I couldn’t believe it.
That kind of line actually raised his affection?
Was something wrong with the game, or was something wrong with Jerome’s head? Just as I was wondering that, Jerome spoke.
“…Perhaps having a stranger visit the ducal estate would help change the atmosphere.”
Well… I guess I should be happy the skill worked.
Just as I let out a sigh of relief at the successful use of the skill, I felt someone’s gaze and turned my head.
Then I met Lowell’s eyes, slightly widened as he stared straight at me.
‘Uh…’
His expression clearly said, “What kind of person even says something like that?”
“……”
Hey, I didn’t want to say that either!
If I want to raise affection, I don’t have a choice!
As I comforted myself inwardly, Lowell gave a soft smile and spoke.
“It will be good practical experience. Let’s go together.”
Thank you for pretending not to notice.
I silently expressed my gratitude to Lowell.
Anyway, I had successfully created a chance to get involved with Jerome, and that was enough.
Just wait, Jerome Winston. I’ll make you mine.
Returning to reality felt like it was only a matter of time.
We rode in a carriage and traveled north with Lowell to the Belcadia Empire.
As was typical in romance fantasy settings, the ducal estate where Jerome, the Grand Duke of the North, lived was located in a snow-covered mountainous region.
The imperial palace had been quite warm, but up here in the north, I couldn’t adjust to the sudden cold.
When we arrived at the estate, Jerome was there to greet us.
Just like when I first saw him, he wore a black uniform. The only difference now was the black fur cloak draped over his shoulders.
Jerome approached and greeted us in a rather businesslike tone.
“Thank you for coming such a long way. Would you like to warm yourselves first?”
His dark circles had grown twice as deep since the last time I saw him.
Lowell replied with concern.
“You look even worse than before. Let’s deal with the urgent matter first. Could you show us around the estate?”
“Follow me. I will guide you.”
In just a few days, Jerome’s condition had worsened to the point where it wouldn’t be strange if he collapsed at any moment.
If he died from the curse, that would be a problem, so I hurried after them.
The ducal estate, decorated entirely in dark tones, was spotless without a speck of dust, yet it felt strangely cold and empty.
Only essential furniture and items were present. There weren’t even the usual decorative pieces you’d expect in a noble’s residence.
‘So minimalism is trendy these days.’
…Or not? Since this is a game, maybe trends like that don’t exist.
Lost in random thoughts, I followed as we were shown the dining hall, the study, and eventually arrived at the bedroom.
At that moment, Lowell spoke.
“There’s definitely a strong presence of dark magic here.”
The bedroom, like the rest of the estate, had nothing but practical items.
Except for one thing—the incense burner on the bedside table.
The burner, decorated with gold leaf and embedded with various gemstones, didn’t match Jerome’s minimalist taste at all.
Lowell noticed it and said,
“That’s purification incense used by the temple.”
“I heard he suffers from headaches and nightmares, so Lady Angus regularly sends purification incense,” Jerome explained.
At the familiar surname, my body flinched.
Vivian Angus.
The villainess who poisoned me—and the one I would eventually have to confront.
Meanwhile, Lowell continued questioning.
“Did it have any effect?”
“The headaches eased while the incense was burning, but only temporarily.”
“Temple-made items are always like that.”
Lowell clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“Have you tried changing the room’s location?”
“I have, but nothing changed.”
While Lowell and Jerome continued their conversation, I approached Jerome’s bed.
It was large enough for four people to lie on comfortably.
“Could we lift the mattress? I think we should check underneath.”
At my sudden request, Jerome stared at me for a moment before calling the servants.
“Lift it.”
The servants brought sharp knives and cut open the underside of the mattress.
As white goose feathers scattered from the torn section, something was discovered.
“There’s something inside the mattress.”
“Take it out.”
They pulled out a small, old wooden box.
It emitted a damp, heavy aura, like an old coffin. Its worn surface was stained with something unidentifiable, and just looking at it made my stomach churn.
As everyone in the room frowned, Lowell stepped forward.
“Please step back. This is my area of expertise.”
The servants quickly retreated, and Lowell murmured an incantation under his breath.
Then he opened the box.
Inside were short black hairs and charred black feathers.
“This is a curse using dark magic. The impure hair causes headaches, and the burnt crow feathers act as a medium for nightmares.”
Lowell continued,
“I don’t know who did this, but it’s quite a nasty trick.”
Seeing the cursed items in front of him, Jerome’s expression darkened.
He had expected someone to have cursed him, but seeing it directly must have been a shock.
Closing the lid, Lowell said,
“Could you dismiss the servants?”
At Jerome’s signal, the servants left the room.
Once only the three of us remained, Lowell asked,
“Do you have any suspects?”
“There are a few… but nothing certain.”
Jerome rubbed his chin, looking troubled.
Well, someone of his status would have countless political enemies. It wouldn’t be easy to pinpoint the culprit.
But there was no telling how the culprit might harm him next.
Since I had decided to get involved with him, I needed to find the person behind the curse as soon as possible.
Picking up the box, Lowell said,
“Let’s remove the curse first. Could you guide us somewhere outdoors where we can light a fire?”
“Follow me.”
We went outside together.
After walking for a while, we reached a training ground.
It was spacious and covered with sand, so there was no risk of fire spreading.
Lowell placed the box on a stand and closed his eyes, clasping his hands before softly chanting,
“Comburo maledictum.”
A sharp crack echoed, clashing with his gentle voice, and the box burst into flames.
The fire burned quickly and intensely, leaving no trace of the box behind.
Just as it disappeared completely, Jerome staggered.
“Ugh…!”
“Are you alright?”
I quickly grabbed his arm.
Partly because I was worried—but mostly because I wanted to create a connection with him.
We had to get deeply entangled.
Only then could I return to reality sooner.
Leaning on me, Jerome struggled to steady his breathing.
At that moment, Lowell approached.
“When a curse connected to your body is severed, it can cause a momentary shock. How do you feel?”
After catching his breath, Jerome examined himself, looking slightly surprised.
“The headache is gone.”
“That’s good. It seems the curse has been successfully lifted.”
“As expected of His Majesty’s most trusted mage. I will properly reward—”
At that moment, Jerome’s gaze fell on the arm I was holding.
“…!”
Suddenly, he jerked away violently.
The unexpected force made me lose my balance.
“Ah…!”
Just as I was about to fall backward, Lowell quickly reached out and caught me.
I ended up in his arms.
Startled, I looked at Jerome.
He seemed just as shocked, staring at me with wide eyes. His blue eyes trembled uneasily.
Then, a system notification appeared.
[Jerome Winston’s affection has decreased by 10.]
[Jerome Winston’s affection: 0]
…What?
What is this?
Affection can drop too?
As I stared blankly at the sharply fallen affection level, Jerome spoke.
“…Dinner is being prepared. I will have someone guide you to your rooms.”
He quickly turned and left.
As I watched his retreating figure in a daze, Lowell spoke.
“Are you alright, my lady?”
“Ah…!”
Only then did I realize I was in his arms and hurriedly stepped away.
“I-I’m fine.”
I was still in shock.
The affection I had worked so hard to raise had dropped.
It can decrease too…?
As I stood there stunned, Lowell said,
“I knew the Grand Duke disliked physical contact, but I didn’t expect it to be that severe.”
“He dislikes physical contact?”
“Yes. It’s well known in the imperial palace. Many women approach him, but why do you think he’s still unmarried?”
…I didn’t know.
It seemed his affection dropped because I grabbed his arm.
But still, isn’t that too harsh? I was trying to help!
Though I felt wronged, I was the one at a disadvantage.
If I wanted to go home, I had to endure this as a slave to affection points.
I resolved to avoid physical contact from now on when dealing with him.
Then Lowell spoke again.
“There’s something I’d like to ask you, my lady.”
“What is it?”
“How did you find the location of the curse?”
I froze.
I had learned early in the game that the cursed item was hidden under the mattress.
The only difference now was that back then, it was Lowell who discovered it—not me.
Lowell stepped closer.
“The box was covered with a barrier to conceal the curse’s aura. Even I, a palace mage, would have needed time to notice it.”
His deep, mysterious purple eyes slowly examined me, as if trying to see right through me.
“How did you know immediately that the curse was under the bed?”