Chapter 33

The Duke of Albinis, being a renowned archmage, had considerable weight behind his words. When he expressed his doubts, the people who had been cheering like puppets, mimicking others, suddenly wore expressions of “Now that you mention it...” which was quite amusing. Still, they all seemed to be holding back their words, not wanting to offend the queen.

Well, I didn’t care about those spineless people. I had anticipated that something like this would happen, so I wasn’t the least bit shaken. Just as I was about to bring out the prepared response, someone abruptly interjected.

“I can explain that.”

Theodore, standing beside me as if to protect me, looked straight at the Duke of Albinis and said.

I was inwardly flustered but tried not to show it as I looked up at Theodore. His profile, which came into my view, was very serious. His unwavering gaze seemed to speak only the truth. But...

‘...What can he possibly explain?’

There was no way he could know the definite reason why I had developed elemental sensitivity. Moreover, I wasn’t even sure if my elemental sensitivity would continue. It might have been a temporary phenomenon.

I was secretly worried that Theodore might make an inappropriate statement in this uncertain situation, but he opened his mouth with a confident expression.

“People who are close to an elemental contractor often develop elemental sensitivity. My wife is one such case.”

The room began to murmur. Most of them wore expressions of confusion. ...Of course, they would. The Duke of Valentine’s couple’s strained relationship was a well-known story.

“Close...?”

“Well, not in the past, but today, it seems that the two of you are getting along better.”

“Even so... Elemental sensitivity doesn’t just appear so easily.”

Despite the recent signs of improvement, the preconceived image in people’s minds left room for doubt.

However, Theodore seemed determined to push his argument, and he firmly added,

“The reason my wife developed elemental sensitivity is that I cherish her very much.”

The Duke of Albinis wore an openly incredulous expression. Adeline, standing beside him, was smiling as usual, but her complexion was pale.

“Yes, I can see that the Duke cherishes his wife very much.”

Queen Elemele supported Theodore’s statement, looking at him and me with a kind gaze. I could only manage a forced smile in response, though I was inwardly exasperated.

The situation was temporarily resolved, and the memorial service ended a while later.

I left the hall, tense in case Hessen might provoke me, but he only glared at me and Theodore from a distance.

‘...Owen must have returned to Everett Castle first.’

Since I couldn’t see him, that was probably the case. ...In the past, Hessen would have definitely accompanied Owen. The fact that he didn’t suggested that their relationship might be deteriorating.

“...”

I couldn’t help but smile. It was inevitable that I felt better knowing their relationship had soured.

It was difficult to hide my expression, so I hurriedly moved my steps. My gaze met Adeline’s, who was standing opposite me.

“...”

A chill ran down my spine at that moment.

...I realized I still had a mocking expression. I quickly changed it to a polite smile, but Adeline’s eyes, which were looking at me, were as sharp as a finely honed blade.

‘...What should I say?’

...I felt that her feelings toward me had changed from what they used to be.

* * *

Theodore ended up being dragged to the prince’s drinking party. It was a gathering to toast the fallen knights. Of course, it wouldn’t be just one drink.

Well, thanks to that, I wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore, which was a relief. I could finally rest in peace.

With Charlotte’s help, I changed into casual clothes and lay down on the bed. I would probably return to the Duke of Valentine’s castle tomorrow morning.

‘...Return...’

I wondered if that word was appropriate. I didn’t have a place to return to, a place commonly called home.

‘Forget it. Let’s rest.’

I stopped thinking and closed my eyes. Charlotte had already lit a sleep incense, so I would be able to sleep a little.

I eventually fell asleep.

I always woke up with a pounding heart, whether it was due to a forgotten nightmare or anxiety, I couldn’t tell.

My breathing was shallow and unstable. When I opened my eyes, the world was dark. It had been early evening when I fell asleep, but now it was deep into the night.

I didn’t feel well-rested. My body felt heavy and lethargic, as if it were melting from deep fatigue.

I took a deep breath and swept my hand over my chest before slowly sitting up.

I almost called out to Charlotte but remembered that she had also come here and needed a good rest.

I got out of bed, put on my slippers, and approached the table with the kettle and cups.

There were two kettles, one with plain water and the other with chamomile tea.

Charlotte must have remembered that I often drink chamomile tea for its calming effects.

A smile involuntarily appeared on my face. The chamomile tea was still warm, which was surprising. ...Could she have been awake all this time?

I was startled and looked at the clock. The hour hand pointed to 11. It was well past 11 PM, a time when one should be asleep.

I was a bit confused but calmly poured the tea into a cup. Checking on Charlotte would be a bother, so I trusted that she was resting well.

‘She’s not a child who doesn’t know the importance of proper rest.’

As I took a sip of the tea, a warm sensation spread through my body. I smiled softly and walked to the window with the cup.

I placed the cup on the windowsill and sat in the armchair, enjoying the view of the garden through the curtains. The garden, shrouded in the darkness of night, was peaceful, and my heart felt calm as well.

I thought about letting my mind rest for a moment, but the door opened with a low creak, and someone staggered in.

I tensed reflexively but relaxed when I recognized the figure. It was none other than Theodore. ...Of course, Charlotte wouldn’t stagger in like that. The knights of the Valentine family would be guarding outside the door—

“...Lily.”

“...”

A hoarse voice called out to me. His speech was slightly slurred, and his eyes were dazed, his posture unsteady, and his hair disheveled as if he had been caught in a strong wind. Anyone could tell he was drunk.

“I... I went for a walk to sober up... but...”

The walk seemed to have had little effect. He still looked disoriented despite the cool night air.

He smiled weakly, his face flushed. The usually neat and tidy man looked thoroughly disheveled when drunk.

‘I’ve seen him like this before.’

It reminded me of that day in the past. Of course, it wasn’t exactly the same. ...The events of that day still lingered in my heart like an undigested lump.

I reached out to him, but the moment I recalled how he had cruelly pushed me away, my chest felt heavy as if filled with lead.

Unaware of my state, Theodore staggered toward me. I felt a deep sense of injustice that he had forgotten about that day. His kindness toward me, despite losing his memories of me, was not at all comforting. It felt like covering up a wound without properly treating it.

What would happen if his memories returned? Would they return at all? Would he realize that he had misunderstood me? But what good would that do?

“...You’re drunk.”

I softly said as he slumped down in front of me without a chair. I easily sensed his distress. It was probably due to the loss of the knight.

I realized once again how much he cared for his people. Theodore Valentine was indeed a kind person, upright, principled, and generous to those within his circle.

Conversely, he was merciless to those who violated his principles and indifferent to those outside his circle.

And I was clearly outside his circle.

“I’m sorry... for this state.”

“You don’t need to apologize.”

I sighed and offered him the cup. Theodore blinked at the cup in front of him and then respectfully took it with both hands. ...He really did take it “respectfully.” Whether it was due to his drunken state or intentional, I couldn’t tell.

“...What was Owen’s gift? What happened between you two?”

I casually asked Theodore, who was sipping the chamomile tea, hoping to extract the truth while he was drunk. He might not be so honest if he were sober.

Theodore paused at my question and took his lips off the cup. He stared at me with still slightly glazed eyes and slowly began to speak.

“That...”