Chapter 34

"That was when we went out last time! When I said it was pretty, Theo-nim bought it for me."

"Theo?"

When Father asked, Theo flinched.

It was a bit expensive...

"It's actually really expensive... I really wanted it, so I threw a tantrum. Please don't scold me, Brother."

"Oh, no, no. My dear, no."

Aunt seemed relieved that Theo's convulsion had stopped. She wiped her moist eyes and hugged me.

"Sister, we should call a priest to check Theo's condition."

"Huh? Isn't it a known disease? Why a priest?"

"It seems the reason his convulsions have decreased is because of this pendant. It's not just an accessory; it's a demon core."

"What, what?"

Aunt was surprised.

Theo also looked puzzled and looked down at the pendant in his hand.

Father's strange gaze was directed at me, not the pendant...

'Sigh, anyway, it worked. As expected, the protagonist never feeds sweet potatoes.'

I was once again grateful that Father was there.

* * *

That afternoon, the priests visited the Rubinstein mansion.

And... a method to counteract the rare disease 'Mana Clash,' which had claimed the lives of many ability users over several centuries, was revealed.

"It seems to have temporarily increased the mana levels in his body, calming the clash of powers."

The anxious Ordia grabbed the arm of the priest who was muttering while looking at the pendant.

"So, if he carries this, our Theo won't have convulsions anymore?"

"Yes, Madam. As you know, Mana Clash affects ability users whose divine and mana power levels are exactly 50-50. Usually, one side is slightly dominant."

The standard for distinguishing between holy knights and dark knights among knights was also based on which power was more dominant.

But Theo was an ability user with the rare 50-50 power levels.

"The demonic aura in the demon core seems to have increased the mana level, preventing the two powers from clashing."

"...Is that possible? After all these years of suffering, the cure was just that?"

Nordic, who had been standing by with an equally anxious heart, asked, and the priest nodded.

"Yes. We never thought that external mana could have such an effect, but this seems to be the best solution for now."

"Oh, my God... Our baby, now..."

"Sister."

As Ordia collapsed, Enock supported her.

The priest smiled at the relieved scene.

"However, since the divine and mana power levels will return to being equal, it's best to carry a demon core until a fundamental cure is found. Then, there won't be any more convulsions."

"Oh, how can this be... Thank you, really, thank you..."

"No, we should be grateful. Mana Clash was an incurable disease that always troubled our temple's healing department..."

The priest added, looking at Enock.

"Did the Duke contact you? How did you come up with the idea to use a demon core to cure Mana Clash?"

The priest asked in surprise, and Enock hesitated.

It was something he hadn't even thought of.

The demonic aura possessed by demons was different from that of humans, and he hadn't known that external mana could resonate with internal mana.

'Lilith...'

Enock silently repeated his daughter's name in his mind.

"It was a coincidence. Our daughter was carrying it like a toy. When she approached, Theo's condition improved."

"Oh, I see. Such a coincidence must be a response from God. It seems Mrs. Antres' prayers reached God."

"I, I think so too. I can't express my feelings in words. Lately, it's been nothing but good things. Enock has returned... and Lilith, that little one... our Theo..."

Nordic comforted her, and Ordia cried in her father's arms.

Their expressions, relieved of a great worry, were more peaceful than ever.

Only Enock had a peculiar look in his eyes.

'Lilith...'

His daughter had said she carried it because it was pretty, not knowing what it was.

But... it seemed a bit odd, the way she took the pendant out of her bag as if she had been waiting for it.

And the way she ran to Theo without showing any surprise at his convulsions.

'Was it really just a coincidence?'

Enock's eyes narrowed as he lost himself in thought.

* * *

That afternoon, Cheshire was lurking in front of Theo's room.

From what he had overheard, Theo suffered from a congenital rare disease and had convulsions regularly.

'What kind of disease is it to be so severe?'

He was curious if Theo had improved but didn't have the courage to knock on the door.

'No, what's the point of worrying as a commoner living here?'

Cheshire turned around.

At that moment,

"Hey, hey, hey!"

"Cheshire!"

It was Leon and Lilith. Ordia and some servants were with them.

"Did you come to see Theo?"

"Cheshire, Theo-nim is better and sleeping now!"

"Ah, oh."

Cheshire answered and glanced at Ordia, who was standing beside them.

The Duke's sister...

The beautiful lady in fine clothes exuded grace.

"So you're Cheshire. Enock brought you here."

"...Yes."

Cheshire was in a difficult position.

Enock had told him about the adults he lived with at the Duke's house but had resolved to avoid meeting them as much as possible.

Enock might not mind, but the other adults would surely not be pleased with him.

"You helped Theo until the servants arrived. Leon told me. Thank you."

Can that be called helping?

He had only held Theo's arms and legs, which were hurting from the pain.

"Oh."

Cheshire was surprised. Ordia's face was close, and she had slightly bent her knees.

"You're injured."

Only then did he realize the chill on his chin and neck. It was a scratch from Theo's nails.

"I'm fine... "

"Please treat the child."

"Yes, Lady Ordia."

The servants bowed.

Cheshire felt a bit dazed.

There was no contempt in their eyes, and her smile was gentle.

'As expected, the people in this house are all a bit strange.'

For someone who exuded the air of a noble, her attitude was peculiar.

"Aunt, Aunt!"

Lilith, who had been watching Cheshire's expression, giggled and held Ordia's hand.

"They say apple puree will be served for dessert. Can we have dinner together later?"

"Oh, how can I refuse our darling's request? Of course, we will."

"Father and Cheshire too!"

Lilith held Cheshire's hand.

"Hey, me!"

"Of course, we'll eat together!"

Leon, whose expression had brightened, hugged Lilith.

Ordia, who had been watching them fondly, clapped her hands.

"Since the evening is cool, how about setting up a table outside?"

"Wow, that's great!"

Listening to their affectionate conversation, Cheshire's eyes met Lilith's.

Seeing her smiling face, he felt a slight tickle in his chest.

It was a feeling he had never experienced before.

* * *

Time passed.

It had already been four days, and the mansion was still in a festive mood.

After all, a solution had been found for the rare disease that had plagued Theo all his life.

I also heard that Duke Antres, my uncle, would soon return from his expedition.

'A noble who left his family and went on an expedition to another country...'

I later learned that my uncle, who loved his son deeply, had been traveling to various countries in search of a cure for Theo.

Fortunately, Uncle could now return to the family, and Aunt and the twins were delighted.

Hehe. All thanks to me.

"Yah, that's great..."

I lay in the sunny garden and looked up at Theo, who was sitting beside me.

"Uhh."

"Ha ha."

Theo, who had been smiling, lay down next to me. Since that day, Theo had been sticking close to me.

"Lilith, your birthday is coming soon, right?"

"Yep!"

"What should I get you as a gift?"

"It's fine. The best gift for me is that you're completely better and no longer in pain."

"Oh, Lilith..."

"Brother..."

"Phew, you're just playing. Really."

As usual, Leon ruined the touching sibling moment.

"Where did that Cheshire go?"

"Here."

As they say, if you speak of the devil, he will appear. Cheshire suddenly appeared from behind, wiping his sweat with a towel around his neck.

"Cheshire!"

I ran to Cheshire with the water flask I had prepared.