Chapter 45
“Even though I came without an appointment, could you please inform His Grace the Duke that I’m here?”
It was easier since he recognized me. Without needing to explain who I was, I stated my business right away.
Since I’d heard that the butler of House Luhanes had been granted the rank of viscount by the previous duke, I spoke politely.
The butler watched my brazen attitude—as if I had every right to show up unannounced—and then replied in a courteous tone.
“His Grace is currently occupied with personal matters and will not be able to meet with you. I’m sorry, but I must ask that you return for today.”
“Why? Did he collapse because he wasn’t feeling well?”
I calmly asked, already expecting that answer.
The butler’s expression, which had been blank, cracked slightly before he forced a polite smile.
“No, His Grace is in excellent health.”
“Then it’s fine if I see him for just a moment. Just tell him I’m here. He’s been chasing after me saying he likes me, so he’ll definitely be happy about it.”
I knew I was being rude.
But I also knew that if I didn’t push stubbornly like this, I’d simply be thrown out.
“If you return at a later time, His Grace will surely be pleased.”
“I asked if you could at least tell him I came.”
“I’m sorry. Whatever you say, my answer will remain the same.”
Ah, seriously. This was no joke. How was I supposed to get past him?
I was racking my brain in front of this formidable opponent when—
“Huh? Well, look who it is.”
Behind the butler, imperial knights seemed to be shifting—and from among them appeared a very familiar figure.
“Isn’t this Lady Christener?”
Empress Serena was smiling warmly at me.
At her appearance, the butler stepped aside like a door guard, and the firmly closed gate opened wide.
“Did you perhaps come to see Rixion?”
“Ah—yes! Greetings, Your Majesty.”
I had been staring blankly in shock at her sudden arrival, but I quickly pulled back my hood and bowed.
My timing of greeting versus answering was awkward, but fortunately, Empress Serena didn’t seem offended. She looked at me kindly, then turned to the butler of her family’s household.
“I see. You were blocked here.”
Her expression said everything. The butler, receiving her gaze, lowered his head even further, looking apologetic.
“Let her in. I’ll take full responsibility.”
“As you command.”
The Empress gave the order, and although the butler seemed to have much he wanted to say, he obediently followed.
“I only had a moment to stop by, so I must be going. Stay as long as you like, Lady.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“We’ll meet again.”
Just as suddenly as she came, Empress Serena quickly departed, clearly busy.
Only then did I understand why imperial knights were surrounding the Luhanes estate. Once the Empress left, the knights naturally followed her.
The soldiers who had shifted with the commotion also returned to their posts, leaving only me and the butler.
“Then please follow me.”
With one command from the Empress, the butler had no choice but to change attitude and lead me inside.
Rachel tried to enter with me, but the butler stopped her, so she waited outside the mansion.
I pulled my hood back on and followed the butler alone.
Since I’d been here once, the long familiar corridors didn’t feel foreign. Eventually, he stopped in front of the innermost room.
The soldiers lined up on both sides of the door were intimidating.
“Before you go in, there is something you should know.”
His hand was on the doorknob, but he turned to tell me this.
I nodded silently for him to continue.
“As you may be aware… His Grace’s condition is very poor. Even if you enter, he won’t be able to say a word to you.”
Hearing him speak so frankly, I glanced at the soldiers around us—as if asking whether this was something he should be saying out here.
He understood my concern and added that they were trustworthy, then continued.
“His magic rampaged wildly inside his body and twisted out of control. His life was in real danger. Thanks to the Tower’s help, he managed to survive the worst of it, but he is still far from complete recovery. That is why he has not regained consciousness until now. And since the cause of the magical distortion is unknown, we are… uneasy.”
The more he explained, the more my face stiffened.
This was far more serious than I had imagined.
Even coming here, I had foolishly thought, Well, it’s Rixion Luhanes—surely it can’t be anything too bad.
I wanted to smack myself for being so naïve.
“Please go in.”
Seeing me freeze in place, the butler quietly opened the door. A faint herbal scent drifted out.
“We burned a small amount of sleep incense earlier, so some scent still lingers.”
Perhaps he noticed me frowning, because he added an explanation and entered first.
I let out a shaky breath and followed him inside.
The room was simple, matching its owner’s personality.
In the spacious room, with only essential furniture, a large bed drew my eyes.
On that bed lay someone who looked as if he were dead.
Rixion Luhanes—unconscious and completely defenseless.
What drew my attention next were the black shackle-like devices locked on both his wrists and his neck.
Shocked, I pointed at them and looked at the butler.
“They are magic restraints. If His Grace’s power erupts uncontrollably, the Empire would be blown to pieces. This is the minimum safety measure.”
“…”
I heard the explanation, but it didn’t stop the shock—he looked like a criminal in chains. I couldn’t move any closer.
The butler noticed and stopped where he was, speaking in a low, resigned voice.
“We couldn’t hide the fact that he collapsed, so word has spread. But most people do not know how severe the situation truly is. If this became known… we cannot predict what those who covet His Grace would do.”
That was why earlier, he had been unable to let me inside.
He bowed his head to me.
“Please be cautious not to let this reach the outside.”
I knew I should answer, but no words came out.
“I will return shortly. If you need anything, call for me.”
Leaving me staring blankly at Rixion, the butler quietly exited.
Clack.
The sound of the door closing snapped me back to myself.
After a moment’s hesitation, I moved forward.
Once I reached the bedside, I saw his face clearly—soaked in sweat, breathing fast, pale, eyes tightly shut.
None of it suited him. My head felt dizzy.
Even drenched in sweat, his beauty was breathtaking.
I lifted my sleeve and gently wiped the perspiration from his face.
His cheek brushed my fingertips.
It was burning hot.
“…Is this because of me? Because I asked for the Teiera contract?”
I didn’t mean to speak out loud, yet I did.
Of course, no answer came. Still, I kept whispering nonsense to someone who couldn’t hear.
“Was that why you rushed away that day? Because you already knew your condition was getting worse? Because you couldn’t collapse in front of me?”
His skin was scorching. Like he could burn himself up entirely.
And yet—there was nothing in the room. Not even a damp towel for cooling a fever.
I hurried to the door and called for the butler.
When he returned, I requested cold water and towels. He asked nothing, simply brought a bowl filled with ice water and cloth.
I soaked the towel and gently placed it on Rixion’s forehead.
Then I sat at the edge of the bed and watched him silently.
The Tower had already helped… which meant there was no magical cure.
What about holy water? Would that work? Divine power? Could Jade come here?
I began thinking of anything I could do.
And then—a thought struck me, and I jumped to my feet.
Why hadn’t I thought of it immediately?
No—maybe I’d simply forgotten, buried under everything that had happened lately.
‘The light that cured Rowin and Lynn’s plague.’
There was a power inside me I didn’t understand.
A power that should have belonged to the original heroine, Ji Eunha.
