CH 40.2

I held back the cynical words that were at the tip of my tongue.

Of course that’s what you think. The version of you ‘right now’ who doesn’t have your memories.

“…I won’t let anyone covet you and take you away.”

His tenacity was palpable in his voice. It didn’t suddenly appear, but at some point, it felt like an emotion that he had kept suppressed, but was now making itself known.

“A madman like Lennon Chester who doesn’t even know his place… You don’t have to worry about him any longer. He wouldn’t even be able to appear before your eyes.”

…I felt quite strange right at this moment.

In the past, this was what I wanted to hear the most from him. During the days that I wanted to be someone special and precious to him.

But right now, I’m finding it difficult to understand why it’s like this.

Life was so ironic.

When you desperately want it, you are not even given a single speck of it. It’s only after you’ve given up on it that you’re allowed to have everything.

“……”

At the end of it all, I could only feel bitter.

As expected, the kindness that he gave me now was not at all sweet.

“…I feel quite dizzy, so I need to lie down.”

“Ah… Of course.”

I pulled my hand out of his, but this time, Theodore put an arm around my shoulder to support me, then led me to my bed.

And after he finally left the room, I could barely catch my breath.

* * *

It was only natural that my main concern these days was waiting for the day that Theodore’s memories would return.

Besides that, all I could think of was what would happen after that. It wasn’t completely certain just yet, but by then, it’s a real possibility that…

I would no longer be able to stay in the Valentino residence.

I recalled the conversation I had with Theodore’s doctor a few days ago.

‘I have a question.’

‘Yes, Madam. Please go ahead.’

‘Once the Duke recovers his memories… Will he forget everything that happened while he has his temporary amnesia?’

‘It’s… well. I’m not quite sure, Madam. I’ve never heard of such a case, but I can’t say for certain that there’s absolutely no possibility of that…’

‘…I see.’

In a nutshell, there was a real possibility of that happening.

…And I’ve already witnessed the warning signs.

Would he completely forget what happened while he had been in a state of amnesia? Or, perhaps one day… would he remember it all?

‘But does it even matter if he remembers…’

Staring blankly into thin air, I soon regained my senses. I let out a heavy sigh.

Then, I turned to Charlotte, who was drawing a picture next to me.

“…Charlotte, do you really think that I’d be able to sell my paintings?”

“Of course, Madam! There is a demand for artworks that depict subjects like flowers, butterflies and cute animals, and you’re very good at painting those. And with stationeries and postcards, too. It’s popular these days to add small paintings or drawings to them so that they don’t feel empty.”

“I see…”

Listening to Charlotte’s firm answer, I nodded in agreement. I wouldn’t know if there’s anyone who really would buy my artwork until I try selling some later, but I was a little relieved to hear that there was a demand for such things.

“Madam, you’re so good at painting even though you didn’t learn it formally. You’re really amazing.”

“…I’m not. Anyone can paint something like this.”

“No! Please take a look at this sparrow that I just drew. It doesn’t even look like a sparrow—it’s more like a demon.”

…Just as she said, Charlotte’s sparrow indeed seemed more like a little demon. But it was still a good drawing considering it’s her first time… I think.

“…If you practice more, you’ll be able to draw much better, too.”

“I can’t do it. Instead, I know how to embroider quite well, so I should make use of my talent in that.”

“Mmh, yes. And because everything that you embroider is wonderful… they will probably sell better than my art.”

“I’m flattered that you think so, Madam.”

Charlotte gave up on the picture she was drawing and brought over her basket of embroidery supplies. And so, I drew while Charlotte embroidered.

While I was slowly sketching on the canvas, I recalled the blue forget-me-nots I saw at the riverside last time. Then, I glanced over at Charlotte’s embroidery.

Charlotte was also embroidering blue forget-me-nots on her handkerchief. A gentle smile naturally found its way on my lips.

‘…Now that I’m done with the sketch, next is to paint…’

I quickly finished the sketch, so I picked up my brush, the tip of which I dipped into some blue paint, then hovered over the canvas. But at that moment, someone could be heard knocking at the door.

Knock, knock—

Hesitating, I set down my brush and asked a moderately louder voice.

“What is it?”

The answer soon came back. I recognized that voice—it was the young attendant who ran errands all over the mansion.

“Pardon me, Madam. Milord is looking for you. He is now at the drawing room on the first floor.”

“……”

I glanced at the clock. It was around three in the afternoon.

Theodore was normally busy with his duties around this time, so why was he looking for me?

Besides, the place he’s calling me to was the drawing room… Did that mean that a guest had arrived?

‘I didn’t hear about anyone coming today…’

After thinking for a moment, I rose from my seat right away. Charlotte followed me and got to her feet as well. Concern was evident on her features as she looked at me.

…How do I put this.

It felt like the peace, which gave me a moment’s reprieve, was broken.

Letting out a small sigh, I spoke up once more.

“Let’s head to the drawing room.”