VDBO 37

Chapter 37

With a click, Nina opened the door and came in.

“What is it?”

“The royal physician has arrived, milady.”

For nearly a month, the physician had been coming here once a week from the palace. Valéry had sent him because I hadn’t been able to meet personally.

A letter had arrived once, but because of what my mother had said, I had deliberately held back from meeting him directly.

Perhaps concerned about my health, he had sent the physician anyway.

I was slightly worried, but fortunately, neither my mother nor Mr. Schvalt had interfered that far.

Instead of letting the physician into my room, I decided to go downstairs myself.

“All right, let’s go down.”

I slowly descended the stairs, turning my thoughts over in my mind.

Jury Del Charto had sent a letter saying that, thanks to the information I’d provided, he would be able to swiftly prepare to expand the wine business.

But that wasn’t the part Jury seemed happiest about.

He seemed pleased that he had been able to act first, noting that the Gerdo family had apparently been preparing for the same venture.

When he mentioned wanting to invite me to a party, I replied that I wasn’t feeling well, and the next day, he sent nearly a carriage-load of gifts to promise another meeting.

They were all gifts concerning my health, and there were even two bottles of wine I had liked.

After exchanging greetings and sitting on the sofa, the physician began his examination skillfully.

“You’ve improved a lot. You no longer need to take medication. Still, it’s best to drink tea that keeps your body warm frequently.”

“You always worry about me.”

The physician quietly smiled.

Though he could have been hostile, this physician—Valéry’s personal doctor—had been consistently serious and professional from the start.

“Please, don’t say that. I am only doing my duty.”

“Thank you. Oh, and please tell His Highness the prince that I am doing well now.”

“Yes, I will convey your message. Well then, I will take my leave. Ah, by the way…”

“Yes?”

“Besides the medicine I’ve prescribed, do you take any other medication regularly?”

I looked up at him for a moment before answering.

“…No, I don’t.”

“Not at all?”

It seemed a bit persistent, so I tried to answer vaguely.

“Well… maybe occasionally something for headaches or pain? Or for indigestion? Is that a problem?”

“No, not at all. The most important thing is to find the cause of your body getting cold.”

“Ah, I see. I don’t take anything separately.”

“I understand. But frequent use of painkillers is not ideal.”

“I’ll try to reduce it gradually.”

“Then I will take my leave.”

This was the first time a physician had asked such questions. Especially since I hadn’t been taking medicine recently, his inquiry made me realize why he was a royal physician.

With a warm smile, he reminded me to eat well, sleep well, and keep my body warm—then left.

Listening to his instructions made me feel almost childlike.

After he left, I sank back onto the bed, taking Nina and the surroundings in.

“Being alone is really comfortable.”

Despite hating the cold, I almost missed the north.

There, the villagers’ eyes might have been unfriendly, and even if they appeared threatening, that was all. It wasn’t truly dangerous.

Many days were completely silent.

I absentmindedly rubbed the bedcovers and opened the bedside drawer. Four luxurious gold-embossed envelopes were neatly lined up.

They were all from Valéry Ahihara Kashinev.

He liked sending letters personally, even though he sometimes had his people deliver messages verbally.

Whenever he sent someone from the palace, he included a letter.

His handwriting was straight and sincere, and I loved how he ended sentences neatly without unnecessary flair.

Although he had asked to meet once, I postponed it with the excuse of illness due to being under house arrest. That had also extended the physician’s visit.

I had never written letters to anyone—not even small notes.

Not because I didn’t want to, but because I was taught not to. I learned to erase traces before sending heartfelt messages.

I could write, but I had no idea what my handwriting looked like. Probably messy, since I had never written properly.

By contrast, Valéry and I were completely different. That someone like me could win his favor was remarkable.

Letter 1

Blake Ariandel,

This is Valéry.

I’m on my way back after my early morning exercise.

I’ve sent a physician with you, but I still worry if your body is fine because the weather is cold.

But you can trust Samuel; he is reliable.

This is my first non-business letter, so I worry it may seem stiff.

Next time, I hope to hear your voice directly.

Please remember me at least once a day.

Valéry Ahihara Kashinev

Just neat handwriting, yet I could picture his expression and hear his voice.

“Well, he does have a striking appearance. And his voice too.”

I was reading this letter for the third time. First, out of curiosity. Second, when I opened the drawer. Now, simply out of habit.

I opened the next letter.

In the north, it was difficult to get books, so I hadn’t read much, but thanks to him, I realized I liked reading quite a lot.

Letter 2

Blake Ariandel,

This is Valéry.

I wonder how you are doing.

The winter flowers in the castle garden are in full bloom. It made me think of you, Blake.

I thought you’d smile if I showed them to you, so I’m sending them along.

Next time, will you accept my invitation? Please show me your smile too.

Valéry Ahihara Kashinev

Even when he said to speak casually, he always used honorifics. I always felt cared for, and sometimes, I felt a small thrill, as if I mattered to him.

The flowers he sent were kept in a vase and dried by Lisa.

They said the palace had all four seasons, and the bouquet sent via the physician was so full it looked like bringing the entire flower garden inside.

Letter 3

Blake Ariandel,

This is Valéry.

How has your day been today?

I picked up a pen and suddenly wondered about your day.

Do you wake up early? Or sleep in a bit?

I’m curious what you do in the afternoon.

Do you like sweets?

I’ve heard your fever has gone down, and you’ve improved. I’m glad you liked the flowers.

I will be out for some business for a while, it may take some time.

It’s still cold, so always dress warmly.

Valéry Ahihara Kashinev

He always sent something along with the letters, usually matching the theme.

“Should I reply at least once?”

I had never felt guilty before, but after receiving these neat letters several times, I wondered if I should respond.

Usually, people exchange at least once. When I received the third letter, I sent a small gift instead—a simple handkerchief.

Letter 4

Blake Ariandel,

This is Valéry.

It rained from dawn today; I hope you didn’t lose sleep.

I didn’t expect you to send a gift.

Were you thinking of me? How much?

I wonder what you were thinking.

I selfishly hope you think of me every day.

I will treasure your gift. Honestly, I might be too reluctant to use it.

I am sending tea along that helps with restful sleep.

Valéry Ahihara Kashinev

After reading all four letters again, I put them back in the envelopes and placed them neatly on the bedside table.

They didn’t contain exciting stories or special events, yet I kept going back to them. It felt refreshing, in a way.

I rose from the bed as if nothing had happened and headed downstairs again.

“More time is needed.”

After sending the medicine bag to Shale Iscar over the past month, I finally received a reply. They hadn’t been able to find information about a particular ingredient.

“Seems difficult after all.”

I hoped it wasn’t some herb that only grew in Bay. Mr. Schvalt didn’t seem to be involved with herbs either. Maybe only my mother knew.

I had thought the heart pain that flared when I didn’t take medicine was closely related, but it had disappeared, so perhaps I was mistaken. Yet when the royal physician asked about other medications, suspicion arose again.

“All right, I understand. It’s not urgent, so tell them to take their time. And the child?”