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Chapter 44
“Open the Door”
As Raphere had said, maybe having my hair return to its original color for one night wasn’t such a big deal.
It was probably just me worrying too much because, ever since I came to Esperos, nothing had gone according to plan.
“Honestly, it’s about time things went a bit more smoothly.”
I lay down on the bed with a satisfied smile.
“Ah, I’m hungry.”
My empty stomach grumbled. I licked my lips, remembering the bagel sandwich I’d had for lunch.
“Maybe I should’ve asked them to bring me some soup.”
But then I quickly shook my head.
“No, what if they come in and out to bring and clear the dishes and my hair changes color? That would be the end.”
A while ago, Mei had left after double-checking if I really didn’t need a physician. So no one would probably visit me again tonight.
Even Kallier’s message came saying it was a shame but we’d eat together next time, so he wouldn’t change his mind now.
Sure, his overly easy-going attitude bothered me a bit, but I forced myself to ignore it.
“Just for one day, please let me relax a little.”
I turned in bed to look outside the window.
The sun had set behind the mountain ridge, and now darkness filled the sky.
Drawn by something, I got up and went to the window, pulling a chair close.
The moon, hidden behind clouds, slowly revealed itself.
“A full moon…”
The moonlight shone brightly, almost like sunlight.
As I watched, dazed, the golden shimmer in my hair began to fall away like dust.
The golden particles disappeared into nothing the moment they touched the floor.
I stared at my hair in shock as it slowly turned into its original, deep purple color.
I hurried over to the mirror on the other side of the room.
“…Ah.”
The girl with honey-golden hair, Heidi, was gone.
Standing in the mirror was Rebellia Piace, with her gloomy purple hair.
It was only my hair color that had changed, yet my heart sank to the floor.
“Why did I ever think I could really become her…”
And then—
A voice I didn’t want to hear came from outside the door.
Meanwhile…
Edwin stared in disbelief at the man enjoying tea in the reception room.
When the butler Ross told him who had arrived, he thought it must’ve been a mistake.
But no—Crocan Piace himself had come to see him.
Trying to compose himself, Edwin entered quickly.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Marquess.”
“It’s fine. I came unannounced, after all.”
“…It’s been a long time, Count Elliana.”
Crocan smiled. Edwin forced a smile back and sat down across from him.
“You have good taste in tea. Is this from the Aikeman Duchy?”
“Yes… my daughter enjoys their tea, so I buy it often.”
“I’ve seen Lady Heidi at a party before. Every family with a son wanted her as a match. Haha, if I had a son, I’d have joined the line as well.”
“You flatter me, Marquess.”
“Have you decided on her partner?”
Edwin blinked, startled. He knew Crocan was aware Heidi and the Crown Prince were in love… so why ask?
He cleared his throat and answered calmly.
“I only hope she finds someone she loves and who loves her back.”
“Just someone she loves, hm…”
Edwin could feel the conversation going in circles, and unease crept in.
Then Crocan spoke again, his black eyes locking onto Edwin.
“Anna wants to see you.”
“…What?”
“She doesn’t have much time left. And it’s not something I can fix with just my pride.”
Edwin’s voice trembled.
“W-what are you saying?”
“When a wife on her deathbed makes a wish, it’s a man’s duty to grant it… don’t you think?”
Crocan’s eyes moved to the doorway.
A woman with sharp eyes, so much like Edwin’s, was glaring at him from there.
Back in my room…
What? Was that really Kallier’s voice?
No way… he wouldn’t be here, would he?
“Heidi, open the door.”
His low voice crushed my last hope.
I rushed to the door, nearly tripping over the bed.
“H-Heidi…”
Why was he even here?
“W-what’s going on?”
I grabbed the door handle tightly and asked through the door.
Then, to my horror, the handle started to rattle.
“N-no! I can’t open the door!”
“….”
“You promised you wouldn’t open it unless I wanted you to!”
The rattling stopped.
He wasn’t going to force his way in. I pressed my ear to the door, listening carefully.
“I heard you were sick. I brought some light food and medicine. Open the door.”
“I-I’m fine.”
“Fine?”
“N-no, I mean… not sick enough to need medicine!”
“I heard you skipped lunch.”
“I got better because I skipped lunch!”
“And I heard you were too sick to eat dinner.”
“I also got better because I skipped dinner!”
Silence.
Was he angry? Or just speechless at my nonsense?
I hoped he would give up and leave.
But then his low voice came again:
“You say you’re sick, but you refuse a doctor and won’t open the door. What am I supposed to do?”
“…?”
He sounded… almost concerned.
Does he actually care about me?
Maybe… he had checked on me before when I was sick with Kotcher’s Disease too.
But he probably just didn’t want his hostage to die.
Still, it had been so long since anyone worried about me like this that my conscience ached a little.
“…I’m really fine now.”
“….”
“It… just happens once a month, that’s all. You don’t have to worry so much.”
Silence.
Then I heard Mei whispering softly to him, but I couldn’t make out the words.
What is she saying?!
I panicked and spoke quickly:
“Yes, my stomach does hurt! And yes, I do have a fever, but it’s just a light one. That’s why I didn’t call for a doctor!”
“And the medicine?”
“I’ll be fine by tomorrow. I don’t need it.”
Tomorrow? Who cares about tomorrow—I’ll be fine tonight anyway!
There was a long pause, then a sigh.
“If you’re so sure… will you eat breakfast with me tomorrow?”
“W-what?”
“Can you eat with me tomorrow morning?”
“Yes! Absolutely!”
If it meant not opening the door right now, I’d eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight snacks with him!
I pressed my ear to the door again. Mei whispered something once more. Cold sweat trickled down my back.
“…Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Heidi.”
…Wait, he’s leaving? Just like that?
I didn’t even have time to process my confusion before I heard a soft chuckle.
“Goodnight, Heidi.”
His warm goodnight froze me in place.
I couldn’t respond.
Beneath my lowered head, the purple strands of my real hair shone in the moonlight.
