Chapter 157

Madam Moriah.

In her previous life, Nerys had brought many people over to the side of the Elandria family and the Imperial Family, but among them, she was special.

The daughter of the late Emperor and sister to the current one, she had inherited vast lands from her former husband, making her enormously wealthy. Unlike most robust royals, she was unusual in that she had suffered an illness in her youth.

After becoming Crown Princess in her previous life, Nerys had frequently visited Madam Moriah’s estate for the sake of her husband. By diligently currying the matriarch’s favor, she had managed to turn several significant territories over to Abelus’s name.

Camille, the one who had directed Nerys to seek out Madam Moriah, once said to her:

‘Sister-in-law, Aunt doesn’t care much for the Imperial Family. Who knows which madman she’s set to inherit her lands after her death? And she’s so difficult with merchants who work her territories. Abelus and I already have plenty of ventures there—must we pay her high taxes on top of that?’

It was brazen talk. Madam Moriah could leave her lands to whomever she pleased, and however she ruled them in her lifetime was her prerogative.

But Nerys, newly married into the Imperial Family, was terribly intimidated, knowing everyone there—including her husband—disliked her. Her fear was so deep that, when her husband did not even come to the bridal chamber on their wedding night, she wondered if she would be cast out soon.

So when Camille, who treated her like family and encouraged her, gave such advice, Nerys obeyed.

Madam Moriah was considered eccentric, and in truth she was to some extent. She was sharp in judging people and showed little kindness. She had even coldly dismissed her niece-in-law, the Crown Princess, at their first meeting.

But Nerys had persistently followed after this stern grandaunt, and she discovered that Madam Moriah was not a bad person.

She was cold as frost but never cruel. Once, she expelled a doctor who tried to pass off his own son as an assistant and overcharge her for a poultice bag—but that was because he attempted to swindle her. Most of the time, Madam Moriah was fair to her servants.

In fact, aside from the treacherous Camille, she was the one who treated Nerys the best in the Imperial Family.

‘Don’t mistake me.’

Even now, when Nerys closed her eyes, she could hear Madam Moriah’s voice.

‘I’m not giving this because I’m fond of your husband. I’m tired of seeing your face like a rain-soaked pup. If he still mistreats you after this, then the fault lies with him.’

And it was true. Even after Nerys secured immense wealth for him, Abelus continued to mistreat her, and Nerys now knew that was indeed wrong.

Though her leg condition kept her from social gatherings, her judgment and composure were impeccable. Much of the polished grace that Nerys now carried was thanks to Madam Moriah.

The carriage rattled along. Nerys glanced at Nellusion seated opposite.

“Big Brother, what sort of person is Madam Moriah?”

“Well…”

Nellusion gave a wry, troubled smile.

“She is a difficult one. But if she helps, your life in the capital will be easier. After all, she’s an elder of the Imperial Family.”

“Someone like that… could I really persuade her? Could I ever win her favor?”

“Of course, Nerys. Who wouldn’t like you? And you have your eyes. Being of the Imperial Family, she wouldn’t dismiss one with Jeweled Eyes.”

Nonsense. Madam Moriah cared little for such things. Seeing Nerys still uneasy, Nellusion gently stroked her cheek, his sky-blue eyes observing her Jeweled Eyes as if studying them.

“If all else fails, you could use your special gift. Forgive me, but it might help.”

“…What?”

So that was his true intent.

Nerys widened her eyes as though she’d never even considered it. Nellusion looked satisfied with the tremor in her gaze.

“It’s not for evil. You’re innocent, aren’t you, Nerys?”

“…Yes.”

“The fault lies with those who don’t believe it. Your gift only works once a day. Convincing one investigator isn’t enough—you need the entire Imperial Family persuaded. So it’s best to win over the one whose words carry the greatest weight.”

At present, Nerys’s standing as a defendant was precarious. Without evidence, if the Imperial Family decreed her guilty, someone of her weak birth would have no defense and could be executed.

But with the Elandria family behind her, things would change. What was mere excuse when spoken by a powerless noble became a valid cause for acquittal when claimed by a great house.

Had the Duke truly resolved to pull her away from Camille’s grasp? Nerys did not know. But Nellusion seeking outside help suggested the Duke’s stance was still lukewarm.

‘Fox.’

He told her to think of the Duke’s residence as her home, but inside he was likely weighing whether it was more profitable to sell her off quickly or hold on until her value rose.

Nerys could have used her Jeweled Eyes on him and freed herself easily. But she refrained, for a reason.

‘I want to see how far this goes.’

She wanted to see just how real this family’s supposed harmony was. How much they truly cared. Would they discard the false daughter who had once brought them great gain?

Either way, meeting Madam Moriah was to her benefit now. So she answered Nellusion meekly.

“All right, Big Brother. Just tell me what to say. I’ll trust only you.”

❖ ❖ ❖

“Her Ladyship says to go back.”

The steward of the estate spoke firmly through the closed iron gate.

Even if he was the Duke’s son, he couldn’t force an audience with royalty. Still, it was rare to see even the Elandria family’s carriage turned away without the gates opening.

Nellusion asked with a polite, troubled smile,

“Not just I, but Lady Nerys Truydd is with me. Could we not at least pay our respects?”

“Forgive me, but Lady Truydd may not call upon Madam uninvited. The order stands.”

Nellusion’s smile stiffened faintly. He knew he couldn’t meet her at will either. No doubt he thought bringing the capital’s current sensation would prevent rejection—but the steward was unmoved.

Turning away, he started back toward the house.

“One moment, please.”

Nerys called softly. The steward paused, looking back at her.

Cold and rigid he might be, but there was dignity in his manner. From her past life, she knew he was loyal to Madam Moriah.

“It shames me to intrude like this. Of course, Madam has every right to refuse an unexpected visit. But I have long respected her, and I ask only this—might you ask if she would allow me to come again, at her leisure? Tomorrow, or the next day—I will continue to come until she consents.”

The steward’s face flickered in alarm. Nellusion, matching her calm poise, nodded.

“Yes. If my sister so wishes to greet her, I will accompany her until Madam grants it.”

“You will do no such thing.”

A voice sharp as frost cut across the air.

Nerys instinctively checked her posture at that familiar sound. From the small grove beside the gate, an elderly woman emerged.

Her half-white ash-gray hair, buttoned-up old-fashioned gown, and frail appearance belied her age, but her back was straight, and her gaze was piercing.

“Such gall. ‘I’ll keep coming until I’m let in’? Bold indeed.”

Nellusion’s face showed genuine unease, but Nerys calmly lifted her skirts and bowed.

“Greetings, Madam. That was not my intention.”

“Words are easily denied. Are you the one the rumors speak of?”

“I cannot say. I have no one to bring me gossip.”

As she drew near, the gate opened. Madam stopped a few paces before Nerys, who greeted her with a faint smile.

Madam’s brow twitched. To ordinary youths, her presence was terrifying. But Nerys judged the reaction a good sign. If displeased, Madam would have shown no change at all.

“I apologize deeply for my rudeness. I am Nellusion Elandria.”

He bowed with formal courtesy. Madam turned her head without expression—exactly as Nerys expected. Yes, Madam saw through people well. Nerys smiled inwardly.

“…If you must come in, only you, girl. My house is not a resort for young socialites to boast of visiting.”

Her next words were surprising.

Nerys had not expected entry so easily. Startled, she glanced at Nellusion as if asking for help.

“It’s all right, Nerys. You should thank her. Many young ladies dream of the chance you’re being given.”

As expected, Nellusion seemed reassured by her feigned unease. He stepped back.

“If you’d rather not, then don’t. Do you think I’ll devour you?”

Madam’s tone was cold, but her eyes now fixed on Nerys. Nerys curtseyed again and entered the estate.

Behind her, she heard the Elandria carriage depart. Madam walked toward the house, and once the wheels were distant, she spoke abruptly.

“Play with a viper and you will be bitten.”

Nerys was startled. Viper suited Nellusion perfectly. Was Madam truly the type to offer warnings to strangers? Perhaps Nerys had been too immature in her last life to notice. Maybe Madam had always dropped hints like this.

Nerys smiled faintly.

“Who would willingly seek out a viper?”

They reached the stone steps in the garden. With no railing, Nerys instinctively offered her arm in support, frowning.

“Why are there no handrails? It must be troublesome for you.”

Both froze.

She had done this countless times in her past life, thoughtlessly moving first. This was the very spot Madam often struggled with.

But to touch someone uninvited, simply for their infirmity, was hardly endearing. Nerys realized her mistake and moved to withdraw her arm.

Madam answered offhandedly.

“…The railing broke recently. It will be replaced by evening.”

Indeed, in her past life, the estate had been fully fitted with handrails. Coming here earlier this time, nothing had changed in the structure itself.

“I see. Forgive my impertinence.”

“Until then, I’ll need something to hold.”

Instead of pulling away, Madam moved her own arm closer. Nerys linked arms again, blaming herself for failing to separate past from present, and climbed the steps hesitantly.

After they passed the garden steps, Madam withdrew her arm and walked on alone, her back still perfectly straight.