The World Mistakes Me for Terminally Ill - Chapter 58

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The World Thinks I’m Terminally Ill Episode 058

 

Imperial Capital, Imperial Palace.

 

In the deepest place.

 

A man whose name was unknown looked at the newspaper and laughed with interest.

 

“Interesting.”

 

“What has caught Your Highness’s interest?”

 

“This.”

 

At his aide’s question, he pointed to the front-page interview.

 

“So the saint’s identity is the daughter of the Lert family.”

 

“Yes, the Finance Bureau says they’ve finished their investigation. An announcement is scheduled soon.”

 

“Seton and Lert are in-laws from the previous generation. Of course, the parties involved have passed away, but in the public eye, they would still be seen as relatives.”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

“Once the announcement comes out, sparks will inevitably fly toward Seton… but they struck first.”

 

The man’s eyes fell on the photo of Elisia being interviewed.

 

“They firmly announced official sponsorship routes to imprint that there’s no connection to the House of Angels, and planted a sense of debt through donations. Plus rumors of terminal illness? Anyone who brings up this matter to this woman would become the greatest scumbag in history.”

 

On top of that, they subtly promoted their estate. This 10 billion wasn’t simple sponsorship money but included promotional costs.

 

“Seton, the master of Seton.”

 

His Majesty the Emperor, who now lies bedridden, had once offered the late Seton couple to become the Imperial Trading Guild.

 

The Seton couple audaciously refused, saying they would rather fly in the vast sky than in a golden cage, even if their wings broke and they died.

 

When telling this anecdote, His Majesty had laughed heartily, which was rare.

 

The man tapped the armrest. It was a habit that appeared when something caught his interest.

 

“She’s married?”

 

“Yes, she’s a married lady.”

 

“What if I steal her away?”

 

“Absolutely not.”

 

“Why? She’s such a capable talent that I covet her. Wouldn’t she be perfect as an empress?”

 

The aide sighed and said.

 

“From that day on, Your Highness would have to worry every night whether the Duke of Runein’s sword might pierce your heart. Word is widespread that the Duke cherishes his daughter-in-law. Please exercise restraint.”

 

It was sincere advice. The man had no choice but to accept it, though reluctantly.

 

“But this woman’s husband, the Duke of Runein’s son. I don’t think I’ve heard much information about him.”

 

“He’s quite a mysterious figure. They say he’s never left his estate.”

 

“What about his abilities or reputation in social circles?”

 

“Nothing at all. He’s never shown himself in social circles, whether in the north or the capital, and though he seems to have served in the border regions, no one opens their mouth about it. Runein especially has mostly those with strong loyalty, making it difficult to extract information.”

 

“Even bearing the Runein name, he hasn’t left any particularly outstanding impression?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The man frowned.

 

“What kind of guy did she marry then.”

 

“It must be his face.”

 

“…”

 

The aide subtly presented a black and white photo with Shubel in it.

 

Eyes that turned this way as if precisely recognizing the camera’s presence. It was probably coincidence, but it felt like their eyes met.

 

“Suddenly… I hate that I’m convinced.”

 

“Your Highness also lives quite unfairly in this world, so you understand.”

 

It was the moment someone in the Imperial Palace recognized Elisia.

 

Four months in Runein.

 

“Our dear child, you must always be careful, and careful again with your health. Do you understand?”

 

“Leave all the work to Shubel. You, dear, just think about taking care of your body.”

 

My parents-in-law who genuinely worry about me-

 

“Madam, I’ll handle this matter.”

 

“But then you’d have to be away for more than a day alone. Would that still be okay?”

 

“…I’ll assist you.”

 

And a husband who developed separation anxiety.

 

‘Is this right?’

 

Of course, my original goal of Runein’s revival was steadily progressing.

 

Strengthening the foundation by solving transportation, food, and security issues. The hot spring business entrusted to other northern lords was getting on track, raising the estate’s recognition significantly.

 

I scattered bait through rumors and interviews, so artists would arrive soon too.

 

‘They won’t come flocking like tourists from the start though.’

 

Originally, culture and arts were the final stage of estate development. The flower of civilization, you could say.

 

Like how you think of alcohol and songs only when your belly is full and your back is warm.

 

I shouldn’t think I could see immediate results just by throwing money around. This was a process of sowing seeds, not harvesting.

 

The higher the value-added industry, the slower it rises, so if I steadily strengthen the foundation, it will change someday.

 

‘Still, this seems like decent progress for four months.’

 

Except for the completely unexpected terminal illness rumors spreading.

 

I recalled what the interview reporter had subtly asked and clicked my tongue inwardly.

 

I knew it would be printed in the article as is, but I left it alone. It was necessary work anyway. They have to make a living too.

 

‘So what I need to do next is.’

 

Countless tasks I had set in motion flashed through my mind.

 

I was organizing them by importance and urgency when I suddenly paused at the lethargy that overcame my body.

 

My body shivered as if feeling a chill.

 

‘Why am I like this?’

 

I looked outside, but the sky was bright.

 

A clear blue sky announcing that summer had arrived. Why was I like this when it wasn’t even raining?

 

After wondering briefly, I thought it might be body aches and got up from my seat. I had been running non-stop for four months, so it was understandable.

 

“Madam?”

 

When I got up from my seat without a word, Shubel, who had been helping me organize documents, looked at me curiously.

 

I surveyed my aide with hawk-like eyes. His firmly built shoulders, his narrow waist, his hands that made an ordinary fountain pen look small.

 

He might not know how to knead dough, but he looked like he’d be worth feeding.

 

“Pass.”

 

I looked at the blinking Shubel and smiled broadly.

 

“I need stress relief, so I’m going to make cookies. Want to come with me?”

 

His eyes widened slightly.

 

“This would be the first time I see you baking directly, Madam.”

 

When I told the head chef I was going to make cookies, he familiarly cleared space for me.

 

Shubel came up behind me as I was putting on an apron and took the strings I was tying to tie them for me instead.

 

As soon as we came together, all the maids who usually helped ran away—I don’t know why, but they were all wearing pleased smiles—making it difficult to tie alone.

 

I felt embarrassed for not being able to tie something like this properly after making such a big deal about it.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Don’t mention it.”

 

I gave him an apron too—there was a brief size issue, but fortunately we could borrow the head chef’s—and since I had no intention of entrusting sensitive measurements to a beginner, I had him stand beside me.

 

Then whenever I moved to get ingredients or tools, he followed me around with that big frame of his.

 

“You’re stirring up dust. Stay still.”

 

When I said that, he became dejected. I had no choice but to hand him the dough I had just made and explain.

 

“This is quite heavy and sticky, so it’s hard to maintain a consistent speed, you know? You also have to add butter in the middle and fold it. Tell me if it gets difficult.”

 

I didn’t know then.

 

How overpowered a man who does what he’s told, has physical strength, and does everything as precisely as if measured with a ruler would be at baking.

 

I went to make some cream briefly, and when I came back to see Shubel folding dough almost like a machine, I unconsciously parted my lips slightly.

 

Thanks to rolling up both sleeves, his solid forearms were fully exposed.

 

‘I underestimated him too much.’

 

I had heard that knights often requested sparring matches with Shubel, but I had forgotten due to the strong perception of him as a mage.

 

Unlike those disgusting people back in the capital who used to show off their strength to impress me, making me frown.

 

Curious, I approached closer and poked his well-developed arm muscles.

 

He froze.

 

Shubel’s hands, which had been kneading the dough mindlessly, stopped.

 

“Isn’t it tiring?”

 

“It’s fine.”

 

“You’re doing well for your first time.”

 

“This is my first time baking, but since I have to cook for myself when I’m at the barracks.”

 

I’d been thinking this for a while, but he had strong survival skills for someone with a young master image.

 

He handed me the dough he had completed.

 

I looked with satisfaction at the round, white, well-made dough.

 

And conversely, Shubel, who had been watching me like that, said.

 

“Madam, you have cream on your face.”

 

“What? Where?”

 

As I lifted my head, his fingertips brushed against the corner of my mouth.

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