This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 445

Jared and Dennis were greeted by a woman as they stepped out of the carriage.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Clawence Dollt, and I am the wet nurse who serves Duke Cassandra Hagedorff.”

The former Court Mage, who introduced herself along with her greeting, was an old woman with a gentle smile that exuded a certain elegance. Her white hair was neatly tied back with a barrette, and her woman radiated a youthful vitality with her back held perfectly straight.

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Jared Murphy.”
“…Fufu.”
“Huh?”

Clawence’s eyes crinkled at the corners, and she smiled at the boy, causing him some confusion. Her eyes held a tenderness as if she were looking at her own grandson.

“I apologize. Um, I saw that Liz has grown up so much.”
“Did you know my mother?”
“Yes, although it was for a short period, we fought on the battlefield together a few times before I retired. She was a very strong and beautiful woman.”

As she spoke, recalling the past, her expression gradually darkened.

“However, I never expected her to pass away so young. I am truly sorry.”
“Thank you. I’m sure my mother would be happy to hear that.”

He never imagined that his mother would know her, and it was an unexpected encounter.

“I also know of you, Lord Jared. I met you just once when you were still a baby.”
“Is that so? I didn’t know that.”
“It’s understandable, as I haven’t met Baron Daum. Liz would bring you to the Royal Palace a few times when you were just born. During those times, I took care of you for about an hour in her place.”

The information about his mother and himself, which he was unaware of, warmed his heart, but he couldn’t keep chatting idly.

“Lady Dollt.”
“Please call me Clawence. I am Cassandra’s wet nurse now.”
“Then, Clawence, I would love to hear more about my mother, but let’s get to the main point.”
“…Indeed. How careless of me, I apologize. Well then, I will guide you inside the mansion.”

Although disappointed that the conversation had ended abruptly, Clawence remembered her duty and led them into the mansion. The Hagedorff Ducal Family’s villa was not particularly striking. As it had been Cassandra’s residence, traces of her life were evident everywhere. When shown into the drawing-room, the wet nurse prepared tea for them.

“Lord Jared, Dennis, I apologize on behalf of the Young Lady.”

Clawence began by bowing her head.

“Originally, you were supposed to be confined in this mansion, Lord Jared. My role is to be your watcher and to keep you here.”
“…I see. As the former First Seat Court Mage, that would be possible.”

He didn’t know what kind of magician she was. She was apparently Dennis’s master, but Jared didn’t know the capabilities of the current First Seat Court Mage. Either way, it must have been a tough battle.

“Master, I’ll be direct, but what is Lady Cassandra thinking?”

Dennis, who had remained silent until then to avoid disturbing Jared and Clawence, finally spoke.

“You’ve always been impatient. But very well, I will answer. The Young Lady intends to resurrect the Progenitor.”
“Yes. Both myself and Lord Murphy know that. And that Lady Cassandra is a descendant of the shaman who served the Progenitor.”
“Oh, you know that much? It seems Lord Rasmus intends to bring you to his side to stop the Young Lady.”
“…You even know about Rasmus.”
“Of course. I was the First Seat Court Mage, even if only formerly. Before that, I received much help from him for the Young Lady. That is why I am so disappointed that you two have taken different paths.”

The wet nurse continued with a somber expression.

“In truth, I have not been privy to the full extent of the Young Lady’s thoughts. I would not normally wish to go against the master I serve. However, if something were to happen to the Young Lady, I would regret it until the day I die. That is why I am betraying her like this now.”

Clawence’s priority is to continue serving Cassandra as her wet nurse. If it were under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t even want to leak information to Jared and the others as if she were tattling. There must be a reason why she is trying to stop the woman she has raised since childhood, even if it means betraying her.

“What I know may not be everything. However, I know that it must be stopped.”
“What does Duke Hagedorff want to do?”
“The Young Lady wants to take revenge on this country.”