Chapter 45

Moving to a quiet place and sitting opposite each other, the atmosphere became awkward again. Mrs. Riti seemed very curious about what we were going to talk about, but she reluctantly left the room at Leon's serious request, adding, "Don't fight!" It seemed that there had been a significant tension between Altair and Leon that I was unaware of.

"Alright, let's hear what you have to say."

In the awkward atmosphere, Altair was the first to speak. He seemed puzzled by the fact that I had brought up a matter without any prior agreement, trying to recruit Leon. Since I always discussed everything with Altair and obtained his consent before proceeding, this situation must have been surprising to him. Leon, too, was watching me with crossed arms, clearly curious about why I had made such a proposal. Feeling the intense gaze of the two men, I instinctively hunched my shoulders.

'It feels like I'm being interrogated...'

But I'm not a criminal, am I? I'm trying to do something good for everyone, so there's no need to shrink like this! I tried to muster my courage and open my eyes wide, but if such a thing could overcome my timidity, I wouldn't have been timid in the first place.

"So... what's this about?"

I fidgeted with my fingers, carefully organizing my thoughts. I couldn't tell them that this was a world from a novel, and that I knew the future, including the fact that a serious flu would spread across the continent in a few years, flipping everything upside down. No one would believe such a far-fetched story; they would just think I was crazy.

'So, I need to convince them with a realistic story.'

"I want to invest."

"Invest?"

Leon raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the unexpected turn of events.

"Yes. I want to invest in your research under the name of Eilsworth."

It's not uncommon for nobles to invest in scholars' research. Wealthy nobles often invested in scholarly research to gain prestige. Similarly, there were examples of nobles sponsoring artists.

"Recently, Eilsworth has accumulated a lot of wealth. We've acquired a mithril mine and a good orchard."

"Probably no one on this continent hasn't heard that news."

Indeed, that's true. A fief that was once derided as poor suddenly became wealthy; there couldn't be a more interesting story. It must have been a topic of conversation everywhere, from the empire to the far corners of the continent.

"Just accumulating wealth would make us look like nouveau riche. We need to use our wealth wisely. That's why I want to invest in something good."

For a family that isn't a long-established noble house, image management is essential. Those who flaunted their wealth in the social circles were often shunned. Whether Altair's ambition would influence the social circles or not, having power is a good thing, isn't it?

'Offering a choice is a good thing.'

Looking at Altair for his agreement, he was staring at me with an unreadable expression, seemingly deep in thought and a bit surprised.

"So, in other words, you want to use me?"

Leon narrowed his eyes, clearly not expecting that I had proposed to be his physician for such a reason.

"Think of it as mutual help. You must have your own goals, right?"

Objectively, Leon was just an unknown doctor now. I know from the novel that he will become a great doctor in the future, but to others, he's just a country doctor.

'And a cold medicine for commoners?'

That's not what nobles want. They prefer grand research, like studying incurable diseases, not something as trivial as a cold. They have no idea that this trivial disease will cause many deaths in a few years.

"Of course, one reason is to repay you for saving my life. Knowing your capabilities, I'm confident it's a good investment. Isn't this more honest and better than some far-fetched story?"

I could try to coax Leon with sweet and naive reasons, which might be more effective in moving people's hearts.

'But that would be unfair.'

If I have ulterior motives, it's better to be upfront about them from the start.

'If I were in Leon's position, I would definitely want that.'

I continued with this conviction.

"I'll provide solid support. As you know, Eilsworth now has plenty of money. Of course, this will need the lord's approval..."

Trailing off, I glanced at Altair, who nodded and broke the long silence.

"I promise solid support. There will be no limit on the amount. However, we need to be the first to benefit from the research results. Any medicine developed will be manufactured and sold by us. Of course, the profits will be shared with you."

Altair's plan flowed smoothly, as if he had been planning this for a long time.

'When did he do all these calculations?'

We hadn't discussed this beforehand. He must have quickly reached this conclusion after seeing me propose the research to Leon.

'He's definitely very sharp.'

That's why he became a confidant of the villainous Prince Orca.

'The problem was that the fief was so poor that someone like him couldn't fully utilize his abilities.'

Now that Eilsworth has the wings of wealth, Altair will rise higher and higher.

'When he rises so high...'

Thinking about what would happen after that made my chest strangely tingle. Unlike the novel's protagonist Altair, who has great abilities, I'm just a timid and ordinary extra. No matter how hard I try, it would be difficult to keep up with him.

'But there must be something only I can do.'

I tried to suppress my timid and gloomy thoughts. My role right now is to have the successor that Altair so desires.

'No matter how excellent Altair is, he can't give birth to a child on his own. Yes.'

By finding roles one by one, I can create my place. While I was thinking this, Leon seemed to be deep in thought, lowering his gaze for a moment before lifting his head, having made a decision.

"If you had proposed this to me right after we met, I would have never accepted it."

Leon's gaze passed over Altair and fixed on me. I managed a smile under his intense stare, and he slightly frowned, ruffling my hair.

"I know I shouldn't trust you, but I'll accept your proposal. I don't understand why I'm making this decision. It's really strange..."

"You can make alliances even with enemies if necessary. Whether I'm a real enemy or not will be determined in the future."

Altair, who could feel Leon's hostility, shrugged, exuding confidence. I have nothing to hide. Whatever you think, it's probably a misunderstanding. Leon's eyes trembled slightly, looking confused.

"Since Nadia has recovered, we can leave for Eilsworth soon. The long journey shouldn't be too much of a strain. If you want, you can leave with us."

"I need some time to prepare. I owe a lot to the people here, and I want to find a doctor to take over the clinic."

"That's not a problem. I have someone who's good at such tasks."

As Altair glanced out the window, the trees swayed and leaves fell. I blinked in surprise, but Altair, seemingly unfazed by this strange occurrence, looked back at Leon.

"Wait two days. In the meantime, find a doctor to take over the clinic."

As Altair made this promise, the trees swayed again. ***

Altair's promise was not in vain. He found a new doctor for the clinic within two days. Moreover, he brought a group of strong men to help the villagers with their farming, making the quiet village bustling with activity.

"This is in gratitude for the help you and your wife have given us. I've paid their wages, so you can use them until the fields are all cultivated."

The villagers tried to refuse, but Altair's determination was strong, and eventually, the men he brought helped with the farming. The speed at which the men worked was so fast that the villagers who came to watch clapped in admiration. Leon also said his goodbyes to the villagers. It seemed he was quite reluctant to leave the people he had grown close to, as he kept glancing back at the village as they left.

'How does it feel to leave a place you've grown attached to?'

I didn't feel this way when I left the Baen Marquisate. Instead, I felt relieved. I had no desire to return there or any regrets about what I left behind. So, I envied Leon a little for having something to be nostalgic about.

'If I had a place of my own, it would be nice.'

It would be even better if that place were Eilsworth. I took a deep breath as I looked at the approaching Eilsworth, feeling like I was returning home. ***

'What is this?'

As soon as I got off the carriage, my mouth dropped open. The Eilsworth castle was definitely the same, but many things had changed since I left. The walls, which were once clearly worn, now had the Eilsworth family crest hanging long, and the broken windows had all been replaced with new ones.

'I did order the crest and new windows before I left.'

I had planned to do the work myself after the meeting, but due to the unexpected accident, the repairs were completed first. The Eilsworth castle, now free of its worn appearance, looked grand and imposing, giving off a sense of nobility. Even I, the owner, felt this way, so Leon, the visitor, must have felt it even more. He was slightly open-mouthed, his eyes darting around, trying not to show his surprise but finding it difficult.

"Lady!"

As I looked around the castle in a bit of a daze, Mari rushed out from inside. A maid running in front of her mistress! It was something I couldn't imagine Mari doing normally.

"Are you feeling better now? I was worried because your convalescence took longer than expected."

Mari, seemingly oblivious to Altair standing beside me, frantically checked my condition. Pavel, who was guarding the entrance, cleared his throat several times to try to calm her down, but to no avail. I had to calm her down myself.

"I'm fine, Mari. I'm perfectly fine!"

To show that I was fine, I spread my arms wide and spun around in place. However, contrary to my expectation of being fine, I felt dizzy and stumbled. Mari, who had been listening to my story with doubt, was shocked and opened her eyes wide.

'Oh...!'

As I wobbled and nearly fell, I was supported from both sides.

'Oh...'

On the right was Altair, and on the left was Leon. They both reached out to grab my arms, preventing me from falling, but the sight of me hanging there with both arms held must have looked quite ridiculous, making my face turn red.

"Thank you, but I can stand on my own."

As I tried to slip my hands away, both sides let out a hollow laugh.

"That's nonsense."

"That's not true."

Altair and Leon scolded me simultaneously.

"No, it's not... I just felt a bit dizzy for a moment..."

"Ordinary people don't just feel a bit dizzy. You're weak."

"You can't use Altair as the standard for ordinary people!"

"Blan and Cain never felt like that."

"But they're not ordinary people either..."

My timid protests fell on deaf ears. Sighing, I watched as Altair, on the opposite side, gently removed Leon's hand from mine and picked me up.

'Ah!'

Everyone's eyes were on me, making me feel embarrassed, but Altair's face was as calm as ever.

"It's hard for you