Chapter 48: Tea, Cookies, and a New Suspect

As if whispering a secret, Osh Sulleban spoke in a voice low enough that only the Count could hear. Yet unlike the softness of his actions, his tone was cold and chilling.

“Did you think I would run away once I was free? How strange. After watching me all this time, you still don’t know me.”

“What?! Y-you bastard!”

“Then let me tell you directly. Listen carefully, Count. If I ever break free from this damned curse, I won’t run. The very first thing I’ll do is twist your neck off.”

“Y-you…!”

“After that, I might even chew up your bones and all. Leave not a single trace behind.”

He spoke those horrifying words while calmly looking down at the Count. His face was so gentle that it was hard to believe such threats had come from his mouth. His eyes shone with madness as he bared his teeth in a delighted grin, like a sinister figure lurking in the rain.

“So enjoy yourself while you can, Your Excellency. Pray that this shitty curse lasts forever.”

****

To gather information about healing abilities, Kebel Ilya visited the Imperial Library.

He pulled out every book he could find related to mana, magic, and healing, then sat down and began reading. After a long while, he closed the final book.

Every source reached the same conclusion.

Healing abilities were extremely difficult to obtain unless one was born with strong divine power. Because such abilities were so rare, priests were among the most treasured individuals in the Empire.

There were, however, rare cases in which people born with magical power awakened healing abilities.

That was all.

No further explanations were recorded.

Disappointed, Kebel returned the books to their shelves.

After spending so long reading, his eyes felt dry and his shoulders stiff. It seemed like asking a priest directly would be much faster, so he quickly gave up on further research. Since he wasn’t particularly fond of books, the atmosphere of the library felt stifling.

As he hurried out and descended the stairs, someone greeted him.

“Hello!”

“Ah… hello.”

The person was none other than Dilis, the young viscount of Alabia. Judging by the reading club he hosted, he seemed to genuinely enjoy books. The servant following behind him was carrying an armful of them.

Kebel didn’t think they were close enough for a friendly conversation and tried to continue downstairs. But Dilis clung to his side as if determined not to let him go.

“Since we’ve met by chance, would you have a little time?”

“I’m sorry, but I have somewhere to be.”

“Could you spare just a moment? There’s something I really want to tell you. I’ve wanted to meet you for a while, but you never responded to my letters. If I miss this chance, I may never get another.”

Despite his determined words, his shoulders drooped pitifully.

Kebel was weak against that sort of thing.

In the end, he nodded.

Immediately, Dilis brightened and smiled. He guided Kebel to a nearby café. Even though there was a line outside, he sat down as if he had already reserved a table. Kebel sat across from him.

As they watched people bustling about outside the window, refreshments were brought over.

The fragrance of lemon tea drifted through the air.

Just as Kebel reached for the cup, Dilis finally spoke.

“I’m truly sorry about what happened at the reading club.”

“It’s fine. I wasn’t bothered by it.”

And he truly wasn’t.

He had far more important things to worry about.

Yet Dilis looked deeply moved by the response.

Kebel merely shrugged.

It seemed obvious that Dilis’s sudden friendliness had a lot to do with the Coming-of-Age Night celebration. After all, Kebel had attended as the Crown Prince’s partner. Dilis probably wanted to align himself with that circle.

Kebel, who had no interest in such things, took a sip of tea.

A refreshing lemon flavor filled his mouth.

He had planned to leave after hearing Dilis out, but the tea was much better than expected.

Seeing Kebel’s relaxed expression, Dilis eagerly continued.

“Delicious, isn’t it? This place is famous for its tea and cookies. Without a reservation, you can’t even get a seat.”

“I can see why.”

“I’m glad it suits your taste. I’m a regular here. Whenever I visit the library, I stop by without fail. Reading a book with fragrant lemon tea and sweet cookies is pure happiness. Today I even used my regular-customer privileges for you.”

Dilis laughed proudly.

As Kebel thanked him, Dilis enthusiastically launched into a detailed explanation of the café.

While listening, Kebel found himself wishing he could bring Osh here someday.

He was already curious about what kind of reaction Osh Sulleban would have to the tea.

The thought amused him enough that interest appeared on his face.

Dilis, however, seemed convinced that expression was directed at him and puffed up with pride.

Kebel almost laughed.

Dilis seemed to possess an odd combination of boastfulness and harmless foolishness.

Dilis then placed a cookie covered in strawberry jam onto Kebel’s plate.

The sweet aroma tempted him.

Normally Kebel would have declined, but he gave in and took a bite.

Sweetness filled his mouth.

The strawberry flavor blended perfectly with the cookie and melted away almost instantly.

It was so delicious that he immediately ate the rest.

Until now, Kebel had believed the chef at home was the best cook in existence.

Apparently, he had been mistaken.

The cookies were so good that he decided to buy some to take home.

His mood brightened considerably.

He was genuinely grateful to Dilis for bringing him here.

Seeing Kebel’s softened expression, Dilis’s eyes sparkled eagerly.

Kebel could almost imagine a tail wagging behind him.

“Your Grace, would you perhaps consider joining our reading club again…?”

“I’m sorry, Dilis. I don’t plan on joining any clubs for the time being.”

Kebel answered firmly.

Dilis looked visibly disappointed.

Still, despite his scheming tendencies, Kebel no longer thought he was a bad person.

In fact, having a friend like this around might not be so bad.

After all, everyone else around him was almost excessively kind.

After finishing another cookie, Kebel spoke.

“Instead, I’ll invite you to my home someday. It’s only right that I return the favor after enjoying your hospitality.”

“Really?! Then I may find myself waiting for your letters every single day!”

His gloomy face immediately brightened.

The dramatic change made Kebel laugh.

Seeing Dilis smile so openly made him seem almost innocent.

Kebel’s own mood lifted in response.

Just as the conversation seemed to be ending, a voice sounded from behind them.

“Hey, Dilis. Here for tea again today?”

A man with a simple, honest face approached.

His casual manner suggested he was a commoner.

The pairing of the refined Dilis and a commoner was unexpectedly strange.

“Can’t you see I have company? Go away.”

“As if your company is ever-”

“Ah, Mauser. The person sitting here is the young duke of House Ilya.”

“S-such an esteemed person!”

Mauser quickly wiped his hand on his trousers and held it out.

Although Dilis tried to stop him with a look, Kebel shook his hand without hesitation.

Mauser immediately bowed at a perfect ninety degrees.

The scene almost made Kebel feel like some kind of crime boss.

“But why is the young duke drinking tea with Dilis?”

“Mauser. Could you speak a little more politely?”

“What? I’m just worried someone might be bullying you again.”

The two bickered like lifelong friends.

Their interaction felt warm and strangely nostalgic.

“Don’t just stand there. Have a seat.”

“No, really, I couldn’t-”

“Thank you!”

“Hey! You have no sense of tact!”

“Nope.”

Watching the shamelessly cheerful Mauser sit down while Dilis glared at him, Kebel raised a hand and called for a server.

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