I Thought It Was the Monster Duke's Fake Sedative - Chapter 66

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 66
Only then did the other servants, who had been watching cautiously, find their voices.
“Surely the Duke shouldn’t be working someone who’s still so weak quite so hard.”
“That’s right. No matter how newly married they are, the Duke really ought to show some restraint….”
Luciana rolled her eyes as the servants piled on their commentary.
‘So they all actually wanted to say this, but were holding back.’
Though they claimed it was just a cold, their knowing demeanor made it perfectly clear they understood Edward was the real culprit.
“Of course, with that build and that stamina… we understand he’d be exerting himself all night.”
The servants fell silent, as if anything further would be improper, yet their faces still bore soft smiles.
It was a smile that unmistakably revealed they were simply grateful that Edward and Luciana were getting along so well.
In fact, ever since the marriage, Edward had become far more gentle than before, and the household staff were inwardly thankful to Luciana for it.
Moreover, judging by how she treated them and what the steward of the Western Annex had been saying….
“Really, I was mending something when he suddenly appeared and helped me out!”
Luciana was, objectively speaking, a good mistress.
Presently, one of the servants turned to her with an air of satisfaction.
“Word’s spread all through the Duke’s Mansion, hasn’t it.”
“Hmm? What word….”
“That the Duke cares for you so much he’s keeping you in his quarters and won’t even let you leave.”
It wasn’t inaccurate.
Apart from the exercise he’d specifically emphasized, Edward had minimized the duties of a Duchess that would otherwise fall to Luciana.
He’d said her body was still not well enough, and such things could be learned slowly in time.
As a result, all Luciana had to do was sleep in, wake up, eat, and take walks in the Training Ground.
One might call it the comfortable confinement of a prize bird.
“To think he cares so much….”
“But you should let the mistress rest a bit too.”
Luciana suppressed the urge to fan herself and managed an ambiguous smile.
Still, what was reassuring was that the servants now seemed genuinely at ease with her.
‘It’s not awkward like before anymore, and they’re treating me much more warmly.’
Something had shifted since the wedding.
Watching the household staff who had begun to answer to her, Luciana’s thoughts drifted.
‘Servants are naturally drawn to someone like me, after all.’
Still, it felt good to be growing closer to them.
In my previous life, even the friends I’d had were gone now, so I didn’t have female companions I could be intimate with like this.
‘This mindless chatting reminds me of the old days.’
Before the Monster Wave scattered everyone to the winds, back when we’d all gathered together and gossiped.
So Luciana simply nodded calmly at the servants’ solicitude.
The servants responded with enthusiasm.
“Don’t worry, mistress. We’ll take proper care of you with medicinal teas and nourishing food.”
“That’s right. We’ll make sure you’re well looked after!”
Even Sophie clenched her fist earnestly as she spoke, and it was rather heartwarming.
‘…Still, this is a bit embarrassing.’
Contrary to what they assumed, Edward hadn’t been working her that hard at all.
‘If anything, I’d say I’m the one who’s frustrated.’
She understood his concern well enough—he was worried she might faint or lack the stamina.
Especially on the wedding night….
“Just a little more, Luciana….”
“Hic. I, I really can’t anymore. I’m telling you I can’t!”
After she’d been the one to ask for his embrace, she’d cried out like that, gasping, and then fainted.
‘…Now that I think about it, it was my fault.’
Ever since, Edward had only consoled himself by enduring, and enduring again.
Luciana too wanted to beg him to touch her as well, but given what she’d done, she couldn’t say it boldly and only watched his reaction nervously.
As a result, despite the contract’s terms, neither of them had managed to stay tangled together beyond a certain point.
‘It’s not bad as it is now….’
But still, I’d like to hope for a bit more.
Luciana was muttering to herself without thinking and had just drawn down the cloth that lay on her forehead to cool her fever, when—
Pound-pound-pound!
The sound of hurried footsteps rushing out from somewhere came, along with the murmur of voices.
Sensing something amiss, one of the servants quietly cracked open the door to peer down the corridor.
“What’s happening?”
A young page boy who’d been rushing by caught sight of Luciana through the open doorway and flinched, hesitating.
Something about it seemed terribly suspicious.
Sensing the strangeness, Luciana rose from her seat and approached the attendant.
“Tell me.”
“M-madam.”
“What on earth is the matter?”
“That is… he told me not to speak of it….”
Hup.
Luciana, watching the attendant clap a hand over his mouth with a miserable expression despite having spoken, offered him a gentle smile.
Then she gripped his shoulder firmly.
“Show me the way.”
* * *
…….
…….
Tap-tap-tap-tap.
Tepe’s foot, nervously tapping against the floor, was suddenly pinned down hard beneath Gorgo’s heel.
Rather than protest, Tepe pressed his lips together and rolled his eyes, the picture of restraint.
Rozendale, too, was busy staring gravely at the door.
Minutes passed in silence.
Creak.
The moment the door opened and the Court Physician emerged, the three men rushed toward him.
“Why won’t you let us in? What’s the meaning of this?”
“Is it serious?”
“It’s not a fatal illness—surely not. He couldn’t have been wounded so gravely. So what in blazes is the problem?”
“That is… well….”
“Speak plainly. If there’s a shred of falsehood, I won’t forgive you.”
“Yes. Try lying and we’ll give you a proper thrashing….”
“…Wait. Am I not your ally? I’ve served the Duke’s Household faithfully for thirty years.”
“Ah, of course.”
“Regardless, what on earth has happened…?”
It was at that moment, while the three men, desperate for answers, were hemming in the Court Physician and pressing him for details.
Bang!
“Where is the Duke… Ow!”
Luciana burst through the corridor door with force, shaking out her reddened palm as she approached the three of them.
“Madam.”
“I heard he was injured.”
The attendant who’d guided Luciana here groaned and shuffled back, while she quickly moved toward Edward’s chamber door.
Both Tepe and Gorgo stepped aside for her, but….
“One moment, madam.”
In the end, Rozendale moved to block her path.
His gaze still held lingering doubt—he did not fully trust her.
“I apologize, but the Duke ordered that no one be allowed inside.”
“But I’m his wife.”
“Since he won’t even allow us in, madam, surely you understand—”
“I’m his wife, Rozendale.”
Though Luciana normally found Rozendale troublesome, this time she could not yield.
“That is… madam….”
“I won’t scold you, so just tell me.”
“The Duke returned just a moment ago after hunting a monster, and it’s just that….”
“Get to the point.”
“He’s been injured, madam!”
From the moment she heard those words, her mind had gone white as snow.
‘It can’t be.’
Not anyone else—Edward.
The only Dragon Avatar, the strongest in the world, a man that even most monsters wouldn’t dare challenge.
The Edward she knew couldn’t possibly be so careless. Not after reading through the story so many times herself….
‘…But that doesn’t matter anymore.’
The moment the recent revelation came to mind, her chest tightened with urgency.
The original story had gone awry, and Edward was proving to be someone different from what she’d known.
‘Then could it be….’
Could he actually be injured badly this time?
Luciana’s anxiety spilled into urgency. She rose from her seat at once.
She’d nearly bolted from her chambers in her nightgown; even as the handmaids hurried to dress her, her heart hammered against her ribs.
How anxious she’d been, all the way here.
“I want to see him too. I’m the Duke’s True Mate, after all.”
“…My lady, but you yourself explained to us the day after the wedding night that it was all a fabrication.”
“I’m still his True Mate. Officially, at least.”
……
“I want to see him.”
She spoke firmly, even knowing it was a thin excuse.
From beyond the firmly closed door came the sound of rustling.
Then a low voice carried clearly through the wood.
“Let her in.”
Edward’s voice made Rozendale’s eyes widen in surprise.
Tepe and Gorgo, who’d been watching Luciana and Rozendale with consternation, wore the same expression.
“Your Grace, I’m not certain I heard correctly…?”
“Let her in.”
“Then should we also—”
“My wife alone.”
……
“Only my wife enters.”
At that, Tepe, Gorgo, and Rozendale exchanged a look laden with meaning.
“The rest of you return to your duties.”
……
“Now.”
Rozendale worked his mouth soundlessly a few times before stepping back from the door with a bow.
“As you command.”
It might have stung a little for the three of them, but Luciana had no room in her mind for such thoughts.
Gulp.
Luciana swallowed slowly, her hand turning the door handle with deliberate care.
…Click.
The moment the door swung open, she compressed her body through the gap and shut it behind her again.
If even his closest attendants weren’t permitted to witness this, the wounds had to be severe indeed.
‘He won’t let them see him weakened.’
The thought sent a flush of heat burning behind her eyes.
Outside, she heard his retainers’ reluctant footsteps retreating.
Luciana sniffed quietly and turned her body around, bracing herself firmly.
She’d steeled her heart for this moment.
“…Oh?”
And then she looked up at Edward in astonishment.
……
More precisely, at Edward shimmering brilliantly with golden light.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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