Chapter 07
Prince Edward, blessed with a radiant beauty like the sun of his kingdom. In contrast, Duke Julius of the allied nation possessed the stillness of the moon, a lofty presence untouchable by anyone. The social circles were filled with endless rumors about the two—one could say they were the very center of conversation.
Yet, despite his brilliance, Edward was someone whose name faded away in the future Natalie knew.
“Cough, ah… My lady, it seems you know me rather well, don’t you?”
“A greeting to the sun of the nation…”
“Ah, no need for such stiff formality. Instead… could you speak to me here as Franz’s friend, without reserve?”
“Hah… this old man and you, friends…?”
“Cough, we’ve known each other for quite some time, haven’t we? Heh.”
(Prince Edward has been coughing constantly…)
It was well-known that the kingdom’s First Prince was frail and sickly. It was also said that his illness was so severe he could hardly leave his chambers. And the Third Prince, though in line to inherit the throne, was only five years old—far too young. Which meant the one closest to the crown should have been Edward, the man before her…
But in the history Natalie knew, the First Prince died of illness before the war. Soon after, the Second Prince also died in misfortune. And with the aging king nearing the end of his life, the throne was handed to the young Third Prince.
“Hmm… it seems every time I think I’ve recovered a little, the cough returns.”
“Yes… cough… though thanks to Franz, it has eased somewhat. What could be the cause, I wonder…”
“Um… if I may say something.”
At Natalie’s words, both men turned to her. She had an idea about his symptoms. The strange cough—she knew it well, for she had suffered it herself. Back then, she regretted not being able to use her magic on herself, as no medicine could cure it. That was why…
“May I… examine Your Highness’s condition?”
“…You?”
The atmosphere grew icy in an instant. Natalie even felt other unseen gazes fall on her, and fear gripped her heart. Had she spoken out of turn? Of course, it was meddlesome of her to say such a thing. But more than that—if left unchecked, would the same tragedy repeat, as it had with the Second Prince?
“Now, now. I just said ‘as a friend,’ didn’t I? Don’t glare so frighteningly.”
“Ah… cough, forgive me. I did not mean to frighten you, but I cannot so easily trust those around me.”
“Well then… no wonder you sent me so far to fetch a physician…”
“Franz, that was supposed to be secret.”
“Hoho… was it now? Old age muddles the mind. Forgive me. Still, with the young lady of House Pettigrew here—known for her healing magic—I thought it a fine idea.”
“You… are of House Pettigrew?”
Edward’s gaze softened slightly, though his distrust had not vanished.
“It is only natural that you feel uneasy about my magic… so I will not press the matter.”
“…”
“Besides, even if I use my magic, I cannot promise it will cure you.”
“Cough… no. To be frank, I am weary of this wretched state. My lady… forgive me, but would you please?”
“…! Yes.”
Relief washed over Natalie. She had feared punishment for her reckless words, but instead, Edward moved to a white medical bed behind the curtain.
“Should I lie down on my back here, or remain seated?”
“Ah—please, lie on your back.”
“…Understood.”
“I shall watch from the side, so don’t look so anxious—”
“I am not anxious! My lady, I leave myself in your hands.”
Franz chuckled warmly beside her as Natalie steadied herself and focused on her hands. Channeling healing magic, she slowly moved them from Edward’s head down to his feet, sweeping away what was harmful. Then her hands stopped—
—over his stomach, at the site of his stomach. She concentrated her healing magic there. She knew this method well. It was the same treatment used in her family when a food-taster collapsed—
(Prince Edward is suffering from poison!)
“It is done.”
After several tens of minutes of magic, Natalie checked Edward’s condition.
“…The discomfort in my throat, the heaviness in my body—it’s gone.”
Edward sat up suddenly and began moving with ease. His cough, present for so long, was gone. Franz beamed as if the recovery were his own. “Truly? Ah, thank heavens!”
“Lady Natalie, forgive me for doubting you earlier.”
“No, not at all.”
“It is true!”
Edward cast Franz a cool glance, then suddenly knelt before Natalie. His figure was like a prince straight out of a fairy tale.
“May I ask not only your family name, but also your given name?”
“Ah… Natalie. Please, Your Highness, you mustn’t kneel!”
“Heh… such kindness. Lady Natalie—may I call you simply Natalie?”
“Eh? Y-yes, if you wish…”
His forwardness left her flustered. And before she could regain her balance, Edward rose and stepped closer.
“Natalie, forgive me for this.”
“Eh?”
“…A royal pendant, for you.”
Being taller, he reached behind her neck and clasped something in place. A chill of cool metal touched her skin.
“This is…?”
“I want you to have it. If possible, I’d like you to wear it always.”
“Receiving such a thing from Your Highness is far too—”
“No need for ‘Your Highness’… Natalie.”
Natalie had thought little of what she did—she had only used healing magic, after all. But Edward looked as though a great burden had been lifted, radiant with joy.
“For years, I’ve suffered constant weakness, struggling to move… and now it feels like a lie. I cannot thank you enough.”
“I-I’m glad to hear that.”
“Yes, all thanks to you, Natalie. By the way—you kept pressing your hand over my stomach. Was there some meaning behind that?”
“…Your Highness, is there anything you eat regularly?”
“Something I eat often? Well, a few things…”
“I cannot say which, but… Your Highness’s illness was caused by poison.”
“…Oh?”
His gaze turned sharp, more menacing than anything she had seen that day—eyes that could kill.
“…It seems someone requires discipline. The chancellor, perhaps… Heh. Natalie, I have business to attend to. Forgive me.”
“Y-yes, please take care.”
“Indeed… Shadows.”
At Edward’s command, three powerful knights emerged from unseen corners of the room, their bodies hidden until now by magic. They must have been his hidden guards.
“…Natalie, we will meet again.”
With a playful whisper at her ear, Edward departed swiftly with his knights. Only then did Natalie realize—she had forgotten to return the pendant still resting cold against her throat.
(D-did I just make a terrible mistake?)
For now, Natalie decided to stop thinking, leaving the problem to her future self.
