/
Chapter 85. Bait (2)
The same reaction. Just a curious glance, eyebrows that trembled with excitement, and curled lips that twitched as if expecting something more.
Genoyer said with a grin, “Do you want to join us?”
“Do you want to join me?”
“What?”
“Experiment.”
“Wow— That sounds like something really cool. But are you okay? That child, she’s from a noble family. If her parents found out, there would be an uproar.”
“This is Grand Duchy Sestein. Magic traps are hidden everywhere you step. You have to take responsibility for dying outside the party. The same goes for you too.”
“Umm, that’s  a bit scary.”
“Hihi. Who would believe that when you say that with such a smile? So what do you think? Are you going to do it or not?”
Genoyer waved the girl’s arm.
“But, what are you experimenting with now?”
“My newly developed poison.”
“Huh? Poison? Are you studying poison, not magic?”
“…Yes.”
Camilla asked, pretending not to know at Genoyer’s somewhat sullen reply. “By the way, what is the name of this poison?”
Genoyer’s expression brightened slightly as if he thought she was interested in the poison he had developed. “This is ‘Blessing of Joy.’ It will make you indulge in your most desired fantasies until your breath runs out. Shall I give you some too?”
“Huh? This?”
Camilla tilted her head at the dark red poison handed over by Genoyer. “I have nowhere to use it though?”
“If you use it little by little from now on, you will develop a tolerance. If you promise to keep my secret, I’ll give it to you as a special gift.”
“Really? Good!”
Camilla smiled brightly and accepted it. Her mouth twisted eerily, unlike a child’s. “Thank you for the gift. My name is Camilla Lu Eragost. What about you?”
“My name is Genoyer Run Sestein. I’m the successor to the Grand Duke Sestein.”
* * *
Camilla, shaking off her past thoughts, gently raised the corners of her mouth. “So, did you bring the ‘Blessing of Joy’ I asked for?”
“I wanted to—” said Genoyer, licking his slightly dry lips. “But it’s not ready. Don’t you know? I don’t have ‘it’ to make that.”
“Huh, I knew you would say that.”
The word ‘it’ mentioned by Genoyer was referring to poisonous plants, the raw material of the ‘Blessing of Joy.’ It was in the shape of a reddish-black flower, but to be clear, it was a magic plants made by his hand. And to complete the ‘Blessing of Joy,’ more rare ingredients were needed.
“What else do you need?”
“What do you need separately?”
“That’s enough for now.”
“Huh?”
Camilla looked at Genoyer as if she were asking what he meant. At that, Genoyer giggled and suddenly hardened his eyes.
“I have something to do before that. I’ll save your help.”
“Can you really do it?”
“If you help me, I might give you a little sign of sincerity.”
Camilla frowned slightly.
“Are you saying I need to help you if I want ‘Blessing of Joy’?”
“I just need you to tell me the news about that bastard for a while. As a friend.”
“Huh, as expected, you’re funny, Geno. And lucky.”
Seeing Camilla’s reaction, Genoyer’s voice sank in displeasure. “What do you mean lucky?”
“Something interesting happened recently. Grand Duke Sestein, who had been confined the whole time, broke into a party that he wasn’t invited to.”
“That bastard went to a party?”
“Huhu. Yes. To my party.”
Camilla’s gently smiling lips twisted eerily. Genoyer, who had been staring at that smile, smirked and held out a glass of wine.
“I’m curious about that story. Can you tell me the details? Camilla.”
* * *
Aster even threatened her not to bother that girl as if it wasn’t enough.
Genoyer snorted as if it was funny. What kind of guy is he to dare to give his heart to people?
Aster was like a reptilian without blood or tears. If he intervened in the situation, it was because he had something to gain, not because he intended to protect them, just like Camilla had said.
“We’ve arrived.”
Genoyer had shaken off his thoughts and organized himself at the coachman’s words. The person he would meet soon wasn’t someone to meet lightly.
The carriage door opened, and the waiting butler greeted him. “Long time no see, Lord Sestein. The count is waiting for you.”
“Nice to meet you. Please guide me.”
Guided by the butler to the glass garden located in the depths of Eragost County, Genoyer soon sat face-to-face with him.
“It’s been two years, Lord.”
“How have you been? Count Eragost.”
“I heard that you met my daughter during the day. I don’t know if she upset the Lord with her useless words.”
“You can stop worrying about Camilla. What she wants hasn’t yet been put into her hands.”
Genoyer smiled, took out the ‘Blessing of Joy’ from his arms, and held it out before Count Eragost. “Of course, this belongs to Count, right? Delivering it to her is also something that Count will do according to his will.”
Count Eragost glanced at the black glass bottle on the table and nodded slowly.
“More than that— I want to ensure my flowers are growing well.”
“As you wish.”
After Count Eragost readily allowed it, Genoyer examined the dark red flowers filling the glass garden.
The magical plants bloomed red like blood. The poisonous plants he had given to Camilla 14 years ago were in full bloom as if they had been moved from the garden of the Sestein family.
“I think the humidity is a little low.” Before he knew it, Genoyer, who sat opposite Count Eragost said.
Count Eragost nodded again. “I’ll take action.”
“Ah, I want you to reduce the amount of poisonous plants supplied to the temple for the time being.”
Count Eragost stared quietly into Genoyer’s eyes and looked down at the black glass bottle on the table before replying. “Are you sure?”
“Well, if it wasn’t this time, it would have been difficult to regain my lost position.”
“I see. What can I do for you?”
For a moment, Genoyer was about to say that he wanted something. However, he drew his expression calmly and pressed down his desire.
“Just do it like you are now.”
Genoyer stared blankly at the magic plants that filled the glass garden. He said he wanted exactly that much out of their relationship, he who provided the magic plants, and Count Eragost, who used it to collude with the temple, as they shared the profits earned from it.
There’s no point in asking for more. The moment I show my heart, the count will abandon me. Genoyer still didn’t know why Count Eragost had joined hands with him.
I don’t have to know. There was no need for that since they had each other’s weaknesses.
Genoyer stood up from his seat and said, “Count, could you give me the ring? I will make sure that the magic devices in the glass garden are working properly.”
“Please.”
Count Eragost took out a black ring and handed it to Genoyer. The ring he gave was made by Heinrihi, the former Grand Duke of Sestein. It was an artifact that activated the glass garden’s protective barrier. And Genoyer added a few more features to it.
“Leave it to me, Count.” Genoyer grinned and headed towards the entrance of the glass garden.
* * *
A few days after meeting with Genoyer, another guest arrived at Camilla.
“Lady Camilla, p-please forgive me just this once. I will never speak to Lord Noel again.”
Eirin, lying flat on the floor, shook her hands and begged. Camilla, who picked up the teacup leisurely, looked down at her. She was thinking about how to deal with the culprit that upset her, but she never thought the bait would roll in at such an appropriate time.
Camilla’s delicate fingers scanned her fine jawline. “Anyone can say such a thing, Lady.”
“I-I mean it. Please believe me. How can I make you believe in me? I’ll do anything Lady wants me to do. No, I-I must do it!”
“Ah, really?”
Camilla’s smile deepened after swallowing a sip of tea.
“Yes, yes, I will do anything. I’ll do it.” Eirin put her head down, and her body trembled.
A few months ago, Eirin hosted a party at her family’s house to prepare for the upcoming New Year’s ball. It was a common event for women from noble families. One of the common parties is held every day. It was as natural as waking up and drinking a glass of water; nothing was special.
However, the famous ‘Noel’ showed up at the party she prepared. Even at the New Year’s ball, he, who is known for showing his face briefly, appeared at her party. That’s why she was greedy. Wanting to hold him closer a little longer, she chased after him. But there was really no other reason. To Eirin, Noel was just an object of envy. She had no desire to take him away from Camilla.
But how did she misunderstand that? After that, Eirin was kicked out as if she were expelled. Not to mention not being invited to the party, she had to suffer all kinds of humiliation at the party she happened to be invited to. It was common for her dress to be stepped on and shoved into the food. What was more unbearable than that was being ostracized by her friends due to the rumors she couldn’t even bear to say.
Eventually, Eirin wasn’t allowed out of her mansion. Then she was given an ultimatum from her father, just like a bolt out of the blue.