“They’re quite peculiar. Even though they’re imprisoned, they laugh and chat every day,” Peter explained as if it were just another routine occurrence. Out of curiosity, I stood at the entrance, observing them before fully revealing myself. There appeared to be about twenty hostages, grouped into clusters of four or five.

Although I couldn’t fully understand the lyrics, they seemed to be having a great time, clapping in rhythm and singing in unison. Some were even stomping their feet or spinning around and dancing. I only moved forward after their song ended.

“It’s the butler!”

“Can you bring us more to drink?”

“And blankets too!”

“Who’s that over there?”

“Pretty person!”

“Come over here. We want a closer look!”

Everyone was busy talking over each other. Standing before them, I tried to speak calmly.

“I’m a healer. I’ve come because I heard there’s a patient.”

At this, the natives each chimed in.

“Are you talking about Roscoe?”

“If you leave him be, he’ll get up on his own.”

“Bringing a healer for such a minor illness shows how weak you are.”

“We don’t even consider a slight fever to be worth calling someone sick!”

Laughter echoed throughout the prison. I was taken aback, wondering how harsh their living conditions must be for them to boast about such toughness.

“Madam, this way.”

Peter ignored them and led me to the innermost part. At the very end of the row of cells, a small figure lay curled up.

“We isolated him out of concern that it might be an endemic or contagious disease.”

“Wise decision. I’ll take it from here.”

One of the knights pulled out a set of keys and opened the iron door, while another entered the cell ahead of me to check the surroundings.

“It seems safe to enter.”

Feeling slightly tense, I stepped inside the cell. Although there was a brazier in the passageway, it wasn’t enough to warm the interior, and the air felt chilly. Several blankets were laid out to block the cold rising from the floor, and the patient had wrapped himself tightly in one.

I approached to examine his complexion. What I had thought was a small person turned out to be a child, probably around twelve or so, with a high fever. Fortunately, upon checking his symptoms, it seemed to be just a simple cold with a high fever.

“Let’s move the child. It would be better to examine him in a warmer place.”

I could have treated him right there on the floor, but it didn’t feel right. After all, he was still just a child.

Perhaps because of the fact that he was a hostage, Peter hesitated briefly. But soon, he gestured to the knights to move the child.

“What are you going to do with the kid?”

“Leave him alone!”

“Hey, you all!”

The natives suddenly raised their voices, sounding threatening. I glanced at Peter, who shook his head.

“They’re just putting on a show. They know better than anyone that we mean no harm. You don’t need to worry.”

Still, feeling the persistent stares, I decided to reassure them.

“Everyone, children are physically immature. They’re completely different from adults. We need to treat him in a more comfortable environment. Don’t worry, nothing will happen. Please wait patiently.”

The natives exchanged glances and nodded.

“True, kids are weak.”

“Even if our tribe’s blood is strong, a kid is still a kid, right?”

“Right. Let’s wait and see.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at their sudden change in demeanor, wondering whether to call them naive.

“Alright, take good care of him and bring him back!”

“Roscoe’s getting pampered.”

“But how long are you going to keep us here?”

“We’ve done nothing wrong, so send us home!”

“My child is waiting for me!”

What had seemed like a conversation approaching a peaceful conclusion suddenly erupted into chaos.

“The Duke will make a decision soon, so keep quiet. If you cause a ruckus, there will be no dinner.”

Peter spoke coldly, as if he had been through this situation many times before. The natives grumbled about being threatened with food deprivation, but surprisingly, they fell completely silent.

Finally, we managed to leave the underground prison and headed to the guest room with the child. I quickly ordered a fire to be lit in the fireplace and for hot water and towels to be prepared. After laying the child on the bed, I took a seat beside him.

As the child’s fever continued to rise, I concentrated on bringing it down. Since even a small amount of magic could overwhelm children, it was important not to rush the treatment. I stayed by the child’s side for more than half a day.

The child was slightly shorter than me, with skinny arms and legs. I wondered if he was malnourished, but his body felt as solid as a rock, suggesting he was naturally quite healthy and robust.

“Ugh…”

I was reading a book, waiting for the child to wake up. As evening approached, he finally stirred and opened his eyes.

I greeted him warmly.

“Hello. Are you feeling awake now?”

“Ah!”

Startled by the unfamiliar situation, the child cried out and quickly pressed himself against the headboard. At the same time, the knight standing behind me, there to guard and watch over the hostage, drew his sword. Alarmed by the gleaming blade, I shouted.

“Put that away immediately! You’re scaring the child!”

“Oh… I’m sorry.”

The knight, flustered, sheathed his sword.

The child, eyes wide with fear, looked back and forth between me and the knight. Sweat had already formed on his small forehead, where his damp hair clung.

“I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to scare you.”

I tried to speak as gently as possible, but the child still looked frightened.

“W-where am I? Where is everyone?”

“You’re in a guest room, and if you’re talking about your tribe, they’re all still in the basement.”

“W-why am I here alone?”

“You were sick. We brought you here to treat you. How do you feel now? Does your body still hurt?”

The child seemed to realize something, lowering his head to touch and check his body. Then he looked back at me and nodded slowly.

“Would you like to wait a little? I’ll have some food brought up.”

Just as I was about to get up to take a breather, the child spoke urgently.

“W-wait! Please don’t go!”

Seeing his anxious expression, I hesitated, then noticed him glancing at the knight behind me. He didn’t want to be left alone with just the knight. Understanding his fear, I gave some instructions to the knight and had him leave the room.

“Is that better? You’ll need more time to fully recover, so just relax and lie down.”

“…Thank you.”

His voice still trembled. I waited patiently for him to calm down, feeling sympathetic.

The child pulled the blanket up to his eyes, occasionally glancing at me, fidgeting with the blanket, or bumping his head against the pillow. He also curiously observed the room. His actions reminded me of myself when I first arrived at this mansion, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“It’s quite different from where you lived, isn’t it?”

The child, who had been mesmerized by the ornate decorations and paintings around the room, nodded quietly. Seeing that he had relaxed a bit, I introduced myself again.

“I’m Hazel. I heard people calling you Roscoe. Is that right?”

“…Yes.”

Fortunately, the child didn’t shy away and answered. Relieved, I continued speaking slowly.

“Roscoe, once you’re fully recovered, you can return to your tribe. They seemed worried about what might happen to you.”

But Roscoe hesitated, then spoke with difficulty.

“…Do I have to go?”

“Hmm?”

Surprised by his question, I asked again. The child mumbled, looking downcast.

“It’s nicer here than in the prison.”

For a moment, I was at a loss for words. It was understandable; having experienced such a comfortable environment, he wouldn’t want to return to the basement.

“You’re here as a hostage, so it’s not my decision to make. But… since you’re still a patient… I suppose you can stay for a few more days.”

Roscoe looked at me, gauging whether I really meant it. When I responded with a gentle smile, his face lit up with a bright smile.

Just then, the food arrived, and I watched the child eat while sipping on some tea. Without my sense of smell, it felt like drinking plain water.

Suddenly, as he eagerly ate his soup, Roscoe put down his spoon and asked me.

“But Hazel, aren’t you eating?”

“I’m… waiting to eat with someone later.”

There had been no news of Leopold’s return yet, but I was hoping he would come back before nightfall.

“Someone you love?”

“Huh? What did you say?”

I was caught off guard by the unexpected comment. Roscoe, now fully spirited, said confidently.

“Waiting to eat with someone even when you’re hungry is something you do for someone you love. I heard your stomach growling earlier.”

The child teased me with a playful tone and then finished his meal, leaving nothing behind.