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As I reached the entrance, a woman in a pantsuit I had seen before appeared and greeted me. I didn’t know her name but judging by her being the first to come out and greet me, she must hold some prominent position.

She didn’t look like a maid.

“I’ve come to visit Myaro. Is she resting quietly in her room?” (Yuri)

“Yes, she is resting.” (??)

“Sorry to trouble you, but could you show me the way?” (Yuri)

“Please, follow me.” (??)

The front door was opened, and I was invited inside.

Since this was the house where I had killed the head of the family the other day, I was a bit on guard as I entered, but nothing happened. In the first place, if they hadn’t secured the house, Myaro wouldn’t be resting here.

We walked through the spacious house. The assets of the Seven Great Witch households had been confiscated, and other houses had been tidied up, but the Gudanvier house was unscathed. Naturally, since there had been no punishment, nothing had changed since my last visit.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, what exactly is your position here?” (Yuri)

I asked while walking.

“I am the steward of the house.” (??)

“What kind of work does that entail?” (Yuri)

‘Even if you just say “steward,” I don’t quite get it.’

“You might understand it better if I say I am similar to a prime minister within the Gudanvier household.” (??)

‘A prime minister, huh. That’s quite a grand title. But I got the gist.’

“I see. Have you always held that position?” (Yuri)

“No, I was promoted after Myaro-sama became the head of the household. The previous steward committed suicide following Ruida-sama’s death.” (??)

‘Committed suicide? That’s quite something.’

“What’s your previous position?” (Yuri)

“When I first met you, Yuri-sama, I was the butler in charge of managing alcoholic beverages. However, my actual duty was to keep an eye on Myaro-sama.” (??)

“Keep an eye on her…?” (Yuri)

‘Another complicated family situation. Well, Myaro wouldn’t keep someone she couldn’t trust close to her, so there must be some intricate circumstances involved.’

“We have arrived.” (??)

*Knock, knock*

The steward knocked on the door.

“I’ve brought Yuri-sama.” (??)

“Eh–!” (Myaro)

A small voice came from behind the door.

“Yuri-sama, I’m sorry, but could you please wait here for a moment? Please don’t look inside the room.” (??)

“Hm? Well, I don’t mind, but…” (Yuri)

‘This is quite an unusual procedure… The stewardess opened the door and went inside.

“Yuri-… is-… he–… there?” (Myaro)

“–” (??)

“It’s-… fine…” (Myaro)

“–, —. —” (??)

“I see–…” (Myaro)

I could hear something from inside, but it was indistinguishable. After a while, the door opened from the inside.

“Please come in.” (??)

“Is it alright?” (Yuri)

“Yes, please come in.” (??)

‘What could this be about…?’

I entered the room. It was an extravagantly decorated, magnificent bedroom.

‘Could this have been Ruida’s bedroom?’

There was a canopy bed with curtains.

The walls were adorned with cream-colored wallpaper featuring gold geometric patterns, reflecting the fireplace’s flames. Thanks to the bright wallpaper, the room had a dim yet glowing brightness.

Since light sources at night are limited, dark-colored walls absorb light, making it difficult to brighten up a bedroom. Judging by the house’s interior, it seemed the heads of the Gudanvier family traditionally preferred calm, dark hues, but this cream color must be a compromise for practical reasons.

“Well then, take your time.” (??)

The door closed with a soft click behind me.

I sat down on a chair placed next to the bed. On the bed, there was a bundled-up figure that seemed to be Myaro, covered from head to toe with a blanket and curled up.

“Myaro? I came to visit you.” (Yuri)

“Cough, cough… I’m sorry, I’m not in a state to be seen…” (Myaro)

“Don’t worry about it.” (Yuri)

“Haah, haah… no, it’s no good…” (Myaro)

She seemed to be out of breath, possibly from the argument she had earlier with the steward.

‘It’s important that she doesn’t get short of breath.’

“It’s alright. The room is dark, so I can’t see much.” (Yuri)

“Really…?” (Myaro)

“Yeah, really. Show me your face.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Myaro hesitantly lowered the blanket that was covering her head. Her face, flushed as if from fever, looked weak and fragile. She was wearing a crumpled cotton nightgown, made from a fabric I hadn’t seen often.

“Cough, cough… haah…” (MYaro)

Myaro laid her head on the pillow, looking exhausted. When I placed my hand on her forehead, it felt unusually cold. I noticed an ice bag lying beside her pillow, likely used to cool her down. Since her forehead didn’t reveal her true temperature, I placed my hand on her sweaty neck and felt a warmth akin to hot water. She had a high fever. I placed the ice bag back on her forehead and sat back in the chair.

“I’m sorry… Yuri… I’m so useless…” (Myaro)

Myaro turned her head towards me, looking at me with half-open, weary eyes. As she turned, the ice bag fell off, so I placed it back on her head from my seat. I couldn’t let her brain overheat.

“There’s no need to apologize. I’m the one who should be sorry for overworking you.” (Yuri)

Yesterday, Myaro had traveled back and forth between the capital and my family’s home on Shirokure to meet Carol. That’s how she caught a cold.

“Please, don’t apologize.” (Myaro)

“You must have been exhausted. I’m sorry I didn’t notice…” (Yuri)

It had been over three months since the day poison was administered at the royal castle. During that time, Myaro had been working tirelessly without a break. After the conquest of the capital, Myaro’s schedule had been packed to the brim, an intense grind. Following such grueling work with dozens of consecutive workdays and no time for rest, she embarked on another trip riding the eagle. It’s no wonder she fell ill.

“No… um, did Irene say anything?” (Myaro)

‘Irene?’ (Yuri)

“The steward who guided me earlier?”

“Yes.” (Myaro)

“Not really, nothing in particular.” (Yuri)

It was just a normal conversation.

“I see… phew, that’s good… cough.” (Myaro)

“Is she a relative of yours?” (Yuri)

“No, a distant cousin, three years older… she was raised to become my attendant until I entered the School of Knights… she’s very capable.” (Myaro)

‘Well, she did seem competent.’

“She does have a tendency… cough, cough… to make odd assumptions, though…” (Myaro)

“I see. Got it.” (Yuri)

Her coughing was severe. It might be better not to talk too much.

“Hey, I brought a present for you.” (Yuri)

“Really… what is it?” (Myaro)

“Here.” (Yuri)

I took a small bag from my inner pocket and showed it to Myaro.

“Oh… Moro Mello condensed milk candy. I love this.” (Myaro)

‘So, she had tried it before.’

“Do you want one?” (Yuri)

I had brought it thinking it might help with her cough. It should have some effect.

“Yes, please.”

I took out a candy, unwrapped it, and brought it to Myaro’s mouth. Her lips parted to take the candy, briefly brushing my fingertips. She then leaned back, resting her head on the pillow.

“Mm… yum…”

Myaro sank her head into the pillow, eyes closed, and began to roll the candy around in her mouth.

‘It seems like her cognitive abilities have significantly declined. Normally, she would politely decline with something like “Oh no, I’ll have it later. Thank you very much.” It’s like watching a cute animal displaying a novel behavior, quite soothing.’

“Yuri-kun… even though this is expensive… thank you so much…” (Myaro)

“It’s because of me that you’re sick. Don’t worry about it.” (Yuri)

‘The Moro Mello condensed milk candy is made with sugar supplied by the Hou Company. The condensed milk is handmade, and the sugar itself is a luxury item. Plus, it’s infused with spices imported from the Middle East. Being the most expensive confectionery in the capital, Moro Mello costs as much as renting a one-bedroom apartment for a month.’

“Well, I’m wealthy. Might as well use it at times like this.” (Yuri)

“It’s delicious…” (Myaro)

Myaro licked the milk-flavored candy, seeming to calm down and zone out. As she continued licking the candy for a few minutes…

“Please… hold my hand.” (Myaro)

‘Hold her hand?’

Looking at the side of the blanket, Myaro was extending her hand.

‘Well, that’s fine.’

I moved the chair closer to the bed.

“Is this okay?” (Yuri)

As I held her hand, it felt extremely warm.

“Yes… ah, it’s calming…” (Myaro)

“You can just sleep like this.” (Yuri)

“I will…” (Myaro)

‘This isn’t like the usual Myaro… Could she be intoxicated? It’s common to drink alcohol and sleep when you have a cold. Quite plausible.’

“Yuri-kun… thank you…” (Myaro)

She said something.

‘I don’t deserve her gratitude.’

“I’d do this anytime.” (Yuri)

“No… that’s not it.” (Myaro)

‘Not it?’

“What happened yesterday… I needed a day to recover…” (Myaro)

“You must have been tired. My apologies.” (Yuri)

Even this current cold must be tough. If only I had given her a day off before the journey, maybe I could have prevented it. Or perhaps, I should have avoided the tight schedule and let her stay overnight there.

“That’s not it…” (Myaro)

‘What does she mean by that?’

“Thank you for letting me talk to Carol…” (Myaro)

‘…Huh? Is she thanking me for letting her go?’

“I’m really… even though Carol and I are friends… we stopped talking… she saw through everything… but we made up…” (Myaro)

‘What did they talk about? I’m curious. Anyway, it’s good they made up.’

“I’m really glad… if I hadn’t gone, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life…” (Myaro)

Myaro tightly grabbed the hand I was holding.

“I’m… an ugly woman… greedy, and not worthy of being a friend… but Carol…” (Myaro)

Her words started to fragment.

“Even this job… was supposed to be my lifelong dream… but now I’m only doing it to please you, Yuri… I’m such a foolish woman…” (Myaro)

“That’s not true…” (Yuri)

“Life… really doesn’t go as planned… Even when your wishes come true… happiness seems to drift further away…” (Myaro)

‘Is Myaro unhappy now? Is she miserable?’

“Obaa-sama…” (Myaro)

Myaro began to blink her eyes, which were slightly open, looking drowsy.

‘She must be drifting in and out of consciousness. She’ll be asleep soon. Making a noise might disturb her drowsiness.’

“Yuri-kun… I love you…” (Myaro)

She murmured as if in a dream, then closed her eyes completely. Her breathing became more regular.

‘It’s better to leave her alone until she falls into a deeper sleep.’

I sat in the chair, holding Myaro’s hand for a while longer.