Chapter 73…
“Pardon?”
“I was very surprised today. I think I need to calm down.”
Isn’t it me who needs to calm down, not you…?
His transparent, innocent little act made her laugh before she realized it. To think he’d try such an obvious trick—he’s really too pure and adorable.
“Haha, alright.”
Cynthia smiled helplessly and let herself fall into his arms. Raising one hand, she gently patted and stroked Tesion’s broad back.
“There, there. You were really startled, weren’t you?”
“Yes.”
As soon as Cynthia could no longer see his face, the gentle smile that had lingered on Tesion’s lips vanished.
His expression darkened in thought as he pressed his lips softly to her neck. Blinking slowly, Tesion tightened his arms around her shoulders.
“Hm… what should I do…”
Holding a fluffy pillow in both hands, Cynthia—now dressed in the light nightclothes lent to her by the maids of the Grand Duke’s mansion—stood alone in the hallway.
“…Am I really supposed to go in there?”
She murmured under her breath, staring at the large, elaborately decorated door before her. It was Tesion’s bedroom door.
All I have to do is watch over him until he falls asleep, right?
As she stood there, an image rose in her mind: Tesion before he regained his sight, asleep and weeping in his dreams.
“I’m sorry… It’s my fault, all my fault…”
“I can see. I think I can see… Please don’t be sad. I can see you…”
Remembering that Tesion, her feet began to move on their own. She never wanted to see him cry like that again.
“L-Lord Grand Duke?”
When she lightly knocked and spoke, the door opened at once, revealing Tesion in comfortable attire.
He must have just washed; droplets of water clung to the ends of his hair as he smiled warmly.
“Welcome, Cynthia.”
“May I come in?”
“Of course.”
Tesion stepped aside politely. Clutching the pillow tightly, Cynthia entered the room.
Clack.
The heavy sound of the door closing echoed behind her.
Heading straight for the large bed in the center of the room, Cynthia began briskly straightening the sheets. Tesion followed, puzzled.
“What are you doing?”
“The bed has to be comfortable first! If it isn’t, you’re more likely to have nightmares!”
She adjusted the pillow that was slightly crooked and tugged the wrinkled blanket until it was smooth and taut.
“My lord, are you tired?”
“My fatigue is about the same as usual.”
“I told the maids to prepare warm milk in advance. Did they bring it?”
“Over there.”
Tesion inclined his head toward a small table across from the bed.
“Oh! Perfectly done! I heard warm milk before bed helps you sleep better, so I asked for it specially.”
“Thank you.”
Cynthia spun toward the table, and Tesion followed close behind.
On the round table sat a glass bottle half full of milk and two empty cups.
Satisfied, Cynthia reached for the bottle—but Tesion stopped her hand.
“Wait. There’s something I need to do first.”
“What is it?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he turned to a dresser against the wall, opened a drawer, and pulled out bandages, ointment, scissors, and tape.
Oh, those…
“Before sleeping, I need to replace your bandages.”
He set the items on the table.
Cynthia laughed it off and tried again to lift the bottle.
“Oh, it’s fine! It’s just a bruise. I’ll have the maids take care of it tomorrow, so please, let’s just drink our milk…”
“It would leave a scar on your pretty face.”
At the gentle words, Cynthia blinked.
Maybe because of all the stress from being hunted and nearly dying earlier, her nerves had been on edge. But his words somehow relaxed her.
Then Tesion reached out and lightly brushed the skin near the cut on her right cheek.
Cynthia flinched—whether from the sting or the sudden touch, she couldn’t tell—and turned toward him.
“I always do as the doctor instructs.”
“What does that even mean…”
“Come here.”
Tesion took her hand and seated her in the chair before the table. He deftly opened the ointment and scooped a little onto a cotton swab.
“I’ll apply it to your cheek first. It might sting a little.”
“Okay!”
She nodded and shut her eyes tight.
It had stung terribly when the doctor treated it earlier, so she braced herself again.
Please be over quickly…!
But Tesion paused with the swab in hand, simply gazing at her. Her long lashes trembled slightly, making her look like a frightened little bird.
…So small.
Watching her blankly, an unfamiliar desire stirred within him. Tesion turned his gaze briefly to the tightly closed door.
Cynthia, in my room. Somehow, I wish that door would never open again.
He looked back down at her.
“Um… are you not done yet?”
Cynthia asked nervously, waiting for the sting.
“Just a moment.”
He slowly traced her face with his eyes—her flushed cheeks and brow marked with tiny cuts seemed to wound his heart even more.
Forcing himself to move, Tesion gently dabbed the ointment over her wound.
“Ow! It stings!”
“My apologies.”
Cynthia jerked back slightly. Her startled expression was so cute it made something inside him ache.
Though there were many small wounds to tend, time slipped by quickly—he couldn’t tell where to rest his gaze or how to breathe. By the time he finished the last one, he felt strangely reluctant to stop.
“Thank you! Now, then…”
“We’re not done yet.”
He stopped her as she tried to stand.
“I still need to put on new bandages.”
“Ah… right.”
Of course. Not finished yet.
Awkwardly, Cynthia tilted her face toward him. Tesion cut the bandage into small pieces, then carefully prepared the tape.
“I’ll make them as small as possible so they won’t bother you.”
“O-okay…”
With his large hands, Tesion began sticking the bandages over her wounds, moving with meticulous care.
Cynthia watched his concentrated face through lowered lashes. He seemed so careful, as if afraid his big hands might hurt her.
Even his serious expression is cute…
The faint scent of wood from him tickled her nose. His hand felt unusually warm against her cheek, and that warmth made her own face grow hot.
Then Tesion suddenly lifted his gaze.
Before she could react, their eyes met—his violet eyes locking with hers. Cynthia’s eyes widened. Ack—startled!
“What’s wrong?”
Tesion smiled gently.
“N-no… it’s just—you seem used to this. You’re good at treating people.”
“I’m glad you’re comfortable. We’re finished now.”
“Thank you.”
Wow, that startled me.
Cynthia clutched her pounding chest and turned away, grabbing the milk bottle with both hands.
“Alright, let’s drink our milk!”
“You’ll have some too?”
“There are two cups—why not!”
She poured milk into both cups, half each, and handed one to him.
“Bottoms up!”
“You sound like you’re offering me alcohol, not milk.”
“Honestly, it’s a shame it isn’t alcohol.”
“Haha.”
Tesion laughed softly and raised his cup. As she watched him drink the milk she poured, Cynthia drank hers too.
Maybe the maids had added a touch of sugar, because the warm milk tasted sweeter than usual—deliciously so. Cynthia drained her cup in one go and set it down with satisfaction.
“Ahh! This is good!”
“Hahaha, Cynthia.”
Tesion looked at her face and chuckled again, reaching out his hand.
“You’ve got it all over your mouth. Like a child.”
He brushed his thumb across her lips, wiping away the milk—and then, without hesitation, brought that thumb to his mouth, licking it slowly with his tongue.
Uh…
Cynthia just stared blankly. It wasn’t meant to be suggestive, but somehow, it felt that way.
Wh-what is this feeling…? Heat flooded her face in an instant.
