RVMPT Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Chirp chirp.

Harold glanced out the window at the sound of birds. A single sparrow sat on a branch, chirping alone.

At that moment, the royal physician spoke in a trembling voice.

“…You are truly cured.”

“My lord…!”

Evan, who had been standing nervously nearby, broke into a joyful smile.

The illness that had tormented their master for so long had completely disappeared.

A wave of emotion that couldn’t be put into words swept over them. Evan’s legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees, sobbing. Even the usually emotionless physician had tears in his eyes and bowed his head.

“Congratulations on your recovery.”

“C-congratulations… sniff… my lord.”

They both spoke at once, congratulating Harold.

Harold, already knowing the result, received their words calmly.

The divine power that had once flooded his body from Diana had quietly faded at some point. That meant his illness was gone.

By the time the sun had risen and everything was cleaned up, Harold had tested his sword aura before lying beside the unconscious Diana.

Because the illness was so unique, using sword aura had always caused pain. But now, even after some time, the sharp pain in his heart didn’t come.

Now he could use sword aura without pain. The pain that had tormented him for more than half his life was gone.

He had always thought he’d be cured someday after marrying Diana—but now that the moment had come so suddenly, it felt strange.

Chirp chirp. 

Harold looked again at the sound of the birds. Another sparrow had joined the first. The two birds rubbed against each other sweetly, like a couple.

<Harold, want to sleep together?>

Diana’s voice echoed in his mind, making his ears tickle. Ever since he dealt with the assassin, she’d been quietly thinking—until she suddenly made that suggestion.

For someone so shy to say that before even confessing her feelings—it had shocked Harold.

But once he understood what she must’ve been thinking, he couldn’t stop the thirst and hunger that rose within him.

Harold was greedy. From the beginning, he never intended to let go of the girl who had thrown herself at him so innocently. He didn’t have enough patience to reject such a golden opportunity.

But then, she’d climbed onto his lap and kissed him, saying she’d take responsibility… completely unaware of the danger.

She’s the one in danger, not him.

Harold stared in the direction where Diana was. 

He now understood the kings in history who had ruined their nations and families because they fell for a woman. Even a whole day in bed didn’t feel like enough time. He could understand wanting to abandon all other duties.

Diana.

His Diana.

He licked his lips as he thought of her name. Then, remembering what he had to do, he called Evan.

“Evan. Did the assassin talk yet?”

“Sniff… not yet… hic… not yet, sir.”

Harold smiled coldly. The heat in his navy eyes had now darkened.

“I’ll go myself. If anything happens, meet me in the dungeon.”

“Sniff… y-yes, sir.”

Once Harold left, only Evan and the physician remained.

The physician had stopped crying, though his eyes were still red. Evan, however, stayed collapsed on the floor, still crying and sniffling. When Harold left, Evan only cried louder.

“Sniff…”

“…What is it?”

The physician responded to Evan’s call.

“Sniffle sob sob sob!”

“…Yes. The day has finally come. The day His Grace is cured. It’s not a dream.”

“Sniff sob sob sob!!”

“You’re right. It’s truly a miracle.”

The physician pressed his fingertip against his teary eyelid, then spoke as if he were chewing on the words.

“Hah… I never thought the day would come when I don’t find your weird way of speaking annoying.”

***

I groaned as I thought back on last night—or actually, this morning.

My body didn’t hurt from using divine power, but today, I was feeling restless.

Because of my natural healing, even though I was mentally exhausted, my stamina kept recovering. I couldn’t even faint! Without the divine power, I probably would’ve passed out already!

Even after I finished healing him, telling him to stop… he didn’t even pretend to listen.

Harold didn’t stop. He tried to devour me from head to toe.

I really thought there would be nothing left of me.

Just thinking about it made me want to punch him in the chest. I clenched my fist but let out a deep breath.

Still, now Harold won’t die from his illness anymore.

Now it was time to think about what to do next.

Just then, the butler knocked on my door. 

Gasp! Was it that time already?

“Just a moment, butler! I’ll be right out.”

After sending letters to the families that helped search for me yesterday, I quickly received a reply from Marchioness Mayer.

I stepped outside to greet her as we had arranged to meet today.

A moment later, a white carriage with the Mayer family crest passed through the gates.

I walked up to the stopped carriage, and the butler stepped forward to open the door.

But before the butler could open the carriage door, it suddenly burst open.

The Marchioness of Mayer stepped out with a stiff face and walked quickly toward me.

Her golden eyes had been fixed on me from the moment she opened the door, scanning me from head to toe.

‘They said the Mayer family was the first to respond to the request for help.’

I smiled even brighter, trying to reassure her.

“Lady Mayer, thank you for helping them find me. Thanks to you, I was able to return safely.”

Maybe my feelings reached her, because her face relaxed a little.

Still, her fingertips trembled, so I gently took her hand and looked into her eyes.

“…You look like you’ve lost weight. Are you really okay, Duchess?”

That might be because of Harold.

“Yes. Nothing happened. I wasn’t hurt, either.”

“…I’m glad you’re safe. What’s happening with the person behind the attack?”

“We’re still interrogating the assassin.”

The last I heard was about four hours ago, when Harold went down to the dungeon.

‘Who could the culprit be?’

It could be someone who holds a grudge against me—or against Harold.

But right now, there’s no information to go on. It’s impossible to guess.

More than that, finding the coachman’s family was important.

“Ahem!”

Following the sound of a cough, I looked behind Lady Mayer and saw Prince Andrew wearing glasses.

“Ah…!”

I was about to call him “Your Highness!” when he quickly shook his head.

“Dante Malcons greets the Duchess. I apologize for the sudden visit. I asked the Marchioness to come with me after hearing about what happened to you.”

Dante Malcons. It had been a while since I’d heard Prince Andrew’s fake name.

I played along with his act and lifted the hem of my dress slightly.

“It’s been a while, Young Master Dante. Let’s not stand out here—come inside.”

I led the two into the drawing room. After a maid set down the tea set on the table, I sent all the servants away.

Prince Andrew took off his glasses and picked up a teacup. I noticed a red mark on the back of his hand.

It hadn’t been there before—it looked like a small puncture wound, maybe from a needle.

“Your Highness, what happened to your hand?”

“Oh, this? It’s nothing.”

Prince Andrew answered casually.

“It’s from a shot. His Majesty, my father, insists on weekly health checkups since I’m the only prince. He worries too much. Haha!”

…Hopefully, that shot wasn’t poisoned or anything. Knowing the Emperor, it wasn’t impossible. I felt uneasy.

Just then, Prince Andrew smiled gently.

“That worried look—just like Lady Mayer’s. Don’t worry, we regularly test for poison.”

Ah. Well, even if he didn’t check, someone close to him definitely would have.

Relieved, I leaned back in my chair.

We chatted for nearly an hour when a knock came at the door.

“My lady, a message from the Duke.”

From Harold?

I excused myself and stepped out of the drawing room.

“What is it?”

The butler bowed and spoke quietly.

“The assassin has started talking.”