IMT 34

Chapter 34

She was smiling in satisfaction at her own answer when Michael replied.

“It’s still morning.”

“Yes. But is someone coming?”

“Hm?”

“You said the head attendant wasn’t here.”

When I looked behind Michael, he seemed to finally realize the space was empty and gave an awkward smile.

“Oh, I heard a mage was arriving, so I went to receive them.”

“A mage… Are you perhaps referring to my attending physician?”

I pretended to be surprised, and Michael nodded heavily.

“Yes. Surprisingly, the timing is quite appropriate. The head attendant will bring them soon, so endure the pain a little longer.”

Even while listening to his voice, my attention kept drifting toward the food bags on the terrace.

I had endured everything just to survive, but starving like this was driving me insane. Still, I couldn’t say it outright.

If I spoke, I’d only get hungrier—better to keep my answers short.

“Yes.”

At my response, Michael’s expression twisted.

“Oh dear. You must be having a very hard time.”

No, I’m just hungry.

Unable to tell the truth, I only smiled.

“Just a little longer. Very little. Your physician will bring a special medicine.”

After a while, Cassian returned with the head attendant.

Cassian bowed slightly to Michael before walking up to me.

“You’re back?”

It was the second time today, yet he greeted me as if seeing me for the first time.

“I’m back. I got the medicine, and everything else you asked for is ready too.”

“What I asked for?”

As I widened my eyes, Cassian’s voice slipped directly into my mind.

— I checked Vivace’s movements. I also secured a place where you can settle later.

“Thank you!”

“Don’t mention it. Let’s take the medicine first.”

Cassian snapped his fingers, and a box appeared in midair.

At the sudden display, Michael and the attendant froze. After a moment, they regained their composure and asked cautiously.

“What is that, mage?”

“Ah, Your Majesty. This is a mage’s pocket dimension. I brought Rin’s medicine inside to prevent it from spoiling.”

At his explanation, Michael blinked and nodded.

“Incredible.”

“It’s nothing unusual for mages.”

“If you could permit me, I’ll administer her medicine first.”

“Yes, do so.”

Cassian smiled politely at Michael, then placed the floating box on my bed.

— What is this?

I asked through telepathy. Cassian smiled at me.

— Your medicine.

— This is my medicine?

I looked into the box.

Inside were colorful packages filled to the brim.

What is this?

Before I could react, Cassian picked one up and placed it into my mouth.

“Start with this.”

“Mm?”

The moment it touched my tongue, I froze in surprise.

This melting sensation—

It was “Piyol Derre,” Decco Audrey’s most popular item.

The name meant “so sweet it gives you a headache,” but nobles apparently loved the refined-sounding name.

It was absurdly fitting.

As I chewed in amazement, Cassian asked softly,

“Is it hard to eat?”

“Oh dear. Seeing the mage so concerned, it seems Lady Rin’s medicine must be bitter,” the attendant said.

Cassian had meant “is it too sweet?”, but the attendant misunderstood completely.

I shook my head quickly, but the attendant only looked at me sympathetically and turned to Michael.

“Perhaps you should grant her a reward to help her take the bitter medicine more easily. If Your Majesty does so, Lady Rin will find courage.”

“Of course. Rin! Endure it even if it’s hard. I will grant you a great reward.”

What is this even about? I’m eating chocolate that’s “so sweet it gives you a headache,” and now I’m getting a reward?

This is exactly like when I ate the orange marmalade brought by the attendant before. I’m happy, but everyone around me is unnecessarily worried.

I scrunched my cheeks in frustration, and Cassian tapped my puffed cheek lightly.

It seemed like the next piece, so I quickly opened my mouth.

“This should help.”

This one was different—firm on the outside. I bit into it and it cracked with a “crunch,” revealing its filling.

This is!

“Refreshing Lady!”

Another Decco Audrey bestseller: nut-coated chocolate filled with lemon citrus jam.

The perfect harmony made my eyes curve in delight as I chewed eagerly.

“Mmm!”

— Is it good?

Cassian smiled.

— Yeah! Really!

I struggled not to show too much excitement, but it was hard. Meanwhile, Michael and the attendant looked even more worried.

I felt a little guilty, but technically, Cassian’s “medicine” really was helping me.

So it wasn’t entirely a lie.

— Are all of these chocolates?

— No. There are condensed milk candies and jellies too. Everything you like is individually packed, so eat them whenever you want.

— Wow!

— This is your reward for waiting patiently. But don’t eat too much, okay?

— Of course!

— They might notice, so let’s just have one more for now. What do you want?

— Do you have berry yogurt?

— I do. Wait a moment.

Cassian rummaged through the box and pulled one out, peeling it open and placing it into my mouth.

“This last one should definitely work.”

“Yes.”

Smiling, I accepted the berry yogurt Cassian fed me. It had the same sugary coating, making the texture and melt-in-mouth sensation perfect.

I wanted more desperately, but what could I do? Michael thought it was medicine.

“Done eating?”

“Yes. Very good job.”

Cassian praised me, then turned to Michael.

“Emergency treatment is complete. If she continues to take these regularly, her condition will improve significantly.”

Thanks to Cassian, my hunger had disappeared. In a sense, it really was emergency treatment.

If I kept eating properly, I would recover faster and not starve anymore.

Cassian, right on every single point. He seemed especially competent today.

“So… we don’t need to worry about Rin anymore?” Michael asked hopefully.

Cassian paused, then answered seriously.

“That is not the case. We cannot be at ease yet.”

“I see… If it were that easy, she wouldn’t have suffered so long.”

Michael looked dejected, and my conscience pricked me.

Before I could speak, Cassian continued.

“We will do everything we can to help her recover. Please do not worry too much.”

Huh? Cassian?

He had always been cold toward Michael before. Yet now…

Maybe things had changed while he was away?

Michael also softened slightly.

“Then I trust you.”

“I am only doing what must be done.”

Watching them, I felt strangely relieved.

Still… things felt more complicated.

If Cassian stood by Michael, maybe he’d stop interfering in the emotional mess surrounding me.

But I still had to leave.

As they continued talking, I made a decision.

I sent Cassian a telepathic message.

— I think I’ll delay leaving Krelas for a bit.

Cassian’s expression changed immediately.

— Why?

— You know Morina is coming here.

— Yeah. That’s why I suggested we leave after using the banquet excuse.

— I don’t want Morina becoming the Empress or Consort of Krelas.

Cassian frowned deeply.

— What does it matter who the Emperor keeps by his side?

— What do you mean it doesn’t matter? Of course it matters!

I glared at him, and Cassian looked at me with disappointment… maybe even a little irritation.

Why is he reacting like this? He probably doesn’t even like it himself.

I couldn’t understand him at all.

Did he still not understand his own feelings?

Or was he still in denial?