She was curious about Theoâs condition, but it was uncomfortable to meet Paul. Even if he was accompanied by an escort knight, it was obvious that her father would come out rudely.
But I still have to meet Theo.
Sheâd been briefed on his condition every day, but she wanted to make sure he was safe. Paul wasnât a reliable guardian. If Matthias was involved again, she didnât know if Theo would be left alone to die.
Listening to the secretary, who had already begun to explain todayâs schedule, Rowena gave another instruction.
âI should visit the Marquis Rasmine tomorrow. Please inform the Marquis and check if itâs okay to visit.â
There was no way to refuse the visit, but courtesy was polite. There was no reason to be rude to the family that was helping Theo.
âAll right, My Lady.â
There was a place she made an appointment to visit today. Rowena entered the dressing room with the maids to keep up with the schedule.
* * *
He felt like he was out of a long, dark tunnel. His whole body was heavy and powerless. He suspected that his throat was sore and that he coughed heavily in his sleep.
He saw people in unfamiliar clothes from his blurred vision. Imperial attire. But those who wore them were from the countâs family.
No, they were taken by Rowena.
He wasnât in the countâs house.
So Iâm dreaming?
Louisâ room bed was originally soft, but now it seemed to be different. He felt like his whole body was buried in a soft cushion.
He could hear people whispering, but Louis closed his eyes. He was tired and felt like he had to sleep more.
AhâŚ
But his throat was very dry. He felt a sharp pain as if he swallowed sand.
Louis murmured for water in his sleep, and a maid who was caring quickly filled the glass and approached the bed.
The servant skillfully raised Louisâ upper body and put the glass near his mouth. After gulping down a sip, Louis realized that he was quite thirsty.
The healer was relieved to see Louis gulping and coolly drinking water.
âAre you awake?â
Louis looked foolish at the sight of the man talking to him. He turned his eyes around. The ceiling was very high and it was a fancy room. Louisâ eyes grew on the scenery of the room, where blue and gold were harmonized.
The countâs best room, Paulâs room, the owner of the house, was not this big.
âHey, where are weâŚ?â
âItâs the Imperial Palace, My Lord.â
âAm I in a royal palace?â
Louis looked around in bewilderment. He thought Rowena would be there for sure, but she wasnât there.
âThen Rowena⌠What about her?â
âLady Adelia is out to carry out her schedule today. She saw you lying down an hour ago and left.â
The person who seemed to be the attendant of the Imperial family explained it. Louis didnât understand the current situation. In his memory, he had fallen asleep lying on his bed in his room at the countâs house.
âWhy am I here⌠You mean she brought me here in my sleep?!â
âThere was a fire at Count Adeliaâs house. A knight sent by the crown prince rescued you and brought him to the palace.â
âWhat?!â
Louis looked back at the other servant and maid as if they werenât real. Rowena let those brought from the countâs house stand by him so that Louis would not be uncomfortable even if he woke up. Of course, there were also palace attendants who would explain the situation to Louis.
The servants nodded softly. Louis turned his head to the attendant, flustered.
âThen what about my father? Is everyone okay?â
âThe Count of Adelia is safe.â
âI should go to my father!â
Paul would not have been able to sleep if he had collapsed and failed to get up. But the healer and the servants stopped it.
âYou havenât recovered yet. My Lord only opens his eyes 10 days after that.â
âTen days?â
He thought he was hurt so badly, but there was no problem except that he was tired. His throat hurt a little because he inhaled smoke.
âThen call your father. I donât need Matthias, but I wonder if Theo is safeâŚâ
The faces of the waiters dimmed subtly at Louisâs question. Most of the aristocratic children were unable to read the atmosphere, but Louis was different.
He quickly noticed it because he had grown up looking at Matthias since he was young.
âWhat? I heard my father is safe. What happened to Theo?â
âBoth of you escaped safely from the fire.â
There was no lie in his words. Theo was injured not because the house was on fire, but because Matthias stabbed Theo.
âLady Adelia was waiting for you to wake up. I sent someone, so sheâll be back at the palace soon.â
From what he said, he thought he wouldnât see Paul until he met Rowena. He thought something was suspicious, but Louis nodded.
It was where the crown prince, who fell in love with Rowena, lived. No one would do him any harm.
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