After hearing the situation, it seemed that despite bloodstains at the door, no physicians were summoned from the estate. It was because the Marchioness considered Theo to be an eyesore.
Due to Marquis Claflin’s deteriorating health, he was relocated near the capital for treatment. However, the servants acting as the Marquis’s informants continued to stay at the estate.
Therefore, no one paid any attention to Theo in the house.
With his usual indifference to such matters, Theo didn’t seem to mind the treatment he received within the household.
“There have been a few instances similar to this, so the servants didn’t seem overly concerned. Admittedly, remaining secluded in a room for several days is somewhat peculiar, but…”
Suddenly, I remembered the image of the man in a blue mask, the one who had let me go.
His injured right shoulder and how he held the sword with his left hand looked strangely familiar.
I couldn’t shake off the ridiculous thought that he might be Theo.
‘Anyway, there seems to be a problem with his right shoulder… it looked like he was seriously injured…’
If my guess was correct, it would mean that Theo was a black mage. A minion of the devil who kills for fun.
However, the fact that he tried to save the child makes him seem slightly different from the typical black mage.
Perhaps Theo had secrets that I didn’t know about.
Secrets so significant that he couldn’t call a doctor for help or he couldn’t let anyone see his condition.
Theo had locked himself in the room, bleeding on the floor, for days.
Something must have happened to him. As this thought crossed my mind, I headed towards the Imperial Palace without hesitation.
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
“I really need to use it.”
I requested the healing stone from Ian, gripped by the worry that something might have befallen Theo.
I didn’t feel the usual rush of emotion whenever I looked at him.
Ian seemed to already know I would ask for the healing stone, displaying a nonchalant expression.
He gave me a rather cold stare and asked.
“Why?”
“…It’s for personal use,”
When I gave a vague answer, he intercepted me with his next question,
“Are you planning to take it to the Marquis’s Manor?”
It seemed like he knew something about Theo’s current situation. I furrowed my brow and asked him sharply,
“Are you spying on him?”
“He keeps getting on my nerves, so I have to keep an eye on the Marquis’ manor.”
Ian didn’t seem inclined to hide his animosity toward Theo.
Political balance and loyalty to the Marquis of Claflin didn’t matter to him now. This attitude made me even more apprehensive.
Was it still difficult for him to sort out his feelings for Lethenia? Or perhaps, he had no intention of doing so at this point.
I had an ominous feeling that Theo could be in real danger if Ian let his personal feelings get the better of him and turned his back on the Marquis of Claflin.
I must have looked perplexed because Ian’s cold gaze was fixed on me, and he continued to speak frankly,
“The magical energy inside the healing stone is running out.”
“What?”
“The healing stone is about to disintegrate. I don’t know how serious Lord Claflin’s injuries are, but it might not fully heal him.”
“…….”
“Still, if you want it, I’ll lend it to you. But there are conditions.”
The word “conditions” hung in the air, making the atmosphere tense. He stared at my face as if contemplating something.
Then, he raised his chin slightly and furrowed his eyebrows, uttering provocatively.
“Don’t see him anymore.”
“What do you mean…?”
“Just don’t meet him,”
Ian’s tone stayed firm. He was using the Healing Stone as a means to keep Theo away from me. What a treacherous move.
I felt anger welling within me, but before I could utter a word, he spoke again, this time a bit faster, as if he wanted to get it over with.
“You can resent me if you want.”
He took a slow step toward me.
“Curse me for being an axxhole.”
I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh.
“You can keep insulting me, too. Pour out your anger as much as you want.”
He took a slow step closer to me.
“But Lethenia.”
He called my name, and my heart, which had momentarily calmed down, began to race again.
He lowered his head slightly, and his cool voice whispered into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
“If you truly care for him, make a wise choice.”
A chilling sensation settled on my skin. It seemed like if I continued to keep Theo by my side, something terrible would inevitably happen.
Finally, he wore a somewhat bitter smile and continued,
“You told me once that I might kill you.”
“…….”
“But I won’t, never. Even if there’s a possibility of me bringing down Bladel, my intention was always to take you to a safe place.”
Ian held my gaze momentarily, his eyes conveying a resolute message. Then, he spoke again with unwavering determination.
“But I can kill anyone who isn’t you if I have to.”
He uttered merciless words as if he had ultimately let go of rationality.
“Are you threatening me using Theo now?”
“I’m asking you to let him go.”
“…….”
“I don’t have the right to ask you this. But for some reason, I kept getting this weird feeling. If I let you go…… you’d run off with Claflin to someplace I’d never find you.”
“…….”
“That’s harder to bear than you resenting me.”
Ian’s words sounded sincere. The Emperor, who had been so cold-hearted toward the Empress just moments ago, had vanished.
Had my bringing Theo closer somehow triggered Ian to realize the depth of his love for Lethenia?
I was faced with unexpected consequences.
“As I told you last time, Bledel…….”
“Bledel must disappear. Even though I hold you in my heart, that decision remains unchanged.”
He responded firmly to my words.
“But why are you doing this?”
“Because I can’t stand the thought of you being with someone else.”
There was silence in the freezing cold walls, and he didn’t seem as confused as he had.
He seemed to know what he wanted now, so he decided not to hide his feelings anymore.
I decided to think rationally. After all, Theo knew my true identity.
Our relationship couldn’t continue as it once had. Regardless of Ian, Theo would distance himself from me now.
The situation had driven him and me apart, so it was probably for the best.
I raised my head and looked into his eyes directly.
“Okay. I’ll do that.”
Tears welled up slightly in my eyes at that moment. Ian’s previously calm eyes now seemed to quiver with unspeakable pain.
“But remember this. Regardless of Theo, I will never stop loving you.”
Ian walked into the chamber without another word. A while later, he returned with a box containing the Healing Stone.
He opened the box and took out the Healing Stone. Then, he held my wrist.
When I tried to pull away, he exerted a bit more force. With an expressionless face, he placed the healing stone on my injured wrist.
Imbued with magic, the stone emitted a dazzling iridescent light as it did its work.
“Start by taking care of yourself,”
Ian said dryly. I wished I had worn longer sleeves. It seemed he noticed the bandage wrapped around the spot where the dagger had grazed me.
Perhaps because the wound wasn’t too deep, the stone quickly reverted to its original color. However, somehow, it looked strangely darker.
Does the color darken as the magic diminishes? Ian released my wrist a moment too late. I took the Healing Stone and quickly left the Imperial Palace.
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
The carriage stopped in front of Claflin’s Manor. I took a short, deep breath and grabbed the box containing the Healing Stone as I stood up.
Looking up, I saw the dark clouds filling the sky. The gloomy weather matched my mood.
What should I say when I meet Theo?
I had rushed to the Marquis’ manor in desperation upon hearing his critical condition, but now that I stood before the mansion, my anxiety grew.
I notified the mansion’s servants of my visit, and as I entered the main gate, I noticed Marchioness Claflin standing tall and regal.
Her neatly coiffed updo and elegant navy dress presented the image of a faultless noblewoman.
Her somewhat sharp features gave off an imposing and somewhat aloof air.
She greeted me with a stiff expression.
“Your Majesty, the Empress, it’s an honor to meet you.”
There was no sign of warmth in her grayish-brown eyes.
Even without saying it, I could sense her displeasure at my visit.
“I am honored that Her Majesty the Empress has graced us with her presence. I happened to stop by due to some matters in the capital, and fortunately, I have the privilege of personally greeting Your Majesty.”
She said this with proper courtesy, but her tone was clearly chilly.
“It is a pleasure, madam. I have heard that Lord Theo is not in good health. It pains me to hear that a dear friend of mine is unwell. May I briefly see him if it is not too much trouble?”
“No one is allowed to enter his bedroom at the moment, not even me, his mother, But since Her Majesty and Theo have a special relationship, perhaps there might be an exception.”
Behind her insincere smile, I could discern a subtle disdain.
