When I appeared in the garden, watering can in hand, the gardeners of the Grand Duke's residence swarmed around in fright. I laughed and waved my hand.
“There’s something to think about, so everyone do your work.”
The gardeners hesitated, but eventually, under constant pressure, they slowly retreated. Ordinary ladies, even if they were involved in the garden, would simply shoulder the burden and give directions, but I didn't want to do that.
Even if I couldn't care for it every day, I wanted to become familiar with the garden, watering it and changing the soil occasionally. I was always good at and enjoyed any physical activity.
I gently sprinkled water on the flowers and hummed a tune. On the outside, I looked relaxed, but in reality, my mind was quite a mess.
Because the conversation I had with Dr. Tien kept lingering in my mind.
'Madam, what do you think about wizards?'
'A wizard?'
To me, they seemed like people who could interpret rare magic stones. Other than that... they seemed to be hiding in a magic tower, wearing dark robes, absorbed in their research.
But I hesitated, thinking it would be rude to the wizards to say it honestly. Seeing my lips tremble, Tien smiled and said,
'They have the impression of being gloomy researchers.'
I laughed awkwardly. Tien clasped his hands together, placed them on his thighs, and spoke with a serious tone.
'There are many diseases in the world that cannot be cured through medicine alone. Feeling the limitations of a single branch of medicine, I am researching ways to combine magic and medicine. If it's alright with you, I would like to provide treatment and care using magic.'
It was a bit confusing. I usually thought magic could only manipulate matter. Things like interpreting rare magic stones, making things harder, or changing their size.
Even that wasn't universal. First of all, the number of magicians was very small, and magic stones were limited to little more than candles. Only rare magic stones could produce anything remotely magical.
To that extent, magic was practically foreign to this world. And yet, to use magic on people?
When I couldn't answer easily, Tien nodded, as if he had expected this.
'Madam, I heard you've given up on seeing a doctor. You've undoubtedly seen countless doctors along the way. I don't believe all those doctors are incompetent. If so, even if I were to treat you in a normal way, I'd still get the same results.'
Even though Tien couldn't properly diagnose my illness. I felt dizzy.
'Even if you are reluctant to undergo magical treatment, I will do my best to provide you with the best possible care.'
I sat still, fists clenched. But I didn't think long. I was going to die anyway, so what's the point of using magic on my body?
If there's one thing that catches the eye,
'You must keep this a secret from His Highness the Grand Duke. He will be worried.'
Tien nodded at my words.
'We will proceed safely enough to keep that secret until the end.'
It was a trustworthy statement. Tien was prescribed a light prescription and promised to bring his magical tools with him on his next visit.
I wasn't terrified when I accepted Tien's offer, but after sending him off, I felt uneasy. When magic was used on people, it was for the purpose of attack.
Since I was going to be killed anyway, there was no need to consider the side effects of using magic on people. To apply that magic to medicine... was truly a bold idea.
I shook my head, chuckling. It was truly paradoxical to be afraid of death, even though it was a life I was destined to live anyway.
I was watering flowers far away, my arm outstretched. I sensed someone approaching. I spoke without turning around.
“I think we’re running low on water. Do you want some more?”
“Yes.”
A deep, low voice startled me, almost making me jump. The outstretched arms made it difficult to keep my balance, so I stumbled. Julian wrapped his strong arms around my waist. I clung to his arms, clutching my startled heart.
“What a surprise!”
“I didn’t come that secretly.”
“I never thought it would be you.”
I stood up straight and shook my skirt. Then I thrust the watering can into Julian's chest.
“I told you to bring me some water, so bring me some water.”
Julian obediently accepted the watering can. But instead of going to fetch water, he just stood there. As I was looking at him, carrying my can, he spoke.
“Were you watering it yourself?”
"Yes. I can do this as a hobby, so why would your wife do this? It's not understandable."
Julian smiled at my words.
“Unlike my mother, you are skilled.”
"I used to tend to the garden at the Count's residence, too. Actually, my mother tended it more than I did, and I was busy cleaning up the flowerbeds the dog had ruined."
Julian took my hand and led me to the tea table in the garden. A watering can was placed in the center of the tea table. I chuckled, thinking it was funny that he'd been holding it all this time.
As I sat down, Julian sat down opposite me. He asked with a somewhat cautious air.
“What about the doctor?”
Are you worried I might dislike him? It's okay to ask something like that. Rolling my eyes, I remembered what Tien had said. He had been playful, telling me to be nice to Julian because he was worried. The memory of that moment made me laugh again, and I chuckled to myself.
“Why are you laughing?”
"It's funny when I look back. I asked for a doctor, but you sent some kind of handyman."
“...Do you like him?”
Julian's face became grave at my words. Perhaps he was worried that I wouldn't like the doctor he'd sent. I spoke forcefully, trying to reassure him.
“Yes! I really liked him. He was a very interesting person.”
When I answered, Julian frowned and stood up. When I looked up at him, he waved his hand as if it were nothing.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Where are you going?”
“Office. Madam, come in after playing some more.”
And then he really did leave me behind and went in alone. I looked at him in bewilderment, then looked into the empty watering can and grumbled.
“You said you would fill the water, but you just left?”
Julian seemed to have some complaints, but he didn't say anything, which made me feel a bit annoyed. Normally, I would have chased him down and asked what was wrong, but I didn't feel like doing that.
“I guess I’ll have more fun, huh?”
I snorted and gestured to the maid.
It was not yet evening when the carriage bearing the seal of the Winsley family arrived at the Grand Duke's residence.
As soon as I heard the news, I lifted my skirt and ran out. Near the entrance, I saw Ruin talking to the butler. It hadn't been long since I'd seen him, but the adolescent boy seemed to have grown quite a bit, even taller.
“Ruin!”
When I shouted loudly, Ruin turned around and smiled brightly.
“Sister!”
Ruin walked straight towards me. I hugged my brother. It was so lonely being separated from the family I'd always been with...
I'd always longed to see my family, but Ruin, busy with his successor training, couldn't be called on a whim. I had no choice but to call him because of Nife, but I couldn't help but feel happy.
“It was hard coming here. Wasn’t it difficult?”
“My sister came here too, so what could be difficult for me?”
I pinched Ruin's cheek because his kind words were cute.
“Look at that. You’ve grown so much.”
“You’ve become prettier.”
“Do you want to play a prank on your sister?”
I laughed and patted Ruin's side. He pretended to be in pain and covered his side. We played casually for a while, then realized the butler was watching and smiled sheepishly.
“I will invite you inside.”
“Yes, thank you.”
I cleared my throat and spoke solemnly, like a noblewoman. Seeing Ruin grin as if he found it amusing, I felt a little embarrassed. We followed the butler and chatted away.
“What about Adam? How are our parents?”
"Everyone's doing well. My parents are getting along much better these days. Did you know Adam told me he wished he had a little sister?"
I covered my mouth and laughed. I could imagine how delighted Ruin and Adam would be if they had a little sister. I smiled, pleased by the thought, as Ruin cautiously asked.
“I, I... How is His Highness the Grand Duke?”
I was about to nod at those words, but then I remembered what had happened in the garden that morning and frowned.
“I don’t know. Don’t talk about him.”
Ruin asked, startled by my attitude. His face was painted with worry.
“What’s wrong?”
Since there was someone next to me who was definitely on my side, the words that had been hurting me just came out.
“He said he’d fill the watering can with water this morning, but then he just left, as if he were sulking about something?”
"What?"
Ruin, who had been wide-eyed and mouth-wide in surprise, soon burst into laughter. He had found my words so amusing that tears welled up in his eyes.
“His Highness the Grand Duke is really doing a good job.”
It was a voice filled with profound reassurance. That was it. I pouted, but ultimately had no choice but to nod.
"By the way, it's clear he has some complaints. But he's not the type to talk much, is he? I really don't know what to do."
“Go and ask him yourself. You can’t stand being frustrated.”
“That’s what I should do. You’re here too, so I can’t show you a couple fighting.”
“Don’t worry about me. More importantly...”
Ruin spoke cautiously, glancing around. It was at that moment that I realized who he was looking for.
“Ruin!”
A girl was running out, as if ready to roll on the floor at any moment. When she met Ruin's eyes, she feigned composure and stood upright, as if she had never run before. However, that didn't hide her blustery nature.
As he turned around, Ruin shouted at Nife with a fierce expression.
“Nife Sasha! Come here!”
“There’s something to think about, so everyone do your work.”
The gardeners hesitated, but eventually, under constant pressure, they slowly retreated. Ordinary ladies, even if they were involved in the garden, would simply shoulder the burden and give directions, but I didn't want to do that.
Even if I couldn't care for it every day, I wanted to become familiar with the garden, watering it and changing the soil occasionally. I was always good at and enjoyed any physical activity.
I gently sprinkled water on the flowers and hummed a tune. On the outside, I looked relaxed, but in reality, my mind was quite a mess.
Because the conversation I had with Dr. Tien kept lingering in my mind.
'Madam, what do you think about wizards?'
'A wizard?'
To me, they seemed like people who could interpret rare magic stones. Other than that... they seemed to be hiding in a magic tower, wearing dark robes, absorbed in their research.
But I hesitated, thinking it would be rude to the wizards to say it honestly. Seeing my lips tremble, Tien smiled and said,
'They have the impression of being gloomy researchers.'
I laughed awkwardly. Tien clasped his hands together, placed them on his thighs, and spoke with a serious tone.
'There are many diseases in the world that cannot be cured through medicine alone. Feeling the limitations of a single branch of medicine, I am researching ways to combine magic and medicine. If it's alright with you, I would like to provide treatment and care using magic.'
It was a bit confusing. I usually thought magic could only manipulate matter. Things like interpreting rare magic stones, making things harder, or changing their size.
Even that wasn't universal. First of all, the number of magicians was very small, and magic stones were limited to little more than candles. Only rare magic stones could produce anything remotely magical.
To that extent, magic was practically foreign to this world. And yet, to use magic on people?
When I couldn't answer easily, Tien nodded, as if he had expected this.
'Madam, I heard you've given up on seeing a doctor. You've undoubtedly seen countless doctors along the way. I don't believe all those doctors are incompetent. If so, even if I were to treat you in a normal way, I'd still get the same results.'
Even though Tien couldn't properly diagnose my illness. I felt dizzy.
'Even if you are reluctant to undergo magical treatment, I will do my best to provide you with the best possible care.'
I sat still, fists clenched. But I didn't think long. I was going to die anyway, so what's the point of using magic on my body?
If there's one thing that catches the eye,
'You must keep this a secret from His Highness the Grand Duke. He will be worried.'
Tien nodded at my words.
'We will proceed safely enough to keep that secret until the end.'
It was a trustworthy statement. Tien was prescribed a light prescription and promised to bring his magical tools with him on his next visit.
I wasn't terrified when I accepted Tien's offer, but after sending him off, I felt uneasy. When magic was used on people, it was for the purpose of attack.
Since I was going to be killed anyway, there was no need to consider the side effects of using magic on people. To apply that magic to medicine... was truly a bold idea.
I shook my head, chuckling. It was truly paradoxical to be afraid of death, even though it was a life I was destined to live anyway.
I was watering flowers far away, my arm outstretched. I sensed someone approaching. I spoke without turning around.
“I think we’re running low on water. Do you want some more?”
“Yes.”
A deep, low voice startled me, almost making me jump. The outstretched arms made it difficult to keep my balance, so I stumbled. Julian wrapped his strong arms around my waist. I clung to his arms, clutching my startled heart.
“What a surprise!”
“I didn’t come that secretly.”
“I never thought it would be you.”
I stood up straight and shook my skirt. Then I thrust the watering can into Julian's chest.
“I told you to bring me some water, so bring me some water.”
Julian obediently accepted the watering can. But instead of going to fetch water, he just stood there. As I was looking at him, carrying my can, he spoke.
“Were you watering it yourself?”
"Yes. I can do this as a hobby, so why would your wife do this? It's not understandable."
Julian smiled at my words.
“Unlike my mother, you are skilled.”
"I used to tend to the garden at the Count's residence, too. Actually, my mother tended it more than I did, and I was busy cleaning up the flowerbeds the dog had ruined."
Julian took my hand and led me to the tea table in the garden. A watering can was placed in the center of the tea table. I chuckled, thinking it was funny that he'd been holding it all this time.
As I sat down, Julian sat down opposite me. He asked with a somewhat cautious air.
“What about the doctor?”
Are you worried I might dislike him? It's okay to ask something like that. Rolling my eyes, I remembered what Tien had said. He had been playful, telling me to be nice to Julian because he was worried. The memory of that moment made me laugh again, and I chuckled to myself.
“Why are you laughing?”
"It's funny when I look back. I asked for a doctor, but you sent some kind of handyman."
“...Do you like him?”
Julian's face became grave at my words. Perhaps he was worried that I wouldn't like the doctor he'd sent. I spoke forcefully, trying to reassure him.
“Yes! I really liked him. He was a very interesting person.”
When I answered, Julian frowned and stood up. When I looked up at him, he waved his hand as if it were nothing.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Where are you going?”
“Office. Madam, come in after playing some more.”
And then he really did leave me behind and went in alone. I looked at him in bewilderment, then looked into the empty watering can and grumbled.
“You said you would fill the water, but you just left?”
Julian seemed to have some complaints, but he didn't say anything, which made me feel a bit annoyed. Normally, I would have chased him down and asked what was wrong, but I didn't feel like doing that.
“I guess I’ll have more fun, huh?”
I snorted and gestured to the maid.
***
It was not yet evening when the carriage bearing the seal of the Winsley family arrived at the Grand Duke's residence.
As soon as I heard the news, I lifted my skirt and ran out. Near the entrance, I saw Ruin talking to the butler. It hadn't been long since I'd seen him, but the adolescent boy seemed to have grown quite a bit, even taller.
“Ruin!”
When I shouted loudly, Ruin turned around and smiled brightly.
“Sister!”
Ruin walked straight towards me. I hugged my brother. It was so lonely being separated from the family I'd always been with...
I'd always longed to see my family, but Ruin, busy with his successor training, couldn't be called on a whim. I had no choice but to call him because of Nife, but I couldn't help but feel happy.
“It was hard coming here. Wasn’t it difficult?”
“My sister came here too, so what could be difficult for me?”
I pinched Ruin's cheek because his kind words were cute.
“Look at that. You’ve grown so much.”
“You’ve become prettier.”
“Do you want to play a prank on your sister?”
I laughed and patted Ruin's side. He pretended to be in pain and covered his side. We played casually for a while, then realized the butler was watching and smiled sheepishly.
“I will invite you inside.”
“Yes, thank you.”
I cleared my throat and spoke solemnly, like a noblewoman. Seeing Ruin grin as if he found it amusing, I felt a little embarrassed. We followed the butler and chatted away.
“What about Adam? How are our parents?”
"Everyone's doing well. My parents are getting along much better these days. Did you know Adam told me he wished he had a little sister?"
I covered my mouth and laughed. I could imagine how delighted Ruin and Adam would be if they had a little sister. I smiled, pleased by the thought, as Ruin cautiously asked.
“I, I... How is His Highness the Grand Duke?”
I was about to nod at those words, but then I remembered what had happened in the garden that morning and frowned.
“I don’t know. Don’t talk about him.”
Ruin asked, startled by my attitude. His face was painted with worry.
“What’s wrong?”
Since there was someone next to me who was definitely on my side, the words that had been hurting me just came out.
“He said he’d fill the watering can with water this morning, but then he just left, as if he were sulking about something?”
"What?"
Ruin, who had been wide-eyed and mouth-wide in surprise, soon burst into laughter. He had found my words so amusing that tears welled up in his eyes.
“His Highness the Grand Duke is really doing a good job.”
It was a voice filled with profound reassurance. That was it. I pouted, but ultimately had no choice but to nod.
"By the way, it's clear he has some complaints. But he's not the type to talk much, is he? I really don't know what to do."
“Go and ask him yourself. You can’t stand being frustrated.”
“That’s what I should do. You’re here too, so I can’t show you a couple fighting.”
“Don’t worry about me. More importantly...”
Ruin spoke cautiously, glancing around. It was at that moment that I realized who he was looking for.
“Ruin!”
A girl was running out, as if ready to roll on the floor at any moment. When she met Ruin's eyes, she feigned composure and stood upright, as if she had never run before. However, that didn't hide her blustery nature.
As he turned around, Ruin shouted at Nife with a fierce expression.
“Nife Sasha! Come here!”
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