Chapter 5

According to Lady Ray, Adel is to marry the king's younger brother, the youngest of the current king's siblings. This is a long-held wish of her parents, to join the royal family. Just hearing this makes one wonder why Adel needs to run away so desperately. At twenty-eight, the king's brother and eighteen-year-old Adel have an age difference that is not uncommon in noble society.

He renounced his right to the throne early on and went to a remote region. Now, although he holds the title of Duke of Ganongruf, he rarely appears in social circles and is considered an eccentric. Despite being by the sea, it is impossible to enter the Belvain Kingdom by ship or by land through the forest.

Since he began living in the remote region, he has been known for his impenetrable defenses. The reason for this is that the only magic used by the Duke of Ganongruf in this country is feared. This magic is called "Corruption Magic," a terrifying spell that can corrupt everything, leaving no bones behind.

His name is also feared in other countries, but Margret, who cannot use magic at all, had never heard of such circumstances until now.

(Such a powerful magic exists... I had no idea...)

However, for the Nefashial Viscount family, this could be an incredible opportunity. It seems that Adel's parents chose the family's honor over Adel's feelings. But Adel, who had been pampered until now, could not bear it.

"It seems that His Majesty the King believes that Adel's barrier magic is compatible with Lord Isaac."

"Compatible? With corruption magic and barrier magic?"

"Perhaps the Duke of Ganongruf thinks that with Adel's magic, he can prevent any unforeseen events."

"Oh, so she can protect herself with the barrier magic."

"Moreover, if they have a child, they could inherit the rare magic... It's something you would understand if you thought about it. You still know nothing, as usual."

Ray spoke to Margret with a voice tinged with frustration.

"The power of the Duke of Ganongruf is feared. But more importantly, what about this dirty hair? Can't you do something about it?"

"Oh, sorry. I've been busy and haven't taken care of it."

"Tsk... Why do I have to do such things?"

Ray, with a sigh, began to comb Margret's tangled, frizzy hair. Adel's magic, while rare, is not particularly powerful. It does not affect the entire country or its surroundings; it only creates a protective barrier around herself. Recently, she has been able to extend it thinly like a film, but that's all. However, the king likely thought it could be used to counter the corruption magic.

"According to my husband, the Duke of Ganongruf is so feared that no young ladies will go near him... There are even rumors that touching him will cause your arm to rot and fall off."

"Really, that's interesting."

"Of course, hearing such rumors would make Adel afraid. And you are just a pawn. Do you understand?"

"..."

"Tsk... Just try to be liked and avoid being killed."

Despite hearing Ray's words, Margret cannot feel the fear naturally, perhaps because she has never met a noble and has rarely seen magic.

(The Duke of Ganongruf cannot be touched? Then what will happen to me?)

Being sent as a substitute to the Duke of Ganongruf, who uses corruption magic, and having no means to resist, Margret is probably considered unimportant by her parents. However, she does not feel sad about being neglected.

Margret is going to the place where Adel was originally supposed to go.