‘He used to lose his mind and go on a rampage, consumed by anger and a desire for revenge. To think he would retaliate in such a cold and malicious way…!’ Duke Lodion ground his teeth, his expression grim.
Who on earth could have changed this deranged avenger? As he considered the possible reasons, he came to one conclusion.
“It’s Daniella Enchantor, that woman. She restored the avenger’s sanity.” The Duke said, glaring at the blood-stained butler’s uniform. He was certain it belonged to the spy he had sent into the Asland estate.
Marquis Cadogan scoffed. “No way. How could that foolish, stupid woman do such a thing? Aren’t you making too big of a leap, Uncle?”
“Tsk, don’t be naive. You saw how she took down Emily Linverton. And what about the way that Grand Duke treats her? Isn’t he so anxious, as if he’s afraid she’ll break if he touches her too hard or fly away if he blows on her?”
“…”
“I’m certain. The Grand Duke changed because of his wife.”
When Duke Lodion stated this with conviction, Marquis Cadogan frowned, looking troubled. “If that’s the case, we’re in big trouble. His only weakness was that he would easily lose his mind and do reckless things when his confidants were harmed… If there’s someone who can control him…”
“Right. But it might be for the best. If he changed because of that woman, it means that if she disappears, he’ll go back to his old self… No, he’ll go crazier than before.”
“You mean…?”
“Yes. Before we get rid of the Grand Duke, we need to get rid of the Grand Duchess first, that woman.”
Before that, should he take some small revenge for what happened today? Duke Lodion said, with a meaningful expression, as if making a proclamation.
A few days had passed since I safely returned to the capital from the Asland estate. I had been confined to my bed, focusing on recovering. I ate my meals in bed, and when I wanted to bathe, the maids would help me to the bathroom. After spending several days without moving more than a few steps, I was starting to get bored and restless.
I quietly closed the report I was reading, placed it on my stomach, and said, “Mella.”
“Yes, my lady. What is it?” Mella, who had a bandage wrapped around her head, looked at me with a bright smile while she was sewing. I peeked at Mella and began to speak.
“Um, if it’s okay, can I go for a wal-”
“No, you can’t.”
“…I haven’t even finished talking yet?”
“I don’t need to hear the whole thing. You want to go for a walk, right? No, you can’t.”
At Mella’s firm words, I sighed in disappointment and said, “Haa, then at least let me walk around the bedroom by myself. I’m going to forget how to walk at this rate.”
“You’re smart enough to solve the difficult codes your father left behind, so you won’t forget how to walk.”
“…”
“Just be patient for a few more days. Until the bruises on your back are gone.”
“…Okay.”
I pouted with a sulky expression. Then Gray, who was visiting me, let out a short laugh and said, “You are truly full of energy, my lady. Other noblewomen would be too scared to even leave the bedroom after being attacked like that.”
“It’s true. Even I, as old as I am, still shudder with fear whenever I think about the attack.” Mella nodded in agreement.
I felt a little embarrassed by their compliments, which didn’t feel like compliments at all. “If I hide out of fear, I’m the only one who loses. Being too timid to even move freely in my own home is probably what those villains want, isn’t it?”
“I agree with you on that point,” Gray replied with a gentle smile.
At that moment, there was a short knock, and Ashid entered the bedroom. He didn’t even look at Gray, who was leaning on a crutch and bowing to him, or at Mella, who quickly got up from her chair to greet him. He only looked at me as he walked toward the bed. He then sat in the chair that Mella had just been sitting in and asked, “How is your body? Does your back still hurt?”
“No, it’s much better now.”
“Tell me whenever you’re in pain. If it seems like Martin isn’t healing you properly, I’ll fire him immediately and hire another doctor.”
I shook my head and replied, and Ashid’s lips turned up slightly. Meanwhile, Mella left the bedroom with Gray. As we were finally alone in the bedroom, I looked at him and said, “You’ve been visiting me a lot lately. Nothing’s happened again, has it…?”
It was true. Ashid had been visiting my bedroom several times a day lately. He would have a conversation for a few minutes and then return to his office or training grounds. He didn’t seem to have any big reason for his visits, nor did he seem so free that he was bored. In fact, he seemed busier than ever. Still, I was grateful that he made the time to visit me, but I also felt a little overwhelmed. Even though I was used to seeing him often, I sometimes found my heart fluttering and my face blushing whenever I saw his handsome and imposing face. Those symptoms had appeared occasionally before, but they had gotten worse lately.
‘Well, of course, they would, since he keeps staring at me like that…!’
I felt the intense gaze of Ashid on my cheeks and slightly avoided his eyes. Was it strange not to feel nervous or embarrassed when a man so handsome that your eyes naturally gravitate toward him was staring at you? I tried to rationalize it that way.
Ashid secretly smiled bitterly as he looked at me. It was hard not to feel a little hurt whenever she showed that she was uncomfortable around him. It was even more so now that he had realized he was in love with her.
Ashid said in a blunt voice, “Nothing like that. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Oh, I see. I’m fine. I’m much better now… Although I am a little upset that I can’t go for a walk by myself.”
I hinted at my feelings, and Ashid slightly frowned.
“What are you talking about? No walks in that condition. Don’t take a single step outside the bedroom until you’re fully recovered.”
“…Oh, my goodness. Just like Gray, you all seem to think my body is made of glass. I’m much better now! I can walk to the bathroom by myself without any trouble.”
I said that and put my feet down from the bed. Ashid let out a low sigh and said, “…All right. Rest for today. After you get another checkup from Martin tomorrow, if he says you’re fine, you can walk around the main garden as much as you want after that.”
“Wow, really?”
“Yes… but for now, you’ll have to do it with me.”
“…Huh? With Your Highness?”
“Then, who were you thinking of going with besides me?” Ashid raised an eyebrow and asked in a clearly displeased voice. Not knowing that it was jealousy, I was flustered by Ashid’s sudden change in mood and said, “I don’t know. Maybe Mella or Gray…?”
“You can’t go out alone with the head lady-in-waiting. If you were to fall, who would carry you back to the bedroom? And what are you going to do with a person who has a leg injury?”
“…Oh, right. But you’re busy, Your Highness. How can you accompany me on every walk?”
I tilted my head and asked. Ashid thought that was quite cute and gave a short laugh before answering, “As your husband, I can make as much time as you need for a simple walk.”
Could he not make time to be with the woman he was in love with? Ashid thought that to himself and reached out to tuck a slightly messy strand of my hair behind my ear. At that moment, my face involuntarily flushed from his somewhat cringey action.
“Eek!”
“Go and get help immediately!”
Screams and shouts of servants were heard from the annex. I was startled and looked at Ashid with wide eyes. “What’s that sound?”
“I’ll go and check it out. You stay here.”
Ashid patted my shoulder and quickly got up. He immediately headed to the passage that connected the main building to the annex. The passage was already full of people who had rushed over after hearing the commotion. Ashid grabbed one of the maids and asked.
