A fortune-telling princess Chapter 145

The Sword of Guardians wasn’t simply stolen. It happened amidst an attack by an unknown group, during which the Duke’s estate was set ablaze, causing massive damage.

‘And all of this happens while Duke Jabilon is away.’

It was obvious the attackers had waited for the right moment—when both Duke Jabilon, the master of the house, and Jeti, the sacred beast, were absent.

The idea of the Jabilon estate, with its fire-controlling sacred beast, burning down didn’t make sense. It could only occur when the sacred beast wasn’t around.

Even when Dukes Sorpel and Sephra rushed to help after hearing the news, it was too late—the Sword of Guardians was already gone.

For a while, the incident caused an uproar across the entire empire.

The direct attack on a ducal household was shocking, but the disappearance of the Sword of Guardians left people in disbelief. The sword carried immense symbolic meaning.

The fact that the sword, which had protected the empire for centuries, was gone made people fear something terrible might happen to the country.

“When exactly is the Duke leaving?”

“Hmm… May I ask why you’re so curious?”

“Well….”

What should she say?

Camilla’s eyes darted around as she searched for a reasonable excuse. Aha!

“Elisha!”

“Elisha?”

“I told her I’d visit while the Duke was away.”

“What?”

“I made plans with her earlier. We agreed to spend a few days together while the Duke was gone.”

Camilla decided to use Elisha, Petro’s younger sister, as her excuse.

“Why would you wait until my father isn’t home…?”

“Because it’s more comfortable that way.”

That part was genuine. After all, visiting a friend’s house was always better when their parents weren’t around. Not that Camilla had ever actually gone to a friend’s house before.

“Well, you’re more than welcome.”

Petro smiled again, but this time it was a sly smile. Could he have figured something out?

“I’m glad to see you’ve grown closer to my sister.”

“Ha… Haha. Yes, well.”

Closer, my foot! Ever since she’d humiliated Elisha, their relationship had been anything but friendly.

After being forced to apologize during that infamous hunting trip, Camilla hadn’t faced Elisha directly again. Even at the academy, whenever they crossed paths, Elisha would glare daggers at her.

‘But what choice do I have?’

This was the only excuse she could think of.

‘Besides, it’s not a certainty yet.’

Unlike other incidents, this wasn’t something she could foresee happening for sure. Predicting the exact timing of the event was difficult.

She knew they would target the Duke’s absence, but how could she know if it would be this time or next?

‘Especially when so many things are already deviating from my previous lives.’

She couldn’t be certain.

‘And I can’t go making fake prophecies.’

If she warned people about an incident that ended up not happening, it would ruin her credibility in an instant.

“I’ll let Elisha know in advance.”

“No!”

Camilla quickly shook her head. Petro looked at her curiously, as if to ask why, so she hurriedly continued.

“It’ll be more exciting if it’s a surprise, don’t you think? Please keep it a secret from Elisha and everyone else.”

If Elisha found out in advance, her lie would be exposed immediately.

“Understood.”

“Hey.”

At that moment, Arsion interrupted their conversation.

“Rio wants to play with you too.”

“Oh, really?”

It had been a while since she’d last seen Rio. Had the little guy grown?

“I’ll make sure the old man at my house isn’t around either.”

“What are you talking about?”

Not he won’t be around, but he’ll be gone?

“We have plenty of spare rooms too.”

…What am I supposed to do with that information?

Camilla stared at him incredulously, while Petro also failed to hide his exasperation.

***

“Long time no see.”

“…….”

“Have you been well?”

“What’s this about?”

“I’ll be staying here for a few days.”

“Excuse me?”

“That room will do, right?”

“W-Wait a minute!”

Elisha, Petro’s younger sister, couldn’t hide her shock as she looked at the person standing before her.

Camilla had shown up at her house unannounced that morning, carrying a large suitcase. And her reason for coming? To “hang out” with Elisha.

“What are you even thinking?”

“That I’ll have fun.”

“Why on earth would I have fun with you?!”

“You’ll have your fun, and I’ll have mine.”

“What?!”

Elisha was about to yell at her for talking nonsense but restrained herself. Lately, no matter how much she argued with this woman, she always lost.

Just seeing her made Elisha grind her teeth. Camilla was the reason she’d been scolded by her father in front of so many people and forced to apologize.

‘And now what?’

She wants to hang out with me?

“What kind of trouble are you planning this time—”

“Here, a gift.”

Elisha froze mid-sentence as something was suddenly placed in her hands. A gift? Just like that?

“What’s this?”

It was a small box. Jewelry? It certainly looked like it.

“Open it.”

“You’re giving this to me?”

“Yep.”

After hesitating briefly, Elisha finally gave in to curiosity.

Click.

“Ah!”

“Do you like it?”

“This… this is…!”

Did she like it? Was that even a question?

‘Oh my god!’

Elisha couldn’t close her mouth. Inside the box was a necklace and earring set. The problem was the material used to craft them.

“B-Blue diamonds?”

“That’s right. You know your stuff.”

Elisha instinctively covered her mouth with her hands, afraid she might scream.

Staring at the radiant blue diamonds, she fully understood why people were so enamored with them.

Blue diamonds were rare and only available to select VIP clients who ordered custom pieces. Most people had only heard of them through rumors; even seeing one in person was a rarity.

But once someone saw the jewel’s beauty, they were captivated. Wealthy individuals scrambled to buy anything from the Ghost Trading Company, which dealt in blue diamonds.

Of course, you had to be a VIP member to even place an order, and delivery timelines were unpredictable.

“Can I really accept this?”

Yet here she was, holding one of those precious jewels in her hands—a gem even the Empress hadn’t acquired.

“You like it, right?”

At Camilla’s question, Elisha nodded shyly. What noble lady could possibly reject such a gift?

“Then I’ll take that room.”

Having dealt with Elisha surprisingly easily, Camilla headed for the adjacent room.

Meanwhile, Elisha couldn’t take her eyes off the jewels.

****

[This place hasn’t changed much.]

“You’ve never been here before?”

[Coming here stirs up unnecessary thoughts.]

Following Camilla to the Jabilon estate, Zeno seemed nostalgic as he looked around.

[But why are we here all of a sudden?]

“What do you mean?”

[You said you’d be staying here. Why?]

Earlier, it was clear she hadn’t made any prior arrangements with Elisha. Elisha didn’t seem particularly welcoming either.

“I have something to investigate.”

[Investigate what?]

“You’ll see.”

Honestly, what did it matter to her if the Sword of Guardians was stolen?

‘It’s not like I stand to gain anything.’

Still, the fact that she was here, spending resources and even handing over valuable jewels to someone who didn’t want her there, was overkill.

‘But…’

‘Zeno, what if the Sword of Guardians gets stolen?’

[Why would it get stolen?]

‘Just hypothetically.’

[Hypothetically or not, why would that happen?]

‘Someone might steal it.’

[Then I’ll get it back.]

‘Why? It’s just a powerless relic now.’

[It’s the result of my sacrifice. Do you expect me to let someone take it? I’d chase them to the ends of the earth to retrieve it.]

‘…Exactly.’

Of course he’d insist on retrieving it.

Since Camilla would likely get dragged along in that scenario, she decided it was better to prevent the theft altogether. Wandering around searching for the sword didn’t appeal to her.

[Your family doesn’t seem thrilled about it either.]

“Well, there’s nothing I can do about that.”

‘You’re planning to stay at the Jabilon estate for a few days?’

‘Yeah.’

‘You’re at it again!’

‘At what again? What do you mean?’

‘Are you trying to cling to that man again?’

‘I am not!’

‘Oh, sure you’re not!’

‘I’m going to hang out with Elisha.’

‘As if! Since when have you been close to her? What kind of ridiculous excuse is that?’

‘That brat, Ravi….’

The problem was that he knew her too well. Unlike Petro, Ravi wasn’t fooled so easily.

He seemed convinced she was up to her usual antics with Petro, and it clearly annoyed him. Duke Sorpel and Ludville felt the same way.

‘Do you really have to go to that house?’

‘I’ve never done this before.’

‘What are you talking about?’

‘Staying overnight at a friend’s house. I’ve always wanted to try it.’

‘But why his house, of all places?’

‘Hmm… should I go to Sephra’s estate instead? Arsion even invited me to his house, said it has plenty of rooms, and I could even stay over.’

‘…You’re leaving tomorrow? Have a safe trip.’

‘I figured as much.’

Arsion, you’re really not popular with the adults.

The moment Camilla mentioned Arsion, Duke Sorpel’s expression immediately stiffened, and he approved her visit to the Jabilon estate without hesitation.

 

***

Knock Knock

“Camilla, may I come in?”

“Yes, come in.”

It was Petro. As he entered the room, he scanned the space, as if checking for anything she might need.

“Is there anything else you require?”

“No, this room is perfect.”

“That’s a relief. This was a last-minute arrangement since the usual guest room is under renovation.”

“Is that so?”

“If anything is uncomfortable, please let me know.”

“Thank you. By the way, when is the Duke returning?”

“He’s planned a roughly two-week trip.”

Two weeks. That meant the incident would likely happen within that time.

‘At least Zeno is here.’