『 Judging by this handwriting, it looks like a doctor wrote it.』
Edith used to write similarly when working at the clinic, so it was not difficult to guess that this document was written by a doctor.
Besides, discussions like how a brain can be damaged due to side effects and what will happen to one’s memory are things that only a doctor would say.
Edith quickly looked away. Reading documents on someone else’s desk was definitely not something to be proud of.
However, once the information entered her mind, it could not be easily erased. She wondered what kind of research Theos was doing.
『 Could it be that he’s researching the magical outburst that Walter experienced in the past?』
Vane praised Theos, saying that although his magical abilities were lacking, his understanding of magic and proficiency to manipulate magic formulas were superior to that of a mage who had worked at Lexion for several years.
So it made sense to some extent if he is researching the past magical outburst to recover the lost memories of the time when Isaac lost his memory.
『 If that’s not the case…』
Edith was trying to weigh other possibilities when Theos suddenly, with the coat on, came bounding towards the desk.
“I’m, I’m sorry! Is the desk too messy? I’ve shown a bad sight to M’lady.”
Theos organized the documents at the speed of light and put them in a drawer. He spoke as if he was organizing things for Edith, but his mind was much more complicated.
He found it challenging to hide these documents and the subject of his research from the Lady who treated him kindly.
『 Why is the Little Duke putting me through such trials?』
Of course, Theos also knew that despite Walter’s harsh tone, he was kind. Walter would occasionally come by and set down a warm meat pie and ask about the progress of his research.
However, the problem was the subject of the research and why this ‘research’ was necessary.
After getting his medical check-up and finding out that his magical condition wasn’t good, Walter stopped by Theos with a large meat pie.
⋙“Thank you, Little Duke. Honestly… I thought you disliked me.”⋘
⋙“Why? Is it because you keep eyeing my woman?”⋘
⋙“…”⋘
⋙“With blood still not dried on your head, you’re not even a match for me, so don’t worry, and eat your meals regularly. You won’t stand a chance facing me with such a scrawny body.”⋘
⋙“… You don’t like me after all, do you?”⋘
Just as Theos was trying to explain with a sulky face that his feelings for Edith were mostly admiration and gratitude, Walter leaned against his desk with his arms crossed and made an explosive statement.
⋙“I know you’re in love with Edith, so let me tell you something interesting.”⋘
⋙“What, what?”⋘
⋙“I need to reach my awakening, but then they say I will lose all my memories within a few years. My body may also be damaged, leaving me with permanent disabilities. It’s very unfortunate.”⋘
Walter chuckled as he said that, but Theos seemed to sense the weight of the concerns behind that sneer.
How many times had he contemplated the idea of dying? Theos couldn’t help but ask cautiously.
⋙“Did you tell M’lady about it?”⋘
⋙“I came to you because I didn’t want to talk about it to Edith. I’ve told the doctors to find a way to keep me from losing my memory. If it were you, you wouldn’t be able to say anything for fear of making Edith sad.”⋘
⋙“…”⋘
Theos had never known that a person could smile so slyly. It was a wicked strategy, enough to make him want to retract the prayers he had made for several days, asking to grow up as a handsome man like the Little Duke.
It was an evil plan that took advantage of his desire to somehow be helpful to Edith, maintaining secrecy and progressing the research.
Theos, driven by his desire to be of help to Edith, was unable to avoid participating in the research as Walter revealed secrets that only the doctor and the Duke of Lexion knew.
『 M’lady is pregnant, and the baby in her womb needs magical energy…』
It was just as Walter had guessed. Theos couldn’t bear to see Edith, who had taken him in and cared for him, despair.
Therefore, he had been conducting research, and discussing with doctors to find a way to prevent Walter’s magic from going out of control.
“It looks like your desk is cleared up. Would you button up the coat?”
“Oh, yes.”
Theos buttoned up the coat and turned around in front of her.
“I’m glad it fits you perfectly. Make your younger sibling try it too, and let me know if it needs alterations.”
“Yes. Thank you, M’lady.”
Theos bowed his head politely and made an effort to smile.
Keeping the fact a secret from Edith, who takes care of him so well, that Walter may suffer and lose his memory several years later, turned out to be more agonizing than Theos initially expected.
──────────✿◦•
The morning of the Swordsmanship Tournament has come. Those participating were each finishing their preparations at their manors.
Walter also ran a few laps around the training ground early in the morning and was wearing a combat uniform that adhered to the regulations of the tournament.
“If Leah had seen you like this, she would have been very happy.”
Franz gently smiled as he observed his strong and upright grandson. Describing him as all grown-up seemed not enough.
Vane, who was guarding his side, raised the treasured sword of Lexion that had been prepared in advance.
“Take this with you. There is no sword as splendid as this. It’s the same size as the wooden swords at our training ground, so it’ll be easy to wield.”
The sword passed down from generation to generation had the family crest engraved on it. Walter took the heavy sword, put it in its scabbard, and fastened it to his waist.
In a swordsmanship tournament, one could not directly stab or cut one’s opponent. To prevent bloodshed in this event that marks the beginning of the year, magical spells were placed on the blades.
However, how quickly the sword could cut through the wind and what kind of magical properties the blade could unleash were still important issues.
“According to informants, the Gerturk’s assassination squad leader’s name is Aizen.”
“Aizen will use an alias to make it look like he is a newly purchased knight.”
“Even so, it’s unlikely that his skills have improved. It must be the limit of Count Gerturk.”
“We have prepared everything for their level, so you don’t have to worry.”
Edith, who was listening to the conversation from the side, suppressed a laugh. Just from the imposing voices of the two men exchanging words, it seemed like they could already push past a few people to enter.
『 If my baby were a son, would he take after his father and great-grandfather’s speaking style?』
When she smiled, Walter instinctively turned his gaze towards her. He put his hands behind his back and slowly brought his face towards Edith’s.
“I don’t know what fun things you’re imagining, but you shouldn’t forget about something important.”
“I haven’t forgotten, so don’t worry.”
Edith held out the box she had been holding carefully. When Walter untied the ribbon and opened the box, a neatly embroidered handkerchief with two lilies was revealed. The corners of Walter’s mouth curled up as he took a moment to admire the embroidery she had done stitch by stitch.
Edith took it out, folded it in half, and put it in the pocket on his chest. Because of his strong muscles, the handkerchief didn’t fit in smoothly.
“Make sure the lilies are visible. That way, even if others see me smiling sillily, they’ll know I’m not crazy.”
“Funny.”
Edith looked at him all over with a smile. When she first saw him in formal attire, he was so breathtakingly beautiful that she forgot to breathe. But the sight of him wearing a combat uniform of gold and black, with a leather belt for practicality, had another charm.
If he went out in such an outfit to the swordsmanship tournament that was attended by a large number of commoners, it seemed like the barrage of gifts from unknown women would double.
“You should start heading out, Walter.”
“…”
Walter slightly raised one eyebrow as if asking if something was missing. Edith pretended not to know and got out of the room with the fireplace before him.
Walter, who noticed something, gestured to Cassius to buy him some time, and he followed Edith out of the room.
Then Edith, who was waiting with the winter sunlight pouring in through the hallway window, cupped his cheeks with her hands. Her blue eyes quickly confirmed that no one was passing by.
“You have to be careful, Walter.”
Edith pulled his cheek to kiss him. She felt his lips smiling.
Walter wrapped his hand around hers, tilted his head, to gently suck on her lips. When he attempted to slip through the slender opening of her slightly parted lips, Edith made a slight noise and pulled her lips away.
『 I thought she would make an excuse and avoid giving me a kiss.』
It was customary to kiss one’s lover after handing them a handkerchief embroidered with lilies. Walter was going crazy as he thought Edith was irresistibly adorable, who despite her embarrassment did her best to wish him good luck.
The blush on her cheeks, the subtle movement of her water-colored eyes moving to the side, and the dust floating slowly in the air, sparkling in the sunlight, are all etched into his mind so clearly. Walter wonders if it is true that his memories will vanish if he suffers another magic outburst.
“I’ll be cheering for you, Walter.”
“Even if you cheer halfheartedly, I’ll manage to win, so stay in a warm place. It is said that there’s a small tea room in the center of the noble seats.”
Walter pressed his lips to the forehead of Edith, who smiled brightly. If he could release all his magic all at once in the tournament, reach his awakening, and share it with the little one in her belly, it would bring him immense joy. Even if he had to push himself a little further than he should.
『 My opponent should come out very determined.』
Walter quickly reviewed the plan in his mind to reach his awakening as soon as possible.
❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ •°.❀
