Someone forced me to open my mouth and feed me something. It was so bitter, my nose was burning. That was the kind of level of bitterness it had. If I wasnât sick, I would never eat it.
Ah, this was so not appetizing. I wanted some pudding, okay? A pudding.
I really liked that wiggly, bouncy texture. The jelly was good, too. However, right now, I myself felt like a pudding, melting away. No, my whole body felt stuffy. I was so hot. Someone took the blanket away from meâŚ
âThat wonât do, Your Majesty.â
Thatâs Seriraâs voice. However, your MajestyâŚ? Ah, was she with Caitel? Somewhere next to me, I heard water. My eyelids were too heavy for me to open them. I wanted to open my eyes.
âIsnât it fine to walk a little bit?â
âWe must keep her body warm.â
Why was this two arguing in front of a sick patient again? Serira would lose if he fought anyway, but I never wanted Caitel to hit Serira. Of course, I didnât believe Caitel was a madman who would beat or rape a woman.
âGive that to me.â
My throat was burning. I wanted water. I was thirsty. Why was my body so hot? Every muscle in my body ached and my nose was stuffy. Everything was driving me crazy. Look at how bad I was suffering from not listening once. I should do as Serira said from now onâŚ
As I swiveled around, my forehead suddenly felt cooler. I thought itâs the wet towel. Someoneâs wiping my head. It was much better when a towel washed my face. I felt comfortable breathing. Next was the neck, then the arm, then the forehead.
âHow unsightly.â
Well sorry about that. However, his voiceâŚsounded a bit hoarse. I wonder if he knew. I tried my best to open my eyes. Oh, no. I couldnât open them.
My eyelids really were really heavy.
âHow can such a small child become so sick?â
His frown glided before his eyes. It was the face of Caitel who came into my eyes. Besides, I was the one whoâs sick. Why was he making a face as if heâs the one suffering?
Still, the towel on my forehead was really cool.
âSheâs small, but she is still a human being. She can get sick and even cry.â
âDo not lecture me.â
He replied to her in a very sharp voice. This punk, even if he was my father, he shouldnât dare talk to Serira like that! He shouldnât say anything to my Serira! I wanted to stand up and give him a kick in the leg, but, oh, my f*cking body hurts so much. Anyway, heâs the enemy. I hated cold. Sob sob.
âYouâre really just like your husband.â
Huh? Seriraâs husband, meaning that dead count? It seemed like they knew each other. It was a bit of a surprise to hear that Caitel knew the Count very well. Come to think of it, it was Caitel who recommended Serira to be my nanny. Itâs natural for them to know each other well.
âThank you for that compliment.â
âEven that just now, youâre alike.â
Why did he sounded uncomfortable when he was complimenting her? How dishonest of him. Somehow, Serira seemed to be smiling, and she felt strange. I didnât know if sheâs really smiling because I couldnât see it. Oh, I didnât know anymore. I was going to sleep anyway. My mind was slipping down there again.
âYou may leave. Iâll stay here.â
What would he do to me in his lonesome? I wanted to tackle Caitel, but Serira unexpectedly stepped down.
âYes, Your Majesty.â
A deep silence floated in the room. At the moment, I shook myself with a cough that burst out of my neck. Oh, my throat hurts. I felt like my throat was about to rip apart just from coughing.
I could feel someone was moving next to me. However, something in my throat disappeared behind the neck and what came out was a cough.
Sob Sob.
âThere is simply nothingâŚâ
His sad voice was running in my ears.
âThat I can do.â
Heâs blaming himself.
âEven though I said I would take care of you.â
A little whispering voice. I felt sorry for him. Itâs my fault that Iâm sick right now, itâs not right for him to blame himself like that. I was hanging around that cold winter tree all day long, so itâs not a surprise I was sick right now. This happened all because I was being stubborn. I was so stupid.
âDamn it.â
That little curse was the last thing I heard⌠I was sucked back into the realm of dreams.