Chapter 55

A few days later, I found myself visiting the Earl Arkwright's mansion once again.

It seemed that Saedy was sleeping, and when I was led to Norman's room, Eliza and Tim were there.

"How is Saedy doing?"

"It seems her physical condition has improved significantly. However, her memory hasn't fully returned..."

Eliza answered my question, lowering her eyes.

While she can manage daily life, she speaks much less than before and often seems dazed. Clearly, she still needs to rest and be monitored.

"Lord Rufus, is it really alright for you to visit so frequently?"

"I'm using a different carriage to avoid being seen. My father and those around me haven't noticed."

"I see. You must be very busy, so please take care of yourself."

"Yes, thank you."

While I appreciated Norman's concern, I had been extremely busy with the knights and my family's affairs recently.

Still, I wanted to do everything I could to ensure Saedy never had to go through what she did again.

If she wanted me by her side, I wanted to be there as much as possible. This desire led me to cut into my sleep and visit her.

"I've investigated Mabel again, but there's still no sign of any movement. After collapsing at the birthday party, she seems to be continuing her recovery at Baron Haines' mansion."

I still don't know if she's suffering.

Even Saedy, who took the same drug and received the antidote immediately, is showing such significant effects. It's hard to believe she's safe.

The fact that there's no reaction to our inquiries is unsettling. After all, that body is Eliza's, and the worry never ends.

If she has already been replaced by someone else, it's also strange that the magical artifact hasn't broken. Could it be that she hasn't reached her limit yet?

"...What can we do from here? Our options are limited."

Norman covered his eyes with his hand and sighed.

"Your body is safe, so I'm sure mine is being taken care of at my family's baronial mansion. For now, let's just wait for Saedy's recovery."

"Yes, that's true."

I heard that the man who took Norman's body was still being safely detained at the Findlay Duke's mansion.

Tabatha, who checked on him recently, reported that he was spending his time leisurely in the underground dungeon of Kevin's house, showing no signs of remorse.

"..."

Frustration with my own powerlessness in this dead-end situation was overwhelming.

Suddenly, Tim said in a bright voice that didn't fit the mood, "By the way, yesterday, Miss Saedy kept talking about Lord Rufus while she was awake. She asked a lot about how you two spent your time together."

"I was also asked a lot about Lord Rufus. Hehe, she's clearly the most interested."

Feeling the warm gazes of Tim and Eliza, I became uneasy.

Knowing how much Saedy cares about me made me feel a surge of happiness.

Suddenly, a knock sounded, and Saedy's maid quietly entered the room, bowing deeply.

"Miss Saedy has woken up and would like to see Lord Rufus."

"Ah, I understand."

I told the three of them I would come back later, then took the flowers I brought and headed to Saedy's room.

When I was led to the room by the maid, I saw Saedy sitting up in bed, gazing out the window.

"Rufus, you came."

Her beautiful silver hair, like silk threads, shimmered in the sunlight as she turned to face me.

I went to her side and sat in the chair next to the bed as usual.

"Thank you. I didn't expect you to come today, so I'm really happy."

"I'm glad if it's not a bother."

"Of course not."

Saedy's eyes softened, and her face lit up with joy. Her complexion was better than the last time I saw her, which gave me some relief.

"How are you feeling?"

"My physical condition has improved a lot, but there are many things I can't remember... I hope I'm not causing trouble for everyone."

She remembers the people around her, but parts of her past are missing.

Saedy then turned her gaze to the bouquet I was still holding, her eyes sparkling.

"Is that for me?"

"Yes."

"Thank you! I'll treasure it."

When I finally handed her the bouquet, she took it with a smile. Our hands touched, and I almost let go.

"Rufus, your hands are so warm."

"..."

"Rufus?"

"Sorry, I was just thinking."

But Saedy, without any confusion, pulled the bouquet closer and looked at the flowers happily.

At the same time, I felt a sense of unease. The Saedy I knew would have blushed and seemed embarrassed at the mere touch of our hands.

"By the way, yesterday, Eliza and Harla—"

Each small inconsistency, though minor, added to my growing unease.

I wanted to believe it was just my mistake, but a hypothesis formed in the back of my mind.

– My intuition, which failed to notice the switch for ten years, is unreliable.

Most of all, I knew that harboring such doubts would hurt Saedy the most.

"..."

As I tried to convince myself that I was just used to expecting the worst, I noticed a necklace on the bedside table.

"Maybe Rufus will wear it too?"

"Do you not like it?"

"No, I'm actually really happy. Thank you so much!"

This was something we bought together at a shop during a trip. We have different colors—Saedy has red, and I have blue.

Noticing that I was looking at the necklace, Saedy said, "I've been wearing this necklace all along," tilting her head.

"Do you know about this, Rufus?"

"Actually, I also have the same color. We bought them together, don't you remember?"

Before I knew it, I was lying.

– I decided this would be the last time I doubted Saedy, and I waited for her reaction.

After a moment, she clasped her hands and smiled, "Ah, I see."