“Seeing this handwriting, it seems like a doctor wrote it.”

When working at the clinic, Edith had written in a similar style, so it wasn’t difficult to guess that a doctor had composed this document.

From the beginning, content discussing brain damage due to side effects and speculating about the state of memory seemed like something a doctor or a qualified person would say.

Edith quickly averted her gaze. Reading documents left on someone else’s desk was certainly not an action to be proud of.

However, once the contents were input into her mind, they weren’t easily erased. She pondered earnestly about what kind of research Theos might be conducting.

“Is Valtter researching the magical explosion he experienced in the past?”

Vane had praised Theos, stating that while his magical ability was lacking, his understanding of magic and skill in handling magical formulas exceeded those of wizards who had worked in Rexion for several years.

So, if he was researching the past magical explosion to recover the lost memories from the time of the loss of Isaak, it made some sense.

“If not that…”

As Edith was contemplating other possibilities, Theos suddenly bounced out of the coat, not yet worn, towards the desk.

“S-Sorry! The desk is too messy, isn’t it? I showed an unsightly sight to Madam.”

Theos swiftly organized the documents and placed them in a drawer. Although he spoke as if he were organizing for Edith’s sake, his thoughts were much more complicated.

It was difficult for him to hide these documents and the subject of his research from the lady who was treating him kindly.

“Why is Marquis giving me such trials?”

Of course, Theos also knew that, despite Marquis’ blunt manner of speaking, he was quite considerate. He would occasionally come and put down a warm meat pie, asking about the progress of the research.

However, the problem was the subject of that ‘research’ and the reason for needing the research.

After receiving a health check and realizing that his magical condition was not good, Valtter visited Theos with a large meat pie.

“Thank you, Marquis. In fact… I thought you disliked me.”

“Why? Because you keep eyeing my woman?”

“……”

“With your weak body that can’t even handle a drop of blood, stop worrying about useless things and eat your meals diligently. Where are you going with such a fragile body trying to stick to me?”

“…I guess you don’t like me after all?”

When Theos was about to explain that most of his feelings towards Edith were admiration and gratitude, Valtter, leaning on the desk with clenched fists, made a bombshell statement.

“Shall I tell you something interesting since you’ve fallen for Edith?”

“Y-Yes?”

“I have to awaken my magic, but if I do, I’ll lose all my memories within a few years. There’s a possibility that my body will be damaged permanently. It’s a truly regrettable situation.”

While Valtter spoke with a smirk, Theos seemed to understand the weight of the dilemma embedded in that sneer.
“How much did he ponder over the words ‘I’m going to die’? Theos couldn’t help but cautiously ask.

“Did you tell Madam about it?”

“I came to you because I didn’t want to tell Edith. I’ve already informed the attending physicians, so find a way for me not to lose my memory. You probably can’t say it because Edith might get upset.”

“……. ”

Theos learned for the first time that people could put on such a sly smile. It was a wicked strategy that made him want to withdraw his prayers for several days, asking to grow into a cool man like Marquis.

Exploiting his eagerness to help Edith in any way, Valtter maintained secrecy and continued his research. He even disclosed confidential information known only to his attending physician and the Marquis of Rexion.

‘Madam is pregnant, and the baby in her womb needs magic…’

It was just as Valtter had seen through. Theos couldn’t bear to see Edith, who had treated him kindly, in despair.

So, wanting to help Edith in any way, he became involved in the research, keeping the secret and progressing with the study.

“Now that the desk is tidy, would you like me to button up the coat?”

“Oh, yes.”

Theos buttoned up the coat and looked around in front of her.

“It fits perfectly. I’m glad. Try it on your sister, and if it needs fixing, be sure to let me know.”

“Yes. Thank you, Madam.”

Theos bowed politely and forced a smile.

Keeping the fact secret that the Marquis, who was taking care of Edith so much, might suffer a fatal injury and lose his memory in a few years was more painful than he had initially anticipated.

Suddenly, morning had dawned on the day of the swordfighting tournament. Participants in the matches were finishing their preparations at their respective mansions.

Valtter also, early in the morning, lightly jogged a few laps around the training ground and was now wearing a combat uniform suitable for the swordfighting tournament.

“If Lea had seen me like this, she would have been very pleased.”