Chapter 13

The next day, after enjoying another delicious breakfast provided by the House of Florescrus, I was told I could freely read any of the books in the annex’s study. I left the dining room in high spirits.

For the time being, since I was essentially a squatter, I intended to stay quiet and stay out of the way.

The Duke’s study was packed with books on magic. Lord Nazelbert was said to possess more mana than the average person and was known for being a hard worker when it came to his magical craft. I had overheard the nobles gossiping about it back at the party.

Most people in this country are born with mana in their bodies and possess various magical powers.

One typically discovers what kind of magic they can use through a childhood examination at a church or by unconsciously manifesting it in daily life.

The type and strength of magic vary from person to person, and how much importance is placed on it depends on the household—some strive to master it, while others don’t care at all. For the record, my family had zero interest in magic.

The magical power I was born with was quite pathetic: “Material Reinforcement.” It was rare, but an incredibly plain ability.

That’s why I never felt inconvenienced living in a house that had no connection to magic. Besides, in this world, people who can wield truly powerful magic are few and far between.

However, this house smelled of magic everywhere, starting with the bookshelves.

Usually, people don’t think about mastering their magic the way Lord Nazelbert does. He really is an incredible hard worker.

Which is precisely why his current situation is so pitiful.

“Not that I can actually do anything to help. Sigh, I’m so useless…”

After finishing a few simple books, I decided to head back to my room. Taking a walk outside sounded nice, but it would be awkward if I bumped into one of the other members of the Duke’s family.

As I gently opened the door to head to the second floor, I heard someone shouting. It was a man’s voice, but it didn’t belong to Lord Nazelbert.

“Hmm? I wonder who that is.”

Following the voice, I saw that the door to a guest room was standing open.

Even though I knew I shouldn’t, my curiosity got the better of me, and I crept closer to the room.

I suppressed my presence so as not to be caught and strained my ears.

Then, the conversation became clear.

“I’m telling you! I’m against the way the Royal Family is handling this! Poor Brother is being treated too cruelly!!”

“Calm down. I’m fine. The official word from the Palace hasn’t even arrived yet.”

“That’s no reason to be optimistic! At this rate, Brother, you’ll be sent to the frontier! And on top of that, having to marry the ‘Potato Lady’ is just too much!! Why does Brother have to go through this…?”

I gasped and moved even closer to the door.

Based on the conversation, I was certain the people inside were Lord Nazelbert and his younger brother.

It seemed his brother was on his side. I felt a wave of relief knowing that, unlike me, he wasn’t isolated within his own family.

“Becoming husband and wife with the ‘Potato Lady’… you’ll be the laughingstock of high society! A woman like that is no match for you, Brother!”

I know, right? It was a shock to hear, but I completely agreed with him on that point. There were just too many differences between us.

Status, appearance, ability—I was a total failure in every category. Truly, I was a marriage partner with absolutely zero benefits for Lord Nazelbert.

“She’s in the annex right now, isn’t she? Before any strange rumors start spreading, you should kick that ‘Potato Lady’ out immediately!”

Lord Nazelbert’s brother’s words were painfully logical.

Ah, how tragic… I really shouldn’t have been eavesdropping.

Just as I turned on my heel to retreat to my room, Lord Nazelbert’s voice echoed from inside.

“I will not permit you to insult her. Furthermore, I have no intention of kicking Lady Agnes out.”

He spoke to his brother with absolute resolve.

“Why not?! Keeping a woman like that around will only disadvantage you, Brother. I’ll go kick that ugly, delusional woman out myself right now!”

“Wait! Julian!!”

So the younger brother’s name was Julian…?

While I was absentmindedly thinking about that, the door swung open and something slammed into me with incredible force.

“Bugh?!”

Sent flying, I tumbled across the floor and crashed straight into the wall.

I heard the sound of multiple footsteps approaching and Lord Nazelbert’s anguished voice screaming, “Lady Agnes!!”

“Oh, this is bad… My vision is spinning, my legs feel like jelly…”

My consciousness began to fade out, and with one final “thud” as my head hit the wall, everything went completely black.