The journey to the capital had been so comfortable that I wondered if traveling had ever been this pleasant before. Perhaps it was because Leopold was by my side. In fact, this was the first time we had traveled a long distance together in a carriage. In situations where we needed to travel together, he usually preferred riding a horse rather than sharing a carriage with me.

“What are you thinking about so deeply?” he asked.

It was just after I had turned my gaze from the book I had been reading to look out the window. Leopold leaned forward slightly, stretching his neck to see where my eyes were directed. We had just entered the capital, and outside, merchants’ carts bustled back and forth.

“Nothing seems particularly interesting,” I replied.

“It’s just unusual. There have been only a handful of times we’ve traveled by carriage together.”

“…I see,” he said, leaning back and clearing his throat softly. Since he had avoided me more than once or twice, he must have felt awkward about my direct remark.

“I’m not saying it because I’ve held onto any feelings, so don’t worry,” I added.

I smiled, closed my book, and leaned slightly against him. Leopold naturally wrapped his arm around my shoulder and whispered an apology. Even as I replied that it was fine, I could barely suppress a laugh, as conversations like these had been recurring all winter.

As we passed through the bustling center of the capital and approached the vicinity of the estate, I grew increasingly tense. I wasn’t confident I could face my mother with a smile like before. Unconsciously, my expression hardened.

“Hazel, are you okay?” Leopold, who always reacted sensitively to my state, asked with concern. I didn’t want to burden him with the issues I needed to resolve on my own, so I quickly relaxed my face.

“There’s nothing to be not okay about. How about you?” I asked.

“What could possibly bother me? I’ve lived like this my whole life,” he replied.

However, despite his words, a hint of discomfort flashed across his face. I had seen that look several times before, but why hadn’t I noticed it before?

The sensation at my fingertips, which I tried not to think about, kept resurfacing, complicating my thoughts. Those rough scars that covered his back. I had thought the signs of punishment were only on his calves, but there were far more on his back.

At first, I was so shocked that I couldn’t breathe, but at Leopold’s request to focus on the present rather than the past, I pretended not to see, not to know, and eventually acted as if I couldn’t even feel the contours of the scars. The happier I was with him, the more it pained me. Even though I didn’t show it…

Finally, the carriage stopped. Leopold got out first, and with his escort, I stepped out of the carriage. The warm, cozy spring breeze and the fragrant scent of flowers filling the garden excited me, but as soon as I met my mother’s eyes, all those pleasant sensations vanished as if they had never existed. The cane she held in one hand seemed to stand out more than ever.

“Oh, Hazel. You’ve finally arrived,” she exclaimed.

With an exceedingly bright face, she extended her free arm and hugged me tightly, offering a welcoming greeting. Her gentle touch and soft gaze were directed solely at me. She barely acknowledged her son, Leopold.

“Mother, have you been well?” I asked.

“Of course. There have been so many amusing things. Everyone has been clamoring to meet you, you know,” she replied.

She had always loved being the center of attention. Her uncomfortable leg must have been a great torment for her. Behind her cheerful face was an unmistakable anticipation for the treatment of her leg.

“Let’s have some tea first,” she suggested, grabbing my hand firmly. At that moment, Leopold, who had been standing like a statue, spoke stiffly.

“I’ll go pay my respects to His Majesty first,” he said.

“Yes, that would be best. His Majesty has been asking when you would arrive, Leo,” Mother responded with a smile that seemed almost painted on. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say she forced her lips upward, as her eyes were not smiling at all.

“Hazel, see you later,” he said.

However, it seemed I was the only one feeling bitter. Leopold casually kissed my cheek and departed with a few of his escort knights.

Leopold’s beloved horse, Carl, who had been following us with the knights, appeared more spirited than usual once his master mounted him. Perhaps it sensed Leopold’s mood and was trying extra hard.

I hadn’t even watched Leopold completely leave the estate when my mother pulled me along. Having no choice, I followed her lead.

“This is the first banquet since you and Leopold became a couple. I’ve been putting a lot of effort into it. I haven’t sent out the invitations yet, but the ladies keep hinting for them every time they see me. It’s quite overwhelming.”

Despite her words about being overwhelmed, my mother’s face was full of satisfaction. As we walked to the tearoom, she proudly detailed the special preparations she had made for this banquet.

She described how lavish the decorations on the walls and floors were, the various types of fresh flowers she had prepared, the challenges in procuring exotic ingredients from abroad, and how she had already ordered my dress in advance, only needing the measurements adjusted due to the tight schedule.

In the past, I would have genuinely admired and responded enthusiastically to my mother’s stories. But now, even feigning interest felt difficult. Fortunately, she seemed oblivious to the fact that my mind was elsewhere.

“Not that you would, but you’re not feeling unwell, are you? You look a bit pale.”

“Ah… I think it’s just the fatigue from traveling. I’ll be fine after a little rest, so don’t worry.”

I paused briefly but then forced a smile onto my face as I replied. My mother tilted her head in curiosity but soon nodded.

“That’s a relief… But do let me know if you need to rest.”

“Yes, Mother.”

There was nothing I could do but answer meekly. Whenever I thought of Leopold, my resolve to heal waned, but ultimately, I had to treat my mother for his sake. Regardless of her intentions, she had taken care of me diligently as my guardian.

Soon, the flower tea she had specially prepared for me began to appear on the table. Watching her brew the tea and urging me to smell its fragrance, I finally spoke with difficulty.

“Mother, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Oh, what is it? Go ahead.”

She carefully poured water into the teacup and watched the color change intently as she replied. It was when the process was somewhat complete.

“I think I may have found a way to treat your leg…”

She froze for a moment, putting down the teapot. Her gaze on me was a mix of fear and excitement.

“…I think I’ve found it.”

“Oh my, Hazel…!”

As I finished speaking, my mother covered her mouth with both hands, exclaiming in apparent joy. I quickly added an explanation.

“But I can’t say for sure yet. I need to discuss it with my mentor at the academy first—”

“Of course, you should, dear! You’ve never disappointed me. I never doubted you for a moment, but this is the happiest I’ve ever been! So, roughly when do you think you can treat it? It would be wonderful if it’s before the banquet. Imagine how surprised everyone would be if I could officially show off my healed leg at the banquet.”

My mother spoke excitedly, almost without pause. Watching her, I couldn’t help but smile wryly inside. Once she paused, I calmly explained my plan.

“I’m planning to go straight to the academy to discuss it with my mentor. There might be side effects, so I want to apply it to other patients first, and once I’m sure, I’ll start your treatment.”

It was already a proven treatment with no real side effects. The only thing to discuss with my mentor was how to systematically establish this method, and I had already organized it into a thin book during my stay at the estate, so I just needed his confirmation. In truth, it was an excuse to get away from being alone with my mother.

“Are you saying you’ll go right now? It’s not too late, but wouldn’t it be better to send a message and go tomorrow? You should rest a bit, as you said.”

“No, I have some questions for my mentor as well. If you permit, I’d like to go now.”

“If that’s the case… I won’t stop you.”

She seemed surprised by my request but couldn’t hide her delight. If I were in her position, thinking soon I’d be walking perfectly fine, I’d probably act the same way.

I hadn’t even finished a single cup of tea, but I stood up from my seat. My mother saw me off, telling me to return before dinner. She even suggested that the three of us, including Leopold, spend some quality time together. Did she really not know that Leopold had lost his sense of taste? I couldn’t shake off the suspicion about her every word and action.

“Everything is ready. Let’s board the carriage, ma’am.”

Jayden appeared with the other knights, offering to escort me. I suddenly wondered if he had really been doing well during his childhood.

I spent most of my time at the academy and never left the capital, even when I ventured outside the school. In contrast, Jayden grew up undergoing rigorous training in the Lawrence estate. We exchanged letters a few times, but they mostly reassured me he was doing well.

“Jayden, I’d like to chat for a bit. How about riding in the carriage with me?”

He looked a bit surprised but then got into the carriage. As it started to move with a jolt, Jayden asked first.

“What is it?”

“We’ve been apart for so long. I was wondering if you ever struggled on your own, especially when you were younger.”

“When I was younger?”

Though he looked puzzled by the sudden question, Jayden seemed to be recalling old memories as he rolled his eyes thoughtfully. The story he eventually shared was full of surprises in a different sense.