Chapter Fifty-six: The Beginning with Prejudice
“Suspicious remedy has been circulating in Ehlertt’s territory recently, you say…”
Upon hearing the request from Waltride, Julius’s expression turned bitter.
According to the princess, the suspicious remedy had apparently become popular among the young noble daughters in Ehlertt’s territory’s capital city.
“Yes. There are some eccentric young ladies who even invite someone like me, who came from the royal capital for recuperation, to their tea parties. I occasionally attend, and that’s where I learned about this remedy circulating primarily among young women.”
She seemed pretty mobile despite her appearance. Karen thought idly that since her body type would likely get stuck at the entrance of a normal carriage, perhaps her carriage, like her bed, was custom-made.
“I’ve called upon your benefactor, who is knowledgeable about non-magical materials, to investigate the true nature of this remedy, Julius.”
“Your Highness, while I appreciate your concern for Ehlertt Earldom, please leave our matters to us. You should focus on healing yourself.”
“My Bloodline Blessing isn’t life-threatening. My symptoms aren’t serious, so there’s no need to worry.”
Waltride said firmly with a smile, leaving no room for argument.
“I apologize for interfering in the earldom affairs as an outsider. But when you were in the royal capital, I wasn’t sure whom I could trust. I couldn’t help but act, wanting to repay the kindness I received.”
Though she apologized, she didn’t seem to feel particularly bad about it. Julius’s frown deepened in response to Waltride’s attitude.
“I greatly appreciate your assistance. However, I’m concerned that you might be putting yourself in danger, Your Highness. Please consider your own well-being first.”
Julius said this with a respectful bow. Seeing the top of Julius’s head, Waltride let out a small, amused smile.
Wondering what kind of relationship they had—the suspicion that should have vanished when she first saw the princess resurfacing—Karen couldn’t help but interject:
“If there’s anything I can do to be of service, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Those are reassuring words. I appreciate it, Alchemist Karen.”
“Karen…”
Julius looked at her with pleading eyes. From Julius’s perspective, he had brought Karen here solely for Waltride’s Bloodline Blessing. Urged on by Julius’s imploring gaze, Karen reluctantly turned to face Waltride, carefully maintaining a professional smile.
“In order to serve Your Highness effectively from now on, may I ask for clarification on the nature of the Bloodline Blessing that is affecting your body?”
The princess didn’t appear to have a fever, but Karen recalled the example of Sieg, who had concealed every ailment except fever. If such stoicism was standard for nobility, then unless she heard it directly from Waltride, Karen might not notice anything at all. Of course, the princess might lie, but that was a separate issue.
Julius, Waltride, and the nearby servants all looked dumbfounded when Karen asked to hear the princess directly.
“Um… Did I ask something inappropriate?”
As Karen became intimidated, the princess, who had been staring with wide eyes, burst into laughter. Her cheeks jiggled.
“Hahahahaha! Did you hear that, Julius? Even in the expert alchemist’s eyes, my condition doesn’t appear serious!”
“Huh? Wh-what?”
“My, my, I’m sorry for confusing you, Karen.”
Waltride, who had been laughing with tears in her green eyes, looked at Karen with narrowed eyes, still in good spirits.
“The side effect of my Bloodline Blessing is that the overflowing magical power doesn’t become heat or harm my body, but transforms into excess flesh like this.”
Saying this, Waltride stroked the flab around her midsection.
“In other words, I just get fat. Nothing serious, right?”
“I-I see… I didn’t realize. Please forgive my rudeness.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. But the fact that you didn’t notice means that among commoners, there are also people with this body type. Isn’t that right?”
“Y-Yes, that’s true.”
Karen nodded repeatedly.
She had never met someone this heavy in her life, but in her previous life, she had seen people on TV who were so overweight they could barely move. She had accepted the princess’s figure without much question, assuming it was due to the lavish lifestyle of royalty. She never thought it was caused by the Bloodline Blessing.
“I see, I see. So I’m not abnormal at all.”
“Um…”
Karen had intended to subtly suggest treatment to Waltride, who apparently had no intention of seeking help, but she had inadvertently encouraged the princess to embrace her condition.
In her peripheral vision, she could see Julius giving a strained smile.
“I like you, Karen!”
Karen seemed to have gained Waltride’s favor, but this had completely backfired on her objective. As Karen stood there in bewilderment, the princess smiled brightly.
“Now then, let us work together to defeat the evil plaguing the earldom!”
“The Ehlertt family will conduct the investigation, so please do not get too involved.”
“I understand, I understand. I won’t be a nuisance to you, so don’t worry.”
Julius’s face showed bitter concern, while Waltride laughed cheerfully.
Again suspecting there was something between these two, Karen’s romance-obsessed brain started spiraling, and she shook her head vigorously. Karen had thought that rumors of romance between Julius and someone with this appearance would be just rumors, but if this state was due to the Bloodline Blessing’s side effect, that was extremely disrespectful thought.
Karen bowed her head deeply.
“I sincerely apologize…!”
“What are you apologizing for? You gave me the words I wanted to hear most.”
As Waltride showed a bright smile without any trace of bitterness, Karen inwardly held her head in her hands. This condition absolutely had to be cured. On Karen’s own pride—even if it meant giving birth to the most beautiful couple ever.
With newfound determination and a sense of resignation, Karen’s new mission had begun.
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