to smudging than the traditional ink. Moreover, instead of refilling from an inkwell, the ink was pre-set inside the pen, making it very convenient for writing long texts. The ink was a high-concentration blend of various colors to appear black, more beautiful than the traditional black. It was made with a special adhesive to prevent dripping. The pen also had a cap to prevent it from getting dirty and to protect the nib, making it practical.

This would likely be popular among merchants and clerks. Albertina, who was passionate about designing it for her father, Grail, made it with a sleek design that fit comfortably in the hand and was less tiring to use for long periods. The use of high-quality materials also made it suitable for wearing on the chest without looking out of place. With a more elaborate design and materials, it could even become a luxury item.

Albertina created this for her beloved father, Grail. However, Kishtria asked for the remaining prototype. Since Albertina was already making one for her step-brother, she agreed with a smile, asking her to wait a little longer. Probably, she intended to prepare lower-grade versions for people close to her, like the Demitrias siblings, though not as good as the one for her father.

Skimming through the related documents, several of Albertina's design sketches appeared. Among them, he found a purple fountain pen and couldn't help but smile. He was almost certain it was for him. The color of the ink was inspired by his eye color, as he had deduced from the previous amulet.

Searching his inner pocket, he found the purple amulet that had been torn apart. Previously, when he reported directly to the Duke about the academy, he was suddenly pierced through the chest. The man, without any malice, casually thrust the sword. Julius knew that in front of Grail, even the most skilled would be like dust. Despite his own skills, Julius fell to the ground without any reaction, a memory that still lingered vividly.

The pain was intense for a moment, but it quickly disappeared. Even Julius, seeing the blood-soaked holes in his back and chest, was speechless. He had been kneeling and bowing before Grail. The sword must have pierced him from the back to the chest. Grail, looking bored, observed the blood dripping from his favorite magic sword.

"Why does Albert show affection to someone as lowly as you?"

Grail, who had been looking at Julius with a cold gaze, raised his head. Ignoring Julius's wide-eyed shock, he slid the sword tip along his chest and pulled out the amulet. He dropped it on the floor, careful not to damage the broken amulet. The magic residue was minimal, and the amulet and magic stone were already broken. It was clear that it had been activated.

A one-use amulet. Albertina's handmade amulet, which inherited the characteristics of her barrier magic, was specialized in protection.

"Your Grace..."

"Yes, I just wanted to test it. If I had used my own, Albert's gift would have been destroyed. As expected, it was a one-use amulet, so it was right to test it on you."

That would have killed anyone, not just Julius. Given the cold-blooded Duke, who called himself the Demon King, he wouldn't have cared if Julius died or was severely injured.

To Grail, Julius was a pesky fly who harbored impure thoughts about his beloved daughter. Because Albertina liked Julius, Grail had to turn a blind eye. He simply didn't like the idea of Julius having something made by his daughter and wanted to know about her magic item-making skills. It was just a whim, but Julius had been killed once.

Fortunately, Albertina's magic item-making level was higher than expected. The high-quality materials she used, despite her lack of economic sense and common knowledge, were a good thing. The amulet, though one-use, could shoulder a lethal attack, a rare talent. It would be highly sought after by royalty, high-ranking nobles, and those with dark secrets.

Under the protection of the Latitche Duke's glory, Albertina was safe. If she couldn't live as a lady, her abilities would still allow her to build a substantial fortune—though the possibility of being kept as a pet was even stronger.

To be honest, it was a new problem. Albertina, who hadn't yet realized the gravity of her abilities, was fortunate. She underestimated herself, but she undoubtedly had numerous top-tier talents. It was unclear how much magical talent Christina had, but Albertina undoubtedly inherited Grail's abilities.

After the amulet broke and became useless, Julius still kept it. If he said it broke for some reason, Albertina would likely make another one, but the future of being stabbed by Grail again was easy to imagine. Next time, he might use a high-level, super-attack magic that would turn him into ashes.

Grail had received a second amulet from Albertina on her birthday, but that didn't mean he would be careless. His obsession with his daughter was abnormal. His deep love for the gentle and kind Albertina, who resembled his late wife, was beyond reason.

Honestly, it was madness to have a crush on Albertina, whose father was the terrifying Grail. But Julius, knowing this, still couldn't give up on his feelings for Albertina.

However, many others were also captivated by Albertina. Two people close to her, in particular, knew the Duke's terrifying strength and power. Despite being popular in society, they were all stuck in their first love.

Julius looked away, lost in thought. Suddenly, he saw Albertina walking in the garden from the window. The old gardener, who had come out of the greenhouse, couldn't work much due to a bad back but stayed because of his extensive knowledge and because Albertina liked him.

Many servants in the Latitche household were hired because Albertina liked them. The Duke, who initially tolerated capable workers, began to value personality more as his interest in Albertina grew. Most importantly, he valued those who didn't scare Albertina.

Julius was one of them. The business ventures that stemmed from Albertina's ideas were a huge success. With the Duke's support, a mere servant obtaining a noble title in one generation was rare.

Albertina, unaware of her talents, had influenced many people, both inside and outside the Latitche household. Among the merchants, some had risen from apprentices to owning shops in prime locations. Cooks, simply because they were from the Latitche household, were admired and envied. Maids received new products from Albertina's Rose brand as samples and gifts, and their beauty was enhanced. The maids, who had endured the Duke's pressure, were also well-educated and made good marriages.

Anna, Julius, and Sebastian received birthday gifts from Albertina. Julius often managed to get her to agree to commercialize products she was hesitant about. Albertina, though not unintelligent, was terrible at negotiation. Julius's persuasion skills often led her to agree to things without realizing it, which was quite amusing to watch.

After a while, Anna or Sebastian, and in the worst case, Grail, would appear, so he had to be careful. But even so, this lady was easy to deceive. She couldn't handle the real world, let alone the noble social scene, which was a glittering and sinister den of iniquity.

(If I could get her, I wouldn't want to be like the Duke, but I'd have to keep her in the house...)

Fortunately, Albertina didn't mind being confined—she was even grateful. She was a high-level captive, accepting Grail's intense possessiveness and restrictions with a smile.

Julius was also very possessive, especially regarding Albertina. He had shown his possessiveness in front of her, but the vague lady showed no fear or hesitation. When he confessed, after the initial awkwardness, things settled down.

Whether she understood or not, it didn't matter to Julius. As long as she smiled at him, it was a small matter.

He was bound to her, loving her to the point of being ridiculous. Despite once hating her with a desire to kill, he now loved her deeply.

After the kidnapping incident, Julius's young master had changed completely. It was as if he had become a different person.

But the Duke wouldn't mistake his daughter for someone else. The rare royal eyes and beauty, the ability to use barrier magic, and the strong magic from her father, Grail, confirmed that she was indeed Albertina.

(...If only she had retained a fraction of her former cunning and arrogance, it would have been easier to seduce her.)

Looking down from the window, Albertina was playing in front of the roses left by a re-educated servant. Her innocent nature, even for a girl her age, was sometimes unbearable for Julius, who prided himself on his bad character. If she had a more twisted personality, he wouldn't have hesitated to corrupt her.

Albertina, noticing Julius, waved her hand vigorously. He bowed in response, but when she saw his formal attitude, she waved back with a full smile—almost falling over in the process. Anna and the young gardener quickly supported her.

The young gardener, who seemed to double as a guard, was probably more agile. Albertina, looking confused at first, then realized she had almost fallen and thanked them.

Julius's heart skipped a beat. He couldn't reach her from this distance.

"Truly, she is someone who can't be left alone... my lady."

Julius's words, spoken softly, disappeared unheard. No one knew that his purple eyes behind his glasses were sadly narrowed.

---

The Raven's rose had budded. Hearing the report, he hurried to the greenhouse. The incident at the academy was terrifying and he wanted to forget it, but the rose given by Raven was the only thing that reminded him of Raven, who was now unknown. Though it seemed like Raven was dead, the re-education process sounded harsh, so it was understandable.

A boy around my height, with a small build, dark skin, and sharp features. His black hair, shaped into a perfect round, was fun to touch. Raven, my servant and guard, was a black kitten-like boy who rarely showed emotion.

"Is Raven doing well...?"

"My lady..."

"I don't know what the re-education process entails, but does it take a long time?"

Anna and the young gardener exchanged glances. They were servants and might know something.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. Please continue to take care of the roses... They are very important to me. I look forward to the flowers blooming."

"Yes, my lady. I will do my best."

The old gardener responded with a smile, though it was hard to tell with his beard. The young gardener, seeing the old man's difficulty, carried the pot to the greenhouse.

Julius would know much more. The elite servant had obtained a noble title due to his abilities. A viscount, he had risen from a commoner to a noble in one generation, which was unusual.

He had mentioned wanting something before but didn't offer to help. Instead, he gave a meaningful smile.

If he wanted something so badly, shouldn't he act as a noble rather than a servant?

But it would be sad if Julius left the Latitche household. There must be a reason for him to stay as a servant.

The word "viscount" caught his attention.

--- I can prepare a viscount title for you. Please be satisfied with that.

...

...

...

... Wait, was that a proposal...?

At the time, he was too excited about the tea Julius had made to think deeply. He thought a viscount title was impossible without being a noble. It was a respectable title, but lower in rank.

Realizing Julius's proposal now, it was quite late.

"Should I properly decline now...?"

"What's wrong, my lady?"

"J-Julius proposed to me. I need to properly decline!"

"Ha!? That perverted glasses-wearing Julius!? It's very proper for him to be rejected, but I'm so angry I'm going to break his glasses!!!"

"Annaaaa?!"

What are you breaking!?

Glasses!? The lenses!? The glasses, I hope! The glasses should be fine! The weapon Anna grabbed was an axe, a small one but still an axe!

Anna, usually calm, had a drastic change. Before I could react, she asked another maid to stay with me and rushed out.

A few minutes later, she returned with a look of dissatisfaction, saying, "Sebastian stopped me." But she didn't have the axe.

Sebastian, good job!!

Relieved that nothing had happened, I was surprised to see Julius at tea time with a different pair of glasses and an eye patch.

Did Sebastian get angry...? Could that gentle Sebastian have hit Julius? The old Sebastian?

Sensing my confusion, Julius, with a resigned expression, said:

"Sebastian is the head of the Latitche household and Grail's personal butler. He's not just an old man."

I cast a healing spell on Julius, who looked pained despite his skill. He had a troubled expression, but I didn't understand why.

---

By the way, to the Duke, Julius is the least favored. Why? Among the men close to Albert, Julius is the most likely to flee the country, use his cunning, and not care about the means. When I stab him, I expect him to get injured, not be unscathed, which I inwardly resent.

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