Chapter 61

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Ally
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Count Domenico was not the only one who was surprised. Aileen was so shocked she could have fainted. She stared, her mouth slightly agape from the shock, as Count Domenico studied both her and Michele with a puzzled expression.
Michele scrunched up her face, causing the freckles on her nose to swarm together, and muttered.

“It’s been a while since I had the lady all to myself.”

She was clearly displeased that their private time had been interrupted. But since she had to maintain a level of decorum, she looked down at Count Domenico with a bored expression and asked.

“We are here on business. What brings you here, Count?”

“I… there is an apothecary here… I came to get some medicine…”

The Count, speaking somewhat incoherently, suddenly widened his eyes as if he had realized something.

“Could it be that you, Grand Duchess, are also here to see the apothecary?”

Until that moment, Aileen had been unable to say a word. To be precise, there was nothing she could say.

After all, she was the very apothecary the Count was looking for.

Count Domenico had been a customer for some time, visiting her laboratory to purchase medicine.

Usually, when noble customers arrived, the innkeeper would deal with them instead of Aileen. This was because Aileen was wary of them.

A shabby pharmacy in a rented room of an old inn, run by a young female apothecary of questionable identity.

It was the perfect recipe for being looked down upon, and indeed, she had faced her fair share of trouble. Had it not been for the innkeeper’s help in many ways, she likely would have found it difficult to maintain her laboratory.

Most prideful nobles sent their servants to buy medicine. However, in such cases, it was difficult to properly assess the symptoms, so she would not sell the medicine.

Nine out of ten would give up. The persistent one-in-ten would come to this old inn themselves, their pride deeply wounded by the fact that they had to personally grace such a shabby place with their presence.

It would have been a relief if they had merely scoffed and doubted the efficacy of the medicine Aileen sold. But they often gave her imperious orders, and some even threatened her, saying she would be in big trouble if the medicine had no effect. Even when it did work, many, rather than being grateful, would take it for granted and make even greater demands.

Thus, Aileen would usually just turn away most noble customers, telling them she didn't have a suitable remedy.

But Count Domenico was different. He hadn't revealed his identity at the time, but she had immediately recognized him as a nobleman from his fine clothes and refined speech.

Despite his somewhat irritable appearance, the Count's demeanor was exceptionally polite, and he had treated Aileen with the utmost respect from his very first visit.

He was also well-informed about the patient's condition, explaining the illness and its symptoms in detail and with precision. He even allowed her to check the medication that was previously being administered. Thanks to this, it was easier for Aileen to make a judgment.

“This is the medicine she was originally taking. It hasn't been effective lately, and her condition seems to be worsening, which is why I sought you out.”

His eyes pleaded with her to examine it and see if she could create something similar.

“It has been several years now since my wife fell ill.”

Like most nobles, their relationship had begun as a political marriage. The Count’s face was awash with both happiness and sorrow as he explained how they had slowly grown on each other, their bond eventually blossoming into a fiery love.

Aileen did her best to create a medicine for him. It was an anti-inflammatory treatment made using yew wood, mixed with a strong analgesic component.

“Taking the medicine I’ve made won’t be a complete cure. But she should feel a little more comfortable…”

Upon examining the previous medication, she found it was akin to a narcotic painkiller. As the illness had worsened, a pill or two was likely no longer enough, making it feel less effective.

To be taking such strong medicine meant that a life that should have ended long ago was being clung to by a thread. The Count knew this as well, which was why he was overjoyed that his wife was much more comfortable after taking the medicine Aileen had given him.

He had promised to visit once a month, but he seemed utterly bewildered to find no one at the inn.

‘What should I do?’

This situation had arisen because the Count had arrived earlier than the promised date. She didn't know if it was safe to reveal that she was the apothecary. If it became known that the Grand Duchess had been selling medicine out of a shabby inn, she might become a laughingstock.

Aileen pressed her lips together and glanced at Michele. Her arms were crossed as she looked down at Count Domenico.

‘Come to think of it, Count Domenico is the new president of the Senate.’

She had seen an article about Count Domenico in this morning's newspaper. It said that as a member of the neutral faction, he would act as a mediator between the imperial family and the aristocracy.

‘I can’t let him find any fault with me…’

While Aileen was conflicted, Count Domenico asked in an urgent tone.

“Do you know where the apothecary who was staying here has gone?”

Michele replied nonchalantly.

“I have no idea.”

“Ah…”

Count Domenico’s face instantly darkened. His eyes trembled violently. The moment she saw them turn black with despair, her body moved before she could think. Aileen, who had been half-hidden behind Michele, took a step to the side and spoke.

“It’s me, Count.”

“…Pardon?”

He didn’t seem to recognize her by her voice, so Aileen raised a hand and covered half her face. The Count’s eyes widened as he pointed a finger at Aileen.

“Y-You…?”

He was so shocked he forgot his manners. Michele slapped his hand down hard. With a sharp thwack, the Count’s arm fell to his side.

Aileen kept her face covered, peeking through a small gap in her fingers. The Count still looked astonished, but thankfully, there was no trace of displeasure or offense.

Reassured, Aileen lowered her hand and was about to curtsy to the Count, but Michele immediately stopped her. Staring at Count Domenico with a blank expression, she turned to Aileen with a faint smile.

“You mustn’t bend your knee so carelessly, my lady.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Newly aware of her status as the Grand Duchess, she apologized dejectedly. Michele immediately knelt to meet Aileen’s gaze and soothed her in a low voice.

“Why would you say such a thing? There is nothing for you to apologize for, my lady. You aren’t feeling well today, shall we just send him away?”

“Wait!”

Before Aileen could answer, Count Domenico pleaded desperately. He immediately removed the gentleman’s hat he was wearing and bowed respectfully to Aileen.

“Please forgive my rudeness.”

While Aileen briefly wondered what he had done that could be considered rude, Count Domenico looked at her with a face full of conflicting emotions. Aileen watched the Count carefully and gently opened her mouth.

“I don’t have the medicine. I haven’t prepared it yet since the day we agreed upon hasn’t arrived… Did you run out?”

“No. I had business nearby and wanted to visit to offer my thanks and a gift.”

In Count Domenico’s hand was a paper bag from a famous bakery in the capital. He muttered in a dejected voice.

“The Grand Duchess… you saved me…”

Count Domenico tightened his grip on the bread bag. Veins popped on his clenched fist, which twitched briefly.

“You must have stepped forward just now because of me. When you could have easily hidden your identity.”

He suddenly dropped his head low. For some reason, he seemed to be lost in a very complex train of thought. Aileen, finding it difficult to understand his intentions, looked back and forth between him and Michele, unsure of what to do.

Michele snatched the bread bag from Count Domenico’s hand with a snap.

“My lady, shall we eat this when we get home?”

She then opened the bag and started talking about something else entirely. The Count, who had let the bag be taken without resistance, kept his head bowed for a long while. Then, he finally raised it.

His eyes were shining with a certain resolve. Count Domenico let out a laugh that was like a sigh.

“I must become a dog.”

Aileen, doubting her own ears, asked again.

“A dog…?”

“Yes. I find the thought of becoming the Grand Duchess’s dog not so bad. It might even be quite enjoyable.”

For Aileen, who had never once ‘offered him the chance to be her dog,’ it was a thoroughly baffling statement. She glanced at Michele, wondering if she knew something, but Michele simply shrugged without any particular reaction.

She was pondering if this was some new trend in the capital she was unaware of when she saw a black military vehicle approaching from a distance. It pulled up smoothly in front of the inn, and a man in uniform stepped out.

Stretching out a long leg, Cesare planted his foot on the ground. He spotted Count Domenico and raised an eyebrow. Then, as if he understood the situation, he let out a faint smirk and turned to Aileen. He pulled her naturally into his arms and asked.

“Were you waiting for your husband?”