Episode 11
An unknown epidemic.
Even in my past life, it spread only in the Grand Duchy of Vesford and shook the duke family’s power. At first, it seemed deadly. But over time, it became weaker and turned into a common local illness. Only then did the Vesford family finally escape the rumor of being cursed.
But… to get there, many people had to die.
‘The disease spread around this time back then.’
Not only the people in the land, but even the Grand Duchess caught the fever and died not long after.
She was a fair mediator and a kind mother. After her death, the bond between Joseph and Ian completely broke.
But I knew something.
There was a cure for the disease that once filled the duchy with fear.
‘Who would’ve thought the cure was this close all along?’
Its name was Astrin.
No one imagined that the willow tree by the road could become a life-saving medicine for the fever.
“Did May contact you?”
“Yes. She said she has a few things left to check, but it’s almost ready.”
“Tell her to hurry, please.”
For this moment, I had often chatted about herbs with May to give her small hints—just enough to avoid suspicion about my knowledge from the past. Thankfully, smart May always figured things out.
“I’ll make sure she knows.”
“And if anything happens to May, Serri, you must help her.”
“I’ll check again to make sure everything’s safe.”
Serri answered right away and left the room.
While I waited for her to return, I nervously clenched and opened my fists.
Remembering the past and changing the future meant constantly creating new situations. That also meant I had to be extra careful managing those changes.
And right now, I needed one more person’s help.
Someone who could provide lots of willow trees so May could make plenty of fever medicine.
Ian.
Not just for the trees. If we beat the epidemic with the medicine, Ian’s reputation would grow—not just in the family, but among the people too.
I was still thinking about how to explain this to him when—
“Your Highness, the Grand Duke is looking for you.”
The maid’s voice made me tilt my head.
I hadn’t sent any message to Ian yet. Why was he calling me?
Thump. Thump.
I saw Ian’s shadow between the slowly opening doors.
This was Ian’s room—a place I had never entered in the past. I walked in nervously, my hands tightly clenched.
Ian, who had been reading a book with perfect posture, looked up at me.
“Your Highness.”
I quickly grabbed my skirt and bowed.
Ian stood and offered me a seat. The servants brought tea with a soft flower scent, and then left the room.
“Just us now,” Ian said.
“I was wondering if you’re okay with the fever going around.”
“Were you… worried about me?”
“Well, of course.”
He tried to act like it was nothing, but his eyes kept looking at my face carefully.
Yes—Ian hadn’t changed.
His kindness made my heart beat faster. I tried my best not to let it show.
After checking that I had no symptoms, he took a sip of tea. That gave me a good chance to bring up the epidemic naturally.
“Are you okay, Your Highness?”
“I’m strong. I’m fine.”
“That’s good to hear! But… I heard people say scary things—like curses and stuff.”
I wanted to warn him how the rumors might change over time.
Ian’s face grew serious as he answered.
“You’re right. People in the capital are spreading false stories about the disease to attack Vesford.”
“I thought so! I knew it was just rumors.”
Ian nodded.
“If this gets worse, it could give the royal family—who hate Vesford—an excuse to take action.”
He got up and looked out the window.
I was left speechless, staring at him.
While I was struggling to keep things the same as the past, Ian was calmly thinking ahead and making wise choices. It was so different from the Ian I knew—the one who used to blame himself for everything.
‘I never knew this side of him.’
Ian was slowly showing his true self now. And every time I saw it, something inside my heart moved.
It felt like the love I had for him was finally reaching him.
His eyes were on me, and I got shy and looked away.
Fiddling with my skirt, I suddenly remembered something I wanted to give him.
“Your Highness, wait a moment!”
I stood up and handed him a white handkerchief.
Then I showed him how to use another one—covering my nose and mouth and tying it behind my head.
This simple method would later help reduce the spread of the disease.
“The fever is dangerous. Please wear a handkerchief like this so you don’t catch it.”
Because he was tall, I had to look up to meet his eyes. I blinked and looked at him seriously, hoping he’d understand how important it was.
For a moment, Ian just stared at me like he was dazed.
“Ahem.”
Then he suddenly cleared his throat.
Was he sick? I stepped closer, worried.
His face was a bit red, but he kept pretending he was fine.
“I understand. But don’t go around teaching others this directly.”
“Huh?”
“In fact… maybe it’s safer if you don’t meet people for now.”
His voice was surprisingly sharp.
Sometimes, Ian showed this cold side—but I’d never seen it before. It felt like a version of Ian that only I got to see now.
Why? I didn’t know yet.
Before I could think more, Ian stepped back and tied the handkerchief around his face like I showed him.
“Like this?”
With half of his face hidden, his red eyes looked even brighter.
Maybe because I could see my reflection in his eyes, I couldn’t look away. I couldn’t even turn my head.
Thump. Thump.
My heart raced. I could only nod in response.
‘Focus, Amelia.’
Kind Ian must’ve been worried I’d get sick. That’s why he told me not to go near others.
But… I couldn’t help it.
Right now, I didn’t want anyone else to see him.
He was just… too beautiful.
And I wanted that face to look only at me.
Should I say that?
I hesitated a long time, then opened my mouth very carefully.
“Your Highness, can I ask you a favor?”
“After all the things you’ve done lately…”
He looked like he was remembering everything I’d gotten involved in.
Feeling guilty, I lowered my head.
“…Maybe I shouldn’t ask after all.”
I started to step back.
“Let me hear it first.”
I heard his voice—softer than before—above me.
“Really?!”
“I didn’t say I’d agree.”
I looked up at him with hopeful eyes.
Ian frowned but stepped closer and fixed the handkerchief on my face.
“What is it?”
Then he bent down a little to meet my eyes.
His red eyes stared into mine, and I felt my cheeks get warm.
“Well…”
I fidgeted with my fingers, unsure how to begin.
Thump. Thump. My heart beat faster.
“If you keep hesitating, I won’t agree next time.”
Threatened by Ian’s warning, I finally blurted it out with my eyes closed.
“Just once!”
“…?”
“Please help me just one time! When I really, really need your help.”
May’s medicine would be ready soon. That meant my plan would begin—and many things could go wrong.
I knew I’d need Ian’s help eventually.
But Ian didn’t answer right away.
