"Do you think Kendrick is just a pure, innocent person?"
Stella sensed something strange in Decrit's words and stopped what she was doing. Asking if Kendrick seemed like a clean person.
"What are you talking about?"
"I know."
Young Lady Decrit paused for a moment before speaking the next words.
"The reason the Duke went abroad to study in a hurry was when he was young."
"What?"
"It seems like everyone has forgotten, but I haven't."
Stella had absolutely no idea why she had suddenly brought up such a meaningful topic. Decrit was still smiling, but her gaze was fierce. Stella needed to return home quickly since she had stayed out all night without telling Kendrick, yet she was holding her back with such a random remark. Stella wanted to retort irritably, but she forced herself to maintain a calm demeanor.
"Don't beat around the bush, just say it straight. What are you trying to say?"
Stella had no intention of falling for her tricks. When she looked at her calmly, Lady Decrit changed her attitude.
"I was just joking. I've had so many patients to look after for a while that I haven't even had time for small talk like this."
And then she laughed. Stella's expression hardened. There was no way she would fall for such a ridiculous excuse. Just as she was about to argue further, she heard a knock.
Knock knock.
"Oh my, it looks like they're from the Duke's family."
Decrit quickly opened the door. Three knights had come to see her.
"Lady Stella, I have come to escort you."
They had brought a stretcher as well. It seemed they had brought it because they heard Stella had collapsed. It was difficult to press Lady Decrit about what had been said earlier in this situation. Stella debated whether to leave immediately or dismiss them and speak with Decrit. Just as she was about to say something, the air in the room turned chilly.
"Duke Adrian."
It was Kendrick.
"Duke, have you arrived?"
The knights bowed, and Decrit also bowed.
His black hair was disheveled, slightly obscuring his eyes, and dark stubble was visible on his chin, as if he hadn't even been able to shave. It was a look that clearly revealed how much Kendrick had suffered emotionally last night.
"Honey."
Stella was filled with mixed emotions upon seeing his face, which had become gaunt overnight. Decrit looked surprised, as if she hadn't expected Kendrick to come all the way here.
Kendrick silently approached Stella and held her in his arms.
"I haven't been able to sleep since yesterday because of you, how much..."
"Sorry."
The back of her head stung. Stella pulled away from his embrace and glanced around, only to see Decrit's expression harden.
"If you're having a hard time, lie down here."
As Kendrick pointed to the stretcher, the knights unfolded it. However, Stella shook her head.
"It's okay. I'll walk."
There was no time to dawdle here.
'Marie.'
She should have left before that kid caused trouble. It seemed like it was already too late.
"Here is Lady Stella's coat."
Young Lady Decrit handed Stella her coat with an innocent expression. Although Stella had many uneasy feelings, she formally thanked her for saving her and left the place.
Stella, wearing a coat, got into the carriage with Kendrick.
"Honey, did you come straight here from the Duke's estate?"
"No."
"Then...?"
A subordinate standing nearby answered instead.
"The Duke kept searching for Lady Stella with us."
Stella couldn't overcome her feelings of guilt and bit her lip for no reason.
'You probably couldn't even sleep.'
"Kendrick, don't go today, just rest."
"It's okay."
Kendrick added that he would finish work quickly and be back, telling Stella to get some good rest when she returned to the mansion.
"I have business at the top, so I'll get off first."
As silence fell again, Stella leaned against the window and sighed. She reached into her coat pocket and found a scrap of paper. Kendrick had his eyes closed, as if tired. She took out the note and read it.
[If you are curious about what I have to say next, please visit my clinic anytime. Lady Stella, I can make time for you as much as you want.]
It felt like things were spiraling out of control.
She felt conflicted. However, she did not want to be toyed with by Lady Decrit. She would rather speak with Kendrick. Just then, the carriage stopped at the merchant caravan, and Kendrick stepped out. Stella and he exchanged dry greetings and parted ways. Feeling anxious about what was happening at the Duke's mansion, Stella urged the coachmen on.
"Go faster."
"Yes, I understand, Madam."
Stella headed not to the main building, but to the annex where Harald was staying. Sure enough, she could feel the chaotic atmosphere even before entering the annex.
"Everyone, go inside and stop her!"
As Stella stepped out of the carriage, she saw Harald coming out of the building under the escort of knights. It hit her that the incident had indeed happened.
'I should have stopped this before it happened.'
"Madam, it's dangerous!"
Despite the dissuasion of those around her, Stella hurried inside.
"Stop making a fuss and move aside."
As she tried to enter Harald's room, the knights blocked her way.
"No! Lady Stella!"
"If you get hurt doing that, we'll die at Lord Kendrick's hands."
Stella sighed and waved her hand for them to get out of the way. The knights could not disobey the Duchess's order and stepped back.
In the room stood Marie, growling while holding the medical knife Harald used, and five knights were aiming their swords at her. Marie was small in stature, and the weapon she carried was noticeably smaller than the knights'. Nevertheless, the presence of five knights must have been because she was of the Elton tribe.
Marie shouted at the top of her lungs in Elton.
"Ugh. It's Urahard."
'Where am I? What have you done to me?'
Stella was the only one in this room who could understand Marie. In her previous life, she had studied Elton specifically for Marie. In that life, she couldn't understand what Marie was shouting. She had simply noticed that Marie was afraid of syringes, but everyone, and then hugged her to calm her down.
'You're trying to use me as a test subject again!'
This time, Stella understood everything Marie said.
'Test subject?'
Marie was screaming at the top of her lungs, but her legs were trembling.
"Ah, uh-uh!"
'Get lost, everyone!'
The knights watched Stella with their swords in hand.
"Lady Stella, what should we do? Should we subdue her?"
She gave orders to the knights.
"Everyone, get out."
Their faces were flushed with embarrassment.
"But...."
"Don't worry, I won't get hurt. The kid is getting even more scared because you two are acting like that."
As the knights all left, Marie's expression softened slightly. However, as Stella approached, she aimed her sword and remained on guard.
'Put the knife down.'
She roughly guessed why Marie was acting this way.
'Harald probably tried to administer a sedative with a syringe.'
Marie was not fierce by nature. As Stella recalled, she was afraid of getting injections. She had never told her why, but it was certain that she was afraid of needles.
'Because as soon as she saw the syringe, she started trembling and made a huge fuss.'
'Who are you? How do you know how to speak Elton?'
As Stella spoke Elton's language, Marie awkwardly lowered the hand holding the knife.
'I brought you here after finding you collapsed on the hill. I'm also the one who made sure you received treatment.'
Stella picked up the scattered syringes and threw them out the door, as if to show Marie. Marie could speak Imperial language, but she was flustered, and Eltonian just came out instead.
"You can stay here if you want. But if you cause a ruckus like this, it will be very troublesome for me."
Therefore, instead of speaking clumsy Eltonian, she spoke to her in Imperial language.
"You just need to apologize to the doctor who treated you. Then I will forgive you and cover it up."
Marie thought for a moment, then put the medical knife she was holding down on the bed.
It was a signal that she would not brandish her weapon. Stella soothed Marie and led her to her study. She could feel the servants watching her. It was a relief that both Skyle and Rincasta were away. Had they been there, she would not have had the chance to speak with Marie.
"You must be hungry, so eat."
Stella had the servants bring easily digestible soup and food to the study. Marie ate silently, perhaps because she was very hungry after causing such a commotion. Then, when Stella covered her with a blanket, she fell asleep on the sofa. Stella had comforted Marie like this in her previous life as well. After pulling the blanket up to Marie's neck so she wouldn't get cold, she stretched, thinking that she needed to rest, too.
Knock knock, knock.
A heavy knock was heard.
Stella spoke comfortably, thinking they were servants who had come to clear the dishes.
"You are welcome to come in."
It was Kendrick who opened the door and entered with a stern expression. He stared at Stella with eyes so cold they were chilling, then noticed Marie hiding behind her back. Stella couldn't hide her embarrassment and laughed awkwardly.
"Kendrick. You're here early."
As soon as Kendrick brought Stella into the bedroom, he lay her down on the bed. He kept her immobile, placed a cool, wet towel on her forehead, and put a thermometer in her mouth.
"I didn't know you were such a troublemaker before we got married."
"Sorry."
Kendrick checked the thermometer.
"Fortunately, there is no fever. What did Harald say?"
Kendrick took a seat next to Stella. She tilted her head as if she didn't understand what was being said.
"I heard you collapsed yesterday. Didn't you even get a checkup?"
"Ah... um, there was a commotion earlier today, so I was busy cleaning it up."
Kendrick's face darkened even further. Seeing the veins bulging in his arm, it seemed he was suppressing his anger. Stella bent down to soothe him and stroked his chest.
"Did your heart hurt a lot while I was gone?"
'Your under-eyes are really dark.'
She kept worrying that Kendrick might have been in pain. He shook his head as if to reassure Stella, but his expression was rigid.
"Why didn't the knights let the child be handled?"
He was dissatisfied that Stella was not holding back. It was as if she didn't even consider the burning anxiety of her husband, who was worried about losing her.
"They thrust a knife at the kid out of the blue while he's trembling. Since I can speak Elton, it's only natural for me to step forward."
Although it was awkward, Stella deliberately gave a sweet, pretty smile.
"After talking to her, she seems like a kind and good kid. Just as I mentioned last time, I’m thinking of hiring her as a maid."
"No."
Stella sensed something strange in Decrit's words and stopped what she was doing. Asking if Kendrick seemed like a clean person.
"What are you talking about?"
"I know."
Young Lady Decrit paused for a moment before speaking the next words.
"The reason the Duke went abroad to study in a hurry was when he was young."
"What?"
"It seems like everyone has forgotten, but I haven't."
Stella had absolutely no idea why she had suddenly brought up such a meaningful topic. Decrit was still smiling, but her gaze was fierce. Stella needed to return home quickly since she had stayed out all night without telling Kendrick, yet she was holding her back with such a random remark. Stella wanted to retort irritably, but she forced herself to maintain a calm demeanor.
"Don't beat around the bush, just say it straight. What are you trying to say?"
Stella had no intention of falling for her tricks. When she looked at her calmly, Lady Decrit changed her attitude.
"I was just joking. I've had so many patients to look after for a while that I haven't even had time for small talk like this."
And then she laughed. Stella's expression hardened. There was no way she would fall for such a ridiculous excuse. Just as she was about to argue further, she heard a knock.
Knock knock.
"Oh my, it looks like they're from the Duke's family."
Decrit quickly opened the door. Three knights had come to see her.
"Lady Stella, I have come to escort you."
They had brought a stretcher as well. It seemed they had brought it because they heard Stella had collapsed. It was difficult to press Lady Decrit about what had been said earlier in this situation. Stella debated whether to leave immediately or dismiss them and speak with Decrit. Just as she was about to say something, the air in the room turned chilly.
"Duke Adrian."
It was Kendrick.
"Duke, have you arrived?"
The knights bowed, and Decrit also bowed.
His black hair was disheveled, slightly obscuring his eyes, and dark stubble was visible on his chin, as if he hadn't even been able to shave. It was a look that clearly revealed how much Kendrick had suffered emotionally last night.
"Honey."
Stella was filled with mixed emotions upon seeing his face, which had become gaunt overnight. Decrit looked surprised, as if she hadn't expected Kendrick to come all the way here.
Kendrick silently approached Stella and held her in his arms.
"I haven't been able to sleep since yesterday because of you, how much..."
"Sorry."
The back of her head stung. Stella pulled away from his embrace and glanced around, only to see Decrit's expression harden.
"If you're having a hard time, lie down here."
As Kendrick pointed to the stretcher, the knights unfolded it. However, Stella shook her head.
"It's okay. I'll walk."
There was no time to dawdle here.
'Marie.'
She should have left before that kid caused trouble. It seemed like it was already too late.
"Here is Lady Stella's coat."
Young Lady Decrit handed Stella her coat with an innocent expression. Although Stella had many uneasy feelings, she formally thanked her for saving her and left the place.
Stella, wearing a coat, got into the carriage with Kendrick.
"Honey, did you come straight here from the Duke's estate?"
"No."
"Then...?"
A subordinate standing nearby answered instead.
"The Duke kept searching for Lady Stella with us."
Stella couldn't overcome her feelings of guilt and bit her lip for no reason.
'You probably couldn't even sleep.'
"Kendrick, don't go today, just rest."
"It's okay."
Kendrick added that he would finish work quickly and be back, telling Stella to get some good rest when she returned to the mansion.
"I have business at the top, so I'll get off first."
As silence fell again, Stella leaned against the window and sighed. She reached into her coat pocket and found a scrap of paper. Kendrick had his eyes closed, as if tired. She took out the note and read it.
[If you are curious about what I have to say next, please visit my clinic anytime. Lady Stella, I can make time for you as much as you want.]
It felt like things were spiraling out of control.
She felt conflicted. However, she did not want to be toyed with by Lady Decrit. She would rather speak with Kendrick. Just then, the carriage stopped at the merchant caravan, and Kendrick stepped out. Stella and he exchanged dry greetings and parted ways. Feeling anxious about what was happening at the Duke's mansion, Stella urged the coachmen on.
"Go faster."
"Yes, I understand, Madam."
***
Stella headed not to the main building, but to the annex where Harald was staying. Sure enough, she could feel the chaotic atmosphere even before entering the annex.
"Everyone, go inside and stop her!"
As Stella stepped out of the carriage, she saw Harald coming out of the building under the escort of knights. It hit her that the incident had indeed happened.
'I should have stopped this before it happened.'
"Madam, it's dangerous!"
Despite the dissuasion of those around her, Stella hurried inside.
"Stop making a fuss and move aside."
As she tried to enter Harald's room, the knights blocked her way.
"No! Lady Stella!"
"If you get hurt doing that, we'll die at Lord Kendrick's hands."
Stella sighed and waved her hand for them to get out of the way. The knights could not disobey the Duchess's order and stepped back.
In the room stood Marie, growling while holding the medical knife Harald used, and five knights were aiming their swords at her. Marie was small in stature, and the weapon she carried was noticeably smaller than the knights'. Nevertheless, the presence of five knights must have been because she was of the Elton tribe.
Marie shouted at the top of her lungs in Elton.
"Ugh. It's Urahard."
'Where am I? What have you done to me?'
Stella was the only one in this room who could understand Marie. In her previous life, she had studied Elton specifically for Marie. In that life, she couldn't understand what Marie was shouting. She had simply noticed that Marie was afraid of syringes, but everyone, and then hugged her to calm her down.
“Let's go catch some fish!”
This time, Stella understood everything Marie said.
'Test subject?'
Marie was screaming at the top of her lungs, but her legs were trembling.
"Ah, uh-uh!"
'Get lost, everyone!'
The knights watched Stella with their swords in hand.
"Lady Stella, what should we do? Should we subdue her?"
She gave orders to the knights.
"Everyone, get out."
Their faces were flushed with embarrassment.
"But...."
"Don't worry, I won't get hurt. The kid is getting even more scared because you two are acting like that."
As the knights all left, Marie's expression softened slightly. However, as Stella approached, she aimed her sword and remained on guard.
“Ah-uh-ruh, let me go, please, I’m scared.”
She roughly guessed why Marie was acting this way.
'Harald probably tried to administer a sedative with a syringe.'
Marie was not fierce by nature. As Stella recalled, she was afraid of getting injections. She had never told her why, but it was certain that she was afraid of needles.
'Because as soon as she saw the syringe, she started trembling and made a huge fuss.'
“What's going on, Eltnia?”
As Stella spoke Elton's language, Marie awkwardly lowered the hand holding the knife.
"You are the one I've been waiting for."
Stella picked up the scattered syringes and threw them out the door, as if to show Marie. Marie could speak Imperial language, but she was flustered, and Eltonian just came out instead.
"You can stay here if you want. But if you cause a ruckus like this, it will be very troublesome for me."
Therefore, instead of speaking clumsy Eltonian, she spoke to her in Imperial language.
"You just need to apologize to the doctor who treated you. Then I will forgive you and cover it up."
Marie thought for a moment, then put the medical knife she was holding down on the bed.
It was a signal that she would not brandish her weapon. Stella soothed Marie and led her to her study. She could feel the servants watching her. It was a relief that both Skyle and Rincasta were away. Had they been there, she would not have had the chance to speak with Marie.
"You must be hungry, so eat."
Stella had the servants bring easily digestible soup and food to the study. Marie ate silently, perhaps because she was very hungry after causing such a commotion. Then, when Stella covered her with a blanket, she fell asleep on the sofa. Stella had comforted Marie like this in her previous life as well. After pulling the blanket up to Marie's neck so she wouldn't get cold, she stretched, thinking that she needed to rest, too.
Knock knock, knock.
A heavy knock was heard.
Stella spoke comfortably, thinking they were servants who had come to clear the dishes.
"You are welcome to come in."
It was Kendrick who opened the door and entered with a stern expression. He stared at Stella with eyes so cold they were chilling, then noticed Marie hiding behind her back. Stella couldn't hide her embarrassment and laughed awkwardly.
"Kendrick. You're here early."
***
As soon as Kendrick brought Stella into the bedroom, he lay her down on the bed. He kept her immobile, placed a cool, wet towel on her forehead, and put a thermometer in her mouth.
"I didn't know you were such a troublemaker before we got married."
"Sorry."
Kendrick checked the thermometer.
"Fortunately, there is no fever. What did Harald say?"
Kendrick took a seat next to Stella. She tilted her head as if she didn't understand what was being said.
"I heard you collapsed yesterday. Didn't you even get a checkup?"
"Ah... um, there was a commotion earlier today, so I was busy cleaning it up."
Kendrick's face darkened even further. Seeing the veins bulging in his arm, it seemed he was suppressing his anger. Stella bent down to soothe him and stroked his chest.
"Did your heart hurt a lot while I was gone?"
'Your under-eyes are really dark.'
She kept worrying that Kendrick might have been in pain. He shook his head as if to reassure Stella, but his expression was rigid.
"Why didn't the knights let the child be handled?"
He was dissatisfied that Stella was not holding back. It was as if she didn't even consider the burning anxiety of her husband, who was worried about losing her.
"They thrust a knife at the kid out of the blue while he's trembling. Since I can speak Elton, it's only natural for me to step forward."
Although it was awkward, Stella deliberately gave a sweet, pretty smile.
"After talking to her, she seems like a kind and good kid. Just as I mentioned last time, I’m thinking of hiring her as a maid."
"No."
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