"You must be tired from walking more than usual today, right?"
Suddenly, she put down her quill pen and gently scratched his drooping ear. She seemed to assume that his lack of energy was due to fatigue.
“Shall I sleep for now?”
Thalia pushed the diary into the drawer, stood up from her seat, and spoke.
At that moment, his tail waggled uncontrollably. Feeling embarrassed by his completely uncontrollable bodily reaction, he followed her to the side of the bed. Just then, he heard a knock on the door.
"Your Highness, may I excuse myself for a moment?"
It was Marisen's voice.
Thalia answered, frowning.
“What’s going on?”
"I have come to deliver the newly manufactured medicine."
Thalia, who had been hesitating for a moment, soon draped the brush over her shoulder and opened her mouth.
“Okay, come in”
Soon after, a middle-aged healer, impeccably dressed in a dark gray wool dress, strode into the room. Without even glancing at her, Thalia gestured toward the shelf with her chin.
“Leave it there”
"Since I'm here, I'll check your health as well."
"It's fine. Tiuran cast a healing spell for me earlier."
Thalia, having answered half-heartedly, picked up a book and waved her hand as if to say she should leave. At that moment, the woman's face stiffened slightly. She spoke in a rigid tone.
"I am worried because it seems you are relying on that woman too much."
The woman closed the shelf drawer with a click, looked at Thalia, and added.
"There is no disagreement that Tiuran is a highly skilled healer. However, she is ultimately a member of the Sheerkhan family. She is a person who has no choice but to prioritize the interests of the Grand Duke over the safety of Your Highness the Grand Duchess."
The air in the room suddenly sank coldly. Thalia, who had slammed the book she was holding shut, glared at Marisen with a sharp look and asked.
"What are you trying to say?'
"Suggestions have begun to emerge among the retainers that a new Grand Duchess should be brought in. It seems they have concluded that it will be difficult to produce an heir given Your Highness's frail health. I have heard that subtle pressure was exerted regarding this issue even when His Excellency the Grand Duke returned."
Thalia's face turned pale.
She glared fiercely at the healer who was spouting nonsense. The woman, who had recoiled as if sensing the murderous intent emanating from her, soon regained her composure and continued speaking calmly.
"Fortunately, His Excellency the Grand Duke firmly rejected it, but unless Your Highness produces a successor, such demands will continue."
Marisen paused for a moment, then added in a subdued voice.
"In the worst-case scenario, they might attempt to harm Your Highness."
"Are you saying Tiuran is going to poison me at the behest of his retainers?"
Thalia snapped coldly.
The woman lowered her eyes and responded calmly.
"It would be better to be cautious. That woman has already harmed Your Highness's health. She is not a person who can be fully trusted, is she?"
"Didn't you explain with your own mouth that what happened back then seemed like a simple mistake?"
Thalia retorted sharply.
"Why are you changing your mind now?"
"I am merely offering this sincere advice out of the hope that Your Highness will not let your guard down."
The woman spoke with a sigh.
"Whether intentional or accidental, Tiuran is in a position to harm Your Highness's life. You need to draw a line to some extent."
Wariness, distrust, and anxiety flashed in Thalia's eyes. Pulling the corners of her mouth tight as if to hide them, Thalia let out a nervous laugh.
"So, can I trust you?"
"Why would I harm Your Highness?"
The woman answered confidently.
"I am one of Her Majesty the Empress's people. Furthermore, Her Majesty wishes for her eldest daughter to solidify her position as Grand Duchess of Sheerkhan. I intend to assist Your Highness in accordance with that will."
Then, bowing politely, she added.
"Please. Allow me to fulfill that duty."
Thalia, who had been staring down at the scene, finally spoke.
"What exactly are you asking of me?"
"Please have me receive regular medical checkups as well. Recently, you have entrusted your health care solely to Tiuran, haven't you? From now on, you must ensure that we take turns looking after Your Highness's condition."
"And?"
"Also, you must allow me to check the medications she uses. That way, we can prevent a potential crisis."
Thalia's lips were tightly pressed together. She seemed to feel aversion to the words that subtly hinted at the possibility that Tiuran might harm her. However, perhaps judging that there was no particular reason to refuse Marisen's request, she nodded somewhat curtly.
"Fine, do as you please."
Then, she added in a firm tone.
"However, I cannot tolerate you treating Tiuran disrespectfully like before. Remember that she is my personal healer as well."
"I will be careful.”
The healer, who had replied calmly, soon bowed her head deeply and left the room. Watching her retreating figure with a displeased look, he soon walked over to the shelf and knocked a medicine bottle on the display stand with his front paw.
With a rattling sound, the glass bottle rolled across the floor. As he kicked and shattered it, a strong, bitter scent stung his nose.
He brought his nose to the broken glass bottle and licked the liquid that had leaked out.
Fortunately, he did not taste the strong bitterness characteristic of poppies. Only the scent of willow bark and cloves wafted through the air. Although there was a slight stinging sensation, as if it contained mandrake, it did not seem like it would be a major issue since it is a medicinal herb commonly used for chronic pain patients.
"What are you doing!"
Thalia, who had been stiffening as if surprised by his sudden action, hurriedly got off the bed and grabbed his snout.
"You fool! Do you think I eat this because it tastes good? What if something happens!"
Thalia, who had been anxiously opening his mouth to look inside, lightly punched him in the head.
It was the first scolding he had received since becoming a wolf.
"It’s no use making that pitiful face. If you cause trouble, you’re going to get punished."
Thalia firmly called the maids and ordered them to clean up the broken glass bottles, seeing him droop his ears.
In the meantime, he was dragged into the bathtub and forced to rinse his mouth. It seemed she was unaware that most monsters were resistant to poison.
He wagged his tail vigorously, feeling a subtle sense of satisfaction rising from the worried gaze watching him.
Thalia, who had been staring at the sight in disbelief, finally burst into laughter. A deep sense of relief spread through his heart at the bright expression, as if the shadow had lifted.
He didn't mind looking ridiculous as long as it made her happy. He wanted this woman to be even a little less sad and lonely because of him.
“You troublemaker.”
Thalia wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his fluffy fur. Feeling her sweet scent fill his lungs, he languidly closed his eyes.
How wonderful it would be if this moment could go on forever.
However, he knew that it was a vain hope.
There are just over two years left until the Zrams invade Kalmor. Once all of that is over, he will have to hand her over to him.
If he is lucky, he might be able to stay by her side as her wolf, but he will never stand by her side as her husband.
He has already lost that opportunity.
Now, there was only one thing he wanted. For her to be happy.
Watching that scene from the side was the only wish left to him.
The seasons flowed by as fast as a river.
***
In the meantime, Khan's body size nearly doubled.
His body length, which was only the size of a slightly large hunting dog until a few months ago, had grown to the size of a pony.
The flexible and soft belly and legs swelled up magnificently with taut muscles.
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