Chapter 45
Tulin wasn’t far from the capital, so it wouldn’t take long. And if Killian prepared the carriage, it definitely wouldn’t be like the shabby one we rode before.
“I finished the tea. Let’s go.”
I downed the warm tea in one go and stood up. My head was messy with thoughts, but since this land was now truly mine, I needed to see it with my own eyes.
As we headed to the carriage, we passed the front desk where Jeff was arguing with a maid and her mistress, a noble lady.
It seemed the hotel reopened its lower floors that morning.
“The Lady Gros will be staying here.”
“Yes, I’ll guide you.”
“I regretted leaving yesterday. So today, please give me the top floor…”
“Oh! Aren’t those His Grace the Duke and the young lady?”
She spotted us just as we were leaving. I didn’t know her, so I avoided eye contact.
But the lady’s heavy perfume hit my nose, and suddenly my hangover surged back—I felt like throwing up.
“Wait—I need a moment!”
If I didn’t get out of here in thirty seconds, it would be social death.
I tried to run, covering my mouth, but Killian sensed something wrong. He swept me into his arms and sprinted toward the stairwell.
Being shaken in his arms made my headache worse, so I shut my eyes tightly.
When I opened them again, we were back in the hotel room. Killian must have used magic in a panic.
“Ugh…”
“Are you all right? Why again…!”
The perfume smell was gone, so luckily I felt better.
But Killian’s face was pale. He thought my curse had come back.
“Killian, I’m fine. It was just the hangover. That perfume smell was too strong.”
“If it’s only that, then good. Still, maybe you should see a doctor. We have a long trip.”
“Who sees a doctor for a hangover? Killian, really?”
But he ignored me and ordered Jeff to fetch a physician.
I could already imagine it: the doctor would simply say, “It’s just a hangover.”
Soon, the young doctor rushed in, bowing nervously.
“Good day, Your Grace. Who is ill—ah, the young lady.”
Without waiting for an answer, he had me lie down and asked about my symptoms. Of course, aside from the hangover, I was fine. So he just tilted his head in confusion.
Killian’s intimidating presence kept him from leaving too soon, but finally the doctor said:
“You needn’t worry, Your Grace. It’s only a hangover.”
“See? I told you.”
He gave the usual advice—drink plenty of water—and hurried out.
Killian sat down beside me, staring at my face.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m worried you’re hiding how sick you are.”
“I don’t. If I’m sick, I say so. Let’s go—we’ve already delayed too much.”
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes. Water will fix it. I don’t even feel queasy now.”
“Very well. But promise to tell me immediately if you feel unwell.”
I nodded. Even so, he treated me like fragile glass, escorting me carefully all the way to the carriage. I was so embarrassed I couldn’t lift my head.
Meanwhile, Lady Gros, who had seen Killian carry me upstairs, was deeply concerned.
The romance between Killian and me was already famous in high society. People said: if he accepted a lady who had been rejected once, his feelings must be strong.
Lady Gros was one of those supporters. That’s why she chose this hotel—and today she saw us. It wasn’t the best scene, but still…
“Fetch a physician. Quickly.”
Killian’s anxious order made even Lady Gros nervous.
When the doctor later came downstairs, she rushed to him.
“Is the young lady very ill?”
“Ah… well…”
The young doctor, Allen, was proud to be summoned personally by the Duke. He wanted someone to ask about it. But, remembering his duty, he shook his head politely.
“Sorry, but I cannot reveal details. All I can say is—don’t worry. She isn’t ill.”
Allen walked off proudly, but his words sparked Lady Gros’s imagination.
“If she isn’t sick, then why did she vomit…?”
She recalled how my dress was a little loose, how Killian was overly protective… and then she was certain.
“Oh my… already? So fast… hehehe.”
Her worry melted into sly delight. She hurried off to her room, already thrilled to be the one to spread such hot news at tomorrow’s tea party.
The empty lobby echoed with her pleased laughter.
Rumors always started from small misunderstandings. I, meanwhile, happily prepared for Tulin—completely unaware.
Killian still hesitated to leave. I wanted to prove I was fine, so I rushed to the carriage. But seeing his terrified face, I stopped.
I finally convinced him to get in, but throughout the ride, he kept watching me instead of relaxing.
“I really am fine.”
His stare was so heavy I had to reassure him again. Still, he didn’t look at ease.
He sighed.
“Since this caused you so much trouble, you should avoid alcohol in the future.”
“…Okay. Normally I’d be fine, but last night’s liquor was stronger than it looked.”
“You even suspected it might be dangerous before drinking it.”
I had nothing to say.
He went on gently, almost scolding:
“Your body is still weak from the curse. Even with the elixir, you must be careful. Do you know how much you scared me, suddenly drinking like that?”
“I’m sorry again.”
“What did you think the Duke put in that liquor?”
If I told him honestly, he might get angry. But he should know the Duke was dangerous. If I wasn’t around and the Duke approached him, it could be bad.
“The Duke is dangerous. He’d do anything for profit. He might’ve laced the liquor with poison—only he has the antidote. Since you’re the divine beast’s representative, he could use it against you.”
“….”
Killian’s expression collapsed in shock.
