The Villainous Young Lady Would Even Risk Her Life for Her Beloved ～ Her Fiancé, the Prince? By All Means, Please Be Happy with the Heroine! - Chapter 1.42

Starting the next day, we began the selection of a healer for Fred’s treatment. Several renowned healers, including Gauche, were considered. The fact that the House of Lias had the resources and influence to summon such famed individuals was impressive.

(Uncle and Mother’s names aren’t on the list…)

Was it too awkward for them to ask? Or did they still refuse to acknowledge Mother’s abilities? Perhaps Uncle was deemed unsuitable because he was no longer a noble?

“I know full well this is not something I should ask Lady Lydiana or Lord Luca… but… do Lady Sasha or Lord Luke harbor ill feelings toward us?”

The Margrave, who held considerable power in his own right, asked hesitantly.

So, it was the awkwardness that kept their names from being mentioned. Within the country, Mother and Aunt are widely considered the top-tier healers. Compared to them, the others pale in comparison. Uncle would certainly be counted among the best as well. What’s with those three siblings…?

“Mother might—but Uncle won’t mind at all,”

Luca answered plainly. It’s true—Mother, having been bypassed in favor of the previous family head, is definitely irritated. But Uncle lacks the pride typically associated with former nobles—or perhaps it’s more accurate to say he’s missing it entirely.

“If he’s invited, Uncle will be happy. I’m sure of it.”

All the underage members present, including Fred, nodded firmly.

“I’d like to ask Lord Luke, if possible. He’s always encouraged me, listened so intently when I spoke about our land… I would truly like to see him again.”

“…Very well. I’ll write a letter. If needed, I’ll go in person to ask him.”

The Margrave was willing to bow his head to Uncle—a commoner now—for the sake of his family. Or perhaps Uncle was just that special.

“Ah! But if we ask Uncle, there may be a delay…”

Luca and I had the same concern. Uncle was now employed. He worked with the healer corps, which was chronically short on staff. Could he take extended leave?

“Even if we bring in another healer now, it’ll take considerable time just to identify where the magic is leaking. Then they’d have to verify the treatment method… In the end, asking Lord Luke would likely be the quickest way.”

Everyone agreed with Gauche’s reasoning. I had tried several times to pinpoint the leakage, but only managed because I already knew the location. The level of concentration needed felt like threading a needle. I’d felt dizzy afterward. Uncle had done this for Fred’s entire body—unbelievable. The title he’s destined to earn—Greatest Mage in History—was already making me feel inadequate.

“I’ll wait as long as needed. I won’t rush Lord Luke. And it seems I’ll be able to return to the academy, too.”

“You will!?”

Even the Margrave couple hadn’t heard this yet.

“I’m sorry, but it’s best they don’t know the details about this just yet.”

At Leonhart’s words, the Margrave looked uneasy, while the Margravine smiled with curiosity, as if wondering what could it be? Still, they left the room without protest.

Fred had been unable to return to the Academy of Magic due to his symptoms. The academy is the main setting in the original novel Eye of Iris, attended by many noble children—and talented commoners as well. Graduating from it is a significant status symbol.

“We might be able to acquire potions—and the recipe, too.”

“You mentioned that yesterday.”

Leonhart looked pleased, but also a little troubled. The timing seemed too convenient. Why had he made the Margrave couple leave? Was this something dangerous?

“Strictly speaking, it’s not a potion—it’s a powdered medicine that restores magic.”

Lord Finley looked utterly delighted as he explained.

“But is it real?”

Luca’s doubt was justified. In this country, potions aren’t something you can just casually obtain.

“Yes! I tested it myself, so it’s fine!”

What?

“Who tested it…?”

Geoffrey asked cautiously.

“I did.”

(You’re kidding. That smile… Lord Finley…)

I felt all the bl00d drain from my face. Then—

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!!!”

I immediately checked Lord Finley’s body with healing magic—every inch, in detail. Thankfully, there seemed to be no problems.

“Lord Leonhart!!!”

“Don’t take it out on me! Of course I tried to stop him!”

What if it had been poison? What then…? That was far too reckless. Even if it was for his beloved brother, it was utterly short-sighted. It was just like in the original story—Lord Finley tends to undervalue his own life. This is something that absolutely must change going forward.

“Lord Finley, please—never, ever do something so reckless again!”

“A-Ah…”

“Do I make myself clear!?”

“Y-Yes!”

It was the first time I’d spoken to Lord Finley so forcefully. But even now, I wasn’t convinced he fully understood. I’ll have to keep an eye on him.

“Umm, so… what exactly didn’t you want the Margrave to hear? I mean, the medicine’s real, right?”

Luca steered the conversation back on track.

“The source is the problem. It’s from a prince of a neighboring kingdom.”

“You don’t mean… Prince Trua!?”

“A prince selling his country’s precious knowledge…”

So that’s why they didn’t want the Margrave couple to know. If they were aware and still proceeded with purchasing classified foreign goods, it could immediately become a diplomatic scandal. And the fallout would be serious.

“The price isn’t cheap, but it’s not something I can’t afford. That said, like the Margrave, I can’t be the buyer. If it’s discovered later, it won’t be ‘just trouble.’”

“So I was thinking—I’ll buy it myself.”

Fred shrugged, looking like a child caught misbehaving. Even if it was discovered that he bought it, it would still be problematic—but under the circumstances, he might be the least risky option. That’s what he was trying to justify.

“The seller seemed very selective. He wanted buyers who had the means to pay and, more importantly, had reason to keep the purchase a secret, or were trustworthy enough to do so.”

“So the seller has concerns too…”

Still, I couldn’t help but wonder—did Fred really have that much money without going through the Margrave?

“I remembered what Geoffrey said. Let’s pitch Fred’s clothing line to the knight order.”

That’s right—those clothes were durable and easy to move in. If the knights wore them, their performance would likely improve. Now that I thought about it, Fred did say he was running the apparel business.

“So I’d like Lady Lydiana’s assistance in putting in a good word with the Knight Commander.”

“Of course.”

Honestly, I don’t think he even needs my help. Once they try on the outfit, they’ll be convinced. Besides, I already have the Commander’s gratitude—I doubt there’ll be any issues.

“Still… why does Prince Trua need to sell something so valuable? He’s a prince—his country should support him.”

“He’s expecting triplets with his wife.”

…Huh? His wife? Pregnant? Triplets?

“I didn’t know Prince Trua was married.”

“Apparently, he eloped with the woman he loves. She’s a commoner, I hear.”

“I-I see…”

“He even said he wants the House of Flores to examine the children’s condition. He wants her to stay safe until birth.”

“Our family does have experience with multiples—Mother, we, and our aunt are all twins. Grandfather is especially skilled in that area.”

Multiple births are riskier than single births. Having a healer present for the delivery offers the greatest safety. And if they’re turning to the House of Flores, it’s best to have ample funds ready.

“Could it be that Prince Trua came to this country because he wanted access to powerful healing magic?”

It’s a bit conceited to say, but our country is home to some of the world’s most skilled healers.

“Yeah. He was the one who reached out to us with this offer.”

So when I saw him at the appraisal center, he already knew who we were? He’s not someone to underestimate.

“Is there something wrong with the triplets?”

“No, nothing like that. But the risks are higher, and he just wants to eliminate as many uncertainties as possible.”

Prince Trua… he chose his family over his country. That takes resolve.

“It sounds like we can make this work.”

If Geoffrey says so, I believe him. This whole situation turned out to be much bigger than I expected, though.

“I’m the luckiest man alive—to have the best little brother and such amazing friends… Thank you all, truly!”

Now that his recovery was finally within reach, Fred’s eyes were brimming with tears. Lord Finley, embarrassed but happy, scratched his handsome cheek, trying to hide his smile.