My wife is an immortal black snake.

“Lady Kal'tsit, I am Duke Kosichä’s head maid.” She gestured a couple of times. “I am fully responsible for the two lords’ daily lives, including their bathing and the cleanup afterwards—do you understand?”

"...I see."

Did she openly and honestly declare that she was that man's lover?

And it sounds like the Duke doesn't have any objections to this?

What the hell is this place?

Kal'tsit was thrown into complete chaos.

Simply because she had never seen such a scene before.

Chapter 237

Who were the people Monica was leading just now?

Back in the audience hall, Yang Hao remained puzzled. That aloof, white-haired, green-eyed woman, who appeared to be from the Felin tribe, couldn't possibly be someone who had ever been to the Duke's mansion, could she? While Yang Hao certainly didn't know everyone in the Duke's mansion, he had definitely never seen this white-haired, green-eyed Felin woman before.

I didn't notice similar conditions in the roster either.

So, is this a teacher or researcher who was invited in the previous invitation program? But now that one person has already come, I guess many more will come afterward, right?

Thinking this, he casually sat down next to Kosichelle, and after playing with her tail, the little cat duke sighed heavily and said to him helplessly:

"While I don't mind you playing with my tail, darling, but you... well, never mind. An invited researcher just arrived, and I've already had Monica take her to give her a report."

"Is that the white-haired, green-eyed Felin?" It doesn't seem to be Felin, does it? Hmm... but it does look like Felin. Although it doesn't have Felin's long tail.

“Hmm.” Koschche nodded. “She’s also a highly skilled doctor. If there are no problems, I think our Mr. Baden can proceed with his final treatment.”

"Hopefully he'll survive. After all, he's a witness."

"It can only be the."

The couple's usual chat ended. After the chat, Yang Hao looked at the invitation left by Koschitch. He could clearly see from the invitation that the invitees were a doctor named [Kal'tsit] and a researcher.

He wasn't really sure what would be written on the invitations he'd printed himself, but from the descriptions, Dr. Kelsey seemed to be a learned researcher and a capable doctor. With her around, solving Mr. Baden's "survival problem" shouldn't be too difficult.

The problem is...

Looking at the newly popped-up event interface, Yang Hao nodded thoughtfully, knowing that Dr. Kal'tsit probably wouldn't be able to stay in this territory for much longer.

[Event: Lynx Doctor]

Lady Kal'tsit recently joined the Duchy of Koschei, but this is only temporary—this capable and virtuous lynx doctor, who indeed possesses a special constitution, will stay in the Duchy of Koschei for a maximum of ten years. Afterwards, she may leave due to certain events, or perhaps to pursue her own ideals; in any case, she will not stay in your territory for long. Furthermore, her lifespan is much longer than that of ordinary Feline.

Hint: Ms. Kal'tsit is a researcher inclined towards the Infected. Every action you take against the Infected will either increase or decrease her opinion of you. In a sense, Ms. Kal'tsit is omniscient—but she has never actually witnessed the workings of the other world. You can take advantage of this.

Countdown to leaving: Ten years

"Ten years? That's enough..."

It seems Dr. Kelsey can only stay in Yang Hao's territory for a maximum of ten years. He nodded thoughtfully, and after slipping his wife's tail from his hand, he explained his opinion to Koschitch.

While Kosichrie was surprised that "she was thinking of going out to find other hosts in such a good place," she didn't say much—after all, everyone has their own ambitions, and it would be best if Ms. Kal'tsit could finish her work during working hours.

“Alright, I’ll assign her Mr. Baden’s task tomorrow. I need to see with my own eyes what’s being removed from Mr. Baden’s body… Once it’s removed, we can figure out how to open that box.”

“I have plenty of people who can handle opening the boxes. But then again, honey... I have a question.”

"Hmm? May I ask?"

Koschke actually has a problem? Yang Hao was very surprised by this, because based on Koschke's past performance, she rarely showed any signs of confusion.

What exactly was puzzling her? Yang Hao immediately became serious, sat up straight, and quietly waited for Kosiché's question.

Facing her serious-looking husband, Koschke simply smiled and gestured for him not to be nervous. She added that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, that Mr. K should also possess special abilities or special items, just like Yang Hao.

"The snake scales I left there sent me a message—there's a rumor about Lady K that's not very credible. It's said that her residence has a magical loom that can weave out all the information she needs and the things she needs to do. Folklore says that loom can make Columbia even stronger. What do you think about this?"

"If I said it was nonsense, then it would definitely be false. After all, my own abilities are so special that even I find it hard to accept... But a loom? Let me think... something like the Loom of Destiny?" Yang Hao frowned, then suddenly realized that the thing looked a lot like something he had seen in a movie: it was also a loom, it also wrote something down, and it also achieved some kind of effect... If the thing that Lord K had was really useful, then he should also make the corresponding preparations.

"So, what is that?"

However, Granny Koschich had never heard of anything like it. She frowned, her tail slipping between his fingers, signaling him to explain further.

"It's a very strange thing. Simply put, it moves according to the cloth woven by the loom, and in the end, the weaver can accomplish what he wants to accomplish. However, the prerequisite is that he can complete the content on the cloth strip; if he cannot, then he will fail."

“Oh...I see. We need to destroy that thing. I don’t like that kind of thing. It seems too strange.”

"I think so too."

The chance of fate weaving cloth subtly influences users, gradually making them dependent on this machine that can sew fabric.

While it does possess the ability to foresee the future, and it can indeed help people achieve their goals—Yang Hao doesn't need that, nor does Koschche. Their people don't need it, and Margarita needs it even less.

Therefore... they believed that destroying the loom directly was the best course of action.

The question was, what should be done when the time comes? They didn't dwell on it too much, because even a fool could tell that this would be a plan that would last for decades.

Chapter 238

For Kal'tsit, the Duchy of Kosichä brought her nothing but surprises and unfathomable questions, like a black hole.

Under the guidance of Head Maid Monica, she successfully completed her report, received her work badge, and learned about her job position and her upcoming first job.

Her official position was as the second researcher and a highly trained doctor in the Dukedom of Kosiché. Her post was in the newly established research department of the Duke's mansion, which was said to have top-notch research equipment, even if it wasn't extensive.

However, contrary to her work as a researcher was her first job—preparing to perform surgery on a high-risk patient.

“Simply put, the patient’s condition has deteriorated to the point where he needs life support.” Leading her toward the rest area, Head Maid Monica silently observed Kal’tsit’s expression as she explained, “We need him to live—of course, if it’s really necessary, it’s okay if he dies. But we need to make sure something inside him is intact.”

"Can I understand this to mean that these are the prisoners you captured?"

"No, he's a prisoner of the deal. He has important intelligence, but that's all I can say."

"I understand. But I still need to see the actual situation in person."

“You’ll have a chance to see it tomorrow. It’s better to rest well today and get familiar with your future workplace. And, Ms. Kal’tsit, I must remind you in advance of something you must pay attention to when living in the Duchy of Kosichä.”

"...I'm ready, please speak."

Kal'tsit's expression turned serious in an instant; she felt that this was something very important.

However, contrary to her thoughts, Monica uttered words with a serious expression, words that sounded like a playful joke between children:

"That is, if one day you notice Lord Yang Hao—the man who just hugged me—suddenly acting crazy and wanting to find the Kazimierz people, or other outsiders, please notify me immediately. This is my communicator number. Please use the assigned communicator to confirm with me later, just in case."

"...what?"

What is this...?

Kal'tsit blinked blankly, opened her mouth as if to speak, then hesitated, finally managing to utter only a single word, "Huh?", to express her confusion.

She thought she was going to hear about some kind of taboo—like not being able to insult the two lords in the Duchy of Kosiché, or not being able to bring certain things into the ducal mansion... But, what is this?

I understand every single word you say, but why does it sound so strange when put together? No, this really isn't me... Anyway, what do you mean by this?

Kal'tsit was completely bewildered. The head maid, with a serious expression, turned around and, seeing Kal'tsit's expression, knew she had to explain.

"First of all, the very first thing. Kazimierz once sent spies to our territory. However, for some indescribable reason, those spies were recruited by Lord Yang Hao. If nothing unexpected happens, Ms. Kal'tsit, you should be receiving things from them frequently in the future—maybe high-tech products they stole from somewhere, maybe some strange things... In short, you will be meeting them often in the future."

"...Hiss?" What is all this about? How did your Lord Yang Hao manage to recruit the spies from Kazimir? No, what...what does this have to do with your Lord being so desperate to find the Kazimir people?

Kal'tsit's bewilderment deepened. She had truly never seen anything like it before.

"Their current code name is Creed. But they're a bunch of shameless Kuranta people. I don't understand why Lord Yang Hao would give them such an honorable name... Anyway, if something like that really happens to you one day, please contact me immediately."

"...May I ask what would happen if that... gentleman were to come into contact with those... Kuranta people?"

"You'll see a filthy former conqueror knight named Theresa taking my lord to wander around the commercial district or some other place. That filthy little pony is always thinking about getting something for nothing, just planning to quickly latch onto Lord Yang Hao and then quit. That won't do. She is indeed very capable, and letting her retire early will only cause our territory to lose a good steward—Lady Kal'tsit? What are you talking about?"

"...Let me calm down."

What... what is this all about?

Why did this happen when Mr. Yang Hao came into contact with the Kasimir people?

No... I thought if they made contact, maybe that creed would backfire and kidnap that man to Kazimierz a second time? But what weird nonsense are you spouting with such a serious face?

Commercial street? Other places? Wandering around? Two people? One of them is a former knight of Kazimierz? And judging from the name, she's a woman?

What does early retirement mean? What does it mean to gain something for nothing?

Why is it that I can understand every single word you say, but when they're put together, they sound like this?

Kal'tsit's already chaotic mind was now a complete mess, stirred up by the argument. She had to signal to Head Maid Monica to stop for a moment; she needed to calm down, she absolutely needed to clear her head.

...

She took several deep breaths. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. She felt her mind gradually calm down, and the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the grass and trees in the courtyard from the window on the outside of the corridor helped her regain her composure.

After regaining her composure, Kal'tsit quickly pieced together what had happened—

In short, it's about a capable counter-espionage agent who wants to abandon her job and retire early to enjoy her life by becoming the Duke's mistress.

However, the Duchy of Kosiché would not allow such a thing to happen. Because that spy was truly capable, and they couldn't find a replacement in the short term.

And more importantly.

This seems to be a one-sided...dissatisfaction on the part of Monica, the head maid of that gentleman's lover?

...I see.

"Head Maid Monica."

"Yes?"

"If you're simply jealous of that Kuranta person, rest assured—I've never met him, and I have no interest in your rivalry. But I will help you, and take your side. Is that alright?"

"...hehe."

The surprised head maid merely gave a mysterious smile. Seeing this, Kal'tsit breathed a sigh of relief: she had gambled correctly. With her duke husband not minding her going to see the Kurantas, it would be a lie to say nothing happened between them.

After thinking about it, the only thing I can think of is that the head maid is dissatisfied, so she wants to win me over as a newcomer... right?

...That was Kal'tsit's original thought.

But when she recalled some aspects of this territory that she couldn't understand at all, such as the free basic education policy proposed and about to be implemented by the Duke's mansion...

Kal'tsit began to doubt her own ideas.

......

Kal'tsit's suspicions didn't last long. Once they were back on the road, Monica led her to her room.

"The room is accessed by a card reader, so Ms. Kal'tsit, please make sure you don't lose your identification card."

"I understand."

It was a very comfortable room, with a separate bathroom and toilet, a separate bedroom, and plenty of space for Kal'tsit to set up her research equipment.

Not only that, but there was also a communicator on the table in the room. Kal'tsit picked up the communicator, and under Monica's guidance, she completed a security verification and a "card swipe" operation. After that, they exchanged contact numbers, and Dr. Kal'tsit finally had a place to rest.

But—that's not enough.

Next, she needs to check out the dining room, the recreation room, and her workplace. And as Head Maid Monica said, Kal'tsit needs to familiarize herself with the area around the Duke's mansion to avoid getting lost or running into trouble later.

"In short, if you're ready, we can go somewhere else."

"Head Maid Monica, don't you need to go?"

"Ah, don't worry. The two gentlemen just contacted me. Today, I just need to show you around the area."

"I see."

They just made contact? No communicator, no verbal exchange, it's like telepathy... Originium Arts?

Kal'tsit frowned, put on her ID tag like a necklace, put down her luggage, and left the residential area with Head Maid Monica.

...They inspected many places along the way. The Duke's residence included a dining hall for the staff, a courtyard for lower-ranking servants, a library, and a recreation room.

Finally, they arrived at the place where Kal'tsit would be working. But as soon as Monica opened the door, before she could even let Dr. Kal'tsit go in and see how advanced the research equipment was, the roar of Wendigo coming from inside stunned them.

"Aaaaaahh ...

"...Mr. Growertz?"

"...Eh? Ah—that's Head Maid Monica? And who's that over there?"

As Monica, the head maid, cautiously inquired, the Wendigo scholar, who had been clutching a pen and groaning on the ground as he searched for a new notebook to record his research progress, turned around. The look of madness vanished in an instant, leaving only embarrassment and confusion about Kal'tsit.

Faced with the bewildered Wendigo scholar named Grovazel, whom she had heard of before, Kal'tsit simply took a step forward and said: