Chapter 50

When I appeared in the garden holding a watering can, the grand duchy’s gardeners were startled and gathered around. I smiled and waved them away.

“I have some things to consider, so just continue your work.”

The gardeners hesitated but eventually withdrew, given my repeated urging. Most noblewomen would only issue instructions from a distance if they involved themselves in the garden, but I didn’t want to do that.

Even though I couldn’t do it daily, I wanted to occasionally water the plants, change the soil, and be familiar with the garden. I enjoyed it and was good at physical tasks.

I gently sprinkled water over the flowers, humming a tune. I might have appeared relaxed, but my mind was quite busy.

The conversation with Thien kept echoing in my head.

“My Lady, what do you think about wizards?”

“Wizards?”

To me, they were people who interpreted rare gemstones. Beyond that… They were like dark-robed researchers hidden away in the magic tower, absorbed in their studies.

However, saying that honestly didn’t seem respectful to wizards, so I hesitated. Seeing my lips move, Thien smiled and said,

“You probably think of them as gloomy researchers.”

I awkwardly laughed. Thien clasped his hands together and placed them on his lap, adopting a serious demeanor.

“There are many diseases that medicine alone cannot solve. Feeling the limitations of a single branch of medicine, I have been researching ways to combine magic and medicine. If you agree, I want to use magic in your diagnosis and treatment.”

It was a bit perplexing. I had understood that magic could only affect materials—interpreting rare gemstones, making materials more durable, or altering their size.

Even that was not common. There were very few wizards, and magic stones were usually no more than glorified candles. Only rare gemstones could achieve something magical.

Magic was almost an alien concept in this world. But using magic on a person?

Seeing my hesitation, Thien nodded as if he had anticipated it.

“My Lady, I heard you gave up on meeting doctors. You must have met many doctors during that process. I don’t think they were all incompetent. Therefore, the result will be the same even if I conduct an ordinary examination.”

He meant that even he could not diagnose my illness correctly. I felt my head spin.

“Even if you are reluctant to magic treatment, I will do my best in my examination.”

I sat with my fists clenched. However, I didn’t think long. After all, what harm could it do to use magic on a body that would die soon?

The only concern was,

“Keep this a secret from His Grace, the Grand Duke. He will worry.”

Thien nodded.

“I will proceed as safely as possible to ensure that the secret is kept.”

His words were reassuring. After giving me a mild prescription, Thien said he would bring magical tools on his next visit.

I wasn’t too afraid when I accepted Thien’s words, but after sending him off, I felt uneasy. Using magic on people was usually for offensive purposes.

The effects of magic on humans haven’t been studied because it is used to kill, not cure. Incorporating such magic into medicine was a bold idea.

I shook my head with a chuckle. It was genuinely ironic to fear death, even though I was already facing it.

While I stretched out my arm to water a distant flower, I sensed someone approaching. Without turning around, I spoke.

“There might not be enough water. Could you fetch more?“

“Sure.”

I was startled by the low, deep voice and nearly jumped. With my arm stretched out, it was hard to keep my balance, and I wobbled. Julian wrapped his strong arm around my waist. Clinging to his arm, I held my pounding heart.

“You scared me!“

“I didn’t sneak up on you.“

“I didn’t expect it to be you.”

I straightened up and brushed off my skirt. Then, I handed the watering can to Julian.

“You said you’d fetch more water, so get some.”

Julian obediently took the watering can but didn’t move. He just stood there, looking at me. He spoke as I folded my hands behind my back and looked at him.

“Were you watering the plants yourself?“

“Yes. I can do this as a hobby, so don’t tell me why your wife is doing this.”

Julian smiled at my words.

“Unlike my mother, you’re skilled.“

“I used to help with the garden at the count’s estate occasionally. It was mostly my mother who took care of it, and I was busy cleaning up the mess the dog made.“

Julian took my hand and led me to the garden’s tea table. He placed the watering can in the center of the table. It was amusing to see him still holding it, and I chuckled.

After I sat down, Julian sat across from me. He looked cautious as he asked,

“How is the doctor?”

Was he worried that I would dislike it? This much was okay to ask. I rolled my eyes and recalled Thien’s words. He had jokingly asked me to speak well of him because he feared Julian. Remembering that made me laugh again.

“Why are you laughing?“

“Thinking back, it was funny. I asked for a doctor, and you sent a wizard.“

“…Do you like him?“

Julian’s face turned serious at my words. Was he worried I wouldn’t like the doctor he sent? I wanted to reassure him, so I spoke firmly.

“Yes! I like him very much. He’s an interesting person.”

Julian frowned and stood up. Julian waved his hand as I looked up at him as if it was nothing.

“I’m glad you like him.“

“Where are you going?“

“Office. You stay out here and play a bit longer.”

And with that, he really did go in alone, leaving me behind. I stared at him in disbelief, then muttered into the empty watering can.

“He said he’d fill it up but just left?”

Julian seemed to have some complaints, but since he wouldn’t speak up, I felt needlessly irritable, too. Usually, I would chase after him and ask what was wrong, but I didn’t feel like it.

“Well, if he wants me to play longer, so be it.”

I called a maid with a wave of my hand, snorting.

***

The carriage with the Winsley family crest arrived at the Grand Duke’s residence before evening.

When I heard the news, I lifted my skirt and hurried out. Near the entrance, I saw Louis talking with the butler. It hadn’t been long since I last saw him, but he seemed taller, as teenage boys often do.

“Louis!”

When I shouted, Louis turned and smiled brightly at me.

“Sister!”

Louis walked straight to me. I hugged my taller younger brother. How lonely I had felt being away from my family…

I had always wanted to see my family, but I couldn’t call Louis away from his heir training all the time. Though I had called him because of Nife, I couldn’t help but feel glad.

“Thanks for coming. Was the journey tough?“

“You made the same trip. Why would it be hard for me?”

His dependable words made me smile, and I playfully pinched his cheek.

“Let’s see. You’ve grown a lot.“

“And you’ve gotten prettier, sis.“

“Are you teasing me?”

I laughed and lightly jabbed Louis’s side. He pretended to be hurt, clutching his side. We played around until we noticed the butler watching and sheepishly laughed.

“Shall we go inside?“

“Yes, thank you.”

I cleared my throat and spoke solemnly, like a noblewoman. Louis’s amused smile made me feel a bit embarrassed. We followed the butler, chatting comfortably.

“How’s Adam? And our parents?“

“Everyone’s well. Our parents are even closer these days. Did you know Adam told me he wished for a younger sister?”

I covered my mouth and laughed. I could imagine how much Louis and Adam would adore a little sister. As I smiled at the thought, Louis asked carefully.

“How is the Grand Duke?”

I was about to nod but recalled the incident in the garden this morning and frowned.

“I don’t know. Let’s not talk about him.”

Surprised by my tone, Louis asked, his face concerned.

“Is something wrong?”

Feeling comforted by his presence, I let my frustrations spill out.

“This morning, he said he’d fill the watering can but then left in a huff without a word.“

“What?”

Louis, wide-eyed and open-mouthed in surprise, soon burst into laughter. He found my words so amusing that tears formed at the corners of his eyes.

“The Grand Duke must really care about you.”

His relieved voice made me nod reluctantly.

“But he’s clearly upset about something. And he’s not one to talk much, you know? I really don’t know what to do.“

“Just go ask him. You can’t stand feeling frustrated.“

“I guess I should. I can’t have a fight with my husband while you’re here.”

“Don’t worry about me. But…”

Louis trailed off, looking around. Just then, I realized who he was searching for.

“Louis!”

A girl dashed out as if she would tumble any moment, but as soon as she met Louis’s eyes, she stood primly as if she hadn’t been running. Her lively nature couldn’t be hidden.

Louis turned to Nife with a stern face and called out.

“Nife Sasha! Come here!”

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.