"Raju took away Yeju's first love" Chapter 74
I parted ways with Alison in an awkward silence.
It seemed that it would be difficult to continue the conversation.
Seeing my expression stiffen, Lily quietly got into the carriage.
On the way back, I kept wondering what Tatiana had done to Alison.
‘In the midst of all this, she still entrusted Robert to me at the end. She said not to worry about herself.’
I had felt it before, but it seemed that they were not just ordinary acquaintances.
What made my heart even more complicated was Alison's condition.
I thought I had become accustomed to being criticized because of Tatiana, but when it happened again, it still didn't feel good.
Lost in thought, I gazed out the window, and before I knew it, we had arrived at the duke's residence.
“Well, it seems difficult to recruit Alison, so I'll have to do my best to bring Robert here.”
The last time I met him, he seemed to have let go of everything.
What would it take to bring back someone who is living in hiding, free from any desires?
Before meeting Robert, I decided to meet Professor Foreman separately.
I was curious about how he felt as a third party who had observed all these events.
As the time for our appointment approached and I stood up, Pio, who had been gnawing on a toy, came running over.
[Me too, I want to go too!]
The last time I took Pio along, I realized that walking pets is not a common practice in this world.
“Can you stay home today? I'll take you for a walk later.”
[Do you think I want to go out for fun!]
I was the one who felt awkward.
[There's something I want to check. I felt distorted mana from that woman Alison.]
In response to my question, Pio nodded and jumped onto the table.
[It's a term I coined personally. I'm talking about mana that has been contaminated by that strange wave. Actually, distorted mana has existed before, but it has increased to an unusual degree recently, causing problems.]
“So, it has been around for a while, but it has increased, meaning it's the same as regular mana.”
[Not entirely, but it's certain that distorted mana has a significant impact on mana surges. We targeted Tatiana's bracelet because we felt strong distorted mana from it. I didn't recognize yours at first because it was very weak.]
I began to feel more certain that the choices and affection levels in this world do indeed affect it.
‘But why do I feel it from Alison?’
The bracelet I had couldn't show the choices or affection levels of an extra like her.
Perhaps the abilities of Tatiana's bracelet and mine are different.
“Alright, I'll take you. But you have to be quiet.”
As I opened the door and stepped out, Pio followed me. Today, Sasha, the maid who was attending to me instead of Lily, noticed Pio.
“Hold on, Pio. You need to stay home and behave.”
She picked him up by the scruff of his neck.
Pio looked pitiful as he struggled with his tiny limbs.
I told Sasha to put Pio down. Once his four legs touched the ground, he strutted ahead confidently.
I followed the cute dog, trying to hide my unease.
Professor Foreman's shoulders slumped at my words.
It wasn't a pleasant sight to see the large, bear-like man looking dejected.
“Yes. I thought perhaps the three of us could work together on the research.”
“I see. That might be difficult. The relationship between Robert and Alison….”
Foreman sighed deeply before continuing.
“It really ended in the worst way possible.”
“Can you tell me more about it? I came here specifically to hear this story. If we are to continue Professor Gregory's research, I thought it might be good for the three of us to work together.”
“They were originally a couple. Robert fell in love with Alison at first sight and pursued her.”
“I suspected they had a special relationship.”
At my words, Eric smiled faintly.
He seemed to be recalling the days when the three of us worked together.
“Actually, our relationship was quite solid. Until that woman appeared, that is.”
“Yes. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about. The Duchess of Gloucester.”
I wasn't particularly surprised, as I had already suspected as much.
“What did she offer in return?”
“She wanted everything. They wanted a monopoly on the technology.”
I was speechless at Eric's words.
It was the same thing Nivea had done to them.
“Of course, we refused. There was no way we would accept that. I thought it was over, but then Professor Gregory's condition worsened, and while I was away, things went south.”
Eric blamed himself as if the incident was his fault.
“When I returned to the school after receiving a call, Robert had become a suspect in embezzlement. Alison said she would help resolve the issue, but then she suddenly offered to become the Duchess's personal physician.”
Eric's face hardened as he recalled that moment.
I waited quietly for him to continue.
“Robert suspected Alison. And rightly so… Robert was the kind of person who would never embezzle. But Alison disappeared with the Duchess, leaving him under investigation.”
It was understandable that Robert would suspect Alison. But….
“Alison said the Duchess helped her become the personal physician.”
“Alison said that, but Robert didn't believe her. Her behavior was quite strange at the time.”
“Robert claimed the Duchess was behind it all, but Alison wouldn't listen. She was usually the most rational person, but when it came to the Duchess, she became blindly loyal. Moreover, the research data Alison managed disappeared, and their relationship ended completely.”
Feeling deeply betrayed, Robert went into hiding.
Alison became the Duchess's personal physician, and Eric, left alone, took up the professorship, bringing the story to a close.
I stood up, organizing my thoughts.
“Thank you for telling me. If the three of us were to work together, would you be okay with it?”
“I'm fine with it. It would be a welcome development. If the three of us worked together, we could certainly complete the remaining research. I'm sure Professor Gregory would be pleased.”
I thanked him and picked up Pio, who was sitting on the floor.
Pio, cradled in my arms, barked urgently.
[Ask him if he met Tatiana!]
At his words, I turned back.
“Did the Duchess ever come to see you?”
“No, I have never met the Duchess.”
His gaze fell on Pio, who was in my arms.
He probably thought I was a strange person for carrying a dog around.
“Well, I'll contact you next time.”
I quickly left, avoiding his gaze. Once in the carriage, Pio, who had been in my arms, hopped onto the seat.
[I want to meet that friend Robert too.]
I was almost ready to give up.
“I was planning to meet Mr. Robert anyway.”
But I didn't intend to meet him with a fluffier Pio.
Robert, pushing back his disheveled hair, watched Pio rolling on the floor.
The small dog was playing with a tiny ball, batting it around with his little paws.
He acted like an ordinary, pitiful dog in front of others.
It was a professional performance that made me feel embarrassed just watching.
“So, why have you come to see me again?”
Fortunately, Robert's mood seemed to soften a bit due to the cute dog's antics.
“I heard from Professor Foreman about why you and Alison had a falling out.”
Robert's face stiffened the moment he heard Alison's name. If just hearing her name made him angry, this would be difficult.
“Do you still suspect her?”
“There's no need to suspect. Alison just didn't trust me and believed someone else more.”
He spoke as if it didn't matter, but it was clear he still harbored feelings.
I pondered how to approach this conversation.
I lacked solid evidence, but to find it, I needed Robert's help.
“I think there might be a reason why Alison acted that way, even if it's not certain.”
“Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter.”
Robert's stubborn demeanor suggested he didn't want to hear it.
His reaction made me feel frustrated.
But I could understand why he thought that way.
After my desired life was trampled by Tatiana, I also stopped trusting anyone and lived within the walls I had built.
But now was the time to stand up again.
“I think Alison might have been mind-controlled by the Duchess.”