MLIIWTFL Chapter 173

“Why are you both here?”

“The Crown Prince sent us to inquire about Lady Eskis’ condition.”

Ezkhiel answered.

The Count frowned and spoke.

“I am deeply sorry for causing His Highness concern. The examination has just concluded, so let’s hear the results together and then report back.”

Everyone’s attention turned toward the physician.

Perhaps nervous about the fact that his report would be delivered directly to the Crown Prince, the physician swallowed hard before speaking.

“Lady Eskis is showing symptoms of an allergic reaction. I have prescribed medication, and her breathing has started to stabilize, so she should recover soon.”

“An allergy? What are you talking about? Since Seraphina came to this mansion, we’ve made sure nothing she’s allergic to was brought in!”

The Count raised his voice angrily, causing the physician to flinch. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure and continued.

“That is the only explanation for her symptoms. Moreover, the fact that the allergy medicine is already taking effect confirms it.”

“What exactly is Lady Eskis allergic to?”

Achilles asked sharply, his expression stern. The physician glanced nervously at the Count before replying.

“According to the letter I received from the Eskis Marquess’s family physician, Lady Eskis is allergic to a flower called Invidia. Lady Eskis herself also confirmed it.”

“Invidia?”

“Invidia…”

Achilles and Ezkhiel reacted differently upon hearing the name.

Achilles looked as though it was the first time he had heard of it, while Ezkhiel furrowed his brows slightly, as if the name was unexpected.

Meanwhile, the Count, his face turning red and pale in turns, shouted at the butler.

“Who the hell brought it in here…? Search everywhere Lady Seraphina visited today! Tear the place apart if you have to! Find that Invidia immediately!”

“Yes, sir!”

The butler swiftly left to carry out the order. Achilles then turned to the Count and asked.

“Is Lady Eskis’ allergic reaction severe?”

“…According to my wife, there was an incident in the past where Lady Eskis nearly died after drinking Invidia tea. That’s why I strictly forbade bringing anything related to Invidia into this mansion.”

Achilles, arms crossed, spoke in a sharper tone.

“Then we must consider the possibility that someone deliberately brought Invidia here and made Lady Eskis consume it. When the servants are questioned, I would like to be present as well, so that we can properly report to His Highness. Would that be acceptable?”

“Would it matter if I said no? Do as you please.”

“Understood. Then I will.”

Hearing Achilles’s answer, the Count grimaced. He then turned to Letticia and asked.

“Lady Sharon, did my niece happen to drink any tea today in the waiting room?”

“I believe so. There’s always a maid stationed there who serves tea.”

“Is there still some of that tea left?”

“I didn’t tell the maid to clear it away, so if we hurry, there might still be some left.”

It seemed the Count intended to check for himself, as he left his seat. Watching his retreating figure, Achilles turned to Ezkhiel and asked.

“So, what exactly is this Invidia flower? It sounds like something you brew into tea.”

“It’s an extremely rare flower that grows in the southern regions of both the East and West. It’s used as an herb and medicinal ingredient. Not many places cultivate it, and it’s expensive, making it hard to come by. However, I’ve heard that among serious tea connoisseurs, there are some who are particularly fond of tea made from Invidia.”

After listening to Ezkhiel’s explanation, Achilles let out a short, incredulous laugh.

“So, this rare, expensive flower that even the head of the household banned from entering this mansion just happened to find its way inside—and just happened to come into contact with the one person who’s allergic to it? That’s a bit much to chalk up to coincidence.”

“I agree. The odds are extremely low. Only a handful of trading companies even deal with Invidia, so it’s not something ordinary people could easily get their hands on.”

“Sigh… I was hoping to finally enjoy an evening with Arie, but of course something had to happen again. Fine. Tell His Highness that I’ll stay with the Count and oversee the investigation myself, and that I’ll report back.”

“Understood, Deputy Commander Averil.”

After formally addressing each other by rank, Achilles headed in the direction the Count had gone.

Ezkhiel, about to return to his post, paused when he saw Letticia. With a slightly worried expression, he said quietly.

“I’m not sure how things will turn out, but… I hope it all goes well.”

Letticia responded to her lover’s encouragement with a firm nod.

Maintaining that determined expression, she turned as soon as Seraphina’s bedroom door opened. She entered alongside the physician and looked down at the girl lying in bed.

‘If someone really tried to sabotage tonight’s concert… they’ve succeeded.’

Seraphina was still coughing, struggling to breathe. Her face remained pale from the earlier respiratory distress.

“How are you feeling? If it’s too hard to speak, just nod.”

“…No, I can… cough… I can talk.”

Seraphina forced herself to speak, though she was still short of breath. Even so, it seemed her breathing was no longer dangerously obstructed, which was a small relief.

“What about… the concert?”

“We had to put it on hold for now. I explained the situation to the audience and asked for their understanding. Lady Wallace and her partner are covering the next performance.”

“I see…”

Seraphina tried to sit up, and a maid quickly helped her lean back against the headboard.

Though she was recovering, she still looked terribly frail. Letticia asked the physician.

“Be honest. Do you think she can still perform the rest of her program?”

“Of course I must! His Highness the Crown Prince is in attendance, after all—”

Before the physician could finish, Seraphina spoke up, her voice firm despite her condition.

Even while sick, her determination to fulfill her duties was admirable.

However, Letticia was someone who valued reality over empty passion.

“Think carefully about your condition before you say that, my lady. If you force yourself onto the stage in this state and mess up the performance, you’ll be lucky if you walk away with just a few snide comments.”

Letticia’s cold, arms-crossed words made the maid next to Seraphina flinch more than Seraphina herself did.

However, Seraphina accepted Letticia’s criticism quietly, without any objection.

“Everyone already saw you collapse on stage. The atmosphere is already dampened, and rumors are bound to spread. Even if you manage to return to the stage, mistakes won’t be tolerated. I’m sure you understand that better than anyone.”

“…I’ve taken the medicine, so… maybe in about ten minutes, the symptoms will completely subside.”

Seraphina said, accepting a glass of water from the maid and taking a small, strained sip before speaking, her breathing a bit steadier now.

The physician quickly nodded in agreement.

“Yes. Fortunately, it seems she was exposed to only a small amount—enough to cause breathing difficulties but not more severe symptoms. Once her breathing returns to normal, her strength should also return.”

“Are you saying she’ll have enough energy to return to the stage and perform without mistakes?”

Letticia asked the physician sharply, deliberately pressing him.

“If you’re only saying yes because you think she can ‘barely push through,’ be honest about it. Don’t sugarcoat it just to avoid trouble.”

“…To be honest, it would require some effort to pull through. Since she suffered respiratory distress, it’s natural that her physical stamina would be heavily drained…”

Hearing that, Letticia sighed and rubbed her forehead, feeling frustration bubble up.

Whoever brought that Invidia into the mansion—she felt like hitting them across the face with a chair at least three times.

“I have no intention of performing a subpar recital either. I’ll rest a bit longer, and if I really feel strong enough, I’ll head to the waiting room.”

“Please keep that promise. I’m not skilled enough to cover up your mistakes on the piano.”

At Letticia’s words, Seraphina gave a faint smile and asked.

“So… are we restarting with the piece we were originally scheduled to perform?”

“That’s the plan. First, the trio performance by Lady Wallace, Lady Mortimer, and Lady Norton will finish. Then I asked them to stretch time a bit with another duet while we wait. Since we’ll need to confirm your condition, we’ll also need a quick rehearsal. Come to the waiting room in about twenty minutes.”

“I’m scheduled for three more pieces after that, right?”

“Yes. With some adjustments, you might be able to take a break between one of them. But you’ll still have to perform twice back-to-back at the end.”

“That’s fine. Honestly, I’m grateful just to have some adjustment possible. Thank you, Lady Sharon.”

“Save your thanks for after the others agree to the adjustment.”

Leaving behind her dry, cynical comment, Letticia bowed slightly and exited the room.

Whether or not the others in the waiting room had already taken the stage, Letticia wasn’t sure.

But considering they had already been threatened with involving even their prospective in-laws, they surely wouldn’t be stupid enough to risk ruining everything together.

‘And if worse comes to worst, I’ll just use Seraphina’s name to push it through.’

If she explained it was all for the sake of coordinating the performances, Seraphina would surely understand.

She had lashed out in anger earlier—now was the time to offer some diplomacy.