Chapter 56
Urian, oblivious to Claudio’s inner turmoil, answered dutifully.
“She hasn’t risen yet, my lord.”
Claudio’s steps faltered without him realizing.
At this early hour, perhaps it wasn’t strange for her to be asleep.
But—
“She hasn’t stirred once since we arrived?”
He had gone to her chamber the night before, knocking quietly, calling out—
[Hey.]
No answer.
After repeated knocks brought only silence, he had pushed the door open in haste, fearing something had gone wrong.
There she had been: lying straight beneath the blanket, fast asleep, her face unguarded in slumber.
He had even forgotten to blink.
She’s been asleep all this time?
Of course, people slept.
But to remain so still despite the noise he’d made—without so much as a frown—Claudio had worried she might be ill.
He had reached out, palm brushing her forehead.
No fever.
No unnatural chill either.
His hand had lingered far too long against the smooth, pale brow before he caught himself thinking:
She has no caution at all.
Even with someone’s hand upon her, she slept on, unknowing.
How does she plan to survive in a world like this?
It wasn’t only the forest that was dangerous.
Without wariness, danger could strike anywhere.
I’ll have to keep her in sight, always…
Otherwise, he feared he would not be able to focus on his duties at all.
And then, suddenly, he realized his own thoughts and stopped breathing.
Why do I keep feeling this way?
He was not accustomed to worrying over anyone.
Yes, he had cared for the Marchioness of Severia, his only family, but he had never once felt compelled to keep someone constantly before his eyes the way he did with Marsha.
He drew his hand back, absently running his thumb over his own fingertips.
His heart seemed to have moved there, beating against his skin.
Strange.
In the still room, he listened to her soft breathing, recalling the question that had begun to plague him.
Why do I care so much about you?
At first it had been curiosity.
But curiosity seldom grew into concern.
Do I pity you?
Perhaps he simply wished to repay her kindness.
But he had never wanted to return favors before—maybe only because he had never known true kindness until now.
…No. That isn’t it either.
His brow furrowed deeply.
No excuse, no reasoning satisfied him.
This unsettling feeling displeased him greatly.
It would be easier to ignore, to let it be—but why did he keep probing it, trying to understand?
What am I doing, standing here, staring at a sleeping woman?
He sighed quietly.
She must have been exhausted.
Best not to wake her.
With a heavy step, Claudio had left her room, instructing Urian to ensure the maids had food and bathwater ready for her whenever she rose.
Even so…
“She sleeps far too long. Is she unwell?”
“I checked with the maid, my lord. She seems fine—likely only tired.”
Urian reasoned that after such sudden upheavals, it was no wonder she slept deeply.
Best to leave her be.
But Claudio thought differently.
Still… How many meals can one miss?
He was a hearty eater, though not gluttonous.
He could go long hours in training without food, sometimes even a day or more with nothing proper.
He was strong; his body endured.
But Marsha was not.
She was frail, already little more than skin and bone.
Without nourishment, she would wither.
“…You go ahead and meet the merchants first. I’ll come shortly.”
Turning on his heel, Claudio strode down the opposite hall.
“…Yes, my lord,” Urian replied belatedly to his back. He knew exactly where Claudio was headed and what he intended.
“Ah, good grief…”
A sigh slipped from his lips, half amusement, half resignation.
***
A rich aroma drifted to Marsha’s nose.
What is that smell…? Fresh bread…
And cream soup, thick with mushrooms.
How nostalgic…
It was a breakfast beloved by the nobility of the Dominion of Domique.
Smells so good…
She was sinking back into the embrace of sleep when—
“…Marsha.”
Her name, spoken in a familiar voice.
“Marsha.”
She forced open her heavy lids, though the voice came again, firm, commanding:
“You’re finally awake.”
It was Claudio.
Marsha’s eyes flew open.
W-what?
How long had she been asleep?
She bolted upright, glancing around in a panic.
The sky outside still shone bright as before—perhaps not so long after all?
“What time is it?” she croaked.
“About seven-thirty.”
“…What?”
At her disbelief, Claudio tilted his chin toward the clock.
Indeed, the hands had just passed seven.
Did I really sleep nearly a full day?
Pale, Marsha scrambled from the bed—only for Claudio to halt her.
“Slowly. I woke you because there’s something urgent, yes, but…”
His words trailed, but she jumped to her feet all the same.
“What is it? Did the Duke summon me?”
Claudio arched his brow. “Do you wish to see him?”
“Of course not!” she blurted, horrified.
His brow furrowed. “Then why imagine he called for you?”
“Well… someone like me, taking up such fine quarters—it might displease him…”
“This room was given with his consent. Do you think I smuggled you in?”
His dry tone left her speechless, though her anxiety remained.
After all, he was the Duke.
Mercurial, unpredictable…
“He could still change his mind…”
“He won’t. Stop wasting energy on nonsense.”
Marsha glared at him like an indignant cat.
Easy for you to say.
If you were in my place, you’d think the same.
She pouted, asking, “Then what is this urgent matter? Do you have some tasks for me?”
“I do.”
Her eyes widened.
What task?
She swallowed. “…What is it?”
“Sit down and eat.”
She froze. “…What?”
“Breakfast. Over here.” He gestured toward the table, laden with food.
“T-this is the urgent matter?”
“Of course. Your health no longer belongs to you alone. For the next year, you must remain well—otherwise you can’t help me, can you?”
He pulled out a chair with startling seriousness.
“So if you neglect your body again, I’ll find it deeply displeasing.”
All this… just because I skipped a few meals?
Baffled, she nevertheless sat, for she knew he would not leave until she did.
Wait.
This is only one set of food…
Though the table was full, there was only one bowl of soup, one basket of bread, and one teacup.
“Have you eaten already?” she asked.
He nodded. “Earlier. I had work.”
“I see…”
For a strange moment she felt disappointed, then clenched her fists.
Why should I expect us to share a meal?
It wasn’t right.
And it would never happen again.
Not that I’m even hungry…
She would only need to nibble a little.
Once he left, she could stop.
“Thank you. I’ll eat well,” she said politely, expecting him to go.
Instead, Claudio pulled out the chair across from her and sat.
Marsha blinked.
What is he doing?
He met her eyes steadily.
“I’ll stay and watch you eat.”
