MPO

CHAPTER XVll

“Well, I have briefly investigated the rumors…”

Philip had immediately investigated the Este Countdom upon hearing that the violinist his lord found was the rumored Leila.

Even a light investigation was enough to roughly ascertain her situation and whereabouts.

“It seems she is not properly protected by her family. Indeed, the family could have easily stopped the unfavorable rumors about her, yet they did not.”

“Is she considered a useless child then?”

“Not exactly, as she is the only hyper-dominant omega in the Camorr Empire. Count Este seems to care only for her half-siblings, even though she would be useful.”

“Do you have the documents?”

“Yes, just a moment.”

Lucas appreciated this about Philip. Of course, investigating his master’s person might be offensive, but the time they had spent together meant he did not feel displeased.

Having received the documents from him, Lucas carefully examined the Este Countdom’s family tree.

“Betas, huh.”

“Yes, all direct members of the Este family, except her, are betas. Honestly, it’s surprising that a hyper-dominant omega was born between a beta and an omega.”

“That’s your misunderstanding.”

Lucas casually corrected him as he passed the documents.

“What do you mean?”

“A hyper-dominant individual can only be born from a union of a dominant alpha and a dominant omega. If dominant traits were that easily inherited, families with dominants would continue to only produce dominants.”

“That makes sense.”

If someone else had posed this question to Lucas, he might have been displeased. But it was Philip, so he could explain it plainly. Perhaps being preoccupied with the contents of the documents also lessened any bad feelings.

“The siblings are from a troublesome family.”

“Yes, well… it’s quite obvious.”

Philip himself had a lot taken away by his elder brother since childhood, so although the situation was reversed, he could understand Leila’s position.

“We should go see her.”

“What?”

Lucas, who had thought she would not come on her own, recalled his recent mood. Had he ever been this disappointed simply because he couldn’t see a performer he was supporting?

Until now, the artists he had supported were anxious because they could not seek him out. It was nice to appreciate their performances or works, but he had not often visited them as he did this time.

He might not have wanted to see or listen to them that much, or perhaps their gaze made him uncomfortable.

But this time was different. Leila’s performance was superior and more special than any violin performance he had heard so far. Moreover, the subtle body scent and the gaze that did not look at him seemed to have given him a true respite.

Thinking he could not lose his newly found sanctuary, he stood up without further thought.

Philip, rising with him, said,

“If you’re going, let’s go together.”

“If I told you not to come, would you have worked?”

“That wouldn’t be the case, of course not. Please don’t forget that I am your aide.”

“If that’s the case, why say anything? Just quietly follow me.”

“Yes.”

Lucas, from head to toe, dressed impeccably before getting into the carriage.

Regardless of his dislike for people’s persistent stares, he knew how to actively use his appearance.

***

“Miss, I’ve left some food at the door… Please, you must eat it all!”

Anna, worried, emphasized this repeatedly as she knocked on the door before leaving. Leila, who had been hiding under the blankets, only peeked out after the noise had faded.

She rose listlessly from her bed with an expressionless face. Normally, she would have heeded Anna’s request, but today she really had no appetite. No, she wanted to disappear just like that.

She had cautiously asked her father for permission to go out months ago. After being repeatedly denied, she finally received permission when her father was overjoyed at discovering a mine.

But Emily had simply spoken a few words and banned her from going out. She had not had great expectations from her father since her mother passed away, but this time, she felt particularly resentful.

“…To think there was still something left to be disappointed about.”

It seemed there were still some lingering attachments, even though her family treated her worse than others.