“…….”

I stared silently at the ceiling.

My head felt numb, and after a while, I could recall what had happened to me.

I was attacked on the way back to the mansion and used a device to incapacitate them.

However, my body wouldn’t move. It became increasingly heavy, like a soaked sponge, and drowsiness crept in. I couldn’t move a single step outside the carriage.

My last memory was of barely maintaining consciousness, confirming the face of the one who came running after receiving the rescue signal, and then fainting.

The peculiar scent I had smelled at that time might have been a sedative.

I tried to get up, but my body, which wouldn’t respond, collapsed helplessly.

There was a sharp pain piercing through my head, and even though it was painful, the stiff movement of my body felt alien, as if it weren’t mine. And…

I wrinkled my forehead at the firm hand supporting my shoulders and back. When I lifted my head, I saw the face I had last seen before losing consciousness.

“You shouldn’t push yourself already.”

“Why are you still here?”

Cheshire should be outside, not inside the capital. That was the plan.

“I received orders.”

“I’ve never given such an order.”

“It’s an order from His Grace.”

“…….”

“And it’s also my judgment.”

The hand holding me was trembling, but the eyes looking at me were resolute without hesitation.

I looked up at the eyes that gave off a strange feeling, like sharp cat eyes at both ends of the pupils, and bit my lip. Even if I spoke more here, Cheshire’s position wouldn’t change.

“You should have had more guards.”

“Having too many people attracts attention. Besides, it’s not common sense for such things to happen on the main street in the capital.”

“…….”

“It was an unexpected accident. Ultimately, there was no problem.”

“No problem?”

“If you think about it, it’s a gain. They came to me without me having to search for them.”

Even if I hadn’t fainted, I could have inflicted more suffering.

Even in that moment of losing consciousness, I was still looking at the fallen sword on the ground. I had never thought that I would find the sword myself, and even now, I regretted not being able to pick up the sword.

“The mercenary who accompanied Margaret was that person. The one who killed Merial and Rose.”

“So, it’s a gain for you?”

“I was investigating. Thanks to this, we found them quickly.”

“…….”

“Did you catch them?”

“…….”

“Did you miss them?”

I tried to force my unresponsive body to get up, but the force pressing down stopped me. Cheshire’s hand was still holding me.

“I’ve caught them. So please calm down. You shouldn’t move recklessly yet.”

“You can’t kill them easily.”

“Milady.”

“He tortured Merial, that child.”

“You need to calm down.”

“I can’t let him die easily.”

“That person has caused enough trouble.”

I felt the strength in my trapped shoulders. It seemed an attempt to force me to lie down on the bed.

But I didn’t want that.
“Rest can wait. For now—[Dash].”

“Is there even a later?”

“What?”

“You’re hurt. You need to rest.”

“I—[Dash].”

“Understood. Milady, you never seem to pay much attention to your own health. Always insisting that you’re fine. But do you know?”

Nothing is fine.

Eyes that seemed like they could cry at any moment pleaded with me.

I bit my lip. I was well aware that the reflection in Cheshire’s eyes was ghastly.

Every morning when I stood in front of the dressing table, I faced a lifeless face. I wore heavier makeup and extravagant dresses for that reason.

But even that became trivial when I thought about what Merial had gone through.

“The doctor said so. Your condition was at its worst. Even standing now is a miracle.”

“I know my body the best. I’m fine.”

“That person released a sleep-inducing substance into the air, but it was in such a small amount that an average person wouldn’t even react. You can recover with your own immune system. However…”

Following Cheshire’s gaze, my wrist was exposed. There were blotches of purple on the inside of my arm.

“Your body can’t naturally detoxify. It’s ruined.”

“…….”

“I went through the same. You may be fine, but I am not.”

“……What’s the point of you saying that?”

“…….”

“I won’t allow it from you.”

It might sound cruel, but I can’t help it. This is more appropriate.

I looked up at Cheshire with a cold expression.

“You’re not Merial.”

“…….”

“I can’t accept it if you’re not Merial. No one else can fill that place.”

“I never had the intention to fill that place from the beginning. And that remains the same now.”

“I—[Dash].”

“Liked it. From the beginning until now. Continuously.”

The unexpected confession left me speechless.

Cheshire was aware of his feelings towards me, but I had never thought that he would express it aloud.

But even if he did, what difference would it make?

Apart from being slightly surprised, my thoughts remained unchanged. I spoke again.

“Just because you say so won’t change my feelings—[Dash].”

“I didn’t intend to take it back. I just hope you stay safe. That’s all I wish for. That’s enough for me.”