IMNTI CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

Anyone could see that it was blood. Luisa quickly wiped the corners of her mouth and gave a sheepish smile at Raphael, who was too dumbfounded to speak.

…She’s smiling?

She’s actually smiling right now?

Raphael’s brow furrowed deeply.

“You must be shocked, but this isn’t what it looks like. It’s embarrassing, but I drank a bit too much wine earlier and ended up feeling really nauseous.”

“…Did you say wine?”

“Yes. I haven’t drunk in a while, so I think my stomach couldn’t handle it. Haha, this is awkward. I’ve done something awful on someone else’s wall…”

The longer Luisa rambled, the tighter Raphael’s lips pressed together.

He might have been someone who served a holy deity, but he was also a knight—one who had fought in countless battles and seen more blood than he could remember.

And yet, right in front of him, she was clearly trying to pass off what was obviously blood as red wine. Her lie made no sense to him.

Why is she hiding it?
Is she caught up in something she can’t talk about? Or… is she sick?

His thoughts spiraled endlessly.

“I really am fine…”

“…”

Silence stretched between them. Luisa had also fallen quiet, now busy trying to gauge Raphael’s expression.

His eyes narrowed at her behavior. The way she was watching him so cautiously stirred a strange, indistinct feeling inside him.

Could it be… she’s hiding her illness because she thinks I’ll break off the engagement if I find out?

It was a sudden thought—but one that didn’t feel too far-fetched. If that was truly the case, then no matter how much he pressed, she wouldn’t admit it.

Sigh. Going that far…

He exhaled. What was he to her that she would go to such lengths?

Raphael quietly took in her face once more.

Her face was flushed from vomiting, and her violet eyes were filled with undeniable fatigue.

When exactly did it start? This feeling—of not minding her gaze.

He couldn’t remember locking eyes with her during the engagement ceremony, but he wasn’t sure.

What he did remember clearly was how, before, even glancing at her would make his skin crawl. Her eyes, brimming with obsession and desire, had always made him uncomfortable.

Yet now, without even realizing, he found himself looking directly at her and speaking without hesitation. That in itself was shocking.

Was it since the engagement ceremony?

Strangely, she now looked at him with a kind of detached clarity. At times, her clear eyes even seemed to carry a hint of annoyance, as if mildly bothered.

…But what does that matter. In the end, she still wants my affection.

The very fact that she was trying to hide her illness to keep him from finding out only proved that much.

Enough. Even if she’s changed, nothing will come of it.
Instead of standing here trying to talk her into seeing a doctor, I should just send her back to the estate so she can receive treatment there.

I don’t know why I’m putting so much thought into this. She’s the woman I’ve wished would disappear from in front of me. Whether she’s sick or not, I could just ignore her and leave.

Raphael stared at Luisa for a few more seconds before turning his head away.

“…I won’t ask anymore. Just go back for now.”

“Oh! Thank you.”

“Did you come alone?”

“No, my brother came with me. I’ll go back with him, so Your Highness can continue with your errands!”

Luisa started sidestepping like a crab. Raphael turned his back first. A faint sigh of relief came from behind him.

Yet, strangely, he couldn’t bring himself to walk away. A heavy, unfamiliar sensation pressed down on his chest. Raphael closed his eyes tightly.

This really isn’t like me. Is it… pity?

Maybe it was the hidden side of him that couldn’t be cold when others showed weakness.

Eventually, Raphael opened his eyes and turned his head slightly, letting out a soft sigh of resignation.

“It’ll be difficult to schedule a proper meal this week. I’d like to share a cup of tea with you instead.”

“Oh, sure! That’s fine.”

“I’ll visit your estate tomorrow.”

“…Pardon? Tomorrow?”

Her previously bright voice faltered in surprise. Ignoring it, Raphael resumed walking.

A cool breeze blew through the space he had just left behind.

The next morning, Luisa started her day with a face full of exhaustion.

It feels like I slept, but not really.

She hadn’t fainted, fortunately, after vomiting blood the day before—but of all people, Raphael had to witness it.

I said it was wine, but who would believe that…? I wouldn’t, if I were him.

Tired of replaying the same worry since yesterday, Luisa blinked her bleary eyes slowly.

She thought he’d overlook it since he was usually indifferent, but the uptight Raphael didn’t seem inclined to let it go.

I guess I need to take holy water more often. I was trying to save it, and look what happened.

She had taken an emergency vial of holy water right after parting with Raphael. When she returned to Damien, thankfully, the blood traces had disappeared.

Raphael was a problem, yes—but the bigger issue was Damien. Even though she’d hidden herself while vomiting, Damien had clearly picked up on what was going on.

He had looked so anxious.

Damien, unable to follow her as she asked, had hovered nervously nearby, and as soon as she returned, he insisted they head home, saying a doctor was already waiting at the estate.

Should I maybe tell Damien the truth? That I have a bit of purification ability and this is the side effect? I might need at least one person to help. And he does seem like he’d listen…

Luisa smiled bitterly, remembering all the ridiculous excuses she’d made the day before, like saying she’d just suffered internal damage from wearing a corset too tightly and needed more holy water.

“Miss… if this vomiting continues, you risk severe blood loss… I—I’m so sorry. I’ve failed to identify the cause. I’m completely useless…”

That explanation, unsurprisingly, hadn’t worked. If anything, it had deepened the misunderstanding.

The doctor’s face, filled with guilt and sorrow, looked like he was staring at a patient with a terminal illness.

This is so confusing.

Luisa sat at the table, staring blankly out the window like a sick chicken.

Knock knock. Someone rapped at the door, but she didn’t turn her head. She already knew who it was.

“Luisa, how are you feeling?”

Sure enough, it was Damien. He’d been checking on her whenever he had time since yesterday.

…He’s already annoying.

Luisa just gave a half-hearted nod with a blank expression.

“You don’t look well. Do you want anything to eat? You need to eat something nutritious during times like this.”

She wasn’t sure what he meant by “times like this,” but she understood well enough. She lifted the corners of her mouth in a weak smile.

When’s Raphael coming…? Will he ask a bunch of questions again? Whatever. I’ll just say it’s internal injuries from a corset again. Believe it or not, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Scheming inside on how best to lie.

Anyway, when is Lady Rosé coming? I wish she’d arrive first and lighten the mood or something.

Knock knock. Another knock sounded.

“Miss, His Highness the First Prince has arrived.”

Of course. The least helpful person shows up first.

“Did you have an appointment with the prince today? If you’re not feeling up to it, I’ll tell him you’re resting.”

“…He probably won’t leave.”

He had come clearly out of curiosity over what happened yesterday. No way would he go quietly.

“It’s fine. He said it would just be a cup of tea. He’ll probably leave soon.”

Luisa answered indifferently as she got up.

Dragging her heavy body, she didn’t see the surprise flash in Damien’s wide eyes.

Not willing to leave…? Don’t tell me… could the prince also have feelings for her…?

Completely unaware of the misunderstanding she’d just sparked in her overly attached older brother.

The drawing room door opened, and Raphael entered, clad in a noble paladin’s uniform. His eyes, expressionless, met Luisa’s.

“Good afternoon.”

“I greet His Highness the First Prince.”

As Raphael stood and gave a slight nod, Luisa curtsied, lightly holding her skirt.

Tea and refreshments were quickly served. The attendants exited, and silence settled over the room.

Luisa brought the teacup to her lips slowly, sneaking glances at Raphael.

Hmm… Still too handsome. It’s almost intimidating.

Sitting on the sofa with sunlight streaming in from the window behind him, he looked almost divine.

It was like a beautiful god had taken human form—breathtaking and holy. But at the same time, he radiated a terrifying presence that tolerated not even a sliver of falsehood.

“Are you feeling better?”

Luisa calmly set down her teacup.

“…Yes. It was just a bit of nausea. I’m sorry for showing such an embarrassing side yesterday.”

“Nausea, you say.”

“Yes. I got plenty of rest, and now I’m f—”

“Lady Blake.”

He cut her off with a dry tone.

“I debated whether to pretend not to know. But in the end, I have to ask.”

“…”

“What exactly is wrong with your health?”

“…I’m really fine.”

“No one vomits blood and calls it ‘fine.’”