Chapter 15

(……I feel like I had a very nostalgic dream.)

The morning after marrying into the Hernberg family.

Amelia rubbed her sleepy eyes on the bed in her room.

She couldn't remember the details, but it felt like she had played with her mother.

She sat up, stretched with a "mm," and looked around.

"It's not... a dream, is it?"

Amelia said, as if to reassure herself.

This is reality.

Until yesterday, the house that greeted her upon waking was dusty and dim.

The room Amelia was in now was spacious, clean, and above all, bright.

The stark contrast made it feel unreal.

But the warm morning sun streaming through the large window and the pleasant chirping of birds from outside were things Amelia's senses were indeed perceiving.

—It's not a dream.

At this realization, Amelia let out a deep sigh of relief.

"How long has it been since I slept like this..."

Getting out of bed, Amelia noticed how incredibly refreshed she felt.

When she lived at home, she slept on a small, makeshift bed with thin sheets, which made it very hard to fall asleep.

She often woke up in the middle of the night with back pain.

During the cold winter, she almost froze to death.

So, the fluffy, large, and warm bed assigned to her was nothing short of heaven.

Literally heaven.

"Hehehe..."

With a "puff," she dove back into the bed, feeling elated.

It was soft, fluffy, and still warm from her body heat.

"Hehehehehehehehehehe"

She rolled around on the large bed like a log.

(I've always wanted to try this...!!)

Previously, when Erin showed off her room, Amelia had seen the large bed and thought it would be nice to roll around on it.

After years of dreaming, Amelia's excitement soared.

However, she got carried away and miscalculated, falling off the bed with a "buh-heh!?"

"Milady Amelia, I've brought your breakfast... What are you doing?"

Amelia, sprawled on the floor, looked like a lizard.

Sylph, who had just brought the breakfast, looked at her suspiciously.

Amelia stood up as if nothing had happened and said with a straight face,

"Don't worry. I was just expressing my joy because a long-held dream came true."

"Hmm, I don't quite understand... but I'll leave the breakfast here for now."

Sylph placed the tray on the table.

"Breakfast!"

Like a hungry kitten, Amelia skipped over and sat down politely.

"Oh, the breakfast looks so gentle on the stomach."

There was porridge with plenty of water, a small salad, consomme soup, and fruit for dessert.

"By Lord's orders. Since your stomach might be shocked, it's better to get used to it gradually."

(He's so kind... Lord Logan)

Sylph's words made a warm feeling spread in Amelia's chest, and her lips curved into a smile.

"If you collapse again, it would be troublesome."

"I caused quite a commotion yesterday..."

"No, don't worry. ...I'm glad you're well."

Sylph's lips twitched slightly.

While eating the gentle breakfast, Amelia recalled the scene from last night.

Eating so much food despite her weak stomach and causing abdominal pain was something a mischievous boy would do.

It was a complete mistake.

(But... I still can't believe it...)

The medicine she used to ease her abdominal pain seemed to be quite powerful.

Logan was astonished by the potency of the medicine Amelia used.

Oscar even said it was of the highest quality in the capital.

(I still can't quite grasp it...)

While munching on the lettuce, she thought.

Making medicine was practically Amelia's only hobby.

Based on her mother's teachings and the knowledge from the books in the library, she grew the herbs her mother left behind and combined them with various plants from the garden.

She spent all her free time, except for the paperwork her father forced on her, collecting plants and experimenting, clapping with joy when she made a highly effective medicine.

Amelia was proud of her work, but she never imagined it would have such astonishing effects that even a duke would be surprised.

Amelia was scheduled to be interviewed by Logan about her medicine-making skills later.

(I hope it doesn't become a hassle...)

She remembered her mother's words.

—These people... misuse this magic for bad things.

Now, she understood the meaning.

What Amelia wanted was a peaceful and carefree life.

She didn't want her abilities to be used for evil.

While sipping the warm soup, she thought again.

"What are your plans for today?"

After breakfast, Sylph asked.

"Plans..."

She hadn't really thought about it.

(What do duchesses usually do...?)

The contract didn't assign her any specific work.

So, she was free.

"Ah! Then, I'd love to go to the garden! I'm very curious about the flowers and plants there..."

"That's not a good idea."

Sylph firmly told the excited Amelia.

"Didn't the doctor tell you to rest?"

"Ugh... You're right."

"Lord Logan also instructed me to make sure you don't overexert yourself, so please stay within the mansion."

"...I understand."

Sylph smiled at the dejected Amelia.

"Don't be so down. The plants won't run away. The doctor said you can go out after resting for three days, so I'll take you then."

"!!!"

Amelia's face bloomed with a wide smile.

"Sure! I'm looking forward to it!"

Seeing Amelia's happy face, Sylph couldn't help but think (She's so simple...) internally.

"Oh, right..."

Amelia suddenly realized her body was damp with sweat.

She must have fallen asleep from exhaustion yesterday.

"First, I want to wipe my body. Do you have a wet towel or something?"

At Amelia's question, Sylph's eyes sparkled.