Chapter 60

After throwing things around for a while, Melisa's anger still hadn't subsided, but she was too exhausted from the long journey to continue her tantrum. Eventually, she pouted and sat on the bed, looking around the room. The room, carefully decorated, exuded an elegant and luxurious air. Although Melisa's taste was somewhat lacking due to not being born a countess, even she had to admit the room was impressive. It wasn't just this room; during her journey here, she had thoroughly examined various parts of the Eylesford Castle, and all of them felt grand.

'Is the rumor circulating in the capital true?'

Recently, the main topic in the capital's social circles was the rumor from far-off Eylesford. The rumor went that the impoverished fief, where people barely made a living by fighting off monstrous creatures, had discovered a magic stone mine and suddenly became wealthy. People were skeptical. Even if a magic stone mine was discovered, could it really make them so rich? No, the discovery of the mine might be a false rumor. Or, the mine was discovered, and the fief did become wealthy, but the newly rich were living in a ridiculous manner, as one would expect from nouveau riche. Various rumors swirled in the social circles. After realizing that the Eylesford in the rumors was where Nadia had married, Melisa immediately wrote to her. She wanted to verify the truth of the rumors. However, no matter how many letters she sent, Nadia didn't reply.

Does this girl dare to ignore me just because she got married? Does she think her status has changed just because she became rich? I need to show her that her situation hasn't changed at all. With this thought, she angrily packed her bags and set off for Eylesford. Her father, Count Vain, also welcomed Melisa's trip to Eylesford. He told her to thoroughly examine the situation there. If Eylesford had indeed become as wealthy as the rumors suggested, the Vain family, being Nadia's in-laws, could benefit from it.

'It seems the girl really did become rich.'

Melisa bit her nails and nervously tapped her leg. In fact, the moment she arrived at Eylesford, she was intimidated by the grandeur of the castle. She had raised her voice to maintain her dignity, but it only made her look foolish.

'And why is the baron, of all people, so perfectly fine?'

He was definitely not crippled. He was truly ugly. But then, a tall, handsome man appeared, claiming to be Nadia's husband? Melisa couldn't believe it.

'If this was such a good match, I should have been the one to get it!'

The Eylesford baron was more handsome than any of the capital's renowned beauties. Unlike the weak men in the capital, he was strong and solid, which was mesmerizing.

'Such a good husband is rare.'

The fief being in the countryside was a concern, but after marriage, they could buy a house in the capital and stay there during the social season, which wouldn't be a problem.

'It was a mistake to believe the false rumors so easily.'

If she had investigated more thoroughly, this fortune could have been hers. Regret and jealousy mixed in her heart, making her very uncomfortable. Moreover, there was something strange.

'Why did Nadia, that girl, accept such a questionable match so readily?'

Count Vain was furious that Melisa had openly discussed the rumors about the husband in front of Nadia. If Nadia knew the husband was that bad, she would have cried and refused. But contrary to the count's expectations, Nadia went to Eylesford without a fuss. At the time, it seemed like Nadia had given up, but now, Melisa was suspicious.

'Could it be... she knew the husband was good beforehand?'

Considering how Nadia, who trembled at the slightest thing, handled such a big issue so calmly, it wasn't impossible. The more she thought about it, the more infuriated and annoyed she became.

'Ha. Was she just pretending to be a fox to get a good match?'

At first, it was just a guess, but the more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. Melisa clenched her teeth, muttering, "Nadia, that fox!"

The Vain family was a prestigious family in the capital, but after Melisa's father inherited the title, their wealth rapidly decreased. The once seemingly endless funds were drying up, and the once treasure-filled warehouses were gradually emptying. Neither Melisa's father nor Melisa had ever earned money; they only knew how to spend it. They had only a superficial understanding of managing the family, so money was leaking out in crucial areas. Despite their efforts to recover, their various businesses only led to losses, making the situation worse. In such a situation, Eylesford... the position of baroness of this wealthy fief... was very tempting.

'If it's tempting, I should take it.'

The fact that the person who had it was Nadia didn't make her nervous. Melisa had always naturally taken what belonged to Nadia. This situation was no different.

'After all, she's only good-looking, right?'

Despite her other flaws, Nadia had always been beautiful. Even after the tragic death of the previous count and countess, which led to the family's downfall, Nadia still received marriage proposals from decent places. Of course, the count rejected all of them. He didn't want to give her the opportunity to revive the family.

'But how do I take it from her?'

It would have been easier if it were before the wedding. Now, Nadia and the baron were bound by a sacred engagement. To take this position, I need to separate them. There are two ways: seduce the baron and make him mine, or make Nadia leave on her own.

'Chasing Nadia away should be very simple. It will be very easy.'

So, the latter is the right choice. But thinking of the cold, handsome face of the baron... Melisa felt her face flush as she organized her thoughts.

'Being abandoned is more miserable than leaving on one's own. I need to make it more miserable.'

Born a countess and lucky enough to find a good husband... It's unacceptable. Such a good position should go to someone who works hard, not someone who is just lucky. Melisa imagined the handsome baron by her side. They would indeed make a beautiful couple. Imagining Nadia's desperate face as she watched them... a smile naturally formed on her lips.

"Phew. I got worked up for nothing."

Melisa chuckled and looked around the messy room. At first, she was so angry that she threw everything, but now, thinking that it was all hers, she felt the broken items were a waste.

"I need to treat them carefully. They will all be mine in the end."

Melisa carefully picked up the items from the floor and returned them to their original places, humming a tune.

***

I walked down the corridor with Altair, glancing at him. He had his usual expressionless face, but there was a hint of anger.

"I'm sorry."

My hesitant apology made Altair stop and frown at me.

"What are you sorry for?"

"Melisa. She was incredibly rude."

"So, why are you apologizing for her rudeness? You didn't do anything wrong."

"Well... but she's my cousin..."

"I didn't apologize to you for Balhail being a lunatic, did I?"

"That's different!"

"How is it different?"

Altair's continuous questions left me speechless. After thinking about it, I realized that I didn't really need to apologize for Melisa's rudeness.

"See? Why should you apologize for her being a lunatic? Don't apologize for her on behalf of others."

"Lunatic..."

The blunt evaluation made me laugh involuntarily. I always wondered how to describe Melisa, and "lunatic" was perfect. I finally found a clear answer today.

"How can you say it so bluntly?"

"If a lunatic is a lunatic, what else would you call them? Try saying it."

"Me?"

"Go ahead. Lu, ni, ac, tic."

"Um..."

Altair pronounced each word slowly, encouraging me to try. I hesitantly looked at him, then mustered the courage to speak softly.

"Lu... lunatic..."

"Good."

"She's a lunatic. Really."

The second time was easier. After letting out a satisfying insult, I felt a sense of relief. With my heart feeling lighter, I started to share stories I had kept hidden.

"You won't believe how crazy she is. She can't stand to see what I have. Once, she pulled my hair and took my hair accessory. The servants laughed... It was really embarrassing."

"..."

"If I was eating something, she would say she didn't like it and knock over the plate. She even tore my dresses, so I had to wear summer dresses in winter... and..."

"..."

As I rambled on, Altair remained silent. I wondered if I had said too much and quickly shut up. Altair's eyebrow twitched.

"Why did you stop?"

"No, I'm done."

"Hmm. If you say so."

Altair let out a strange hum and lightly stroked my hair. It felt different from his usual rough handling, making my face flush.

I subtly stepped back to avoid his touch and looked at Pavel, who was walking towards us.

"I just took Melisa to her room. I need to discuss how to treat the guest, so Altair, you should go to work now!"

"There's no need to rush..."

Altair tried to stop me, but I felt a strange unease and ignored his voice, running towards Pavel. Pavel tilted his head, confused by my sudden approach.

"Madam, is there something urgent?"

"A guest just arrived. There are many things to decide."

"I can handle it, but..."

"Well... since she's a lunatic, a casual preparation might cause the servants unnecessary trouble. I think it's better if I take care of it properly."

"…What? A lunatic…?"

Pavel's eyes widened in disbelief at my words. I nodded seriously to confirm that he hadn't misheard.

"Yes. A lunatic."

"…I see. A lunatic, indeed."

"Yes!"

I nodded at the bewildered Pavel and glanced at Altair, who was standing a distance away. He looked dejected, staring at his hands for a moment before turning and leaving the corridor. After confirming that Altair was gone, I turned back to Pavel and brought up the topic I had been thinking about.

"I have a question. It's a bit... difficult to ask Altair."

"Of course. Ask anything. I'll tell you what I know."

"It's about the death of the previous generation."

Altair was still grieving over the death of his parents. The fact that he left their room untouched was a clear sign.

'So, instead of Altair, I should ask someone he trusts and who knows about this matter.'

Pavel fit the criteria perfectly. I lowered my voice carefully and asked the real question.

"Was... their death a murder?"