ITTWACP • NACP

Chapter 125

-Chapter 125-

Killian

"You didn't do this, did you?"

"You seem to view me as no better than an animal."

"I- I'm glad you didn't. How on earth did she end up like this......!"

"Don't try to find out the whole story. You should value your life."

"Y- yes......" Startled, the doctor sat up straight and examined Edith's body. "Fortunately, it doesn't look like any of her bones are broken. From now on, every morning and evening, compress her body with warm water before applying the ointment I prescribed."

"Will that be all? Shouldn't you give her some medicine or something?"

"I'll decide on medication once I've examined her after she's awake. I don't think she's been resting or eating properly, so she should take absolute rest for the time being."

"I see."

Despite being told twice more that the bruises themselves were no big deal, just that they looked bad, I asked the doctor to wait for me at the mansion.

But a few moments later, Duke Ludwig summoned Cliff and I, saying he wanted to see what had happened inside the dungeon.

I gritted my teeth and rose to my feet.

"Take care of Edith while I'm gone, Anna."

"Don't worry, young master. If you need my testimony, I can talk for hours, so just call me."

"Thank you."

I made my way to the Duke's office, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the maid I had never paid attention to before.

When I entered, the Duke was wiping his bloodied hands on a towel.

All of the Rigelhoffs and their minions had apparently been executed.

"Sit."

As soon as I sat down, Cliff arrived.

Sensing the icy mood of his two sons, the Duke sighed deeply and sank back into his seat. "Who should I ask.......?"

When the Duke muttered in a troubled tone, I spoke without looking at my brother. "Do you have anything to say about what happened earlier, brother?"

Cliff remains silent so I turn to the Duke, with my jaw tensed.

"Let me tell you, father. I'm a little angry, so I might come off as a little harsh, but you can correct me later."

"Okay."

For the first time, the Duke gave me the floor, not Cliff.

And that day in the Duke's office, there was a long talk about the truth we didn't know.

* * *

Edith

So warm.

I no longer felt the bone-chilling cold that made me shiver.

'I'm...... alive......'

I slowly opened my eyes, brushing the soft surface of the bedding beneath my palms.

As my blurry vision cleared, I stiffened briefly at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings, but I quickly realized that this was Killian's room.

'Where is Killian?'

I sat up, my body aching from the slightest movement, and looked around. But there was no one there, not even Killian.

'I'm scared......'