So I Was the Persecuted Grand Duchess Destined to Die? Chapter 94

Chapter 94

“Xavier, you’re saying you’ll go to the temple alone?”

I didn’t even try to hide my disbelief.

But he was serious.

“I’ve thought it through. It’s too dangerous. They said they would grant us a blessing. But what if it isn’t a blessing at all?”

“…What?”

“What if it’s hypnosis? Or a curse disguised as divine grace? You’re already physically weak.”

Okay… I hadn’t considered it that far.

Seeing my silence, his expression hardened.

“We must assume the worst. If there’s a trap, we must be prepared for every possibility.”

“And what about you?”

“Are you worried about me?”

Well. Yes.

But apparently that wasn’t the devastating comeback I’d hoped for.

He barely reacted.

Right.

He’s a Swordmaster.

And me?

Small. Weak. Terminally ill.

Emotional damage.

“That girl is going.”

Ternox cut in calmly.

“Renée is directly involved. Terminal illness aside, her heart is intertwined with Xavier’s madness. If black magic is the source…”

He paused, his expression darkening.

“Then we need to confirm it ourselves. And she clearly wants to go.”

“Yes! I need to know. About the madness. About my illness. I’ll be careful! I won’t do anything reckless.”

I nodded vigorously.

No matter the danger, I couldn’t sit still when my life was on the line.

If the temple held answers—

I’d walk in myself.

Both men smirked faintly at my clenched, determined fists.

Then Ternox shifted topics.

“And that creature at the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet.”

“It clumsily imitated a dragon,” Xavier said evenly.

But I froze.

It had looked like a dragon.

A cheap imitation—but unmistakably trying.

“That’s the problem,” Ternox continued. “Someone created it.”

Created.

That meant intention.

Ambition.

Someone trying to play god.

A ticking bomb.

“Which means,” Ternox clapped once, “we prepare.”

Xavier sighed heavily.

“…I still dislike this. But fine.”

“Relax,” Ternox grinned. “I’ve got a good idea.”

That grin?

Pure villain energy.

Three Days Later

“Are… are you sure this is okay?”

I beamed at the girl in front of me.

Dressed in white silk and lace like a bridal gown—

“Ma’am…!”

It was Betty.

“Why? You look beautiful!”

“I’ve never worn anything this expensive in my life! Am I really allowed to?”

“Of course. And today, I’m the one relying on you.”

Because today—

We switched places.

The Plan

Ternox had insisted:

“You shouldn’t actually receive their ‘blessing.’ So we’ll disguise you.
I’ll play Xavier.
And one of your maids—someone your size—will play you.”

“Betty?!” I had protested.

“Yeah. The small Cerberus one.”

I’d objected at first.

How could I put Betty in danger?

But—

“If it helps you, I’ll do anything!”

And Ternox had added dryly:

“I’m a dragon. You think I can’t protect one human?”

So here we were.

Betty as Renée.

And me?

In a maid uniform.

White frills. Apron. Hair tied back neatly.

Betty gushed.

“How do you look so perfect even in a maid outfit?! When I wear it, I look like a beggar!”

“You looked cute too.”

I adjusted the frilled headpiece awkwardly.

Then—

The door burst open.

“Ready?”

Ternox.

“Knock first!”

“I’m a dragon. I hear everything.”

“…Right.”

Behind him entered Xavier—

Dressed in bright white formalwear.

He stopped.

Completely froze.

Staring at me.

“…?”

Why was he looking at me like that?

Did I look ridiculous?

I fidgeted with my apron.

Ternox snorted.

“Your husband can’t take his eyes off you in a maid outfit. Ahh. So that’s his type?”

“Enough.”

Xavier growled—but his face was red.

Bright red.

He cleared his throat stiffly.

“Everyone’s ready?”

Ternox scanned us, his gaze lingering on Betty.

She shrank instinctively.

I stepped slightly in front of her and squeezed her hand.

“Relax. I don’t bite.”

“Then how are we disguising ourselves? With wigs?” I asked.

I had even prepared a silver one.

Ternox laughed outright.

“You think the temple’s that stupid?”

“…Then how?”

He held out something unexpected.

“Here. Put these on.”

I blinked.

“…What is that?”