Chapter 22
He was definitely engrossed in his Devil's Claw research right now. Fortunately, it seemed she had arrived just in time.
She let out a sigh of relief.
Rebecca had once read a newspaper article featuring an interview with Justav.
In the interview, he stated that he had rejected numerous offers of employment from various families, and that he somewhat regretted it now because of the hardships he had endured.
He also mentioned that he liked spring potatoes from Montfort the most.
'The laboratory I saw in the picture back then wasn't this shabby. He must have made quite a bit of money with the Devil's Claw.'
Rebecca organized her rising memories and observed Justav with a keen gaze.
"If you have something to say, say it quickly. I need to reject you quickly and go back to my research."
"You seem very interested in the Devil's Claw."
At her sudden remark, Justav briefly gave her a wary look.
Rebecca gestured towards the books scattered around by Justav. He immediately brightened up.
"Oh, you can tell just by looking at these books? Are you interested in plants?"
Rebecca smiled at Justav's slight show of favor.
Then, she stroked a fresh leaf that hung beside her and said,
"I can't say I have no interest at all. By the way, it's a shame. That such precious plants are being neglected like this."
"Neglected! How devotedly I...!"
"I see mottled spots here. Could it be that the temperature isn't right?"
"Have you changed your strategy now? Sending an expert to rebuke me?"
"Unfortunately, I have nothing to do with the Count you're talking about."
"Then which high-ranking noble are you?"
"I could be a very high-ranking person, or not."
"What does that mean?"
"It doesn't matter to you anyway, does it? You're more curious about what I can give you, right?"
"That's true, but there's no one who can meet my needs."
"First, I'll build you a large greenhouse."
"Hmph. Most people have suggested that much."
"I'll build it in Montfort. Is it still the same as the others?"
"In Montfort...?"
Justav widened his eyes and straightened his posture.
Montfort, located in Duke Johannes's territory, was a famous port city.
Therefore, it was able to receive goods from all over the world faster than anyone else.
It was the perfect place to procure rare plants that could only be seen abroad.
In addition, it was adjacent to fertile land, making it a dream location for people who farmed or grew plants.
But the land was expensive.
People believed that living in Duke Johannes's territory meant receiving twice the blessing of the Dephria Goddess.
This perception, combined with the various advantages of the Montfort area, caused land prices to skyrocket.
Rebecca quietly watched Justav's intense reaction before saying,
"Yes. And I won't interfere with whatever research you do. Whether you grow Man-eating Plants or Vampire Plants, do as you please."
Justav's eyes sparkled for a moment, but he soon gave her a suspicious look.
"You'd go that far? What's the condition?"
"I'm thirsty. First, could you give me a cup of tea?"
"Ah, I was so flustered in front of a guest. Wait a moment."
Justav hurriedly got up from his seat and headed to the kitchen.
Taking advantage of his absence, Rebecca thoroughly examined the documents on the table.
She wanted to see how far his research had progressed.
Rebecca picked up one of the most worn-out notebooks.
<When dried Devil's Claw was placed in poisonous water, it bubbled and then the water was purified. Judging from the results, if this plant were ingested by a person...>
Rebecca's eyes widened.
He had discovered the efficacy of the Devil's Claw early on.
Rebecca guessed that it had only taken so long because of the money required for research.
And there must have been another obstacle as well.
"Here, drink. It's cool herbal tea."
Rebecca drank the tea that Justav handed her.
It was the most delicious tea she had ever tasted.
Indeed, he was an expert when it came to all plants.
Rebecca savored the herbal scent before opening her mouth.
"You need test subjects, don't you?"
"Pfft."
Justav spat out the tea he was drinking.
"H, how did you know that?"
"I read some of the notes while you were away. Ah, forgive my rudeness. I only looked because they were open."
"So?"
"The theory is interesting. I... or rather, my employer would be interested in the theory. So, let's do this. You asked for the condition, right? The condition is simple. Research the Devil's Claw under my employer. I'll provide you with test subjects and Devil's Claw seeds."
"No."
"Why?"
"If I succeed in the research that way, wouldn't that high-ranking noble take all the credit? I've seen countless colleagues abandoned in that way."
"Ah, if that's the case, don't worry. My employer is already famous, so they're not interested in such trivial honors. Um, let's just say they have a rich intellectual curiosity."
"Trivial honors! How much of an impact will this have when it's announced...!"
"It will cause a big stir. You'll make a lot of money too. It's almost a panacea. It's amazing how you discovered something like this."
Justav's eyes widened. Then, he blushed and calmed his excitement.
He had heard the words 'madman' and 'eccentric' a lot in academia, but this was the first time he had received such praise.
"You're the first to recognize the true value of my theory."
'He's simpler than I thought.'
Rebecca smiled as she watched him scratching his reddened neck.
Justav, suddenly reminded of his worries, spoke again with a suspicious expression.
"But you said you'd get me test subjects. Could it be that your employer is involved in dark dealings? I'm aiming for a high position, so illegal activities are out of the question."
'He even has a desire for fame.'
He was a man who showed his inner thoughts in many ways.
But Rebecca thought that was better than a cunning person who hid their inner thoughts well.
Instead of a long explanation, Rebecca took out a pendant from her bosom.
"Would this be the answer?"
Justav, who received the golden pendant, swallowed his breath.
The pendant was engraved with a cat emblem with dice at its feet.
It was the emblem of Duke Johannes, which even street urchins knew.
It was something Julian had given Rebecca in their previous meeting to use if she ever had any trouble.
'The reaction is more intense than I thought.'
Justav examined every part of the pendant with trembling hands, but even to him, who was ignorant of everything but plants, it was a delicate work. It couldn't be a fake.
'What a stroke of luck.'
The Devil's Claw research cost a fortune.
He couldn't even get a glimpse of the seeds, and it was difficult just to get dried leaves.
He had almost used up all the inheritance left by his wealthy merchant parents.
Because of this, he was seriously considering whether he should get a side job.
In fact, he had been tempted by several nobles' offers a few times.
However, most of the nobles made it a condition that he follow their orders.
And another concern was that he liked unusual plants that grew in the shadows.
Among them were plants from the Land of Monsters.
There was no way a rigid noble employer would allow that.
But, they wouldn't interfere with his research at all, and the only condition was to grow the Devil's Claw.
For him, there was no more tempting offer than this.
Justav swallowed hard and hurriedly searched for a pen. Then, with a more polite attitude, he carefully said,
"Where do I sign?"
* * *
The Duke's carriage carrying Danae moved smoothly but quickly.
It was her first time riding in a carriage with a Magic Stone.
This luxurious carriage, of which there were only five in the Empire, was a collection of alchemy that could travel an hour's distance in ten minutes.
'But she's remarrying Duke Johannes, who owns such a carriage?'
Danae couldn't believe it at all.
No matter how outstanding Rebecca's appearance was, the child had hardly ever left the mansion.
And Duke Johannes was three years younger than Rebecca. Why would someone who lacked nothing choose Rebecca?
While Danae was lost in thought, the carriage soon arrived at the Duke's estate.
The iron gate with a huge cat painted on it slowly opened as if welcoming her.
"From now on, you must transfer to this carriage. The cats may be surprised."
The servant politely escorted Danae to a small white carriage.
The white carriage was smaller than the Magic Stone carriage she had just ridden in, but it was no less luxurious, with even a tea table prepared.
"It will take quite some time to get to the mansion, so would you like a cup of tea?"
The maid in the carriage treated Danae with the utmost courtesy.
Danae dazedly accepted the tea.
The carriage slowly began to travel along the white gravel path leading to the mansion.
Lush forests lined both sides of the white gravel path.
And cats of all shapes and colors were playing in the forest.
In the middle, dedicated servants were seen feeding the cats or shaking toys.
'As expected of a family blessed by the Dephria Goddess. It's true that this place is a cat's paradise.'
"I will relieve the fatigue of your journey, even for a moment."
The maid carefully began to massage Danae's feet.
Danae, who had initially refused, soon leaned back on the soft chair with a comfortable feeling thanks to her cool touch.
'How long has it been since I've rested like this?'
Danae had lived without rest, managing a large mansion without proper employees.
Sometimes, when she was really struggling financially, she would do piecework until her eyes were dim.
Of course, she couldn't let it be known externally, so the maid sold it for her instead.
'I'm living in luxury thanks to my daughter.'
Danae smiled bitterly as she suddenly remembered that she used to live in such luxury.
Just as Danae was enjoying her long-awaited rest, the carriage stopped.
"Welcome, Mrs. Obelia."
Danae, who got out of the carriage, widened her eyes.
Numerous employees stood side by side in front of the castle and bowed to her.
And in the middle of them, a handsome young man stood with a gentle smile, welcoming her.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Julian Johannes."
