DLA Chapter 31

Chapter 31 

“……”

“But… I promise you. This time, I will do everything I can to protect Lily.”

Hearing Chade’s sincere answer made me feel relieved. I quietly nodded my head.

It was a bit unfortunate, but I had done all I could.

“But may I ask you one thing?”

“Yes?”

“Did you speak just now as Lily’s doctor… or—”

“…?”

“—as the person she calls ‘sister’?”

Chade’s golden eyes were fixed on me, as if my answer would change everything.

I hesitated. If I said it was purely for treatment, he would have no choice but to side with me.

But honestly, my reasons were more complex than that.

Even though our time together was short, I truly felt sorry for what Lily had been through.

And now, I wanted to see her happy again.

After a brief pause, I answered with what my heart truly felt.

“As her sister.”

Chade’s expression softened into a satisfied smile.

“Understood.”

Seeing the “villain” smile like that gave me a small sense of pride.

Did I change the course of the story just a little?

In the original plot, Chade turned dark because of Lily’s death.

But now that I had treated her and tried to improve her surroundings, maybe I had nudged his future in a slightly brighter direction.

That thought led me to wonder—could this villain actually be saved from death?

“Um… Lord Chade, would you like to receive counseling from me, too?”

He blinked in surprise.

“Counseling?”

“Yes. I may not be a professional therapist, but… it really helps to open up and talk to someone.”

Instead of answering, he gave a small sigh and closed his eyes. Then, opening them again, he replied.

“I appreciate the offer, but… my concerns are closely tied to the affairs of the ducal house. So I’m afraid I must decline.”

That made sense. Sharing personal concerns with an outsider could be dangerous.

Still, Chade was also a victim—not just Lily.

This poised young noble in front of me had his share of deep scars too.

Especially considering he later went on a rampage to avenge everything…

I shuddered slightly and spoke again.

“Of course, anything you say would remain completely confidential. It’s all part of the healing process, after all.”

“Oh, that’s not the problem. I trust you, especially after what you’ve done for Lily. But…”

He hesitated again before continuing.

“I just don’t think my problems can be solved through counseling.”

For the first time, I saw real emotion on his face. It revealed how overwhelmed he felt by the heavy responsibilities he had taken on.

There’s something more going on here than just Lily’s situation…

Still, it seemed he needed more time to open up. So I spoke gently.

“That’s okay. But if you ever change your mind, please tell me. I’ll be here for you.”

He blinked a few times in surprise.

“…Thank you. I will.”

Then, he smiled faintly and changed the subject.

“Now, may we move on to the next matter?”

I looked confused.

“Next matter? What do you mean…?”

“Your reward, of course. For treating Lily. It’s in the contract—didn’t you see it?”

He smiled lightly.

“To be honest, I thought this meeting was about that. I was surprised when it turned out to be about Lily.”

“Oh, right… the reward. Uh…”

Truthfully, I hadn’t even thought about it.

At first, my mind was occupied with saving my father. Then, as I got closer to Lily, I was busy worrying about her.

But now that the reward was brought up… I couldn’t exactly say no.

Swallowing my embarrassment, I asked:

“Um, what exactly did the contract say again?”

As soon as I said that, he let out a quiet chuckle, then cleared his throat when he saw my expression.

“You were so insistent on getting it signed, yet you didn’t check the most important part? It says that I’ll grant you anything you wish in return for treating Lily.”

“Anything?”

“Yes, although nothing that would seriously affect the ducal finances.”

I was briefly tempted, but the feeling quickly faded.

The truth was, there wasn’t really anything I wanted.

What I truly wished for was peace in this world—or to return to my original one.

But those were things even a duke couldn’t grant.

I don’t need money either. If I sell my medicine, I’ll be rich anyway. And if I go back to my world, this money would be useless…

Besides, I had already asked Chade to take care of Lily—and he agreed.

As I thought deeply, I suddenly remembered something important.

The doctors still trapped in the duke’s estate.

“Ah!”

My sudden outburst startled Chade, who spilled a bit of his tea.

“What is it?”

I hesitated before speaking.

“Well, um… are the doctors still… stuck here?”

“The doctors?”

His expression darkened slightly. He put down his teacup and leaned back in his chair.

I swallowed hard.

“Are you asking me to let them go as your reward for treating Lily?”

“…Yes. Is that… too much?”

Silence fell.

Was it too much to ask?

It wasn’t just pity. I also worried that this matter might come back to bite Chade later.

It’s better to remove seeds of trouble early on…

I nodded subtly and glanced at him.

His cold expression didn’t look too promising.

I was just about to change the subject when—

Suddenly, he let out a soft laugh.

What’s going on?

I nervously fidgeted as he spoke again with a gentle smile.

“But… that wish isn’t really for you, is it? Do you have any other wishes?”

Thankfully, he didn’t seem offended.

“No, not really… I just felt weird about leaving with my father while the others were still stuck.”

“Weird, huh… Hmm.”

He didn’t seem like a 17-year-old at all—so clever and slippery.

His serious look made me wonder if I had crossed another line.

Is this what nobility’s natural aura feels like?

He seemed to be thinking deeply, then finally said:

“Very well. I’ll handle it in a way that won’t bother you anymore. And as for your reward…”

Wait—handle it?

Was he going to take care of the doctors in a… different way?

Suddenly, I felt a chill down my spine and nervously looked around.

“You said you still need time to treat Lily, right? So take your time deciding on your reward.”

“What?”

Wait—what did that mean?

“So… you’re rejecting my wish to free the doctors?”

But again, Chade just smiled without giving a clear answer.

“Then, I’ll count on you to continue treating Lily well.”

And with that, I was politely sent out of his office.