Because I was Terminally Ill, I Married the Male Lead's Brother, and Now He's Obsessed with Me

Episode 55

 

Perhaps there won’t be such a thing, but if by some chance something urgent happens again, Ian’s disappointment will be beyond words.

 

So, it seemed better to go together as a surprise gift when we depart.

 

“I think so too.”

 

“Right? Then shall we call it a night? It’s better to get some rest early if we’re going out tomorrow.”

 

“Let’s do that.”

 

As usual, I lay down on the bed first, and after Lloydin turned off the lanterns scattered around the room, he lay down next to me.

 

“Goodnight.”

 

“Goodnight, my lady.”

 

After exchanging goodnight wishes with Lloydin, I gradually drifted off to sleep, still harboring a slight excitement at the thought of going out again tomorrow.

 

* * *

 

Could it be that my fluttering heart disturbed my sleep?

 

I woke up again, just like yesterday, feeling restless.

 

‘It’s stifling.’

 

But warm and pleasant.

 

Once again, I found myself nestled in Lloydin’s embrace.

 

‘Why do I keep doing this?’

 

It seemed I couldn’t give up the comfort I had experienced once, subconsciously seeking refuge in his arms again.

 

I smiled inwardly at the thought of how flustered Lloydin would be to find me snuggling up to him every morning.

 

‘I need to come up with a plan.’

 

Well, there was only one solution to this problem, so there was no need to think too hard about it.

 

Despite having such thoughts, I didn’t entertain the idea of leaving his embrace today, unlike yesterday.

 

It might seem shameless to anyone, but after all, once I spoke to him, it would be over.

 

So, just for today, let’s stay like this.

 

With that compromise in mind, I closed my eyes again with a peaceful heart.

 

* * *

 

Before dawn, Lloydin woke up.

 

Although he hadn’t stayed long, his daily routine was always similar when he was in the capital.

 

He woke up before dawn, did morning training, had breakfast after training, then spent the morning dealing with various tasks in his study.

 

After lunch, he continued with his tasks until late at night before returning to his bedroom for sleep.

 

Although he spent some time with Ian occasionally, there was hardly any time to spend with his brother when he was in the capital, as Ian was usually at the academy.

 

Conversely, when Ian stayed at the mansion during vacations or holidays, Lloydin was often absent from the capital.

 

However, after marrying Ayla, his monotonous daily routine underwent a significant change.

 

Many things changed, but the most significant change was waking up in the morning with her by his side.

 

Lloydin quietly gazed at her sleeping peacefully in his arms.

 

Had he ever felt so peaceful and happy in his life?

 

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t recall such a feeling in his memory.

 

I hoped this time would last long.

 

If possible, forever, for a lifetime.

 

As the time spent with her grew longer and he got closer to her, an insatiable desire began to take hold of him.

 

However, Lloydin knew all too well that the happiness he could have wasn’t so great.

 

So, he shouldn’t be greedy.

 

He wanted to ask her to let him continue enjoying this moment, even if only until now.

 

But that was, after all, a luxury and a futile dream for him.

 

When a messenger arrived from the palace, he had a premonition.

 

That this fleeting happiness was coming to an end.

 

The Emperor’s reason for summoning him was always the same.

 

It was an order to prepare to lead the suppression troops because the movements of demons seemed unusual.

 

Although Ayla asked him about his business at the palace, he mumbled without wanting to reveal it yet.

 

Moreover, the problem was treating her illness if he left.

 

Of course, he wasn’t planning to leave without any plan.

 

But he didn’t want to cast a shadow on her face with something still uncertain.

 

“Ayla.”

 

Lloydin called Ayla’s name as he carefully brushed away the hair that had fallen on her face.

 

He kept repeating her name silently until dawn when she couldn’t be called awake.

 

* * *

 

The moment I saw Ian at breakfast the next morning, I felt so itchy to tell him who I would be with and what I would be doing today.

 

Still, I tried hard to keep my mouth shut because I felt like I would commit a great sin against Ian if something urgent happened to Lloydin again.

 

Fortunately, nothing urgent happened to Lloydin until we departed.

 

When Ian saw Lloydin standing in front of the carriage just before departure, he ran to his brother with a bright smile as if he had the whole world in his hands.

 

“Brother!”

 

“Ian.”

 

“Why is Brother…”

 

Ian swept Lloydin from head to toe without finishing his sentence.

 

He was wearing outdoor clothes, not the light clothes he usually wore when working at home.

 

“Is Brother going with us?”

 

Ian’s voice was full of expectation.

 

“Yeah. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise yesterday. So, let’s go together today.”

 

“Really?”

 

Unable to believe it, Ian kept asking.

 

“Yeah.”

 

And finally, after several times of asking, Ian let out a cheer of joy.

 

‘Is it really that good?’

 

Seeing Ian’s joy, I couldn’t help but feel good myself.

 

With our respective excitement, we left the mansion for the bustling streets.

 

Throughout our time together, Ian never left Lloydin’s side.

 

We arrived first at the Polletz store that we couldn’t visit yesterday.

 

After getting off the carriage, I stopped Lloydin and Ian from entering.

 

“I’ll go in here, so why don’t you two browse other stores and come back?”

 

“Other places?”

 

Lloydin and Ian looked at me with puzzled expressions.

 

“Yes. I’ll buy what Ian needs alone, so you two can look around elsewhere.”

 

I said that while sending a meaningful glance at Ian and smiled.

 

Ian’s expression brightened immediately as he understood the meaning of my glance.

 

“Brother, let’s go over there then.”

 

“Ian…”

 

Lloydin looked perplexed as he alternated between me and Ian.

 

“I want to buy something. Let’s go quickly, Brother.”

 

“Go ahead. I’ll wait for you in the carriage after buying the items.”

 

As I repeated my words for them to go alone, Lloydin finally understood my intention.

 

“…I understand. Then, let’s go, Ian.”

 

“Yes, let’s go. Take care, Brother.”

 

With that, the two moved away from my side.

 

Every time Lloydin turned back a few times, I waved to him with a cheerful smile.

 

After seeing them off with a content heart, I entered the Polletz store.

 

“Welcome!”

 

As expected from a store selling sports equipment, the owner’s expression and voice were full of vitality.

 

“What can I help you with?”

 

“I want to buy supplies for a child entering the Intermediate Academy.”

 

“Ah, then you’ve come to the right place. Many nobles have already visited our store.”

 

“Really? What should I buy then?”

 

“The most important thing is undoubtedly this Polletz stick. Depending on the type of wood it’s made of, its durability and resilience differ completely.”

 

The owner led me to where sticks made of wood were displayed.

 

As he said, the sticks were not all made of the same type of wood.

 

Some sticks looked very solid, while others had visible grains, indicating that the materials used were different.

 

“Then, which type of wood is the best?”

 

“It’s definitely Metol wood. Among Metol trees, we’ve carefully selected those that grow in the harsh cold of the north. Even if it clashes with other sticks, it will hardly ever break.”

 

Pointing out the only stick among them that had a light gray color, the owner showed it to me.

 

“Then I’ll take that one.”

 

“This, this one?”

 

Without any hesitation, I pointed to the stick that the owner held in his hand.

 

“But this one is quite expensive because it’s very rare. Um…I’m sorry, but since no one else has readily purchased it, I thought I should mention it just in case.”

 

“I understand. I’ll take it.”

 

Without asking the price, I nodded my head.

 

“Ah, I see. Then, should I prepare other items at this level as well?”

 

“Yes, please.”

 

“All right! Then please wait a moment while I prepare them.”

 

Unable to contain his excitement and enthusiasm, the owner replied loudly before moving away.