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[CHAPTER 122]
The atmosphere during the meal was maintained in a distorted silence, beyond mere awkwardness.
“The lamb is cooked perfectly.”
“…….”
He seems to be trying to lighten the mood, but no one is responding.
The Duchess and Aiden also stayed silent, seemingly displeased with the Duke after their earlier conversation.
The Duke, however, remained unaffected. As if this awkward atmosphere meant nothing, he continued eating with a calm expression.
I fidgeted with my fork, observing each of them. Even though the youngest of the household was gravely ill, no one seemed worried.
Even if he has little presence, Eric is still part of this family. I have to ask again.
“Father, how is Eric’s condition?”
The Duke set down his wine glass in response to my question.
“He has a high fever and cannot regain consciousness. Earlier, I thought he might actually die. That’s why I sent you a letter….”
The expression on his face softened slightly, but he didn’t truly look concerned. Wait, didn’t he say it was urgent? Is he really that sick?
At that moment, Aiden gave a hint.
“He was fine until this afternoon, though?”
My hand gripping the fork tightened. Something felt off.
But the Duchess glared at Aiden and quietly scolded him.
“Aiden, what are you saying? You don’t even care about Eric.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
Aiden shrugged and went back to eating without objection. The Duchess seemed to know at least part of the truth.
This feels wrong.
I poked at the salad on my plate but couldn’t bring myself to eat. Suddenly, I distrusted the food as well. It wouldn’t be strange if something had been done to it.
The Duke continued his light chatter alone, and I occasionally replied as the meal went on.
After a while, Butler James entered and bowed to the Duke.
“The palace knights have been provided a place to rest.”
“Good, thank you for your efforts.”
As James raised his head, I noticed the corner of his mouth twitch slightly. Glancing quickly at the Duke, he looked at me with a satisfied expression.
“You seem very worried about Eric. Go check on him.”
“Ah, yes. May I leave first?”
“Of course. Eric is in that boy’s room. James, show her the way.”
“Yes, Princess. Please follow me.”
James spoke with a very different tone from when I saw him at the Crown Prince’s Palace.
I followed him without comment. Naturally, Derek and Vivian followed behind. Their presence made me feel less intimidated in this place.
We passed through familiar yet slightly strange corridors and arrived at the door. It was Eric’s room, which I already knew.
James bowed respectfully at the door.
“Shall we go in? Once the greetings are done, please visit the Duke’s study.”
I nodded in acknowledgment.
After James left, I spoke to Derek and Vivian.
“Wait here.”
Then I opened the door and entered. Eric lay in the dimly lit room, the flickering candle casting shadows.
I slowly approached the bed.
Eric’s breathing was shallow. The blanket covered him up to his neck, and his hair stuck slightly to his forehead.
He does seem sick.
After adjusting to the darkness, I surveyed the room. Although I had been here before, today it seemed hurriedly tidied by someone.
I sat in the chair next to the bed.
“Eric.”
He did not respond.
Even with him this sick, there isn’t even a maid at his side. That’s odd.
I reached out and placed my hand on his forehead. It was hot.
I went to the bathroom, dampened a towel, and brought it back. Placing it on his forehead, Eric slowly opened his eyes.
“Eric? Are you okay?”
“I’m… okay. Foolishly, you actually came.”
“I heard you were sick.”
“I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”
“Huh?”
Eric lacked the strength to speak and pointed toward the nightstand.
Following his gaze, I noticed a familiar object: the voice recorder I had given him as a graduation gift.
I picked it up and looked at him.
“What’s this?”
“…Take it.”
Eric gasped for breath, moved his lips weakly, and closed his eyes, clearly in pain.
I placed the pen in my pocket and gently shook Eric.
“Eric, Eric. Are you okay?”
He only moved his lips while keeping his eyes closed.
“…Go.”
“I can’t leave you in this state. I’ll call the butler back.”
“I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”
Eric repeated his earlier words in a calm, weak voice, then closed his mouth. His shallow breathing continued as if asleep.
How can he be so sure he’ll be fine tomorrow?
It was strange. Eric did seem sick, but not in the critical condition described in the letter. And yet, the household atmosphere remained calm.
Even if he is sick, how did it align so perfectly with timing? Could it be…
Did the Duke purposely make him sick to trick me?
It seemed unlikely with his own child, but knowing the Duke, anything was possible. Thinking that, I felt both anger and pity for Eric.
How ridiculous. A bastard like me sympathizing with Eric.
If this is a lie, the second reason the Duke called me is likely his true purpose.
A matter concerning the Crown Prince.
But why would it need to go this far?
The unease I felt at departure returned.
Could it already be…
I glanced at sleeping Eric and entered the bathroom connected to the room.
In the dark, I took out the voice recorder and briefly played it.
「Is it not okay? It is no longer a secret.」
I flinched at the voice and quickly stopped the recorder.
That was… Count Layton Ascard of Mage Tower. I felt an ominous chill immediately.
Still, I need to listen.
I carefully played the recorder again.
“Haa.”
Eric had given me a good clue after all.
Should I just run away?
A sudden impulse came, but I shook my head. Running wouldn’t solve anything. The future was approaching regardless.
I returned to the room and stood by Eric’s side.
“I hope it’s true that you’ll be fine tomorrow. Rest well.”
After leaving a short greeting for sleeping Eric, I quickly left the room.
“Princess.”
Vivian called out, looking worried, and I gave her a reassuring smile.
“I’m fine.”
I handed the voice recorder to Derek.
“Sir Derek, please hold onto this.”
“What is this?”
“Keep it and give it back to me when I ask. But if anything happens to me, give it to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Derek’s expression stiffened at my words.
“My role is to ensure nothing happens.”
I smiled gently at him.
“Of course, thank you as always. It’s just in case. I do tend to lose things. Please.”
Resigned, Derek spoke softly.
“Then, I will hold onto it for now.”
“Thank you.”
After thanking him, I headed toward the Duke’s study.
