If there was a problem with Stella's plan, it was that for Kendrick, even the sight of Stella trying to torment him was adorable. Kendrick didn't think the pang in his heart when Stella wasn't out of sight was solely due to the potion. His yearning for her was his own, and he considered the potion to be merely a catalyst for those feelings.
"Huh? What did you just say?"
"If you want to bully someone, you can."
Stella slapped her cheeks hard, as if she had heard something wrong.
"I wonder if I've hurt your feelings too much all this time."
"No, not really..."
Kendrick pressed his lips against Stella's forehead.
"Out of a sense of apology, I can grant all your requests. Very happily."
It was a big problem that his gaze kept drifting toward her wine-soaked red lips. However, he couldn't touch a drunk woman, so he was suppressing the impulse. Unaware of his inner turmoil, Stella reached out to Kendrick.
"You... really are too good for me."
Stella's hand traced down Kendrick's shoulder. As expected, it was thrilling wherever her hand touched.
"What?"
Kendrick asked back as if to say what she meant. Stella rubbed her eyes as if she were sleepy. It had been quite a while since her mind had started to feel hazy.
"In the past, my heart used to burn with pain, fearing you might see another woman. But now, I'm okay."
His expression crumpled completely. He couldn't understand on earth what his wife was saying.
"Even if you meet someone else when I'm not around, I won't resent you anymore."
"What are you talking about?"
Stella's eyes gradually closed.
"Hmm... but please don't smoke... until I'm here."
Kendrick, left sober, quietly gazed at the sleeping Stella. He even poked her cheek as she slept, muttering only strange things.
He have no idea what this woman is talking about.
***
Stella opened her eyes. She saw the ceiling. After blinking a few times, she felt a throbbing headache and a bloated stomach. She slowly sat up.
The room is a total mess.
She saw the messy room. Feeling troubled, she lay back down and pulled the blanket up. Through the gap, she could see Kendrick coming out of the shower.
"Did you wake up?"
"I'm sorry, Kendrick."
She wasn't entirely sure, but looking at the room, it was clear that Stella herself had made the mess.
"It's okay. Do you remember anything from yesterday?"
"No. Did I make a lot of mistakes?"
"It was cute."
Kendrick remembered the conversation from last night. He also remembered the part about forgiving him if he met another woman because he was too good for her. He glanced at Stella as he vigorously dried his hair with a towel.
'Stella, do you think I'm seeing another woman?'
The question rose to the very tip of his throat.
But he didn't say it out loud. She knew better than anyone that he was head over heels for Stella because of the love potion.
'I guess she just blurted things out while drunk.'
Stella looked at Kendrick and flushed bright red. Kendrick's chest muscles, visible through his robe, were impressive. They were damp and moist. She hurriedly averted her gaze, but Kendrick caught her in the act. He grinned silently.
"Is there nothing else you want to take from me today?"
There isn't really anything in particular.
"Then, how about this gown?"
Kendrick slightly lifted the robe he was wearing. Stella's ears turned red.
"I don't need it."
Her whole body burned with the feeling that she had been caught unintentionally peeking at his chest. Kendrick deliberately approached her and sat down beside her.
"Stella. If there is anything you want from me, just tell me."
Stella still avoided his gaze.
"If you want to bully someone, go ahead."
At these words, Stella looked at Kendrick with a shaken expression.
"Yes?"
Kendrick smiled leisurely. He had originally only intended to mention yesterday, but to think she couldn't remember at all.
"I wonder if I've hurt your feelings too much all this time."
"No, not really..."
Stella wore a sour expression. She hadn't known Kendrick was thinking this. The conversation continued, similar to yesterday.
"So, if there is anything you want to ask of me, feel free to do so."
Stella didn't notice at all. She didn't even know what she had answered when Kendrick said the same thing last night. Only Kendrick smiled as he patted Stella's head.
***
After her regression, Stella began visiting the doctor more frequently. Doctor Harald. He had become so familiar that he felt like a friend.
"What brings you here this time?"
Doctor Harald looked at Stella. Her expression seemed somewhat blank.
"It doesn't work."
"Yes?"
"No matter how viciously and wickedly I torment Kendrick, he won't even bat an eye."
The doctor nodded as if it were a matter of course.
"It makes sense for Lord Kendrick. After all, he has such a strong mentality."
That wasn't the end of what Stella wanted to say.
"He said it's actually okay to torment him even more."
"Oh my."
He wore a look of disbelief.
"It is severe."
Stella sat facing him, crossing her legs with an anxious expression. The doctor honestly couldn't understand it. Until just a few months ago, it was an open secret within the Duke's household that Stella was incredibly attached to Kendrick.
In that case, the she should actually be glad that the Duke is so smitten with Stella.
Stella's anxious gaze was too intense. At this point, Harald couldn't help but ask.
"Are you really doing this because you intend to leave for somewhere else?"
The doctor asked cautiously. Stella spoke firmly with a slightly surprised expression.
"No."
The reason she lied was the same as last time. She was afraid that if I told the doctor that she was terminally ill and could die within a few years, it would reach Kendrick's ears right away.
"I know it's rude, but..."
The doctor could not accurately determine what Stella was thinking. However, there was one certain wish.
"Personally, I would like you to stay by his side for at least a few years—no, until the effects of the medicine wear off."
At his words, Stella slowly lifted her face. The doctor added the reason.
"Lord Kendrick is a very responsible man who takes the utmost care of his subjects. While it may vary from person to person, it is rare to find a territory where the people genuinely love the Duke as much as ours.
"So?"
"No one in Adrian wants Kendrick to fall."
Stella waited silently until he finished speaking.
"It is obvious that Lord Kendrick will collapse if Lady Stella disappears now."
"Right. I know that, too."
As she listened to doctor Harald, the worry that was already filling Stella multiplied several times over. Even to a doctor, Kendrick was in danger without Stella. Moreover, if Kendrick collapsed, Adrian and the villagers would also be in peril.
"Of course, everyone respects and loves Lady Stella just as much as the Duke. That is why we wish for the peace and happiness of Lord Kendrick and Lady Stella."
"Yes."
However, Stella was helpless until the disease was cured. Even though she was still reading, writing, and critiquing day and night, she needed luck to become an Imperial writer.
"Hmm... If Kendrick finds someone else to rely on besides me, do you think he'll feel a bit better?"
"Are you trying to bring in the government? That is too dangerous. It is too strong a provocation. Lord Kendrick might actually explode."
"That's true, though."
Stella shook her head.
"No, not that kind of thing."
She also knew that she shouldn't step forward and set Kendrick up with another woman right now. Above all, it wouldn't be polite to Kendrick.
"Then... what kind of plan are you referring to?"
Stella spoke in a voice quiet enough for only the doctor to hear. Harald's reaction to her words was positive.
"Well, that wouldn't be bad. It looks like it could be quite effective."
***
This friend's name is Lara.
Stella spoke to Sia and brought a puppy. In Adrian, if there were any animals roaming the estate that appeared to be being abused or were in poor health, they would be treated at the Duke's mansion until they fully recovered and found a new owner.
"Lara?"
Lara was one of them. She was a small, white Maltese who limped on one leg. Stella gave her the name Lara.
"Yes."
"It's a tacky name."
Kendrick wondered why Stella had brought the puppy to him. The building caring for abandoned animals was supposed to be quite far from the main building.
"It's a name I made up."
"It is very light and beautiful."
Kendrick immediately changed his mind. Stella chuckled softly and lifted Lara onto her shoulders. Lara, who was like soft dough, opened her eyes wide.
"Kendrick, from now on, think of this as me."
"This puppy?"
Stella nodded. She picked up Lara and stretched out her arms. It looked as if two round eyes were embedded inside a clean, white ball of fur. Lara barked.
"Please take it."
Kendrick held Lara in his arms. Stella adjusted Kendrick's position so that he could hold the puppy properly.
"This small animal can't replace you."
"Don't be so abrupt."
Kendrick hugged Lara tightly, just as Stella wanted.
"How is it?"
"Move while alive."
"Watch closely."
At this, Kendrick looked down at Lara carefully.
"His eyes... resemble yours a little."
Although Stella had slightly droopy eyes, her deep double eyelids and long eyelashes made her eyes look distinct and intense. Lara's eyes closely resembled Stella's.
"Right!"
Stella giggled as if he had guessed correctly.
"If you want to see me, hold Lara tight in your arms. It will make you feel a little better. Got it?"
Kendrick was silent. He didn't know exactly why, but there must have been a reason why Stella had suddenly brought this puppy.
'You tried to torment me last time, and now you're a puppy?'
Kendrick.
At Stella's urging, he reluctantly nodded. For now, he intended to do as Stella wanted.
***
That's fascinating.
She really does resemble the Duchess.
With that gentle expression and those beautiful eyes.
It would be hard to look this alike.
When he took Lara to the office, all of his subordinates' eyes were fixed on her. Kendrick, however, wasn't particularly interested in the puppy.
"It's annoying."
Nevertheless, there were only three reasons why his eyes kept being drawn to it. First, because it was a puppy Stella had given him. Second, because it was a puppy with eyes that resembled Stella's. The third reason was Lara's legs.
"It looks like it was abused by humans. Since it is a child with a severe limp, please show it special affection."
Perhaps because of that backstory, Kendrick was worried that his subordinates might hurt Lara even more.
Why don't you stop looking and get to "work?"
At his words, everyone returned to their places. Lara simply wagged her tail with a bright, innocent face.
"Huh? What did you just say?"
"If you want to bully someone, you can."
Stella slapped her cheeks hard, as if she had heard something wrong.
"I wonder if I've hurt your feelings too much all this time."
"No, not really..."
Kendrick pressed his lips against Stella's forehead.
"Out of a sense of apology, I can grant all your requests. Very happily."
It was a big problem that his gaze kept drifting toward her wine-soaked red lips. However, he couldn't touch a drunk woman, so he was suppressing the impulse. Unaware of his inner turmoil, Stella reached out to Kendrick.
"You... really are too good for me."
Stella's hand traced down Kendrick's shoulder. As expected, it was thrilling wherever her hand touched.
"What?"
Kendrick asked back as if to say what she meant. Stella rubbed her eyes as if she were sleepy. It had been quite a while since her mind had started to feel hazy.
"In the past, my heart used to burn with pain, fearing you might see another woman. But now, I'm okay."
His expression crumpled completely. He couldn't understand on earth what his wife was saying.
"Even if you meet someone else when I'm not around, I won't resent you anymore."
"What are you talking about?"
Stella's eyes gradually closed.
"Hmm... but please don't smoke... until I'm here."
Kendrick, left sober, quietly gazed at the sleeping Stella. He even poked her cheek as she slept, muttering only strange things.
He have no idea what this woman is talking about.
***
Stella opened her eyes. She saw the ceiling. After blinking a few times, she felt a throbbing headache and a bloated stomach. She slowly sat up.
The room is a total mess.
She saw the messy room. Feeling troubled, she lay back down and pulled the blanket up. Through the gap, she could see Kendrick coming out of the shower.
"Did you wake up?"
"I'm sorry, Kendrick."
She wasn't entirely sure, but looking at the room, it was clear that Stella herself had made the mess.
"It's okay. Do you remember anything from yesterday?"
"No. Did I make a lot of mistakes?"
"It was cute."
Kendrick remembered the conversation from last night. He also remembered the part about forgiving him if he met another woman because he was too good for her. He glanced at Stella as he vigorously dried his hair with a towel.
'Stella, do you think I'm seeing another woman?'
The question rose to the very tip of his throat.
But he didn't say it out loud. She knew better than anyone that he was head over heels for Stella because of the love potion.
'I guess she just blurted things out while drunk.'
Stella looked at Kendrick and flushed bright red. Kendrick's chest muscles, visible through his robe, were impressive. They were damp and moist. She hurriedly averted her gaze, but Kendrick caught her in the act. He grinned silently.
"Is there nothing else you want to take from me today?"
There isn't really anything in particular.
"Then, how about this gown?"
Kendrick slightly lifted the robe he was wearing. Stella's ears turned red.
"I don't need it."
Her whole body burned with the feeling that she had been caught unintentionally peeking at his chest. Kendrick deliberately approached her and sat down beside her.
"Stella. If there is anything you want from me, just tell me."
Stella still avoided his gaze.
"If you want to bully someone, go ahead."
At these words, Stella looked at Kendrick with a shaken expression.
"Yes?"
Kendrick smiled leisurely. He had originally only intended to mention yesterday, but to think she couldn't remember at all.
"I wonder if I've hurt your feelings too much all this time."
"No, not really..."
Stella wore a sour expression. She hadn't known Kendrick was thinking this. The conversation continued, similar to yesterday.
"So, if there is anything you want to ask of me, feel free to do so."
Stella didn't notice at all. She didn't even know what she had answered when Kendrick said the same thing last night. Only Kendrick smiled as he patted Stella's head.
***
After her regression, Stella began visiting the doctor more frequently. Doctor Harald. He had become so familiar that he felt like a friend.
"What brings you here this time?"
Doctor Harald looked at Stella. Her expression seemed somewhat blank.
"It doesn't work."
"Yes?"
"No matter how viciously and wickedly I torment Kendrick, he won't even bat an eye."
The doctor nodded as if it were a matter of course.
"It makes sense for Lord Kendrick. After all, he has such a strong mentality."
That wasn't the end of what Stella wanted to say.
"He said it's actually okay to torment him even more."
"Oh my."
He wore a look of disbelief.
"It is severe."
Stella sat facing him, crossing her legs with an anxious expression. The doctor honestly couldn't understand it. Until just a few months ago, it was an open secret within the Duke's household that Stella was incredibly attached to Kendrick.
In that case, the she should actually be glad that the Duke is so smitten with Stella.
Stella's anxious gaze was too intense. At this point, Harald couldn't help but ask.
"Are you really doing this because you intend to leave for somewhere else?"
The doctor asked cautiously. Stella spoke firmly with a slightly surprised expression.
"No."
The reason she lied was the same as last time. She was afraid that if I told the doctor that she was terminally ill and could die within a few years, it would reach Kendrick's ears right away.
"I know it's rude, but..."
The doctor could not accurately determine what Stella was thinking. However, there was one certain wish.
"Personally, I would like you to stay by his side for at least a few years—no, until the effects of the medicine wear off."
At his words, Stella slowly lifted her face. The doctor added the reason.
"Lord Kendrick is a very responsible man who takes the utmost care of his subjects. While it may vary from person to person, it is rare to find a territory where the people genuinely love the Duke as much as ours.
"So?"
"No one in Adrian wants Kendrick to fall."
Stella waited silently until he finished speaking.
"It is obvious that Lord Kendrick will collapse if Lady Stella disappears now."
"Right. I know that, too."
As she listened to doctor Harald, the worry that was already filling Stella multiplied several times over. Even to a doctor, Kendrick was in danger without Stella. Moreover, if Kendrick collapsed, Adrian and the villagers would also be in peril.
"Of course, everyone respects and loves Lady Stella just as much as the Duke. That is why we wish for the peace and happiness of Lord Kendrick and Lady Stella."
"Yes."
However, Stella was helpless until the disease was cured. Even though she was still reading, writing, and critiquing day and night, she needed luck to become an Imperial writer.
"Hmm... If Kendrick finds someone else to rely on besides me, do you think he'll feel a bit better?"
"Are you trying to bring in the government? That is too dangerous. It is too strong a provocation. Lord Kendrick might actually explode."
"That's true, though."
Stella shook her head.
"No, not that kind of thing."
She also knew that she shouldn't step forward and set Kendrick up with another woman right now. Above all, it wouldn't be polite to Kendrick.
"Then... what kind of plan are you referring to?"
Stella spoke in a voice quiet enough for only the doctor to hear. Harald's reaction to her words was positive.
"Well, that wouldn't be bad. It looks like it could be quite effective."
***
This friend's name is Lara.
Stella spoke to Sia and brought a puppy. In Adrian, if there were any animals roaming the estate that appeared to be being abused or were in poor health, they would be treated at the Duke's mansion until they fully recovered and found a new owner.
"Lara?"
Lara was one of them. She was a small, white Maltese who limped on one leg. Stella gave her the name Lara.
"Yes."
"It's a tacky name."
Kendrick wondered why Stella had brought the puppy to him. The building caring for abandoned animals was supposed to be quite far from the main building.
"It's a name I made up."
"It is very light and beautiful."
Kendrick immediately changed his mind. Stella chuckled softly and lifted Lara onto her shoulders. Lara, who was like soft dough, opened her eyes wide.
"Kendrick, from now on, think of this as me."
"This puppy?"
Stella nodded. She picked up Lara and stretched out her arms. It looked as if two round eyes were embedded inside a clean, white ball of fur. Lara barked.
"Please take it."
Kendrick held Lara in his arms. Stella adjusted Kendrick's position so that he could hold the puppy properly.
"This small animal can't replace you."
"Don't be so abrupt."
Kendrick hugged Lara tightly, just as Stella wanted.
"How is it?"
"Move while alive."
"Watch closely."
At this, Kendrick looked down at Lara carefully.
"His eyes... resemble yours a little."
Although Stella had slightly droopy eyes, her deep double eyelids and long eyelashes made her eyes look distinct and intense. Lara's eyes closely resembled Stella's.
"Right!"
Stella giggled as if he had guessed correctly.
"If you want to see me, hold Lara tight in your arms. It will make you feel a little better. Got it?"
Kendrick was silent. He didn't know exactly why, but there must have been a reason why Stella had suddenly brought this puppy.
'You tried to torment me last time, and now you're a puppy?'
Kendrick.
At Stella's urging, he reluctantly nodded. For now, he intended to do as Stella wanted.
***
That's fascinating.
She really does resemble the Duchess.
With that gentle expression and those beautiful eyes.
It would be hard to look this alike.
When he took Lara to the office, all of his subordinates' eyes were fixed on her. Kendrick, however, wasn't particularly interested in the puppy.
"It's annoying."
Nevertheless, there were only three reasons why his eyes kept being drawn to it. First, because it was a puppy Stella had given him. Second, because it was a puppy with eyes that resembled Stella's. The third reason was Lara's legs.
"It looks like it was abused by humans. Since it is a child with a severe limp, please show it special affection."
Perhaps because of that backstory, Kendrick was worried that his subordinates might hurt Lara even more.
Why don't you stop looking and get to "work?"
At his words, everyone returned to their places. Lara simply wagged her tail with a bright, innocent face.
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