TLDOWN 78

Chapter 78…………………………..

The Owner of the Strange Scent

It had already been two months since Lea began staying at the Duke of Belarus’ estate. She spent her days absorbed in developing a cure, using the advice she had received from Franken.

“The concentration the doctor mentioned should be this one…”

Lea tilted her head as she looked at the vial of medicine. She had followed the instructions exactly, yet the development of the cure was proving far more difficult than she expected.

Did I miss something?

She lowered the vial and glanced at her formula sheet. Nothing looked out of place, and she sighed.

Was it the formula that was the problem? Or was it her troubled heart?

It had already been two months since Akkia left for the capital. He hadn’t sent a single reply to her letters.

Had he forgotten she was still in the Belarus Duchy? Or perhaps…

“Maybe… he has no intention of calling for me.”

Her emotions threatened to spiral again at the thought of Akkia, and Lea shook her head. Worrying about it would solve nothing.

Thinking of him only left her depressed, so she forced herself to focus back on her research. Just then, she felt someone approaching her desk from behind.

The laboratory had been prepared for her by Dmitri. Since the servants never entered, she naturally assumed the visitor must be him.

“You’re here? Just a moment, please—I’m almost finished with this mixture.”

Believing he had come simply because he was lonely, Lea worked her hands quickly.

But then, a strange musk brushed past her nose, and someone picked up the paper beside her. The scent did not belong to Dmitri.

Who…?

Lea turned, and her eyes caught short silver hair shimmering in the air.

Half-lidded eyes of dazzling blue studied her formula sheet. A man she had never seen before.

“Hm. The mixture is interesting, but I’d recommend adjusting the proportions of these two ingredients.”

“…?”

Lea blinked. Strangers had no reason to be in her laboratory. When she didn’t answer, the man lifted his gaze.

“This formula… Tell me, my lady—did you use venom from a deathspider?”

His eyes gleamed with curiosity as he glanced between the notes and the vial. Lea’s eyes widened.

He had recognized the use of deathspider venom at a glance—something impossible without advanced knowledge of herbal medicine.

“How did you…? No, who are you?”

Her gaze swept from his face to his attire—embroidered cuffs and a spotless doublet jacket.

A man dressed like that couldn’t possibly be a servant of the estate.

Was he perhaps a guest of the duke? His dignified bearing marked him as nobility.

“Ah, forgive me. I’m preparing a thesis on poisons, and your notes caught my eye. I am—”

Just then, footsteps approached, and the door creaked open.

“Well, well. So you two have already met.”

It was Dmitri. He looked between Lea and the man, then smiled warmly.

“Lea, allow me to introduce Edward, the young heir of House Alencia. He serves as medical advisor and administrator of the northern territories.”

Dmitri’s smile was full of pride.

“He’s also the grandson of my dearest friend. He studied herbal medicine at none other than the Royal Academy.”

“The Royal Academy?”

“That’s right. He’ll be departing for Bialitzka tomorrow, but I asked him to remain here briefly to assist you.”

Lea’s surprised gaze turned toward Edward.

So Dmitri had called him here to help her with her research.

The Royal Academy produced the empire’s finest medical scholars, and Edward also held the position of medical advisor.

To Lea—whose work on the cure had been stalling—he was nothing short of a godsend.

“It’s an honor to meet you. Edward Alencia, at your service, Lady of Belarus.”

He stepped closer, bowed respectfully, and brushed his lips over the back of her hand.

That evening, after introductions, dinner was served.

It was a northern specialty meal, arranged at Dmitri’s request, but Lea could hardly eat. Her body felt hot, feverish, and heavy.

What’s happening to me?

The symptoms felt unsettlingly familiar.

“Lea, you don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell?”

Dmitri’s concerned voice made her lift her head. His eyes, full of worry, told her he had noticed.

Beside him, Edward also watched her with concern.

It was supposed to be a warm meal prepared for a rare guest, but Lea forced a bright smile, worried about spoiling the mood.

“It’s nothing. I must’ve overworked myself in the lab lately, staying up too late.”

She tried to eat, but the food wouldn’t go down. Her fever only worsened.

Strange. I was fine earlier in the day…

When she had met Edward in the lab, she had been perfectly fine. A sudden thought chilled her.

Could this be… a side effect?

Her unease grew.

No… this won’t do.

If it was a side effect, she had to return to her room before it worsened. She wanted to stay for Edward’s sake, but she couldn’t risk it.

“I’m sorry. I think I need to rest. I don’t feel very well.”

“Of course. Rest well,” Dmitri said gently.

“I apologize for leaving the table early, Lord Edward.”

“Don’t worry about me, my lady. Please rest.”

His kind smile reassured her.

Back in her chambers, Lea pressed her forehead. In the short walk from the dining room, her skin had grown burning hot.

“Hah… what do I do?”

The symptoms resembled side effects too closely. Without Akkia nearby, panic crept in.

Fortunately, the fevers she’d had since his departure had been mild.

Maybe a cold compress will help… If not, I’ll sneak to the baths at dawn.

Knock, knock.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Lea turned toward the door. She expected it to be Carol, her maid.

“It’s Edward. My lady, may I have a moment?”

Lea froze.

Edward? Why is he here…?

She hesitated. She had already left the dinner table early, and now he had sought her out personally. Refusing to meet him would be discourteous.

Though she had been raised as a commoner, she knew enough to avoid insulting noble etiquette—especially at the risk of Dmitri’s honor.

What should I do?

Feigning sleep crossed her mind, but it wasn’t that late yet.

Reluctantly, she straightened her clothes and opened the door.

Through the opening appeared Edward. He had been about to leave but stopped when he heard the door.

“My apologies. I hope I didn’t disturb your rest.”

“It’s fine. I hadn’t gone to bed yet.”

Lea smiled faintly.

“What brings you here?”

“Nothing serious. I simply came to deliver this.”

He handed her a small vial. Lea turned it over in her hands, surprised.

“This is…”

“A fever remedy. You seemed unwell at dinner.”

Lea blinked. She had worried about not having one prepared, but Edward had brought her one himself. Judging by the vial, he had made it personally.

“Thank you, Lord Edward. I’d offer you tea, but as you see, I’m not well enough…”

“Please don’t trouble yourself. It’s the duty of a healer to help the ill.”

His gentle smile eased her heart.

“Then rest well, my lady.”

He turned to leave, but Lea couldn’t let him go so simply after such kindness.

“Lord Edward.”

He paused and looked back.

“I heard you’re leaving tomorrow morning. Before you go, may I at least offer you tea?”

“It would be my honor.”

He smiled gracefully.

After Edward left, Lea sat by her bed, the vial still in her hand. Yet she hesitated.

Will this really work?

Her fever was lighter than past side effects, but her body was growing hotter by the moment.

At last, she decided. She opened the vial and swallowed the medicine in one gulp, placing the empty container on her nightstand.

Then she closed her eyes, hoping desperately that the remedy would work.