MLWDP CH 16

Chapter 16

“Ah, how is the Duchess doing these days?”

“……”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that, should I?”

Idette looked awkward as Brinnen stayed silent.

“It’s fine. My mother’s condition is the same as always,” he finally said.

“I see… If you don’t mind, may I ask what symptoms she has?”

“Symptoms… She often has a dry cough and fevers. Walking tires her easily, and when she gets sick, it’s very severe. She also complains about pain in her legs and back.”

He knew her condition in detail.

It must really be from when she gave birth to Brinnen.

Idette remembered that the Duchess became ill right after childbirth — and that the Duke had deeply resented his son because of it.

In this world, there wasn’t even a concept of proper postnatal care.

“I see. Thank you for answering.”

After that, they didn’t talk much, but Brinnen still felt strangely at ease.

It was different from being at the Duke’s mansion — there, the atmosphere was suffocating.

Having a sick person nearby made every breath heavy.

But Idette was different.

Even though she was also ill, she had what the Duke’s mansion lacked — a bright smile, and kind parents who loved her.

She was said to be terminally ill, but her family still looked at her with hope, as if she might survive.

…He wondered how long that hope could last.

“Is the Duchess in very bad shape?”

Brinnen’s expression turned gloomy, and Idette immediately realized she had touched a sensitive topic.

“Young Duke.”

“Yes?”

She suddenly felt worried. Even though she planned to live long, Brinnen’s life was filled with nothing but sick people — his mother at home, and now her here.

A boy his age should be spending time with healthy friends, not patients.

“I think this is enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’ve been visiting because the Duchess asked you to, right? But honestly, it’s not good for you to keep spending time with someone weak like me. If we become close and later I…”

Idette trailed off. She didn’t intend to die, but who could guarantee anything? If she failed to find the rare herbs, her life would end early.

“Even now, you’re worrying about me?”

“Uh… yes, I guess so…”

She still couldn’t quite figure out what kind of person Brinnen was. In the original story, he was said to be cold and emotionless, but right now, he seemed like an awkward, sincere boy.

Even his slightly scolding tone — “Is this really the time for you to worry about others?” — sounded more caring than angry.

“In any case, you don’t have to come anymore. I’ll explain things to the Duchess myself.”

“No.”

Idette blinked.

“What?”

“I said no.”

“W–why not?”

He refused so bluntly that she couldn’t help asking.

“I never thought of you as someone I should keep at a distance.”

“…What?”

“I never saw you as just a polite, superficial friend either.”

He was rejecting everything she’d said before about their “formal friendship.”

She’d assumed he saw her as someone distant, but apparently, he didn’t.

“Then… are you saying you want to be friends with me?”

“Yes.”

Idette’s mouth dropped open.

***

Meanwhile, Hadi and Hezbeni were trembling with nerves.

They never imagined they’d actually end up living in the Count’s estate.

They had always been treated poorly — healing poor people in slums, barely earning enough to survive.

The poor couldn’t afford the temple, and they ate little, so they relied on the medicines given by apothecaries.

Most apothecaries themselves came from the slums. They learned alchemy just to find edible herbs — to fill their stomachs.

And now… they were standing on the verge of a miracle.

“Phew…”

They had to do well.

After all, Lady Idette — the Count’s daughter — was a genius who could read the ancestral code, the secret language that no one else could interpret.

They didn’t understand how she did it, but they didn’t question it either. They only revered her.

If they could help heal the Count’s daughter, maybe apothecaries would finally be seen differently — respected even.

And to think, Lady Idette herself wanted to learn apothecary skills!

A noblewoman learning something only the low-born practiced — it was shocking.

Even more shocking was that the Count agreed to it.

“I’m so nervous I could faint,” whispered Hezbeni.

Hadi didn’t reply — he looked like he’d already fainted with her eyes open.

Not only were they now living inside the Count’s estate, but they also had the responsibility of teaching the Count and his daughter!

Even though the space they were given was small and tucked away near the annex, they couldn’t complain.

Their housing and meals were provided, and they even signed a paid contract.

If Idette’s health improved, the contract would be extended.

“Are you both here?”

“Ah, Lady Idette! P-please, you don’t need to be so polite with us!”

They had heard that the Count had been strongly against this arrangement, but that Idette had personally persuaded him.

That alone made them tear up.

“Now, you can stay here comfortably and focus on your research. The room isn’t great for now, but once Father sees your hard work, he’ll change his mind.”

“It’s not bad at all, my lady! This is the best place we’ve ever lived in! We’ll die here happily if we have to — it’s an honor beyond words!”

Their frantic stream of praise left Idette blinking in surprise.

“…Hadi, breathe.”

“Yes! Gasp!”

“I’m glad you like it. Anyway, let’s work well together from now on!”

When Idette smiled brightly, it was like she was glowing.

To Hadi and Hezbeni, she looked almost angelic — a savior who had trusted them when no one else would.

“Yes, my lady! We’ll do our best!”

“Thank you.”

She’s really like an angel, they thought, staring at her in awe.

She didn’t need to come all the way to their workroom, but she had — just to greet them on their first day. That alone proved her kindness.

“Sniff…”

“Oh no, don’t cry again.”

“It’s just… my lady, are you really planning to learn apothecary skills?”

“Yes, why?”

“Well, um… apothecary training begins with identifying herbs in the wild. But considering your health, climbing mountains might be difficult…”

Hadi looked genuinely worried.

“I’ll take it easy. A little movement won’t hurt me,” Idette said gently.

“Well… that’s true, but…”

Hadi’s eyes dropped to Idette’s slender wrist.

Even if she looked healthier now, she still seemed fragile — too delicate for hard physical work.

“With those thin arms… can you even pick herbs?”

“Haha, that’s a bit of an exaggeration.”

“I wasn’t joking…”

Hadi was serious, but Idette only smiled.

“It’s fine. Anyway, next time you go herb-picking, you must take me along and teach me.”

“…Understood…”

Hadi wanted to protest, but he could tell Idette had already made up her mind.

There was no stopping her.