Chapter 23…
A short while later, Cynthia returned to Enoch’s magic pharmacy and called out loudly.
“Enoch!”
Enoch, who had been making something in the back of the pharmacy, poked his head out. His yellow eyes widened as he asked,
“Cynthia? What’s going on? You stormed out like you’d never see me again.”
“The eyesight-improving drops I bought from you—are they really effective? It’s been several days since I started using them, but I still don’t see any results!”
She blurted it out in her urgency. But Enoch didn’t seem flustered; he simply shrugged.
“Must be a severe case, then. In that situation, it’s not just a few days—you’d need to use them steadily for several months before noticing any effect.”
No way! I don’t have that kind of time!
Cynthia frowned anxiously, biting her lower lip. Enoch, watching her, asked,
“What’s going on?”
“Isn’t there any way to make the effects appear faster? Like… a way to strengthen the drops or something?”
“Well…”
Enoch tilted his head as if thinking, then smiled slyly.
“If you tell me where you live, I’ll tell you how.”
“Stop joking around!”
“Why do you think it’s a joke? It’s an information exchange, you know.”
Cynthia pouted, thinking for a moment before finally replying slowly,
“I live near… the Bailey Estate.”
“Bailey? You mean that notorious ducal family?”
“Yeah…”
Cynthia nodded. She figured it’d be better to meet near the Bailey Estate, where she was actually staying, rather than in some empty hut, in case something urgent happened.
Still, it felt a bit uncomfortable giving away her real address.
“Of all places, why live near there?”
“Just tell me already! How do I boost the effect of the drops?”
“After applying the drops, put a towel soaked in hot water over your eyes. The warmth will enhance the medicine’s effect.”
That’s surprisingly simple! Cynthia nodded quickly.
“Is there any other method?”
“Nothing else comes to mind. Oh, a light massage might help too.”
“Got it, thanks!”
Having achieved her goal, Cynthia turned to leave. Enoch chuckled softly.
“Hey, you’re leaving just like that again?”
“Huh?”
Cynthia stopped and looked back. Enoch smiled faintly before shaking his head.
“Never mind. I like how quick and straightforward you are. Take care—see you around.”
So anticlimactic…
Not giving it much thought, Cynthia headed straight for the Grand Duke of Lumanov’s estate.
“Lady Cynthia? What brings you here?”
“Ruth! Hello! Haha… I guess I’ve been visiting quite often, haven’t I? Could I see His Grace for a moment?”
A short while later, after quickly putting in her green lenses and touching up her makeup, Cynthia arrived at the estate and asked Ruth.
“The Duke stayed up all night working and is still asleep…”
“Oh! That’s actually perfect. Please, lead the way!”
As she stepped through the gate, Ruth followed, confused.
“What’s going on?”
“I learned a massage technique that works really well when used together with the eye drops I gave him!”
“…What?”
Ruth stopped her with an even more puzzled expression.
“My lady, we cannot disturb His Grace while he’s sleeping.”
“It’ll only take a moment!”
“His Grace hates being disturbed in his sleep more than anything. And frankly, I’m also worried he might… react badly again, like last time.”
Cynthia looked up at him, realizing he wasn’t going to let her through easily.
Guess I’ve got no choice…
Taking a deep breath, she spoke gently to the worried aide.
“I’m sorry, I’m being too pushy, aren’t I?”
“Well…”
“Ever since what I saw last time, I’ve been so worried about His Grace. I know it’s a bit improper, but I just want to make sure he’s doing okay.”
“My lady…”
With a calm, sincere tone, Cynthia added,
“I promise I won’t do anything that could harm him. Please, as his fiancée, let me see him—just for a moment.”
Ruth sighed, rubbing his chin with a troubled look. After a few seconds of hesitation, he finally stepped aside.
“Th-then… please make it quick, alright?”
“Of course! I’ll be in and out before you know it. Oh, and could you prepare some warm tea, please?”
“Very well.”
“Thank you, Ruth!”
Cynthia smiled, slipped past him, and hurried up the stairs.
Standing before the familiar door, she carefully pushed it open without a sound.
The room was filled with Tesion’s scent, and on the large bed lay the Grand Duke himself.
Click.
She quietly closed the door behind her. Turning her head, she saw a blue glass bottle on the bedside table next to him.
He kept it close by!
The cap was loosely closed—it looked like he had already applied the drops before sleeping.
Tesion, you diligent man.
Cynthia exhaled in relief and crept closer. The sound of his slow, even breathing grew clearer.
She stood by the bed, looking down at his sleeping face. His slightly parted lips and calm expression made him look particularly gentle today.
How pretty you look when you sleep…
After a moment of silent admiration, she turned to face the table and picked up the glass bottle with trembling hands.
Since he’s already used it, I just need to warm it up with a towel now, right?
Knock, knock.
Just then, someone tapped on the door. Cynthia quickly put the bottle down and stepped out.
A maid stood there holding a tray with a teapot and cups.
“Please, let me take that!”
“Oh, my lady! No, I’ll bring it inside—”
“No, it’s fine. I can do it myself. Thank you!”
Cynthia took the tray and returned to the room. Setting it on the bedside table, she sighed quietly.
I couldn’t ask Ruth to bring me hot water and a towel—it would’ve looked suspicious.
After all, if she had asked for those things, he’d surely have questioned her intentions. No one would just let her in to “massage” the Duke’s eyes.
She pulled a clean handkerchief from her bag and smiled faintly.
Good thing I brought this just in case!
Pouring some hot tea from the pot onto the handkerchief, she watched it slowly soak and darken.
So I just need to place this on his eyes and massage gently, right?
Turning back toward Tesion, she hesitated for a moment before placing the warm cloth over his eyes.
Here goes nothing.
Taking a deep breath, Cynthia laid her hands on top of the cloth and began gently pressing down.
Is this how it’s supposed to work?
“What… is this?”
“Eek!”
Tesion’s voice suddenly broke the silence—he was awake.
He reached up, catching her wrist mid-motion.
“Y-Your Grace!”
Frowning, Tesion removed the cloth from his eyes. His expression made it clear he couldn’t believe Cynthia was actually in his room.
“Cynthia? What on earth are you doing here…?”
He rubbed his temple, then leaned back against the headboard with a sigh.
After a brief pause, Cynthia picked up the fallen handkerchief and held it up to him.
“Your Grace! This might sound strange, but—I was massaging your eyes!”
“Yes, it does sound quite strange. I think you owe me a better explanation.”
Tesion’s voice was low and slightly hoarse.
Swallowing hard, Cynthia tried to sound as calm as possible.
“A little while ago, you received some eye drops from Ruth, right? Well… actually, those were from me.”
