* * *
The next day, I once again sent all the attendants out under the excuse of wanting to read a book.
Now that I’d tried it once, I realized how surprisingly convenient it was.
There were no eyes watching whatever I did, and I could lie down comfortably.
But the contents of the book wouldn’t sink in.
It wasn’t just because it was difficult—there was something else.
I was overflowing with energy.
They had said the effects of the medicine would appear today, and as promised, the sudden surge of strength kept building until it spilled over, to the point where I could barely contain it.
“Wasn’t this just supposed to boost stamina a little?”
I put the book aside and decided to release the bubbling energy somehow.
First, I lay flat on the ground.
Then I slowly raised my legs, bent my arms with strength, and just when my chin was about to touch the floor, I pushed back up.
“Hoo…”
Even though it had been a while since I’d done it, it came easily.
Come to think of it, ever since I came here, I hadn’t done any real training.
Even if acting took priority, staying too still would eventually cause my muscles to deteriorate.
“One, two, three—”
After about twenty push-ups, I shifted my body angle with a stretch on the floor to complete one set.
After several sets like that, sweat broke out all over my body.
Thanks to the rare chance to move, I felt good enough to hum.
Maybe I’d just needed some time to adjust—my rampaging energy gradually calmed, wrapping around me like warmth.
Maybe I should start secretly training from tomorrow.
Knock knock—
“…!”
Just as I was about to do one last set out of regret, a sudden knock came from the door.
“Ah, wait a moment.”
I quickly blocked the attendant from coming in and glanced around.
Sweat trickled down my cheeks.
Anyone could tell just from looking that I’d been exercising.
There was no way someone with a chronic illness and frail health could do this.
Besides, hadn’t I already made it clear to Klen that I shouldn’t be exerting myself?
“I can’t let them find out.”
No matter how I looked around, there wasn’t a proper cloth nearby to wipe myself with.
My eyes went to the tablecloth, then moved to the bed sheets.
But I shook my head hard.
No matter how urgent it was, I couldn’t wipe my face on that.
“Ah, right.”
Then I remembered the handkerchief I usually tossed onto the bookshelf.
I quickly searched it.
Thankfully, there was one, still neatly folded and untouched.
Even though I had discarded it carelessly, the fabric felt soft to the touch.
I wiped my face, neck, and arms quickly.
Still feeling damp, I picked up a thin book and began fanning myself vigorously.
The cool breeze slowly dried the remaining sweat.
“Lord Adrian?”
“…!”
I hurriedly felt my face with my hand.
Okay.
It wasn’t perfectly dry, but at least there was no lingering moisture.
I sat on the sofa and composed my voice.
“Come in.”
“Pardon me.”
It was the usual maid who entered, the one who typically looked after me.
I grabbed a book from the nearby pile, flipped to a random page, and frowned slightly as if annoyed at being interrupted.
Then, pretending to finish the last sentence, I shoved in a bookmark and closed the book.
When I looked up, she was already organizing the messy pile of books I’d left scattered.
“……”
“……”
I was ready to give her a faint smile and say “it’s fine” if she apologized for disturbing me.
But seeing her swiftly and silently tidy the room left me speechless.
My lips sealed shut.
I awkwardly glanced around and tidied up a few books nearby, then raised my head.
Her pale face trembled slightly.
“…What?”
“Lord Adrian… don’t tell me you’re unaware?”
“Unaware of what?”
She approached, unfolding a neatly pressed handkerchief from her pocket.
“Was I caught?!”
Had she figured out I’d wiped off sweat?
But even if she had, she wouldn’t know what kind of exercise I’d done.
As I racked my brain for an excuse, the pristine handkerchief was held out in front of me.
The delicate embroidered flower on one end caught my eye first.
I looked up.
“You’re sweating coldly. Are you all right? Was the medicine from yesterday ineffective?”
“Huh? No, I’m fine…”
Before I could finish, the handkerchief came closer.
Beads of sweat had formed on my forehead while I sat still.
I thought I’d hidden it well, but she must have mistaken it for cold sweat.
With no other choice, I took the handkerchief and lightly wiped my forehead.
“Could you have a fever? Your face is flushed.”
“……”
Her worried gaze lingered near my cheek.
I guess the fanning didn’t completely cool me down.
But this wasn’t the heat of illness.
It was just from exerting myself.
Still, I couldn’t say that in my current situation.
“So, what brings you here?”
I changed the subject instead.
The maid hesitated, her lips twitching.
As if she hadn’t wanted to tell me and had considered leaving instead, she glanced toward the door and then back at me.
At last, she spoke.
“The Countess has arrived.”
“What?!”
A loud exclamation burst from my lips.
For something that important, she had hesitated far too much.
“Bring her in immediately.”
“But Lord Adrian, your condition—”
“I’m fine, just hurry and show her in.”
Even as we argued, the thought that the Countess was already waiting outside was chilling.
A strange, eerie feeling crept over me, and I rubbed my arms.
No wonder the maid had started cleaning the moment she came in.
It was because someone important had arrived.
The maid hurried out.
I shot to my feet and shoved the books on the table out of sight onto the floor.
Just as I picked up another book, a soft knock came and the door clicked open.
The Countess of Valuncio entered at the maid’s guidance.
Surprisingly, she didn’t seem annoyed by the wait.
Either the maid had explained things well, or the Countess was simply generous—I couldn’t tell.
She merely frowned slightly after glancing around at the books on the floor and table.
“I thought the House of Caldrich was only known for swordsmanship, but it seems you value learning as well.”
“If I’d known you were coming, I would have tidied up. My apologies.”
Of course, I knew she wasn’t complimenting me for studying.
I bowed and handed the books on the table to the maid. She took them and quickly stepped out.
The Countess sat across from me.
Soon, warm tea was served.
Without even making a sound as the porcelain touched, she lifted her teacup and took a sip with grace.
I, too, raised my cup.
A faint floral scent with a touch of sweetness reached my nose.
The tea flowing into my mouth tasted smooth, with a slight bitterness.
The Countess gave a small nod, seemingly satisfied with the flavor.
I swallowed my tea while glancing sideways at her.
What exactly had she come all the way here to say?
‘Don’t tell me she came to point out that I haven’t visited her even once since that day?’
* * *
