Chapter 20

To find the one who wanted to kill Amoide and put all the blame on Selena, I needed to suspect everyone around him. Even under Raymond’s meticulous medical care, someone managed to kill him.

It was clearly a premeditated murder by using poison. Whether in the west or east, poisoning was the surest and most secretive way to kill an enemy. To poison Amoide’s food or medicine, the perpetrator had to be among the closest people to him and was able to gain Camilla’s trust. Someone who wouldn’t be suspected even when doing something suspicious. And… It was Raymond who fitted all those criteria.

He knew Amoide from a very young age. He also had the most crucial information about Amoide’s health. How the illness first occurred, the signs and symptoms of his illness, and ways to alleviate the symptoms. Everything.

‘Raymond can kill Amoide without being suspected.’ Of course, it was possible that I could be wrong about Raymond. Nonetheless, I couldn’t just rule him out from the list of suspected people. I did feel a little guilty for doubting him. Whenever Amoide’s condition worsened or collapsed, he would rush to this mansion immediately, and he would go home only after Amoide’s condition improved.

At that moment, Raymond looked up, as if he felt my persistent gaze. I quickly turned my head in another direction.

Raymond put down his stethoscope and said, “Milady’s condition is good and healthy. That day, Milady must have been so surprised and anxious. I think Milady lost consciousness due to prolonged exhaustion. I’ll prescribe some medicine to recover Milady’s energy.”

“I’m really fine now.”

“Not only the husband, but the wife must also take care of her health.” Raymond advised me in a warm tone.

“I know, so we can have a healthy successor.”

Listening to my words, Raymond added, “It’s not necessarily just for that.”

“You know about my health well. You even examined my health before I got married to make sure that my body is in the best condition for conception.”

“That’s…” Raymond smiled with a troubled look.

“It’s okay. I understand that you did it because of mother’s order. I don’t blame Raymond. I’m rather grateful.”

“Please don’t mention it.”

“Raymond is such a meticulous person. You have a strong sense of duty, and you’re always so kind.” I showered him with all kinds of praises that came across my mind.

Feeling a little embarrassed, Raymond awkwardly cleared his throat and laughed. “I’m flattered.”

“You deserve it.” I checked his expression and got to the point. “Thank you for coming just in time. Actually, I was wanting to meet you personally to ask for your help in an urgent matter.”

“Urgent matter…?”

“Yes, it’s very urgent.” I lowered my voice.

Raymond’s expression changed noticeably when he saw my serious look. “Does Milady feel uncomfortable somewhere?”

I took a moment to answer his question. “I’m not sure whether it’s a problem or not.”

Raymond opened his eyes wide in embarrassment at my answer. “Oh my God, I must have missed something. May I examine Milady again?” He hurriedly opened his medical bag again.

I waved my hand, trying to stop him. “No, it’s not about me…”

His hands stopped from trying to open the medical bag. Raymond turned to me and waited for my next sentence.

“It’s about my husband, Raymond.”

“Milady means…His Grace?”

“Yes.” I looked at him with a serious face.

“Oh, I was so surprised. So, it’s about His Grace.” Raymond sighed deeply, trying to calm himself.

“It’s actually related to my husband’s health. It’s so urgent that I need your help. So…” I dragged my words as my fingers fiddled with the teacup handle. “I’d like to know more about Amoide’s illness.” I looked at his expression and continued, “Is there something that I should know as his wife? Such as the fatal flaw of my husband’s body?”

“There is no such thing.” He answered instantly, as if it was an automated response. “Milady has been in good condition except for losing consciousness last time. If that’s what Milady has been worried about…” Raymond seemed a little embarrassed.

“Raymond, I’d like to know what kind of medicine you prescribe for my husband. As well as the medical treatments you did on him.” I spoke in an earnest tone.

“May I know why Milady suddenly wants to know about these?”

Once again, I twiddled my fingers with the teacup handle. “I’ve been too indifferent toward my husband.”

“…”

“Whenever he got sick, I could only cry beside him. I couldn’t do anything to help him at all.” I picked up my handkerchief, pretending to wipe my tears, and furtively glanced at his face. As expected, he looked troubled. I could see wrinkles around his brows.

“Is it hard for you to talk about Amoide’s real condition?”

It seemed like Raymond was instructed to confide about Amoide’s condition only to Camilla. Thus, he was a bit troubled due to my sudden request.

‘I have to find a way to get his help naturally, without any suspicions. By any means.’ So, I decided to use another method. With a desperate look, I said, “Raymond, actually…it’s really hard for me to tell you about this…”

Looking at my eyes, he took a moment to think and spoke carefully, “Is Milady worried that it would be difficult to conceive the baby due to His Grace’s condition?”

“Raymond…” With a pitiful look, I covered my mouth with my handkerchief. Although it was just an act, the embarrassment I felt was real. “It’s really hard, Raymond.” I lowered my eyes with a deep sigh. “Amoide…now, he isn’t like how he used to be.”

“Isn’t like how His Grace used to be…?” Instead of trying to pry further, he just observed my countenance. It seemed like he understood the hidden meaning behind my words.

“Didn’t you already hear about this from mother?”

“…Hear about what?”

“I thought she already told you since it is a serious matter…” I blinked my eyes innocently.

“Pardon me, Your Grace. I really don’t know what Your Grace is referring to…” Raymond said in a strangely quivering voice.

“It’s a private problem of a married couple, so I don’t think I should talk about it in detail…”

“Private problem…” Raymond, who engrossed in trying to decipher my indirect words, suddenly bowed his head. It seemed that he managed to figure out what I was trying to say. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. I was overconfident with my skill.”

“No, it isn’t groundless confidence. Your medical skill is definitely the best in the capital, Raymond.” I eagerly praised him and waited for his next words.

“Well…H-his Grace’s…”

I could see Raymond’s ears turning red. ‘Alright, we’re almost there.’ I held the teacup with both hands. As the warmth from the tea transmitted to my palms, my nervousness faded and I felt a sense of relief.

“As a doctor, I had been too complacent with my duty. I should have listened to Your Grace’s words more carefully…”

“It’s not your fault. I was also reluctant to tell you about this since it’s a private matter of a married couple.”

“Your Grace doesn’t have to do so. Your Grace could tell me anything. Anytime.”

“That makes me feel a little less burdened.” I covered my flushed face. “So Raymond, you have to tell me everything. This is something we all have to go through.”

“Of course.”

“So, speaking of which…”

“Yes, please tell me…”

“Well…Medicine and treatment are important to boost Amoide’s stamina, but most of all, shouldn’t he eat nutritious food as well?”

“Yes, Your Grace is right.”

“Though sometimes when I see my husband eat, I don’t think the food is good enough to boost his stamina.” I said as I recalled the type of food served for Amoide. I didn’t eat with him all the time, but I knew what he usually ate because I always saw his meals being transported on the food trolley. To put it simply, all his food was grass. I always thought that the main reason behind his cranky personality was because he ate a lot of grass.

“Hmm…Your Grace means…”

“I want to change my husband’s diet. Can you help me?”

Raymond nodded his head at my careful request. “His Grace had been served with a limited type of food to prevent any possible outbreak, but…Your Grace has a point. It would be good to change His Grace’s diet a little bit.”

“Then, I’ll talk to the chef and decide on the menu.”

“I will help as much as I can.”

“I’m so relieved that you’re willing to help me. Let’s do our best to make sure this family gets a healthy successor soon.” I saw Raymond off with a smile. Shortly after he left, I lifted the bell next to me and shook it lightly.

The door opened immediately, and Rona came inside. “Did you call me, Milady?”

“Rona, go and ask the chef to bring the records of Amoide’s meals from the past month. Including the recipes for all the food, too.”

“T-the chef?” Rona asked with a slightly frightened face.

“Yeah. Why?”

“The chef is a bit…” For some reason, she hesitated to answer.

“Rona?”

“No, it is nothing. I understand.” Rona quickly nodded, as if she made a big decision. Her expression looked determined, like a warrior who was about to go to war. Looking at her reaction, I beckoned her and stopped her from leaving the room.

“Rona, I don’t know why, but you looked very scared.”

“No, I am not.”

“But why is your face sweating?”

“Pardon?” Rona hurriedly wiped off the sweat on her face with her sleeve.

‘What’s going on?’ For a moment, it felt like I had given her a very difficult task. I looked at Rona’s expression for a moment and pulled myself up. “Come with me.”