Miss Witch, please don't leave your fragrance everywhere

Chapter 38 Cursed Fortune

　　"The master has never owed anyone anything... I don't understand why they treat the master like this."
　　Chloe told Stewart's entire experience in one breath. As a child adopted by Stewart, Chloe witnessed the change in people's attitudes towards Stewart.
　　From the bustling crowds at his door when he returned home in glory, to the no one paying attention to him when he refused to provide meaningless assistance, and finally, to the countless people who came to visit and try to please the dying Stewart.

　　"…About two years ago, the master's health condition took a turn for the worse, and the doctor said that he only had less than two years to live. After learning about this, the master's relatives began to try to get back on good terms with him. They wanted him to give them more of his property."
　　Stewart did not get married and only adopted Chloe as his adopted daughter. According to the inheritance law of the country where Devin Town is located, Stewart has the obligation and reason to make a will and distribute his property by himself. Stewart has a huge amount of money that he can't spend in ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ his lifetime. When his relatives realized this, they immediately changed their appearance and tried to please Stewart with flattering smiles.
　　"None of them is willing to travel far to another place to find a famous doctor to help the master. I begged them, but they were vague in their words. In their hearts, they all hoped that the master would die so that they could fight for his property."

　　Chloe had planned to leave Devin more than once to find a doctor to save Stewart, but Stewart's health was getting weaker day by day, and Chloe had to stay with Stewart to take care of him.
　　"I will never let those people with ulterior motives get close to the master...never!"
　　"-Chloe."

　　Suddenly, a voice was heard from the stairs. Abigail supported Stewart with a complicated expression. Chloe's emotions were completely out of control. She didn't notice that her cathartic shouting was heard upstairs. It wasn't only Angelica who heard Stewart's passing, but also Stewart and Abigail.
　　"Don't say any more, Chloe, and don't embarrass the guests."
　　"I can't understand why the master should accommodate them!"

　　Tears welled up in Chloe's eyes. She had always been a very obedient child, but this time, she did not obey Stewart.
　　"It's ridiculous, isn't it? The master has been to the cold north, to the Yamaurote Kingdom, where even the air is lethal, and he didn't suffer any sequelae. The master should have returned to his hometown to enjoy life, but his body is getting weaker day by day!"
　　The temperature in the north is minus 40 degrees Celsius all year round. The miasma at the site of the former Kingdom of Yamauroti has killed countless gold diggers. Stewart survived this life-and-death adventure with his healthy physique, but fell ill in his hometown.

　　"The person who just came to visit is the daughter of the elder brother of the wife of the master's father."
　　Angelica sorted out the relationship in her mind.
　　"Should I consider her...my uncle's cousin?"

　　"The person in front is the grandson of the husband of the daughter of the master's grandmother's younger brother!"
　　"How complicated! I'm surprised you can remember it."
　　"The person last night was a friend of the wife of the son of the master's father's younger brother!"
　　"This is totally unrelated!"

　　"The relationship between the master and them is not that deep at all, but they cling to the master like parasites. When the master fell ill, they only pretended to care about him, and no one really cared about his feelings."
　　Chloe and Stuart have no real blood relationship. In the past, Chloe would have thought that this was an offense that would have caused Stuart to kick her out of the house. But Chloe couldn't stand it anymore. She had to express her thoughts to feel better.
　　The entire living room fell into deathly silence. Chloe calmed down and waited for Stewart's punishment.

　　Stewart just sighed heavily. When he spoke again, he did not choose to scold Chloe.
　　"I'm glad you're thinking of me like this, Chloe. I think... I'm partly responsible, too."
　　"Responsible?"

　　"After I got the wealth from the magic crystal mine, I would be lying if I said I wasn't elated. I got more gold than I could spend in a lifetime, and I told everyone I knew about it. Now that I think about it, I definitely wanted to show off... Just like the trophies in my room, I wanted everyone to see how successful I was."
　　“…”
　　"I often wonder if I could be more mature, could I have avoided this outcome? If I could have swallowed up my pride and said that my wealth was limited and that I would have used most of it after I finished repairing the road in Devin, would the people around me have started to be more restrained and stop asking for too much?"

　　"Master, why do you put the blame on yourself?"
　　"I'm not shielding them. I've heard many stories of cursed treasures during my adventures. I'm penniless, but I still don't understand how endless treasures can be a curse. How many people dream of a life of wealth and glory? When I kept letting them indulge themselves and told them that they could come to me when they needed money, I had already opened Pandora's box, and this is the curse I have to bear for opening the box."
　　Chloe shook her head as if she couldn't accept it, and Mr. Stewart showed a sad smile.

　　"Every time I was in danger, I felt that I was a lucky person favored by God. Until now, I still think so. I was favored by God because at the end of my life, Chloe, you were by my side."
　　Chloe slumped on the floor helplessly. Angelica squatted down and patted Chloe's shoulder. Chloe simply threw herself into Angelica's arms and burst into tears.
　　Abigail also had a very uncomfortable expression. Her faith told her that the truth of the world should be that good will be rewarded. Mr. Stewart was undoubtedly a kind man. At this time, he even thought that it was his excessive indulgence in the past that led to the current result.

　　"I'm sorry to have made you two laugh. You have seen my immature side. Regarding the commission... I know this may be a bit offensive, can you two stay with me until the end?"
　　Angelica nodded, and Stewart was happy from the bottom of his heart. The only person he cared about was Chloe. Stewart planned to leave his property to Chloe, but he was a little worried about whether his relatives would take risks for wealth. Stewart tried to get Chloe to move out, but Chloe said she would never leave Stewart's side.
　　Angelica is a powerful magician, and Stuart believes that Angelica can at least ensure Chloe's safety.

　　When Chloe regained her composure, she sobbed and helped Stewart back to the room, while Angelica and Abigail stayed in the living room.
　　"Sister Angelica, is there any way we can help Mr. Stewart?"
　　"It costs extra money."

　　"Please, please be serious!"
　　"Well... let's talk about this in a dozen days."