Chapter 22

He clicked his tongue in an irritated manner, and began to put something on the table one by one.

The package he handed over the table was the things that Astel would like, including a herbal and potion kit.

Astel asked while staring at him in bewilderment.

“Grandpa, what’s all this about?”

“I’m not your grandpa… no, right. call me grandpa.”

Unfamiliar with the title, Sally alternated between Astel and Ricardo with a confused face.

Ricardo was the predecessor of the Jaguar family.

I heard that the current state of the Jaguar family could not do anything about him because his favor and preference was out of control.

Everyone swears behind his back for being a capricious old man, but nevertheless no one dares to openly condemn him.

Thanks to his tremendous achievements in the war for decades, no one could dare go against him.

Anyway, he still had influence over the Jaguar family and he was respected.

But he’s been so sweet to Astel.

“Yes, Grandpa!”

Besides, Astel, who I thought was only innocent and adorable, looked so strong.

Sally and Jenny were so surprised to see Astel that their jaws were about to fall from their faces.

“You haven’t completely cured my curse, no, I mean my condition.”

“…What?”

Astelle continued to be puzzled by the subsequent words.

Lord Ricardo was a grotesque old man who couldn’t control his anger.

Sally and Jenny continued to stare at Ricardo with anxious eyes, who they never knew when it would explode.

If that weird old man threatens Astel…!

“You don’t understand me, yo-you!”

Finally, the fire broke out.

Sally and Jenny, standing right next to the curtain in the tea room, were scared and closed their eyes tightly.

Yes, as I thought Ricardo was weird!

That weird old man could only put up with that much!

If Astel gets hit with a cane, I’ll throw myself to stop it!

It was when all sorts of horrible thoughts were in their minds.

Ricardo, who had become ill, said gruffly.

“Well, that’s it. Take this as well.”

…Wha-what? Astel wasn’t hurt?

Sally glanced at Ricardo and Astel with a quizzical expression.

I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on.

“What? What’s this?”

Sally and Jenny thought Astel seemed suspicious…

She stared at Ricardo on a mysterious day and tilted her head.

Ricardo coughed, avoiding her gaze.

“Well, it’s a recording artifact.”

Surprisingly, what he handed over to Astel was really a recording artifact.

Recording artifacts were basically expensive. In addition, besides it’s recording function, it also has a video sphere function.

It was a different form compared to the low-end version of the recording artifact that Sam proudly showed earlier, but it was quite expensive.

“Hah. If those guys say anything, you should use recording artifacts too!”

“Just tell them that I gave it to you. It doesn’t matter when I’m the one who allows it! Those bunch of bad guys. Why are they bothering you with that little body?”

“It’s expensive but isn’t this illegal?”

Sally, who was confused by those words, wanted to interrupt them. ‘You’re also bothering Astel!’

But all that popped out of her mouth was a harsh breath.

“…”

While Astel’s gaze was scrutinizing the artifacts on the table, the tea room became silent.

Two maids, Sally and Jenny, watched the situation with their hands sweating.

Meanwhile, the grumpy old man stretched out his wrinkled hand.

He tried to stroke Astel’s head but hid his hand behind his back again.

“Oh, that’s it. Quickly put it in!”

However, Astel’s instinct couldn’t let her be, ‘How could I possibly receive such an expensive thing!’

Recognizing Astel’s innermost thoughts, Ricardo huffles, thrusting the recording artifact right in front of her.

Astelle, who had been elated until Sam was defeated, was back in coward mode after solving the case.

She bowed her head with a shy face and thanked Ricardo.

“Yes, Tha-thank you grandpa!”

“Eat this too. Anyway, you’re so skinny. That’s why bad guys take you as an easy target. You need to gain some weight.”

Astel stiffened with astonishment at the mountain of wild ginseng he handed her.

“Well, I mean… I’m not that skinny…”

“You have to gain weight. I’m not giving this to you because I like you. My curse, oops, no, I mean, I’m telling you to focus on my treatment.”

After hearing Ricardo’s words, Sally thought behind the curtain.

‘Ricardo, if you’re not giving it to Astel because you like her, why are you smiling? It’s probably a big smile that could never be seen on a Jaguar.’

But Sally could only say this in her head.

She exchanged glances with Jenny who was next to her.

“That…”

“Do you want something?”

“What I want…”

“Tell me anything.”

Widely known as a grotesque old man, it’s the first time he gave a friendly look.

In fact, there’s only one thing that Astel wants from those in power in the Duke Castle.

However, he was only involved because of Cassian’s revenge for our family.

It was too much to ask for only treating him, I couldn’t even reveal my identity.

So I decided to give the best answer.

“Could I ask you next time?”

“So it’s a wish ticket then?

“Yes, it’s a wish ticket!”

“Okay, whatever.”

As their conversation continued, Sally, who was hiding, listened to their stories, then whispered to Jenny.

It was a strange sight to see.

“You know. Ricardo has that kind of personality right?”

“Maybe Lady Astel used… a mind control potion?”

Sally and Jenny looked at each other.

It made sense. Sally nodded her head first.

No, she was sure.

Ricardo wouldn’t do that unless he took those pills!

Both of their shoulders trembled, Sally said, as if proclaiming reverently.

“Oh, but whatever she did, Astel’s idea wasn’t that bad.”

The predecessor of the Jaguar family, who stood at the forefront of the great monster war.

A grumpy old man with dozens of medals from serving the war.

Surrounded by those rumors, I never imagined that he would have such a gentle appearance.

“Yes, Grandpa. You have to grant my wish later!”

Ricardo frowned as he touched his sparsely white brows.

“Well, being called grandpa wasn’t all that bad to hear.”

…No matter what, Astel was the only one who called Ricardo grandpa.

Even the young heir of the Jaguar family couldn’t call him ‘grandfather‘ and had difficulty when dealing with him.

Feeling strange, he continued while quietly scratching his head.

“Oh, come to think of it, I heard some interesting news on the way here.”

“Interesting news?”

“Yes, I heard there were human knights from the capital. They could also become your friend.”

My eyes grew wide at the sudden news.

The human knights are here.

Recalling the letter I read a while ago, I’m sure my brother was among those knights.

What? Brother arrived here this quick?

Suddenly my heart started pounding.

I was worried that this might just be a dream.

I carefully opened my mouth. If this was a dream, I don’t want to wake up from it.

“Really, I couldn’t believe there were other humans coming to the castle. That makes me happy!”

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my brother. Even though we exchange letters, I miss him…

Our reunion inside the Duke castle made my heart throb even more.

Until now, I’ve always received help from my brother, and he’s always protecting me, but…

But now, I’ll be the one who protects you!

* * *

(Cassian POV)

After entering the Duke’s office with the Knight Commander, I finally sat face to face with Duke Anais.

But I felt something was definitely a little off.

This was because Duke Anais’ gaze looking at me was crooked

It looked very rude for the first meeting.

As a child, he grew up and survived observing other people’s eyes, and throughout his life he sharpened his blades to avenge those who overthrew his family.

As such, he easily noticed the hostility of others.

‘The Duke of Anais certainly hates me.’

But why?

There was no reason for him to hate me so far.

I should be the one who hates him instead.

My lips turned into a smug grin.

The usual look I had when I was dealing with someone I didn’t like.