Chapter 24

Eugenie lowered her gaze to the cup of tea in her hand before continuing.

"Seeing the sudden deterioration of Lord Lionel's condition, I easily imagined that recovery would be difficult without the help of magic. In a time when those who can use magic are said to be few, it was a far-fetched idea, but it was said that the family with a lineage of highly skilled white mages had many descendants who inherited magical powers. I placed my hope in this and decided to focus my search on that lineage."

When Edith nodded at Eugenie's words, she raised her gaze and asked Edith.

"Especially, it was often said that women born into that lineage inherited strong magical powers, and in the past, many were revered as holy maidens. ... Lady Edith, are you familiar with such stories of holy maidens?"

"No, I have never heard such stories."

"Is that so? ... As the number of those who could use magic gradually decreased, a female heir of that lineage, who possessed valuable healing magic, suddenly disappeared. Since it was a long time ago, the details are unclear, but it seems she grew tired of being used by those in power. Throughout history, those with special abilities have often been used against their will."

Eugenie paused for a moment and then looked at Edith again.

"Fortunately, I found a clue about that woman and had her trail traced through the Marquis family's network. Surprisingly, she was living as a commoner. She left the noble society filled with gold and power, helping those in need around her, and lived a peaceful life until the end. One could say she lived a life befitting a true holy maiden. ... And finally, I traced her lineage to a female descendant a few generations later."

"Then, did you find a woman who might have inherited that strong magical power?"

Edith leaned forward and asked Eugenie.

"Yes. It turned out that she and her husband ran a small pharmacy in a provincial town. ... Her medicines were said to be very effective, so it's likely that she had the power to use healing magic and, whether or not she was aware of her own abilities, she must have infused her medicines with magic. However, by the time I finally found her, she had unfortunately passed away in a tragic accident with her husband. But she had a daughter."

"…!"

Even though she didn't expect it, Edith gasped, and Eugenie nodded quietly.

"When I was about to go to that town, she had already been taken in by a noble relative. ... You must have realized by now. Lady Edith, it is you. I only recently found out where you were, but when I saw the investigation report, I was amazed. At that time, Lady Edith was already engaged to Lord Lionel and living in the Granville Marquis family."

Eugenie looked at Edith, who was speechless, with a slightly lowered brow, showing concern.

"Losing your parents suddenly must have been very painful. I can only imagine how you felt. ... But to think that you were already with Lord Lionel... I thought for the first time that there might really be a God."

Edith blinked several times and looked into Eugenie's eyes.

"Is that really true? That my mother had such special blood? It's hard to believe, and even if it were true, I don't know if I have such magical powers..."

"Regarding your mother, it is certain that she was a descendant of a prestigious lineage of white mages that produced holy maidens. And while Lady Edith may not be aware of your own magical powers, I firmly believe that you do have them. ... When I visited the Granville Marquis family to greet you on your engagement to Lord Craig, I quietly observed Lord Lionel's condition. Seeing his improved appearance and clear signs of recovery, I was reassured and also confirmed your power."

(Mother could use magic? Can I use magic...?)

Edith's mind was filled with the gentle face of her mother, who was beloved by her patients. Although it was impossible to verify now, Edith remembered feeling a warm power in her mother's heartfelt medicine-making.

Eugenie bowed deeply to Edith.

"Lady Edith, please support Lord Lionel. He can surely be healed by no one else but you. ... I know I don't have the right to say this, having abandoned Lord Lionel, and it might seem like a selfish request, but I couldn't help but share this with you, which is why I invited you today."

"Of course. I will do my best to support Lord Lionel with all my might."

Edith returned a calm smile to Eugenie, who smiled in relief.

I'm feeling a bit unwell, so the update pace might slow down a bit. I apologize for any inconvenience, and I would appreciate your understanding. Thank you. m(_ _)m