HIFH | Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Leaving behind Lu, who had fallen asleep again, and the physician examining him, I stepped out of the room.

Then, I hurried back to my own chamber.

Thud!

As soon as I shut the door and locked it, I collapsed onto the floor.

— It’s probably a secret organization within the Empire.

No.

— What was its name again… Catacomb? No, was it Catacle?

No!

— They were targeting me.

Noooo!

One hurdle after another.

I thought I had learned everything I needed to know—the purpose of Baylor and the internal conflicts within Catacle.

Catacle is targeting Lu?

Why?

Is it because of the relic?

No.

If their goal was to stop Lu—a Guardian—from obtaining the relic, there were plenty of other ways to do it.

There was no need to kill Lu, an elite Guardian agent, and stir up unnecessary conflict.

I really want to stop being so curious.

But… something felt off.

I had come too far to ignore these lingering doubts.

I already know about Baylor and Adrian’s conflict.

I recalled Henry’s journal.

[He desires to claim the Ivory Castle, and his son seeks to seize those who are about to enter it.

This will be a battle between father and son…]

Baylor and Adrian were at odds, each with their own agenda.

Now that I had uncovered this truth, I couldn’t back out.

They must already know that I know.

Not that I plan to betray them.

But if the time comes when I have to choose between Baylor and Adrian…

It will be Baylor.

I was afraid of Adrian.

Maybe because I could sense that his feelings for me were as clinging and suffocating as a swamp.

Maybe because his actions toward me made me feel repulsed.

Either way, I would never choose Adrian.

Because my master is Baylor.

Even as I thought this, I found it amusing that I felt grateful toward Lu.

Which was why I felt even more compelled to figure out why Catacle was targeting him.

So I can keep him from getting hurt.

This much wouldn’t count as betraying Baylor.

Muttering to myself, I got up and headed to the dining hall to finally have a meal.

“I feel much better now.”

Lu rested his chin on both hands as he spoke.

Compared to when he was bedridden, he had regained some weight, and his eyes had regained their light.

I blinked as I looked at him.

“What’s with that pose?”

“A flower cup.”

“What’s the flower?”

“My face?”

Haha. I let out a hollow laugh.

“Hearing you talk nonsense means you must really be better. That’s a relief.”

Lu pouted and withdrew his hands.

“So, can’t we go out for a bit today?”

Instead of answering, I stared at his right shoulder, which was still wrapped in bandages.

“How about you take a look at your arm before speaking?”

“This is just temporary.”

That’s not true.

The physician said so.

That if he overexerted himself just a little more, he wouldn’t be able to use his right arm at all.

“I’m feeling really cooped up.”

“No.”

Lu tilted his head at me, sticking out his lower lip.

“It’s not like I’m asking to go horseback riding or hunting. Just a simple meal outside.”

His blue eyes shimmered softly, like the faint light of dawn.

His long, dense lashes trembled delicately, like frost lightly brushing his eyelids.

“Can’t we?”

His lips curved downward slightly.

The usual smirk that always seemed to mock was now replaced with a soft pout of discontent.

“…I’m really fine now. Truly.”

Shadows pooled beneath his curved lashes, his smooth lips forming a languid line despite his pout.

His slightly flushed cheeks and subtly twitching brows…

Even in pain, he shone like a portrait of elegance.

“…Haaa.”

I let out a deep sigh and pressed a hand to my forehead.

I couldn’t just ignore Lu, who was acting like a petulant child.

Why?

Because he’s too beautiful.

This was why beauty was a dangerous weapon—it made you want to grant every request.

“Fine. But just a meal. Nothing else. Understood?”

Lu’s face brightened like a blossoming spring.

“Great!”

He jumped to his feet and quickly walked to the wardrobe.

He pulled out a slate-gray vest and a bluish-gray shirt.

Judging by how they matched the ash-colored pants he was already wearing, he must have chosen them deliberately.

“Can you turn around for a moment?”

Lu asked as he unbuttoned his shirt.

“Oh, of course, you can keep looking if you want.”

“I won’t!”

I quickly turned my head.

I heard him chuckle and the rustling of clothes.

Time passed.

Enough time for him to finish changing.

Yet, Lu remained silent.

Curious, I slowly turned my head to look at him.

He was standing still, a white shirt draped loosely over his shoulders, with only one arm slipped into a sleeve.

“For someone so eager to go out, you can’t even get dressed properly.”

“I have my reasons.”

He gestured at his bandaged right arm.

“I’ll help you.”

I walked toward him.

At that, he murmured in a low voice, “I can do it myself.”

“Liar.”

I chuckled as I stood before him and carefully took hold of the remaining sleeve.

“Alright, lift your arm.”

Lu frowned slightly but obediently raised his arm.

“Does it hurt when the bandage is touched?”

“It’s bearable.”

“So it does hurt.”

I moved my fingers lightly to avoid disturbing the wound, but I could feel his breath hitch whenever the fabric brushed against his skin.

“Sorry. Does it hurt?”

Lu slowly shook his head instead of answering.

“All done.”

I carefully fastened the buttons, avoiding his bandaged arm.

As my fingers slipped through the neatly pressed fabric, Lu flinched slightly every time.

It must be painful.

“I’ll be quick.”

I picked up the pace.

At the same time, Lu’s Adam’s apple moved slightly.

I thought he was about to say something, so I listened carefully.

But he remained silent.

So, I resolutely finished buttoning him up and picked up his tie.

“Alright. Lower your head.”

Lu wordlessly bowed his head.

I wrapped the tie around his collar and fastened it neatly.

Then, I adjusted his shirt collar.

“All done.”

Only then did Lu exhale softly.

Had he been holding his breath this whole time?

“…It feels strange.”

I tilted my head.

“What does?”

Lu didn’t answer.

He simply stared at my fingertips.

His gaze felt oddly heavy, making me slightly uneasy.

I took a half-step back.

“W-What? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing much.”

Lu reached behind me with his left hand.

For a second, I thought he was about to embrace me, and my heart skipped a beat.

But when his hand returned, it held a tie pin.

“Seeing you take care of me like this, Charles…”

He skillfully fixed the pin and said,

“It really feels like we’re a married couple.”

I jerked my head up.

There, Lu was smiling languidly.

“…Not a bad feeling.”