TRCR 22

Clearly, he was deeply immersed in researching Devil’s Claw. Good timing.
Rebecca let out a sigh of relief.
She had once read a newspaper interview with Yustaf.
He mentioned rejecting offers from numerous families, though he slightly regretted it due to the hardships that followed.
He also said he loved spring potatoes from Montfleur.
“The lab in that photo wasn’t this rundown. He must’ve made a fortune with Devil’s Claw later.”
Sorting her memories, Rebecca studied Yustaf with sharp eyes.
“Speak quickly if you’ve got something to say. I need to reject you and get back to my research.”
“You seem quite interested in Devil’s Claw.”
Her sudden remark made Yustaf’s eyes narrow with suspicion.
She nodded toward the books strewn about. His eyes lit up.
“Oh, you figured that out just from the books? Are you into plants?”
Rebecca smiled at his slight warmth.
Stroking a vibrant leaf beside her, she said,
“Not entirely, but it’s a shame to see such rare plants neglected like this.”
“Neglected? I take such good care of—!”
“Look, there are mottled spots. Wrong temperature, perhaps?”
“Changed tactics, huh? Sending an expert to criticize me?”
“Unfortunately, I’ve no connection to that count you mentioned.”
“Then who’s this high-and-mighty lord you work for?”
“Could be someone important, or not.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It doesn’t matter to you. You’re more curious about what I can offer, right?”
“True, but no one can give me what I want.”
“I’ll build you a large greenhouse.”
“Hmph. Everyone offers that.”
“In Montfleur. Still the same as the others?”
“Montfleur…?”
Yustaf’s eyes widened, and he straightened up.
Montfleur, in the Johannes duchy, was a renowned port city.
It offered quick access to goods worldwide, perfect for sourcing rare plants.
With fertile land nearby, it was a dream for farmers and botanists.
But the land was exorbitantly expensive.
People believed living in the Johannes duchy doubled Dephria’s blessings, driving up prices.
Watching his intense reaction, Rebecca said,
“Yes. And I won’t meddle in your research. Grow man-eating or vampire plants—whatever you want.”
Yustaf’s eyes sparkled with temptation but quickly turned wary.
“You’d do that? What’s the catch?”
“My throat’s dry. Could I have some tea?”
“Oh, I forgot I had a guest. Hold on.”
Yustaf hurried to the kitchen.
While he was gone, Rebecca scanned the documents on the table.
She wanted to know how far his research had progressed.
She picked up a well-worn notebook.
<When dried Devil’s Claw was placed in poisoned water, it boiled and purified it. This suggests that if consumed by a person…>
Her eyes widened.
He’d already discovered Devil’s Claw’s properties.
It must’ve taken so long due to funding issues.
And another obstacle, likely.
“Here, drink. Cool herbal tea.”
Rebecca sipped the tea Yustaf offered.
It was the best she’d ever tasted.
Truly a plant expert.
Savoring the herbal aroma, she said,
“You need test subjects, don’t you?”
Yustaf spat out his tea.
“How did you—?”
“I read your notes while you were out. Forgive my rudeness; they were open.”
“And?”
“It’s an intriguing theory. My… employer would be interested. Here’s the deal: research Devil’s Claw under them. We’ll provide test subjects and seeds.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“If I succeed, your lord will take all the credit. I’ve seen too many colleagues discarded that way.”
“Oh, don’t worry. My employer’s already renowned and doesn’t care for petty fame. Let’s say they’re… intellectually curious.”
“Petty fame? This could cause a sensation…”
“And make a fortune. It’s practically a panacea. How you discovered this is impressive.”
Yustaf’s eyes widened, his face flushing as he calmed his excitement.
He’d been called a madman by academia, but never praised like this.
“You’re the first to see the value in my theory.”
*Simpler than I thought.*
Rebecca smiled, watching him scratch his reddened neck.
Suddenly wary, he said,
“Providing test subjects… your employer’s not involved in shady dealings, is he? I’m aiming high; I can’t afford anything illegal.”
Ambitious, too.
He was an open book.
But she preferred that to cunning types who hid their motives.
Instead of explaining, she pulled a pendant from her pocket.
“Does this answer your question?”
Yustaf gasped, taking the golden pendant.
It bore a cat with dice at its feet—the Johannes crest, known even to street urchins.
Yulian had given it to her in case of trouble.
Stronger reaction than expected.
Yustaf examined the pendant, trembling, then carefully returned it.
Even to his untrained eye, it was exquisite—no fake.
What a windfall.
Devil’s Claw research was costly.
Seeds were rare, and even dried leaves were hard to source.
He’d nearly exhausted his parents’ merchant inheritance.
He’d been considering a side job.
He’d been tempted by noble offers before, but they always demanded control.
Plus, he loved studying rare plants from shadowy origins, including those from demon lands.
Stuffy noble employers wouldn’t tolerate that.
But a sponsor who wouldn’t interfere, with the only condition being Devil’s Claw research?
It was too perfect.
Swallowing hard, he grabbed a pen, his tone now deferential.
“Where do I sign?”
* * *
The Johannes carriage carrying Danae glided smoothly and swiftly.
It was her first time in a mana-powered carriage, one of only five in the empire.
This alchemical marvel covered an hour’s distance in ten minutes.
*And my daughter’s remarrying into the Johannes duchy?*
Danae couldn’t believe it.
Despite Rebecca’s beauty, she rarely left the estate.
And Yulian was three years younger, with no lack of prospects. Why her?
Lost in thought, the carriage reached the duchy.
A massive iron gate with a cat emblem opened slowly to welcome her.
“You’ll need to switch to this carriage. The cats might get startled.”
A servant courteously led her to a smaller white carriage.
Though less grand than the mana carriage, it had a tea table and exuded luxury.
“Would you like tea? It’s a bit of a ride to the mansion.”
A maid inside treated Danae with utmost care.
She accepted the tea, dazed.
The carriage rolled slowly along a white gravel path lined with dense forests.
Colorful cats played among the trees, tended by servants feeding or entertaining them.
Truly a duchy blessed by Dephria. They call it a cat paradise for a reason.
“Let us ease your travel fatigue.”
The maid gently massaged Danae’s feet.
Initially resistant, Danae soon relaxed into the plush seat.
When was the last time I rested like this?
Managing a large estate with few servants, she’d had no respite.
In desperate times, she’d sewn by lamplight, her eyes straining, with the maid selling her work discreetly.
Thanks to my daughter, I’m being pampered.
Danae smiled bitterly, recalling her once-luxurious life.
The carriage stopped.
“Welcome, Lady Obelia.”
Danae stepped out, eyes wide.
Dozens of servants lined up, bowing.
In their midst, a striking young man greeted her with a gentle smile.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Yulian Johannes.”