Chapter 13
“Did you hear? What they said earlier?”
“About the fight between His Grace the Archduke and the Young Lord?”
“They say it was really scary. Almost turned into a fistfight!”
It was late at night, and I had gone out for a walk to get some fresh air. When I heard the voices of some maids talking in the distance, I stopped walking with Seri.
She looked like she was about to go scold them, so I quickly put my finger over my lips, covered by a handkerchief, to stop her.
Then I focused on listening to what they were saying.
“But why? I know things aren’t great between them lately, but the Archduke always treats the Young Lord with respect.”
“I heard… the Young Lord said the plague that’s hurting the Archduchess might be the Archduke’s fault.”
“What?!”
Even in the past, Joseph often picked fights with Ian. Ever since he lost his place as heir, he always acted petty.
But back then…
“They say His Grace just stayed quiet while the Young Lord talked.”
Ian used to just listen without fighting back. It didn’t even become gossip among the staff because he never reacted.
Only a few people who were there knew it happened.
But now… a fight almost happened?!
This was completely different from the past! I kept listening, trying not to show how surprised I was.
What happened this time?
“So he got angry?”
“No. At first, he just listened quietly.”
“Then what made him react?”
Yes, tell us already.
I was so confused about Ian’s reaction. What changed in him?
“Hey, come closer.”
The maids lowered their voices and whispered.
Ugh, now I can’t hear!
I tried to move my head closer. I stood on my tiptoes even though I’m short.
…Not that it helped much.
I focused with all my might, but I still couldn’t hear what they were saying.
What are they talking about?
I leaned closer again. Suddenly, one of them yelled:
“Oh my gosh! So His Grace couldn’t stand hearing himself insulted, but lost it when someone insulted the Archduchess?”
Wait, the Archduchess? That’s me?!
What is this about?
“Yeah! They say he looked so scary, like a flame was flickering in his eyes!”
“That’s too much from the Young Lord. He’s not the only one upset about the Archduchess being sick.”
“Right? He even asked if she brought the plague from the South…”
That horrible Joseph! Not only did he insult Ian, but now he’s blaming me?
I suddenly remembered Joseph’s sharp eyes from the past, and a chill ran through me.
“If he ever says something like that again, His Grace said even if it’s his brother, he won’t forgive him.”
Hearing that, I started to worry.
Ian was the first younger son to ever become heir in the Vesford family.
Everyone’s already paying attention to him, and rumors like this would hurt his image.
If people think he threatened his brother over his wife… it might get ugly.
‘I don’t want Ian’s reputation to be ruined because of me.’
I swallowed nervously.
“…So cool!”
Huh?
“Right? Isn’t it so romantic? Like, he was going to be patient because it’s his brother, but couldn’t hold back when someone insulted his girl. Kyaa!”
His girl…?
My brain froze when I heard those words.
How could anyone call me Ian’s girl? That doesn’t suit us at all!
Panicking, I quickly turned to go back to my room.
“Y-Your Grace!” Seri hurried to follow me.
I didn’t even care what my face looked like. I just wanted to get away.
But then, of all people, the one I didn’t want to see appeared.
“You…”
Why now?!
Ian stood in front of me, looking confused.
“G-Greetings, Your Grace.” I bowed quickly.
Please just walk past. Please don’t stop.
I silently begged him.
But…
“Why’s your face like that?” he asked.
He gently grabbed both my arms.
Even though he was still young, his hands were already strong.
But his grip didn’t hurt at all. Instead, his hands felt warm against my skin.
Ian lowered his head, trying to see my face.
“Y-Your Grace,” I said, turning my face away.
But in the end, I couldn’t avoid his eyes. We looked right at each other.
His red eyes and tall nose were getting closer.
He was still just a boy, but anyone would be drawn to that face.
He studied me, turning his head slightly. I could see the worry in his eyes.
Just as I was thinking he looked too good—
“Are you sick? Your face is so red!”
“No! It’s not that…”
It was because of those awful three words: his girl.
But I couldn’t say that. If I did, things would get awkward.
“Go see the doctor. I have somewhere to go now, but I’ll come later.”
“No, really…”
“Your clothes are too thin. You’re not taking the northern cold seriously.”
He looked at Seri disapprovingly and moved as if he was about to take off his own outer coat for me.
No! That would be way too embarrassing!
“N-no!”
“?”
I panicked and reached out to stop him—and accidentally placed both hands on his chest.
I froze.
Ian froze.
What just happened?
I quickly pulled my hands away.
“I’m not sick! I’m not cold either!”
Actually, I feel too hot. Haha.
Ian looked flustered too and coughed awkwardly.
“I-It’s just that I enjoyed the night walk… That’s why I’m red!”
“…”
“If I feel sick, I’ll tell Seri and go to the doctor! So don’t worry!”
I bowed and rushed off before he could say anything else.
If I stayed there, I might’ve died from embarrassment.
But I couldn’t stop hearing what those maids said earlier:
“He couldn’t stand someone insulting his girl!”
We’re not like that!
Later…
I flopped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.
“Go see the doctor. I’ll be there soon.”
Back then, I was too nervous to think clearly.
But now that I was alone, Ian’s face kept flashing in my mind.
That worried face…
Yes, even though he pretends not to care, he’s actually really kind.
He’s probably overwhelmed with worry about the Archduchess, but he still worried about me.
I rolled over and looked out the window.
The stars twinkled peacefully, as if the plague spreading through the territory was a lie.
“We have to save the Archduchess.”
Still, there was no news from Mei.
The medicine made from willow bark helped with mild fevers but wasn’t strong enough for serious illness.
“Should I still give her the willow water? But if it doesn’t work…”
I was frustrated.
In the past, Mei used willow bark to create the cure, Astrin.
The recipe was simple enough for her to make a lot of it by herself.
But in her last letter, Mei said something wasn’t working.
“The recipe seems fine… What’s the problem?”
I sighed and sat up. I pulled out a sheet of paper and my quill pen.
There weren’t many ingredients needed:
Good-quality willow bark.
Water.
And a few herbs to reduce inflammation.
What could be different from before?
