Chapter 36
The moment our eyes met—
[“I should punish you for daring to lie.”]
His voice from the wedding flashed through my mind.
I figured it’d be better to deny it quickly before he started talking about punishment again, so I forced a smile and tried to sound natural.
“Oh my, a lie? I was being completely sincere! I only said it because I truly care about Your Highness.”
“You don’t have to try so hard. I told you—your lie wasn’t all that bad.”
Wait—last time he said I should be punished, and now he doesn’t mind the lie?
I felt a wave of unease. It’s hard to know how to react when someone changes moods like the weather. And with patients like him, sudden changes often come with some kind of trouble.
At times like this, flattery doesn’t help. It’s better to just be honest and reason with him.
“…Okay, fine! I admit I might’ve added a little butter. But everything else I said was the truth! I’m Your Highness’s caring contract wife and your pharmacist, after all!”
“I truly appreciate your effort—as my contractor, doing your best.”
Claude emphasized “contractor” and “best” in a calm tone.
Unlike earlier, when he’d been spouting nonsense about needles and lies, now he sounded sharp and clear again.
Finally—it felt like he was back to his usual self. I let out a breath of relief.
Maybe his unpredictable mood swings are due to his mana addiction. Should I look into more herbs that might ease the symptoms? I was seriously considering it—
—when a server came and poured wine into Claude’s glass.
As the deep red liquid filled the crystal glass, Claude tilted it elegantly and took a sip.
The graceful line of his jaw, the movement of his throat, and the way that sleek black uniform fit him—it was all so striking.
His face was handsome, his demeanor noble.
“Your food is ready, Your Highness. I hope you enjoy your meal.”
The server’s voice snapped me out of it. I realized I’d been staring at Claude’s face with my chin resting in my hand.
Flustered, I quickly turned to the table, where every kind of dish had been served—steak, seafood, stew, salad.
I picked up a fork and started with the meats. Lamb, beef, chicken.
After a while, the rich taste became a bit overwhelming, so I switched to light, flaky fish.
Once my hunger was satisfied and I looked up—Claude hadn’t touched his food at all.
His plate and utensils were spotless.
[“After the late Empress died from poisoned food, His Highness stopped eating altogether. It wasn’t until a trusted chef arrived that he began eating just one small meal a day,”] Alvin, his assistant, had told me.
So why had he invited me to a restaurant if he rarely eats? Why order so much food?
…Could it be for my sake?
Unlike me, who had eaten heartily, Claude looked even paler than before.
He’d seemed fine when we arrived, but now he looked worn out.
Mana addiction patients shouldn’t leave home often, especially in his condition—he’s a severe case.
Seeing how drained he looked, guilt tugged at my heart.
I should’ve warned him not to come out today. But with the wedding and the factory project, I’d been too busy to check on him properly.
Starting now, I’ll do better. The sooner he recovers, the better.
With a gentle smile, I picked up a piece of juicy steak.
“You need to eat to take your medicine properly. Even if you don’t feel like eating, please try a bite.”
Claude’s eyebrows lifted ever so slightly.
“So now you’re not just my contractor and pharmacist—you’ve taken up babysitting too?”
“Babysitting’s not a bad thing. Taking care of patients is part of a pharmacist’s job.”
“…”
“Think of it as saving your nanny. Please, just close your eyes and say ‘ahh,’ one bite?”
He looked utterly unimpressed.
“No.”
Of course he refused. Claude was nothing if not stubborn.
I rolled my eyes dramatically—then suddenly gasped and pointed out the window.
“Oh! Your Highness, what’s that? Looks like there’s a performance out there! A singer maybe…?”
As expected, Claude snapped his head toward the window.
His forehead creased sharply—he hated music.
While he was distracted, I popped the steak into his open mouth.
“What are you doing?” he mumbled, brows furrowed, cheeks puffed. Honestly, it was a little cute.
But I wasn’t about to be murdered by a prince with severe mana addiction, so I quickly explained.
“Eating is crucial for your recovery. Think of this as part of your treatment. Please, Your Highness.”
Maybe my reasoning got through—Claude sighed and crossed his arms.
Then, slowly, he chewed and swallowed. He followed it with a sip of wine.
Even then, the frown didn’t completely leave his face.
“Tastes good, right?”
I flashed him the brightest smile I could manage, hoping to shut down any complaints.
He stared at me—hard.
Just like before, when he said he liked my lies.
As if… he were looking at his real wife, maybe even with affection.
I panicked and shoved another piece of steak into his mouth.
“Can’t give you just one bite, right?”
I let out an awkward laugh.
Under the soft glow of the restaurant lights, we continued the meal.
Claude still looked annoyed, but like a baby bird, he kept accepting bite after bite.
He was surprisingly cooperative.
Maybe I’d finally figured out how to deal with him.
Feeling a bit more confident, I said—
“Hold still, Your Highness.”
—and gently wiped a piece of steak from the corner of his mouth with my fingertip.
But back then, I had no idea.
No idea what kind of storm that tiny gesture would bring.
***
Several days passed.
Today, I was scheduled to visit Claude’s estate.
I packed a bag full of Lazeren potions and headed out early.
The morning mist in the forest felt crisp and refreshing.
When I arrived at the estate, the servants rushed out to greet me.
“Welcome, future Princess.”
The head butler bowed so deeply he was practically folded in half.
Still getting used to the new title, I smiled awkwardly—just as Alvin came over, beaming.
“Welcome, future Princess. His Highness has been waiting eagerly for your arrival since last night.”
“Did something happen? Did he have another attack?”
Alvin hesitated.
“No, nothing like that… He’s just been having trouble sleeping lately.”
He gave a vague answer, then glanced up at the third floor of the east wing.
The windows were closed tight behind thick curtains, casting a dark shadow.
