Of course, even I wouldn’t have wanted to send a child into such a dysfunctional family.
So I had no intention of arguing with Lady Odilon’s decision—or trying to reconnect with her.
But if things turned out like this, it became a bit troublesome.
We might end up running into each other.
It wasn’t like we had any serious conflict, but she was definitely someone it would be awkward to face.
However, my goal was to bring down the slave trading operation run by Xavier. To achieve that ultimate objective, I needed Lady Odilon.
She was someone who could give me leverage.
Well, Xavier probably has connections with high-ranking nobles too…
But conversely, if those nobles sensed danger, they might cut him off like a discarded tail.
Xavier was replaceable.
In other words, if I played my cards right, he could end up taking all the blame alone without receiving any support.
“If I want that bastard to be screwed, I need at least one ally.”
Charging in blindly would be dangerous.
Without knowing which noble houses were attending the auction, the most efficient and reliable move was to win over Lady Odilon.
It looks like she’s planning to divorce her husband too.
If things worked out, this situation could also give her solid grounds for divorce.
Slave trading was a major crime in the Empire. In a way, it could become a mutually beneficial arrangement—give and take.
“But something still feels off…”
Like Matthias said, the distance between the 10th district and here was considerable.
They couldn’t just bring high-ranking nobles down there directly. They must have brought them up because they needed to conduct business.
Then… they might still be looking for Matthias.
That would be bad.
If he was considered a “premium product,” he must have been highly valued.
Of course they’d search for him if he suddenly disappeared.
Ah… I didn’t think about that.
I had been too focused on the debt and hadn’t properly considered Matthias’s safety.
My plan had simply been: bring him here and protect him.
He was only next door, and so far only Sophia had met him—but until this situation was resolved, I needed to be careful.
“My mistake.”
Should I assign guards now? No, that wouldn’t work either. The manor already barely had enough manpower.
Servants and even knights had left the estate.
There was a limit to how much I could rely on the family’s knights.
After thinking for a moment, I decided to deal with the most basic and urgent issue first.
I should teach him how to read and speak.
Communication is life in emergencies.
He could speak a little, but his expressions were still clumsy, and he seemed embarrassed using language.
He had strength, but didn’t seem to know how to use it properly…
I might need to teach him some basic self-defense too.
I’ll educate him properly. Much cleaner than the Duke’s household.
No strange lessons allowed.
Just as I firmly resolved this, Sophia rushed in a little urgently.
“Miss. If you have a moment, could you please come to the room?”
“The room? Why?”
Sophia looked slightly troubled.
“Sir Matthias… seems a little agitated.”
“…Huh? Who?”
While Aria was on her way, Enoch—the doctor Sophia had urgently called—found himself in a very difficult situation.
Well, this is something.
He had been rushed over expecting an emergency, but…
“Get lost.”
What exactly was this wild animal?
Enoch carefully observed the beast-like man, whose fur was bristling with hostility.
Even making eye contact felt exhausting.
The man was hiding in the corner of the room, glaring as if he would bite at any moment.
“If you come any closer, I’ll kill you.”
“Hoho…”
But Enoch had done nothing to provoke him. He had simply come to treat Matthias’s injuries and had no intention of causing harm.
He had only asked him to remove his clothes to check the wounds.
And yet—
“I told you to get out before I kill you.”
The large “beast” immediately bared his sharp teeth.
I might actually get bitten.
Sophia had said he was a gentle person…
…Where exactly?
At this rate, he felt like his throat might be torn out the moment he relaxed.
“Matthias!”
At that moment, the door opened and a woman rushed in.
When I arrived after Sophia’s call, the room was already chaos.
Medicine scattered across the floor, Matthias hiding in the corner, and confused people standing around.
I quickly assessed the situation and signaled Sophia. She hesitated briefly, then quietly left the room.
“…Aria?”
Matthias noticed me and his curled-up body trembled slightly. He clearly looked overwhelmed.
The man still in the room stepped forward and bowed.
“Greetings, Lady Renesti. I am Enoch Franz, a doctor introduced by Sophia.”
“Thank you for coming, Sir Franz.”
After a brief greeting, I glanced at Matthias. Sensing an explanation was needed, Enoch cleared his throat and spoke carefully.
“I asked him to remove his clothes briefly in order to treat external wounds, but…”
His words trailed off as he looked at the scattered medicines on the floor.
That alone explained enough, so I nodded.
“Could you wait in the next room for a moment?”
“Call me anytime.”
As expected of someone Sophia recommended—he was perceptive.
Enoch looked between me and Matthias once more before quietly leaving.
Click.
After confirming the door closed, I stepped forward quickly.
Matthias was looking up at me with a mix of relief, confusion, and anxiety.
I knelt down—and suddenly he reached out.
“Wah?!”
I lost my balance and fell backward. Luckily, a large hand supported the back of my head, preventing any impact.
Only then did I realize Matthias had clung tightly to me.
“Ma-Matthias?”
What is he, a puppy?
I awkwardly tried to push him away, but once he realized I was trying to separate him, he held on even tighter.
And then—he buried his face into my neck.
A strange tickling sensation spread slowly, and I felt my body heat up.
“W-wait! Move a little!”
No matter how serious I looked, I still had common sense!
I wasn’t the kind of person who would jump someone who was injured!
Red warning lights practically blared in my head as I struggled.
Eventually, as if he finally came back to his senses, the arms around my waist slowly loosened.
After a moment, Matthias cautiously pulled back and lowered his gaze.
“Other… person…”
“Yes. I think you were surprised.”
He nodded quickly, as if relieved I understood.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve explained first before bringing him in.”
At my words, Matthias slightly lifted his eyelids.
He looked uncertain—almost worried I might find him troublesome.
That made me feel a bit uneasy, so I softened my voice as much as possible and gently reassured him.
“He’s not a scary person. He came to treat your injuries.”
“Th-then…”
Matthias grabbed the buttons on his shirt.
“Aria… do it.”
Click.
One button came undone.
“Tre…atment.”