The Archduke’s Gorgeous Wedding Was a Fraud

* * *

“Mmm.”

My head was blank from overthinking my dream. Rubbing my eyes and regaining my senses, I turned around and made eye contact with blue-gray eyes watching me.

“Oh, my goodness!”

“……!”

“Y-You scared me!”

When I screamed, his eyes widened as if he was startled too. I quickly grabbed the blanket and pulled it up to the tip of my nose. Then, having looked around me, I turned my eyes back to Lacius.

“W-What are you doing here?”

I’ve been thinking about Lacius this whole time, even dreamed about him. Seeing him looking at me when I opened my eyes surprised me. The memory of the dream somehow made my heart grow cold. Lacius gazed at me for a long time, then slowly opened his mouth.

“I came to change the flowers.”

“Huh? Flowers?”

“Yes. You’ve been sleeping for 3 days.

“… What?”

Lacius’ hand was full of Titania Shell Rose. As I bent my head upwards, I saw roses that were about to wilt on the bedside table.

I guess he really came to change the flowers.

“Y-You should have just ordered a maid.”

My heart was filled with gratitude, but I stuck out my mouth and grumbled for no reason. Then Lacius knelt slowly, placing a rose next to my face.

His eye level becomes roughly the same as mine.

“I’m sorry.”

“…Huh?”

“I should have stopped you. If I had stopped you until the end, it would not have come to this.”

E-Excuse me? It’s not like I’m suffering from some deadly disease, so why is he acting like this? I was a bit taken aback by the eyes of Lacius full of regrets that I saw for the first time.

Was it that shocking that I collapsed?

‘Ah, but of course, it really hurts.’

Using too much power at once is my fault, it’s not Lasius’ fault at all. I lowered the blanket that was covering my face and reached out my hand toward him.

Lacius flinched as my hand touched his cheek. I gently stroked his cheek, consoling him who must have been so surprised at what had happened, then I frowned.

Your skin has grown quite rough. You didn’t sleep well?”

“I slept soundly.”

“Lie.”

This is one of his characteristics I’m only noticing now; Lacius avert his eyes when he lies. He seemed to find it difficult to say anything false because he was too conscientious.

“Tell me the truth. Did you actually sleep?”

“… No.”

“For how long?”

“Not a wink since you collapsed.”

“What!?”

This guy must be crazy.

I widened my eyes and pinched Lacius’ cheek.

“I slept, why couldn’t you sleep!”

“I could not fall asleep. It was common on the battlefield, so you have nothing to worry about.”

“But your skin has grown so dry?!”

Originally, Lacius had honey skin*, but now I can’t even describe it in words. It seemed he also didn’t eat on top of not sleeping. 

*(Glowing/Soft skin; Skin that was as soft as a baby’s bottom.)

‘No, you should do this for the original female protagonist!’

Not for me!

Sure, I know there are few people around Lacius, and he cares deeply about the people he treasures, but this is too much.

If I didn’t wake up for a week instead of three days, I’m sure he’ll collapse too.

I clicked my tongue and tried to pull my upper body up.

“Oh.”

“Careful. You don’t have any strength right now. Let me put a pillow on your back first.”

“O-Okay.”

Yes, I really need help. My body felt weak like it was on the verge of collapsing again.

Lacius treated me like a vase made of snow, which seemed to melt at any moment.

It was a bit embarrassing, but thanks to him, my back, which felt like it was about to break, got better. Once I sat down, my mind cleared up a lot faster.

“Thank you for the flowers.”

I held the bouquet Lacius had brought in my arms and smelled it. A sweet yet fresh fragrance of roses penetrates my nostrils. It was a really good thing that it was a thornless breed, I didn’t get hurt even after hugging it.

To the extent that I want to praise Peridot who developed this.

“You don’t remember anything this time too?”

“Huh? About what?”

Nothing, I’m really glad you’re awake now. Everyone will surely be delighted. I’ll have them bring you soup.”

“Let’s eat together.”

“Alright.”

At my invitation, a little smile appeared on Lacius’s lips. After he went out, Juliet and Cat came in.

“Heu-Heug… Masteeeer…!”

-You’re too weak.

As soon as she saw me, Juliet let out a wail, and Cat hit the floor with his tail.

“Yes, yes. I made you all worried.”

“Yess, I-I am a useless m-maid. I-I wasn’t of any help.”

Juliet, who had been sobbing, cried again. Cat looked at the loud Juliet as if he found her pathetic, then he eventually came to my side and tapped my hand with his head.

-Are you okay, master?

“I’m okay.”

-Looks like you used too much power. If you are too greedy, you will be short-lived.

“Yes, I was a little greedy. I’ll be careful in the future.”

I spread my arms wide and hugged Juliet while I stroked Cat’s head with my other hand. Cat who seemed to be in a good mood squinted his eyes and purred loudly. Although his mouth is grumbling, I know he was happy that I woke up.

“Sniff, Master, would you like to wash up?”

“Should I just brush my teeth and wash my face before Lacius comes back?”

“Alright. I’ll get it ready right away.”

After some time, Juliet, who had stopped crying, asked with eyes still full of tears. Even in the midst of this, it is admirable and cute that she is trying to do her duty as a maid. When I nodded my head, she moved quickly.

I’ll get dirty anyway, but even if I have to take a bath later, I still have to wash a little.

Cat rested his chin on my legs under the covers and let out a long yawn.

Thanks to Juliet, who returned quickly, I was finally able to change into a comfortable dress and avoid looking like a beggar.

“Shay, I brought you a meal.”

The food I had after sleeping for three days was so delicious that it made me cry. I moved my spoon gracefully, trying not to wolf down. Lacius watched me for a moment as I drank the watery broccoli soup, then spoke gently.

“I remember the first time I saw you eat.”