Chapter 6 (Part 7)

The dining room was already filled with food. There were many dishes she had eaten at the cottage.

Especially the chickpea dish she liked.

As she stood there without sitting, Cardin gently wrapped his arm around her waist.

“I prepared only what you like. How is it?”

He smiled, meeting her eyes. She hadn’t expected Cardin to prepare this much.

“Thank you.”

He smiled and pulled out her chair.

She sat down and looked at the large bowl. The chickpea soup looked particularly appetizing. It looked more delicious than what Cardin had made before, but for some reason, she didn’t feel like reaching for it.

Then a low voice resonated.

“Is there anything you don’t like?”

When she looked up, Cardin sat across from her and spoke.

“You don’t look very happy.”

For a moment, her heart felt a pang. It seemed like the emotions in her head were all showing on her face. In reality, unlike when they were in the cabin, she had paid off her debts, was with Cardin, and no longer feared him regaining his memory.

Of course, the marriage wouldn’t last forever, but it was certainly a better situation than when they were in the cabin. Yet strangely, it seemed better back then. When they were poor but filled with pure emotions and she felt more affection for Cardin.

Even now, she didn’t dislike Cardin, and her feelings for him hadn’t changed, but why couldn’t she cheer up? Was it because the marriage wouldn’t last forever?

“Brienne.”

“Yes?”

“If you don’t feel like having dinner….”

“No, I’ll eat.”

Cardin had taken the time to come early, so she didn’t want to waste it on futile thoughts. She busily moved her spoon, but Cardin’s gaze felt particularly persistent.

Ignoring it, she ate the chickpea soup. As she ate, it seemed unusually quiet around her, as if she was the only one eating. When she looked up, she met his vividly shining emerald eyes.

“Aren’t you eating?”

Cardin looked at her for a while before smiling and picking up his spoon. Only the sound of cutlery clinking echoed. She had nothing in particular to say to Cardin, and he remained silent.

Without conversation, the atmosphere felt strangely heavy. Even when she tried to think of something to say, only matters related to her father came to mind, so she kept her mouth shut.

She didn’t want to fight with Cardin anymore.

* * *

As she lay on the bed, she was filled with thoughts. Roquek. Heir. Marriage. Her father. She sighed and turned to her side.

If Roquek was pressuring, Cardin needed to marry another woman as soon as possible, not her. Especially since he had to produce an heir within three years.

Moreover, since her father kept causing trouble, it seemed best to leave Cardin’s side as soon as possible.

‘What’s the cleanest way to part with Cardin?’

As she pondered deeply, she felt a body press against her back. The fresh scent of the forest was a bonus. As she lay still, lost in thought, Cardin gently kissed her neck.

“You’re upset, aren’t you?”

“Upset?”

“Yes.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Then why won’t you look at me?”

She had no explanation. Knowing that being by Cardin’s side wouldn’t help him, how could she face him?

Cardin said she was that kind of person to him, but strangely, those words didn’t resonate at all. Because of the wall of reality.

He exhaled softly and spoke.

“Is it because of your father?”

Feeling that Cardin was subtly concerned, she lied.

“No, I’m fine now. Just tired.”

He held her quietly. The subtle rise and fall of his firm chest was palpable against her back. His warm breath brushed her neck, bringing a peculiar feeling.

Then Cardin pulled her waist closer.

“Are you very tired?”

His voice was slightly rough.

“Yes.”

She felt bad for lying, but she thought it was a good excuse. Cardin sighed softly, kissed her neck, and relaxed his arm.

Perhaps because of his steady breathing or the warmth of his embrace, sleep gradually crept in. She unknowingly closed her eyes.

* * *

When she woke up in the morning, Cardin was nowhere to be seen. Melin said he left early for work. She worried if Cardin was overworking himself, but she put the thought aside.

She took a deep breath and rubbed her forehead. Strangely, her body felt heavier, and her headache worsened compared to before. Just then, a knock on the door echoed. The sound continued briefly before stopping, but it was unusually irritating.

She frowned and spoke.

“Come in.”

The person who entered was a doctor. She greeted her and asked.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m tired, and my head hurts.”

The doctor apologized and examined her wrist and hand. She immediately took out a small piece of paper from her leather bag and handed it to her.

“Could you hold this paper in your mouth for a moment?”

Following the doctor’s instructions, she held the paper in her mouth for a while. She had done this test before, but it felt unusually bothersome this time. Perhaps because she wasn’t feeling well.

And since she didn’t expect her infertility to improve, it was even more irritating.

It all seemed futile. Then the doctor handed her a brown bottle.

“Now, please place that paper in here.”

She took the paper from her mouth and placed it in the bottle. The doctor shook the brown bottle briefly and placed it on the nightstand.

As she watched closely, the doctor explained.

“It’s to check your overall health. And to see if the infertility has improved.”

Brienne had no expectations. Even after taking the medicine Kelle made in Peroy, her infertility hadn’t improved. Others had come to the herbal shop happily after healing with Kelle’s medicine, but she didn’t experience such a miracle.

As she sat blankly, the doctor turned to her.

“Your overall health is good. And it seems you need to continue taking the infertility medicine.”

“I have to take it until it heals, right?”

“Yes, I’ll change it to another medicine, so you must take it consistently.”

“Are there any side effects to this medicine?”

“Side effects….”

“Recently, I’ve been feeling heavy, frequently getting headaches, and sometimes feeling weak.”

The doctor tilted her head slightly.

“Did this happen after taking the infertility medicine?”

The timing seemed similar, so she nodded. The doctor pondered briefly before speaking.

“Our medicine is known for not having side effects, but I can’t say there are none at all. I’ll give you a slightly refined version instead of the pure medicine. If you still feel unwell after taking this, please let us know immediately.”

“Okay.”

The doctor took out a white pill from her leather bag. She handed it to her along with the water glass on the nightstand.

“It’s good for headaches.”

She took the medicine with water. The doctor watched her briefly before continuing.

“I’ll deliver the infertility medicine to Melin later.”

When she nodded, the doctor kindly bowed her head.

“Then please rest well.”

She watched the doctor leave and lay back on the bed. She felt she needed to sleep because she wasn’t feeling well. Just as she closed her eyes, she heard the door and then it opened cautiously.

“Madam?”

She stifled a sigh and sat up. Melin looked at her face and spoke with concern.

“Are you feeling very unwell?”

“I’m fine. What’s the matter?”

“A letter arrived. It’s from Lady Hernes and Lady Kelle.”

Her mind instantly cleared at the mention of Kelle. She thought it arrived sooner than expected.

“Where’s the letter from Kelle?”

Sensing her excitement, Melin quickly handed over the silver tray. There were two envelopes, but she immediately picked up the one with the rough texture.

It was quite heavy. Curious, she opened it to find a letter with neat handwriting and a pouch of yellow pills.

To Brienne,

Brienne, I received your letter well.

I was curious about your news, so I’m glad to hear you’re doing well.

Things here are the same as always.

Still busy and hectic. Fortunately, a new person has come to help me here.

This time it’s a young man!

He’s Madame Flurdy’s son, and he said he’s resting in his hometown after graduating from the academy.

He’s quite handsome, so it’s pleasing to see him every time.

Anyway, don’t worry about me.

I’m also sending you the medicine. I really put a lot of effort into this one, so it should be somewhat effective.

Let me know if you need more. I’ll send you medicine anytime.

Kelle, waiting for good news

She stared at the letter for a long time. She wanted to go to Peroy immediately and smell the herbs. What she realized after coming here was that she missed picking herbs and making medicine.

After staring at the letter for a while, she noticed the envelope with a golden border. It seemed to be from Hernes. She opened it and saw elegant handwriting.

To Brienne,  

Come to the mansion.  

The ball is not far off.  

There should be no one mocking the Messerode family, right?

– Hernes Messerode

It was a letter with only what Hernes wanted to say. Despite not feeling well, she got out of bed. Brienne didn’t want to tarnish the Messerode family while maintaining her marriage with Cardin.

It was solely for Cardin.

As she left the room, Melin approached.

“Madam, a servant from Hernes’ mansion has arrived.”

Hernes had already sent someone. He was impeccably dressed, with neatly combed hair and a tidy shirt.

It was the attire of someone she often saw beside Hernes.

“Nice to meet you, Madam. Please come this way.”

Without saying much, she followed the servant. Outside the mansion, a large carriage was waiting. Melin came up to her and said,

“Madam, have a good trip.”

Melin smiled warmly. Brienne lifted the corners of her mouth slightly and got into the carriage.