TWOTCL༘ ೀ⋆｡

XLVl

⭑. ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑.𖥔 ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭

Before Marcel could scold him for speaking such nonsense, the Baron quickly continued.

“Your Highness is an authority in the field of beastman physiology within the Royal Ragnos Academy of Natural Philosophy and Pharmacology. Recently, you also published a paper in the journal ‘Studies on the Madness Manifestation in Beastman Species.’ I have heard that you are more dedicated than anyone to research and methodologies to uncover the causes of madness. Additionally, you were recently invited as a senior researcher and visiting professor at the National Academy of Panthea.”

Marcel’s eyes and posture changed as the conversation turned to his field of expertise.

“That’s true. But what does that have to do with your absurd request to find your daughter?”

“It’s very much related.”

Seeing that Marcel had taken the bait, the Baron’s lips curled into a faint smile.

“…Have you ever heard of the theory regarding a human with blood that can quell madness?”

The moment the Baron uttered those words, Marcel’s expression hardened.

“…What did you just say?”

Sensing instinctively that Marcel had taken his bait, the Baron smiled slyly.

“Yes. It’s exactly as you think. My humble daughter possesses that very power.”

Without missing a beat, the Baron quickly bowed to Marcel.

“Please return my wretched daughter, who is on the verge of becoming nothing more than a toy for the noblemen, to her father’s embrace! In return, I will make sure my daughter is available as a research subject for His Highness, the Prince.”

Marcel’s body stiffened upon hearing the Baron’s repulsive plea.

Help me reclaim my fiancée, foreign prince.

The Baron’s vicious plan to reclaim Elysia, who had hidden herself within the powerful Hadeon Lark, one of the most formidable families in the Ragnos Kingdom, was beginning to take shape.

***

Inside a moving train.

The train, headed to the capital with the academy as a midway stop, was running nonstop.

Elysia’s expression was tense as she embarked on her first journey alone with Hadeon.

Elysia was using the national train for the first time. Everything seemed new and unfamiliar, and she remained stiffly frozen in place. Rather than actively enjoying the trip, she seemed to have chosen to keep an eye on Hadeon, the host and sponsor of the trip.