Chapter 19: Hausen Family (1)

While Fiene was enjoying a happy and cherished later life after being born, discord began to arise among the members of the Hausen family in the royal capital.

“Muge, you must not appear in social circles so frequently! Fiene is already going to the Duke’s residence as your substitute. What if you’re exposed?”

Daisy’s high-pitched voice scolding Muge at the entrance could be heard even in Donovan’s study, as Muge returned late in the night.

Since it was late at night, the voices echoed throughout the mansion.

On the other hand, Muge was not backing down.

“Mother, you worry too much. Rumors won’t reach such remote places. Besides, in the capital, the eccentric Duke of Magic is already forgotten. I must find a suitable partner quickly; otherwise, I’ll miss my chance for marriage!”

“Isn’t it because you resisted going to the Duke’s residence?”

“Of course! Why do I, a magic user, have to enter into such an engagement?”

“You don’t understand the seriousness of the matter! Eventually, you’ll have to tell the Duke the truth.”

“Why bother? There’s no need to say such things!”

The argument between the two started again tonight, and Donovan sighed.

It was good that he sent Fiene as a substitute for Muge to obtain financial support. The Duke, who had been called eccentric and kept women at bay, strangely took a liking to Fiene. Not only did he not return her, but he also provided the promised financial assistance.

That part was good. Without the financial aid, the Hausen family would have faced the threat of ruin.

However, the talk of engagement had not come up yet. Being in a remote location, it would take time for information to reach here.

Thinking that Fiene would have to reveal the truth before the Duke and Finé’s engagement, Donovan felt a sense of gloom.

Moreover, if they were to suddenly get married, the real Muge would have to live on as Fiene without magic on paper.

It was an impossible situation for Muge, who was well-known in social circles. Not only would she be unable to marry, but both Muge’s and the Hausen family’s positions would be compromised.

He even wished that if Fiene had gained the Duke’s favor, he might forgive them.

However, it’s hard to believe that the uninteresting Fiene could have gained favor. Moreover, it’s unlikely that the Duke’s family, which has produced great magicians for generations, would form a connection with a daughter without magical abilities. If this is exposed, it will surely lead to serious consequences.

Despite anticipating such a situation, with the repayment date for debts approaching, Donovan found himself in a tight spot. Unable to withstand the pressure, he reluctantly sent Fiene, as his son and daughter insisted. Contemplating the future, Donovan felt melancholic.

In the end, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that they might have only delayed their downfall. It seemed quite plausible.

However, his son and daughter seemed to be oblivious to the gravity of the situation, displaying extreme optimism.

This is where Donovan encountered a sense of unease. First, it was strange that the ailing Fiene, who was almost bedridden, readily agreed. Even if it was a mild respiratory illness, a month-long carriage journey would be challenging.

“Fiene was dazzled by the status of the Duke’s family.”
“It’s better than never getting married, isn’t it?”

Rolf and Muge said so, but Fiene must have heard the dark rumors about that great magician.

Even if his status and wealth were high, could it have been that she didn’t mind?

Or perhaps Fiene thought that if she entered that house as the magic-less Muge, she would be treated well.

In reality, it was uncertain how Fiene was being treated in that remote place, but it was unimaginable that a socially inexperienced Fiene could deceive the Duke for so long.

While Donovan was pondering these thoughts, the quarrel between mother and daughter at the entrance escalated. It seemed like it was time to intervene.

One day, Maggie fell ill after several years of being in good health. She had been frail as a child, but recently, she had become robust and even attended tea parties.

Initially thought to be a cold, her condition worsened, and she developed a high fever that wouldn’t subside.

However, Rolf and Muge showed no interest in Maggie, who had once again become prone to illness, and were busy with social engagements.

“Is Maggie okay?”

Daisy peered worriedly at Maggie lying in bed, gently wiping away sweat. There was no sign of improvement.

Concerned for his youngest, Donovan immediately summoned a physician.

After receiving fever-reducing medication and a slight improvement, they took Maggie to the renowned Wymain Medical Clinic in the capital.

However, the diagnosis given there surprised both parents.

“Magical Overflow Syndrome?”
Donovan asked with a trembling voice. Magical Overflow Syndrome was not something easily cured; it required a prolonged period of recovery.

“Yes, normally it should occur at a much younger age, but getting it at fourteen is quite unusual.”

The physician spoke with a puzzled expression.