TFHID 07

Chapter 7

“But Rayleigh is still young, and she’s rather slow-witted… Do you really think she can do something like that?”

At his wife’s question, Viscount Bitence glared at her.

“Normally? Of course she couldn’t! That’s exactly why she’ll lower their guard.”

“Ah…”

“The important thing is that no one would ever suspect her of acting as a spy.”

“I see.”

“For now, the first thing she needs to do is find out how much the Elestain family plans to bid for the Core Ruby mine.”

“Yes. I’ve already passed the instructions to Margaret, so she’ll keep a close eye on things for us.”

“And even if she doesn’t succeed, once she naturally blends into the ducal household, there will come a time when she’s useful.”

“I suppose I was worrying over nothing.”

“Most people would think that. But who do you think Marquis Malvern is? He gave these orders after considering all of that.”

Mentioning Marquis Malvern’s name, the viscount puffed himself up as though he were someone important.

In truth, Viscount Bitence wasn’t a particularly capable man.

He wasn’t bold enough to marry off a young daughter to a ducal house simply to make her a spy.

The only reason he dared attempt something so risky was because Marquis Malvern stood behind him.

Since he had the backing of the influential marquis, he believed his own future was secure.

After all, hadn’t he already succeeded in marrying his daughter into House Elestain at the marquis’s command?

“So that useless girl has finally become useful.”

“Hmph. At least all the money I spent raising her wasn’t completely wasted.”

The reason they treated Rayleigh so cruelly was simple.

She wasn’t their biological daughter.

The viscount narrowed his eyes as he recalled what had happened years ago.

More than a decade earlier, the infant his wife had given birth to had died immediately after being born.

Since they had already arranged to use a daughter in a political marriage if the baby were a girl, her death had caused considerable financial losses.

He already had a son to serve as his heir.

A daughter was nothing more than a business tool.

So, in secret, he brought home an abandoned baby from the slums.

Since the child would only ever be “used,” he had no qualms about raising a lowborn infant as his own daughter.

He never told Rayleigh she wasn’t his real child, fearing she might let the truth slip.

Instead, he spent as little money on her as possible and treated her like nothing more than a tool.

Then, not long ago, the important arranged marriage he’d planned for her had fallen through.

If things continued that way, all the money he’d invested in Rayleigh would go to waste.

So he hurried to find somewhere else to “sell” her.

That place had been the aging Count, who was seeking a new wife.

Considering the money and time he’d invested in Rayleigh, it wasn’t a particularly profitable deal, but at least it would prevent a loss.

Then…

“Viscount Bitence.”

“Yes, Lord Marquis Malvern.”

“I’ve heard the Elestain ducal family is looking for a young daughter-in-law… Your daughter seems perfectly suited for the role.”

That was when Marquis Malvern informed him that House Elestain was searching for a child bride.

To be honest, the immediate rewards for the viscount’s house were much smaller than what he would have gained from marrying Rayleigh to the elderly count.

However, earning the favor of Marquis Malvern—the leader of one of the most powerful political factions—was worth far more.

And if Rayleigh continued bringing him information from the ducal household, his own standing within the faction would only continue to rise.

Hmph. Even that pathetic girl has finally found a purpose.

The marquis had never expected much from Rayleigh in the first place.

Her role was simply to blend naturally into the Elestain household, lull them into lowering their guard, and notify him when the perfect opportunity to strike arrived.

With a satisfied smile, Viscount Bitence crushed out his cigarette.

At last, it seemed time to reap the rewards of his long-term investment.

*

After dinner, Walter walked beside Rayleigh with a cheerful smile on his face.

She tilted her head.

“Father, isn’t your residence in the other direction?”

“Now that we’ve eaten, I thought I’d take a walk while escorting you back. Does that make you uncomfortable?”

“Not at all! I’m happy you’re going out of your way for me.”

“Hehe… I’m glad.”

Walter looked down at her with an unabashed grin, and Rayleigh smiled back.

Maybe… he’s just happy to finally have a daughter.

Her father-in-law’s unconditional affection felt strange—and oddly comforting.

Compared to her own parents, who had only ever wanted to exploit and oppress her, the difference was like night and day.

“Come to think of it, I’ve been doing all the talking… Is there anything you’d like to ask me?”

“Ah…”

A question that had been lingering in her mind finally slipped out.

“Father… why did you choose me as your daughter-in-law? My family… isn’t nearly prestigious enough to become relatives of a ducal house.”

House Elestain kept its distance from the political center and remained isolated from the capital.

Even so, its status as a ducal family was unquestionable.

It possessed a long and honorable history, having defended the northern frontier against monsters for generations.

Though little known outside the north, it had also accumulated enough wealth to maintain its dignity as one of the empire’s great houses.

Surely many noble families would have wanted to marry into House Elestain.

Even if they carefully selected a daughter-in-law to protect the family’s secret, there was no reason to choose such an insignificant house as the Bitence family.

Walter’s golden eyes flashed for a brief moment before growing dim.

“Hm… You’re right. I suppose you deserve to know.”

He spoke slowly.

“Our family has always been very careful when choosing our life partners.”

“Yes.”

“The north is a harsh land where we directly face monster waves… and it’s also prone to military conflicts. Wouldn’t it be difficult if the person standing beside you wasn’t someone you could trust with your back?”

“I suppose so.”

A bitter smile appeared on Walter’s lips.

For a brief instant, it almost looked like self-mockery.

Then it disappeared.

“Throughout history… there have been several duchesses of House Elestain who betrayed the family.”

“…!”

“Unfortunately, the daughters of powerful noble houses were especially prone to doing so.”

Rayleigh was genuinely surprised.

She had always assumed the custom of raising future daughters-in-law from childhood existed solely to protect the family’s secret as beastkin.

Apparently, there had also been political reasons behind it.

“Although it was never made public… Serge’s mother… my former wife… was one of them.”

“…!”

“It was a very unfortunate affair.”

Rayleigh froze.

What Walter had just said completely contradicted what the fairies had told her.

“The Duke loves Rima!”
“Rima loves the Duke too!”
“They loved each other!”

She had naturally assumed it was simply the tragic story of two people deeply in love, with the duchess dying before her husband.

Instead…

Walter was telling her that the previous Duchess of Elestain had betrayed the family.

“I suppose… even so, if someone truly doesn’t wish to remain in this family, there’s nothing that can be done.”

“…”

“So if you ever feel that this house isn’t where you belong… you can tell me anytime.”

Walter smiled kindly.

“You still have many years before you come of age. Think it over carefully. If you decide you want to leave… I’ll let you go without stopping you.”

“…!”

“You’ve already met Serge, so you know he’s… a difficult child. I understand that the two of you may not be suited to each other. I have no intention of forcing you to stay under those circumstances.”

There was a deep sense of resignation in his voice.

Objectively speaking, Walter’s words should have been welcome news.

Rayleigh had always intended to leave this family someday.

And yet…

Instead of feeling relieved, her heart only grew heavier.

“I’ve burdened you with such a serious conversation when you’ve only just arrived at the castle. In any case… the thing that matters most to me is that my daughter-in-law lives here safely and happily. Please don’t ever forget that.”

“…Yes.”

Just as the heavy silence settled between them—

“Woof!”

A bark suddenly rang out, shattering the atmosphere.

They both turned toward the sound.

Standing there was a small black fox cub with gleaming golden eyes, gazing straight at them.