CHAPTER 2

“This weather is crazy.”

Serena’s wedding took place in a beautiful garden. For once, Reinn wore a glamorous dress and sat at a round table with friends.

“You have to say it’s a beautiful day, Rienn.”

Greta nagged, as always.

“Yeah, sure.” 

She replied dryly, glancing around the room. Serena and her long-time fiancé were both scions of the upper class, so there were a lot of people from that side of the family. Many academy peers were also present.

“It feels like we’re back at the academy, doesn’t it?”

“Right? I still can’t believe we’ve graduated.” 

Rene received her comment, and Greta shrugged. 

“After the weddings, when everyone disperses, it’ll hit us. By the way, Rienn.”

“Huh?”

“Why isn’t Dian here? I thought he’d come with you.” 

“Ah…”

Dian couldn’t attend because he was ill, and his illness was a secret. It wouldn’t be good if it got out.

“…I don’t know either. He seemed quite busy.” 

“Hmm, it’s strange that he’s not coming even though you’re here.” 

Greta’s eyes sharpened keenly. 

“Haha, what’s so strange?”

“He’s always following you like a shadow.”

“Oh, come on.”

Now that Dian was lying in a sickbed, she was the one by his side, guarding him. 

“Greta has a point, you know. But considering how busy he might be, it’s understandable. He’s the heir to a noble family, after all. I find it fascinating that Dian even attended the Academy.”

Renee glanced at her briefly before speaking.

“And didn’t Serena subtly like him? No? Oh well. Dian couldn’t make it to the wedding, but he sent a gift apologizing. Do you have any idea how much it cost?”

Rienn listened to their conversation with one ear while staring blankly at the wedding. She had decided to attend, although her mind was elsewhere.

Is Dian feeling any better? And has the Oracle arrived?

A way to save Dian’s life.

She had a gut feeling that his life was in danger. The only way to save him was to find out what the Oracle would tell. She was desperate to know.

They should have arrived by now.

After the long wedding ceremony, she had a short chat with Serena. There were so many people looking for the bride that they couldn’t talk long anyway. She returned to her table and grabbed her bag.

“Guys, I’ve got to go.”

“What? You’re not going to the reception? It’s right inside.”

“Don’t go, Rienn!”

“I have an urgent matter.”

“What?”

“Uh…… I’ll tell you later.”

“Rienn, you’re not going to ride a horse, are you?”

“I’m wearing riding pants underneath.”

“No!!!”

Ignoring Greta’s desperate cry, she hurried out of the garden. Mounting his horse, he headed for the Duke’s mansion.

“Dian!”

Dian was sitting up in bed, looking like a painting. He had been staring at her intently since she entered the room, but as she approached, he smiled faintly.

“You look beautiful today.”

“Well, it’s a wedding.”

“How was the wedding? I wanted to go with you.”

“It was fine. Dian, did the Oracle come?!”

“Yeah, he did.”

She gasped, her heart pounding heavily.

“What do we do?”

He slowly reached over to the nightstand. He unfolded a folded piece of paper and handed it to her.

“For a fortnight, from sunrise to sunset, take a virgin’s milk.”

She blinked.

“A virgin’s…… milk?”

Looking back at Dian, she could see he was just as perplexed.

“It’s a bit tricky.”

“A bit? I mean, how can a virgin produce…… milk?”

A woman needs to conceive and give birth to produce milk… So, the maiden couldn’t be a virgin.

“There’s a magic potion. If ingested, virgins can p… produce it.”

“Unbelievable…”

The embarrassment didn’t go away.

She’d rather let him have horse’s blood. 

A virgin’s milk…what kind of solution is this…….

No.

It was considered blasphemous to question the Oracle. The Oracles were inherently esoteric and mysterious, and for now, they had to be tried as best they could.

“Well, then, we’ll have to find someone……A virgin.”

“Yes, I’ve discreetly started seeking volunteers. It’s something we can’t force on anyone.”

“Oh, you’ve already…….”

Her head was spinning.

“As long as it’s a virgin, would anyone do…?”

“They have to be willing to take the potion and give up a few hours of their time, that’s the important part.”

She reread the note reflexively.

‘For a fortnight, from sunrise to sunset, take a virgin’s milk.’

Twice a day, taking milk… from a virgin?

If she lets her, would Dian suckle the woman’s br*ast?

The image formed in her mind. Dian sucking on a woman’s br*ast, drinking the milk.

“…….”

She felt confused and light-headed. Regardless of who does it, it’s just an act for “healing,” but her chest felt tight and anxious. 

Why was I feeling so stifled?

“Rienn?”

She tore her gaze away from the paper and looked at Dian. He was staring at her intently.

“Oh, wait…….”

Suddenly, Dian turned his head and coughed roughly, covering his mouth with his elbow as he coughed spasmodically. She fumbled and reached out, but there was nothing she could do.

Dian coughed up blood after a long cough.

“Dian!!!”

“I’m… fine.”

He wiped the corner of his mouth with his handkerchief. Red blood stained the pure white cloth.

“I’ll call Herta.”

Dian waved his hand no.

“Don’t go, Rienn. It’s no use.”

“You vomited blood!”

“I’ve been like this since yesterday.”

A bitter smile crossed his pale face.

“…Now’s not the time to smile.”

“I’m… fine. We found a way. As soon as we get a volunteer…”

“I’ll do it.”

She declared firmly.

“What…?”

Dian looked genuinely surprised.

“I, um, I mean… I don’t have any experience.”

She felt her face heat up. She hadn’t expected to reveal this.

He nodded seriously as if he wasn’t surprised at all.

“Neither do I.”

“Ah, I see…….”

I didn’t ask…….

“Well, I don’t see why not, so I’ll do it.”

“Are you sure about this, Rienn? It might be wise to think it over and decide carefully—”

“I’ve thought about it enough and made my decision.”

There was no time for further deliberation.

“Still. I’ll have to talk to your father and get his permission.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

Tell my dad that I’m going to take a magic potion that makes my milk come out and feed Dian?

“My late mother might rise from her grave at that.”

“All the more reason to tell him. He’s in the Marquisate of Reuther now, so let’s send him a letter.”

“Dian, please.”

She felt like her stomach was going to explode.

“I’m already an adult, having graduated from the Academy. I don’t need your permission to do this. I make my own decisions about my body.”

“But still…”

“Besides, it’s just for a fortnight. Then you’ll be better after that.”

“…….”

Dian fell into deep thought.

She had always liked his cautious, considerate side, but this moment was an exception. Quick decision-making and execution were crucial now.

“I’ve made up my mind. Why is it such a big deal that I do it?”

“Of course not. I’d be more than happy to have you do it, but…….”

“Then it’s settled.”

“But I’m worried it might be a burden on your body.”

Dian’s face darkened.

“Whether it’s me or someone else, it’s the same. As someone with good health, it’s better if I do it.”

I took up the sword, and I was healthier than the other women, thanks to my constant training. If anyone should do it, it was me.

“…… If you do. Thank you so much, Lien.”

“You can thank me once you’re better. Shall I tell Herta? Let’s get started right away.”