Luxurious ceiling patterns and a sparkling chandelier are embodied in the visual field.
I looked at the strange ceiling with a puzzled look and closed my eyes in amazement.
So... what happened yesterday... Oh, I fainted.
But where am I now? This is not my residence.
The place I lie on is a plush bed surrounded on all sides by a lace canopy.
The duvet was so soft that I felt like I was floating on clouds.
“I woke up.”
When I sat up, I saw Carlex and Michael standing at the head of the bed.
“Sister! Are you okay? Thank God you have regained consciousness.”
The little prince's thin shoulders trembled as his eyes sparkled with tears.
Michael smiled slightly, as if his heart was finally at ease.
I couldn't bear to see the tears gathering in the corner of his eyes, so I subconsciously reached out my hand and wiped them away.
“Don't cry, Mr. Michael. I'm fine.”
“Michael, Miss Dale needs to rest now, so get some rest outside.”
Carlex shook the little prince's shoulder, trying to calm him down.
Michael obeyed his brother without hesitation.
“Sister Erica, see you at dinner this evening.”
With perfect timing, the dignified-looking butler entered.
He greeted me politely and then took Michael out with him.
Carlex ran a hand through his tangled hair and let out a soft sigh.
With his white suit and uniform coat slung over his shoulder, he looked as tired as an employee who had worked three nights in a row.
Did he struggle to deal with the aftermath of the accident while I was away? I felt guilty for no reason.
"Erica, how are you? Does it hurt anywhere?"
"I feel light in my body after sleeping. How long was I unconscious for?"
“Half a day. It's evening now.”
She sat up, leaning back on the bed and scanning the room.
On the windows there are silk curtains, wallpaper decorated with luxurious patterns, and antique furniture arranged in a coordinated manner.
“This place looks like a duke’s palace, so why am I here?”
“You will need to rest for a while, so rest easy at my residence.”
Rest here? Isn't the development of events very fast?
This is dangerous.
My instinct keeps sending signals.
I shouldn't get attached to the main hero more than this.
She maintained an effortlessly polite smile.
“Thank you for your words, but I’m fine. I think my body has recovered. I will return to the Royal Library. I have work to finish as well.”
“I've already finished talking to William. Take a vacation and focus on resting here for a while. And you...”
Carlex paused at the end of his words, staring at me slowly.
His eyes were the kindest, most gentle.
As if you were the most valuable being in the world.
“Erica.”
Carlex called out to me and I was deep in thought.
"Yes?"
“You have saved Michael twice. I, Carlex Reinhardt, intend to treat you as a benefactor and repay your debt. Therefore, I intend to take responsibility for your life.”
I doubted my ears for a moment.
“Wait a minute, Your Highness. What do you mean by taking responsibility?”
Carlex smiled calmly and carefully.
“It is the return of the favor owed to those who saved someone’s life. Do not be burdened.”
“No, that's not what I mean...”
Does this man even realize the meaning of his words? More importantly, how will he take responsibility for my life?
Just then, the butler entered after a knock on the door.
“Sir, Director William is here to visit you.”
William entered, nodding his head in greeting.
He looked pale and tired, perhaps from working overtime at night in the competition arena.
When he saw me, he hid his tired look and smiled at me.
“Miss Erica, you have regained consciousness.”
He came to my side and immediately raised the hem of his robe to use a healing spell.
She quickly grabbed his arm.
"Impossible. Don't use magic. You look more sick than I do."
"But you were unconscious. You need to recover."
"I just slept soundly. I'm feeling really good, don't worry."
William's kind brown eyes studied silently.
Upon reflection, whenever I was injured, he would have this expression full of guilt and sadness.
As if it was his fault.
“I just thank God you're safe.”
I felt comfortable listening to William's calm, caring voice.
As I always feel.
It was like the feeling of being caressed by an older brother who stands by your side unconditionally.
But this feeling also did not last long.
The facial expression of Carlex who was watching us turned cold.
How tactless he is, why doesn't he just leave and stay there?
William finally sat down on the lounge chair next to the bed, as if reassured.
It looked like he had mud and grass stuck to his shoes and pants, as if he had been searching the area all day.
“Did you find any trace of the magic subclass?”
When Carlex asked, William put his hand on his forehead with a sigh as if his head hurt.
“Nothing. Whether he was a careful wizard, he erased even the trace of his use of magic power. It is just amazing that there is someone with this level of power in Ruberia.”
"Have you checked the witches inside Ruberia? Anyone suspicious?"
“This is also under investigation in cooperation with the monastery. Firstly, there is no high-level magician in the capital. Everyone is involved in promoting the magic class in the Kraal Mountains.”
Carlex frowned between his eyebrows and rested his chin on his palm.
“Then you should be suspicious of wizards from the outskirts or from another kingdom.”
“I will inform you as soon as the results of the investigation appear.”
William turned his gaze to me.
“The capital has become noisy due to the monster attack incident. Because of this, the Royal Library will also be temporarily closed, and it seems that I will be oscillating between the Royal Palace and elsewhere for a while.”
I saw the color of his face suddenly change for the worse as he said the last words.
I know that well too.
When a major problem occurs, executive staff bear the brunt.
Organizing the mountain of papers, informing superiors of the situation, preparing countermeasures, etc.
“I will also return to my residence. I feel sorry for burdening the Duke’s Palace.”
As the saying goes: A thief is afraid of his own shadow, and I felt uncomfortable staying here because of my guilt of kissing the main hero while drunk.
Additionally, after his explosive statement of taking responsibility for my life, I became fearful of future developments.
I'm too busy caring about my future, what if I get unnecessarily attached to the main hero and my luck falters?
I'd feel sorry for Freesia too.
William shook his head firmly.
“For your safety. There is no place in Ruberia safer than Duke Reinhardt’s palace. So, even though it will be uncomfortable for you, rest and recuperate here for a while. If anything happens, send me a message at any time.”
Carlex frowned between his eyebrows as if he was annoyed by William’s words.
“Uncomfortable? I will treat her with the utmost care, so don’t worry about the unimportant.”
It worries me when that Duke talks about “the transaction.”
As if noticing my worried look, William gave me a gentle, reassuring smile.
“Don’t be afraid. As your shepherd, I will protect you until the end.”
Carlex tapped William on the shoulder dissatisfied.
“Wait, I also have the right to say that.”
“What do you mean, Carlex?”
What is he trying to say with his strange words, I must stop him before Carlex again starts talking about benevolence and responsibility.
I grabbed my head and collapsed onto the bed helplessly like a miserable rose.
“Ah! My head... hurts so much...”
“Are you okay? Miss Erica!”
"Are you okay? Erica!"
Both men fell for my award-worthy acting skills, stuttered and looked confused.
“I just woke up and I'm feeling tired. Can I get some rest?”
“Of course. Miss Erica’s comfort is most important. I have to report to the royal palace, and I will come back to visit soon.”
***
This was what was meant by the superior treatment of which Carlex spoke so confidently.
When I woke up after a nap, a maid wearing an apron had been waiting for me for some time and said a polite greeting.
“My name is Anne. I will be at your service from now on, ma’am.”
“Ann. I hope we cooperate well.”
Carefully, Anne tenderly massaged my gnarled shoulders and stiff limbs.
Then I tried wiping my face with a towel soaked in rose water.
“I'll do it myself.”
“I heard it's still difficult for you to move. Don't bear any burden.”
Anne helped me get dressed too.
The dress she brought was simple and elegant in a soft pink colour.
In addition, the design was very beautiful with layered wavy lace embroidery from bottom to top. I felt faintly beautiful, like a shy spring flower.
When I put it on and looked in the mirror, I was so amazed at my appearance.
“This dress is very beautiful.”
Anne seemed to remember something when she saw my reflection in the mirror, and her cheeks turned red.
“It suits you very well. This dress was worn by the Duchess of the previous generation.”
"What? The Duchess's dress? May I wear it?"
Anne grinned.
“Apparently, since the Duke’s Palace only houses male masters, there was no suitable dress for you to wear. Therefore, the master ordered us to provide the late lady’s dress.”
“Aha.”
I was a little surprised by Carlex's unexpectedly meticulous attention.
Then Anne skillfully braided my tangled hair and tied it up, applying lipstick to my lips.
My dull face regained its radiance.
Behind the mirror, I saw a beautifully made-up Erica.
Long brown hair and brown eyes. Its calm and elegant appearance.
I still feel weird sometimes when I look in the mirror.
“Are you going to the ballroom now? The evening dinner is ready. The master and the little prince are waiting for you.”
"Good."
When I took a step, I felt a sharp pain coming from my right ankle.
“Oh!”
“Oh my God, are you okay, ma’am?”
Anne was amazed, surprised and helped me.
When I examined my ankle, I found it swollen and red.
I sprained my ankle while fighting monsters in the tournament arena, and I completely forgot about it.
I'm really so dull that I didn't notice until I got this swollen.
“It looks like my ankle is sprained. Walking is a little difficult.”
“What are we going to do? Wait a minute, I will get someone to help.”
Anne left the room and returned with a familiar young knight.
Gilbert entered quickly, his face mixed with worry and joy.
"Miss Diel! You're awake. Oh, thank God!"
“The knight Gilbert was constantly guarding Miss Erica’s residence. And of course the master too...”
Ann Li whispered softly, then suddenly closed her mouth as if she had made a mistake.
Hmm? I didn't hear the last words well.
Anyway, I have to thank him.
Gilbert was so worried.
"Really? I'm so tired. I'm so proud of you, Knight Gilbert."
“It is a knight's duty that must be carried out! I will protect Miss Erica with the honor of a knight from now on as well!”
Gilbert shouted loudly and put his fist to his heart.
I laughed to see him always so active and full of energy, but I deliberately played the role of an arrogant miss and extended my hand towards him elegantly.
“Can you accompany me to the ballroom? My ankle is a little sore.”
“Walking is hard for you? Got it. So.”
“Oh!”
Gilbert moved very quickly.
But suddenly he carried me in his arms, not just my hand, but my whole body.
I felt deathly embarrassed and confused, but Gilbert seemed completely normal as he carried me out of the room.
I looked at him in confusion, but what I received was an innocent look asking: What's wrong?
I ignored it.
It's finally comfortable.
Maybe I'll walk around and see the palace.
I turned my gaze to the sides after giving up.
In front of me stretched out a long hall furnished with red carpet, and on its walls hung side by side two paintings of my former duke husband.
The former Duke was like Carlex with his majestic appearance and black hair, while the Duchess, with her platinum hair and green-blue eyes, looked as beautiful as a luxurious rose and carried a noble aristocratic air.
The brothers inherited their beauty from their mother.
There was also a photo of Carlex as a boy.
He looks young but with an arrogant and defiant look he stares at me.
It's been like this since ancient times, that look.
I suppressed my laughter inside.
There was also a photo of Michael as a child, a plump and beautiful child.
He looks like a childish angel smiling cheerfully in his mother's arms.
On the endless walls of the hall, various works of art, marble sculptures, ceramics that seemed to come from the East, and gold ornaments were displayed like a museum.
Overall, the place was spacious and large like a palace, but with a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
The servants I met moved with the grace and grace of elves, and gave me polite greetings.
I don't know how long I walked, carried in Gilbert's arms, down three floors of marble stairs, and through a winding, maze-like hall, until I saw in the distance the small ballroom.
How big is this palace exactly?
The sky-high ceiling, the endless hallway, and the numerous rooms all made my eyes widen.
If I make a mistake, I might get lost at home and become a lost child?
Upon entering the small ballroom, I saw a long table and chairs that seemed large enough to easily seat twenty people.
At the end of it, Carlex and Michael were talking cordially.
Gilbert carefully dropped me off at the entrance to the small ballroom.
She entered, leaning on Maid Anne's arm.
When he saw me, they stood as if in agreement.
The expression on their faces was surprised.
“To be continued in the next chapter”
Loving translation