<Chapter 52>

‘I thought I was an orphan!’

Sure, orphans can technically have family, but……

Why is this “brother” suddenly appearing now after I’ve already come to the North? Does he even know Inosensia is his sister?

Then again, even the readers don’t seem to be sure…

‘But there has to be a reason why the divine oracle showed me this comment. It must be true that someone with violet eyes is my brother.’

So when, how, and where is this supposed “brother” going to show up?

‘No character with violet eyes has appeared in the novel so far…’

What bothered me the most was the sad face emoji in the comment.

Why a “T_T” and not “Hahaha”? Does that mean it’s not something to laugh about?

‘Could he appear just to die or something?’

Hmm, I have no idea.

Well, I’ll recognize him by his eyes when I see him, so I’ll think about it then.

“Madam, it’s time for you to head to the office.”

“Oh, right. I got it.”

Sitting around in the chapel wouldn’t solve anything. I stood up and moved to the duchess’s office with Monica and Alice in tow.

“By the way, this is just out of curiosity, but have either of you ever seen anyone with eyes similar in color to mine?”

“No, never. Madam, your eyes are so unique.”

“Exactly! They’re like wisteria blossoms. So beautiful. I’ve never seen anyone else with that color!”

“Oh? I mean… um, thanks.”

Feeling shy, I cleared my throat awkwardly.

‘If neither of them has seen anyone like that, maybe this “brother” isn’t from the North?’

Then again, Monica and Alice might simply not have encountered every noble.

I didn’t meet anyone with violet eyes at yesterday’s reception, but I didn’t interact with every single guest either.

“I greet the Duchess.”

Just in time, Countess Orman arrived to assist me with my first official duties as the duchess. Thinking it was a good opportunity, I quickly gestured for her to sit.

“Countess, your timing is perfect. I have a question for you—”

“Duchess, what did I tell you last time?”

“Uh? Oh.”

Right. Count Orman is a vassal of the Winstein family, which means Countess Orman is, too.

“Countess, I have a question for you.”

“Very good, Duchess. While your kind and gentle nature is well-known, it’s crucial to establish proper authority. If you fail to do so, there will be those foolish enough to climb over your head. Never allow any gaps.”

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Now then, please start with these documents. Later, I’ll help you sort out which ones should never even reach my eyes.”

Naturally, the documents Countess Orman referred to were related to the duchy’s finances.

I was utterly appalled that such important papers had been placed on my desk since day one.

‘They said they wouldn’t give me any real authority, yet they dump critical documents on me like this!’

Shouting internally didn’t change anything. Under the Countess’s guidance, I fumbled my way through the paperwork.

Every single document seemed vital, and it made my head spin.

Even in the chaos, one document stood out and caught my eye.

“What’s this? Opening the chapel?”

The details were sparse—practically blank. I looked up at the Countess, and she began to explain as if she had been waiting for this question.

“There’s some information I’ve been told to pass along. But first, could you take a look at this?”

What she handed me was a bundle of invitations.

I was stunned by the sheer number—there had to be dozens of them.

“This is after filtering them?”

“Yes. Originally, there were two or three times as many.”

Yesterday, I didn’t even meet a hundred people at the reception…

‘Why are they all sending invitations when they barely know me?’

Fiddling with the envelopes suspiciously, I glanced at the Countess, who kindly offered an explanation.

“Most of them are probably hoping you’ll heal them, Duchess.”

“Heal them?”

“Yes. The living proof is walking around before their very eyes.”

Ah, she must mean the retired knights.

“Count Curtis and Count Maynard also contributed. Many are curious about how these once-feuding houses became allied as prospective in-laws.”

Right. Like a Romeo and Juliet situation, two families that were at each other’s throats suddenly reconciled and announced an engagement. Who wouldn’t be curious?

‘So now rumors about my divine power are spreading among the northern nobility, huh?’

Did they suggest opening the chapel as a way to encourage me to interact with the nobility?

“For what it’s worth, there are also a number of people outside the duchy demanding to be healed.”

“Really? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

“The Duke handled it quietly. If a crowd gathers, someone is bound to get hurt.”

“I see…”

It makes sense now why Temenos has only just sent me this document.

As of yesterday, I’m no longer a “prospective duchess” with a vague status but the official Duchess of the North.

No one can force me to heal anyone. It’s entirely my decision.

‘The blanks in this document are probably a sign that he respects my choice.’

Geez. If he had explained it himself, he might’ve earned some points. No sense of finesse, that one.

“Can I fill this document however I want?”

“Of course. I’ll let you know if there are any procedural issues.”

“Good. Then……”

*  *  *

Plop—

“Ugh, I’m exhausted…”

By the time I finished running around handling this and that, the sun had already set.

“Since this is your first day as Duchess, let’s call it a day for now.”

A terrifying statement, no doubt. How much more are they planning to pile on tomorrow…?

‘Is it really okay to throw so much work at someone who crammed to become a duchess in a month? What if I make a mistake?’

Of course, Countess Orman stayed by my side all day to prevent that from happening, but…

‘This isn’t the life of a duchess I imagined.’

I just wanted a cozy, comfortable life. How did I end up drowning in paperwork?

The bed was so soft, I was about to fall asleep instantly when—

“Squeak!“

“Huh?”

Startled by the sound of a squeaky cry, I bolted upright.

It can’t be. This is the duchess’s chamber in a grand castle, yet a mouse…? Oh!

‘The hamster Ferry gave me!’

I had completely forgotten about it. Rushing out of bed, I headed to the table where I’d left the box this morning.

“You finally woke up, huh?”

“Squeak!“

The hamster, with its pink ears and nose, tiny paws, and jet-black bead-like eyes, was covered in pure white fur.

‘I’ve never seen a hamster this close before.’

I’d thought about owning one once, but they only live 2–3 years at most, and I worried I’d get too attached and be heartbroken when it passed.

Still…

“Ferry gave you to me as a gift, so I can’t exactly send you away.”

Did it understand me? The hamster tilted its head, squeaked, then puffed up its fur and leapt out of the box.

Standing at the edge of the table, it spread its front paws wide and began gesturing.

“What’s wrong? Are you hungry?”

I was trying to guess what it wanted when suddenly, it stepped back, dashed forward, and jumped straight at me.

“Hey, that’s dangerous!”

Panicking, I caught it in my hands.

At that moment—

??? wishes to become your familiar. Do you accept?

Yes / No

<To be continued>

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