Even though it wasn’t an urgent telegram or a letter from another country, just a string of meaningless words, he couldn’t easily put the letter down. The letters he had collected filled a rather deep wooden box and found a place in one corner of his study.

Before leaving the estate with Hazel after his return, Leopold read those letters one by one again. He had already read them countless times before and memorized them all, but he wanted to see her handwriting once more. Above all, he wanted to feel the pure heart that hadn’t been hurt by him, not the Hazel who was endlessly corroded by pain, both physically and mentally.

What thoughts crossed Hazel’s mind as she watched the pieces of his heart fall into the burning fireplace? He couldn’t forget the resignation that slipped away from her as she turned in shock.

He shouldn’t have let her see him burning the letters. No, he shouldn’t have burned them in the first place…

Even though he had returned to the point where everything began, carrying the stench of regret, Leopold couldn’t lay a finger on Hazel’s heart. And this fact often plunged him into despair.

“Master, the preparations for departure are complete.”

Fortunately, or perhaps not, personal time was a luxury for a lord commanding countless soldiers.

“Let’s go.”

Without any hesitation, he stepped out of the tent.

***

When Daisy opened her eyes again, she found herself in the couple’s bedroom at the marquis’ residence. She blinked slowly, taking in her surroundings. Soon, the faint outlines of the dim room became distinguishable.

No moonlight entered through the window, which was completely covered by curtains. However, the candle quietly burning on the bedside table was enough to illuminate her husband’s face.

Aaron sat motionless, his head bowed and hands clasped together. Daisy reached out to him silently.

“Honey.”

“Daisy? Are you awake?”

He grasped Daisy’s hand, his face drained of color. A slight tremor was transmitted through his fingertips. Daisy asked in the calmest voice possible to soothe her husband.

“…What happened?”

“You collapsed.”

She remembered the moment when her vision suddenly went dark. She hadn’t been feeling well lately, but she hadn’t expected to faint.

“It’s a good thing the healer found you; otherwise, it could have been serious. They said there’s a problem with your digestive system. It’s genetic. If left untreated, you would gradually be unable to absorb nutrients, eventually…”

Seeing him unable to finish the sentence about dying, Daisy sighed.

“Fortunately, it’s an illness the healer can cure. They said you won’t have to suffer anymore. We really owe them a great deal.”

His previously worried expression was now tinged with relief. Although she had no particular attachment to life, she was satisfied with her husband’s concerned reaction. After all, she had always been a lower priority to him, who aimed to be the heir of the principality.

Feeling a slight emotional hunger being satisfied, she impulsively said, “We must repay the healer. But more importantly, honey, I have some news.”

“News?”

“I overheard something while I was out walking. That healer is the wife of Duke Lawrence.”

“Duke Lawrence? The one searching for a healer…?”

Aaron’s voice trailed off as he mumbled, looking puzzled.

“But still, I don’t understand. I’ve never heard of someone using soldiers to find their wife.”

“They must have had a big argument. But that’s not the main issue. Raphael confessed to her, asking to meet.”

“Is he out of his mind? How dare he make advances toward a duke’s wife?”

Daisy observed her husband’s reaction, carefully choosing her words. Even with just this much said, her husband, who was more adept at dealing with obstacles than anyone else, would easily handle a nephew of dubious origin.

“Anyway, I need to get some more sleep.”

“Alright. Please rest well. I’ll come back in the morning.”

Her husband, who had momentarily seemed like he belonged to her, had reverted to his usual self. Watching him leave without a backward glance, Daisy pulled the blanket up to her chin against the sudden chill she felt.

***

It had been an unexpectedly long night. Far from enjoying the party, I was exhausted after treating patients amidst the chaos, and even walking to my bedroom felt like a struggle.

The condition of the Marchioness, who had collapsed, was dire. At the time of discovery, it wouldn’t have been surprising to mistake her for being on the brink of death. Fortunately, it was a type of illness I had dealt with before, and as I infused her with magic, she quickly regained her vitality.

After the emergency treatment, Raphael helped me move the Marchioness to the lounge, and Aaron, who had rushed over looking pale, was busy bombarding me with questions about his wife’s condition. Contrary to his seemingly indifferent demeanor, he appeared to care for her deeply.

Due to this minor commotion, the party ended earlier than planned. The king, considering my well-being, made the decision. However, he hadn’t anticipated anyone following me to my bedroom.

I had just thrown myself onto the sofa in my bedroom, reviewing the treatment process, when a timid knock came from outside. When I asked who it was, an unexpected answer came.

“You may not remember, but… I’m Alendia. The mage who attended as a witness for Prince Raphael’s mark confirmation.”

It was an unexpected visit from a guest. Surprised, I quickly sat up. Outside stood a woman in a brown robe, the same outfit I had seen at the party, looking somewhat tense.

“Sorry for the late hour. I wanted to talk at the banquet, but it ended sooner than I expected…”

Alendia lowered the hood attached to her robe, revealing her face. Her eyes, darker than the night sea, met mine under her dark ash hair. The caution in them reminded me of my mentor.

“I see. Please come in. I’ll have some tea prepared.”

“No, thank you. I don’t eat at night. I’d just appreciate a bit of your time.”

Her voice was firm, with a clear purpose, suggesting she wasn’t here merely out of curiosity about me. Instead, I found myself growing curious about her as I invited her in and observed her closely.

Alendia exuded a mature aura, but judging by her youthful appearance, she seemed about five or six years older than me. Her small stature and height, reaching only about my shoulder, instinctively stirred a protective feeling.

“Then… would you like to sit over here?”

She nodded slightly and took a seat opposite me at the tea table, quickly getting to the point.

“I have something to ask.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“It’s about the Marchioness’s illness.”

“Yes, it’s a genetic condition.”

“Actually, I… I knew about the Marchioness’s illness.”

As she spoke directly to me, she briefly lowered her gaze. Her voice, now softer, continued.

“But I also knew I couldn’t cure it, so I’ve kept silent until now.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly, trying to comprehend what I had just heard. However, it was hard to hide my dismay at what sounded like a justification for neglecting a patient.

“What do you mean…?”

As I trailed off, Alendia hurried to explain, almost defensively.

“The Marchioness’s illness is one that very few people, besides someone with power like yours, can cure. Even if someone knows about the illness, what’s the point in telling them if they can’t cure it?”

It’s not a meaningless act. It gives the patient and their loved ones the opportunity and time to prepare for what comes next.

I was about to lash out at Alendia in anger but managed to swallow the words rising in my throat.

I was the one who thought there was no need to inform people like Leopold about an incurable illness. Knowing full well, I had done such a thing; what right did I have to criticize her?

I tried my best to suppress my emotions, carefully avoiding a lecturing tone as I spoke.

“Marquis Aaron would have sought out a healer like me to cure his wife’s illness if he had known. Even if things hadn’t worked out, he could have prepared for what came next.”

Alendia watched me silently, then let out a short, self-deprecating laugh. It wasn’t mockery but rather self-derision.

“Yes, you’re right. He would have made everyone’s life difficult until the Marchioness was cured. He does whatever it takes to get what he wants. Conversely, if no one could cure the Marchioness’s illness, he would have executed everyone who tried, for the ‘crime of not saving her,’ including me.”

“…”

She probably knew Marquis Aaron better than I did, and as an outsider, I couldn’t casually comment on matters involving life and death. I was well aware that there were those in power who would eliminate even seemingly unrelated people for trivial reasons.

“In the end, the Marchioness’s illness was cured, no one around her suffered, and your reputation as a healer has grown. It’s a good outcome for everyone.”

Alendia smiled faintly, seemingly genuinely relieved. My feelings were complicated, but I didn’t particularly want to engage in a verbal battle with her.

“I see. I understand. So, why have you come to see me?”

Alendia glanced away from me, then spoke again in a quieter voice.

“I was wondering if your magic could also strengthen my magic, within the realm of ‘healing.'”

Strengthening another’s magic…

A terrible nightmare flashed through my mind.