Rasilia wrapped her shoulders with her arms and returned to the bathtub.

The water no longer felt warm.

(This is a time marker.)

“Cough!”

In the end, the cold came.

Staying in the cold water too long was the root cause.

“What should we do, Your Majesty… This is all my fault.”

Even after a few coughs, Ivette couldn’t stop the tears. The selfblame continued.

“Um… even if I say it’s not me, it’s pointless now, but can you please be a bit quiet… my head hurts.”

“Ah! Yes, yes! From now on, I won’t even make a sound, Your Majesty!”

“It’s fine to breathe…”

“Yes, yes! Just breathing then!”

It was quite a severe cold.

Both the throatscratching cough and the high fever were serious. I felt like I was half dreaming.

Several palace physicians had reportedly come and gone, but I couldn’t remember any of it. But I must be getting better since I’ve taken medicine.

“Your Majesty, are you asleep?”

Ivette’s concern pierced through my hazy consciousness.

“Um… no. But I think I’ll fall asleep soon.”

“Ah, I see. Please sleep well. You’ll feel much better when you wake up.”

“Mm…”

“Is there anything you need before you sleep? Should I bring the chamber pot?”

“No, it’s fine… …Ah, shouldn’t I drink some ginger juice?”

“Excuse me? Ginger juice? Would you like some ginger juice, Your Majesty?”

“No way. It’s the worst tasting juice in the world. But you always said I should drink it when I catch a cold. You always make it even if I don’t want to…”

“Me? I did?”

Ivette’s eyes widened.

“I didn’t even know ginger juice existed.”

“Ah…? Flota, you always…”

“Flota?”

“…? Ah…”

It was because of the cold.

Rasilia, who mistakenly spoke of the past, slightly paled.

Ivette, who had been tilting her head, quickly approached Rasilia and started pacing around her.

“What should we do? Your complexion has gotten even worse, Your Majesty. Who is this Flota person?”

“Flota… …well.”

Rasilia intentionally paused her words. There was only one suitable excuse in this situation.

“I’m not sure. I felt like I was about to remember something, but now I can’t.”

“Could it have been a maid from the ducal family? If she used to make you ginger juice… Oh, by the way, what about the ginger juice? I’ll try my best to make it if you tell me what it is.”

“It’s fine.”

Whether ginger juice actually worked for colds was now uncertain. Flota never actually cared for me.

Maybe she made me drink that spicy, bitter juice just to see my disgusted reaction.

“I’ll just sleep. …Ah, what about Pipi? He hasn’t been hurt, has he?”

“Len hasn’t returned yet. I’ll go ask Lord Shraidan about his whereabouts.”

“Okay. Keep an eye on him. Just in case.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please sleep without worry.”

“Mm…”
Ivette seemed to have left the room with a slight noise. Rasilia coughed in a daze and fell asleep.

Then she dreamt.

[Dash]Are humans naturally this weak?

It was a startling statement for someone who believed themselves young and healthy, but Rasilia nodded her head anyway.

After all, she was indeed sick.

[Dash]But don’t worry… Achoo!… You won’t die so easily.

[Dash]I don’t understand. Getting sick just because you fell in water.

Although that water was extremely cold, located under a frozen surface in a mountain lake covered with perennial snow, for demons, all water seemed just the same.

[Dash]Wouldn’t you believe me if I said that just catching a cold after falling into that lake proves that I am extraordinarily healthy?

Rasilia didn’t even hear that comment.

[Dash]It would be good if there was a way to heal your body.

Red fingernails touched her forehead.

Humans couldn’t understand why a demon’s emotionless face looked so warm and affectionate when it touched them.

[Dash]But your body is different from mine. I don’t know the way.

[Dash]It’s okay. Just warm me up, it will get better.

[Dash]If that’s the case.

A crackling sound.

Somewhere, the sound of fire burning could be heard. But it wasn’t visible.

[Dash]You didn’t light a fire?

[Dash]I did.

[Dash]Where? I don’t see it.

[Dash]Inside me.

[Dash]Huh?

The demon extended an arm covered in black scales.

[Dash]The fire won’t last here. But it will within my body. Hold on to me.

[Dash]Ah…

The black scales seemed to glow red.

Indeed, she could not understand him.

How could he be so devoted? He was a demon, not a human. Why for a human like me? How?

[Dash]Touch it. If it’s too hot, I’ll lower the flame.

She placed her hand on the arm he extended.

[Dash]How is it? Is it burning your skin?

[Dash]…No, it’s perfect.

It was very warm. Just warm.

She spread her arms wide and hugged his body instead of his arm.

[Dash]I feel like I’ll get better soon like this.

Initially a bit stiff, he mimicked her hugging motion.

[Dash]I might not understand human sickness, but I understand when you say it’s good.

A voice unlike any human’s brushed softly past her ear.

[Dash]Good.

Hearing those words, her body oddly shivered.

[Dash]Me too.

I like you too.

(This is a time separator.)

“…good… ah…”

Rasilia murmured in her sleep.

Actually, it was really good. The headache was gone, and warmth had spread to her toes. She knew she was holding onto something warm, solid yet soft, comforting and cozy. It smelled warmly refreshing.

“Me too.”

Someone’s deep voice touched her ear.

The reason Rasilia woke up from her dream was that voice. The only thing different from her dream, in this moment so similar, was that voice. She knew that voice.

“…Your Majesty?”

Rasilia lifted her head in confusion.

The Emperor’s golden eyes, as if clouded by sickness, were looking at her.