Chapter 61

“The fact that His Highness is cleaning up the aftermath is something Her Majesty the Empress surely knows as well. So I’ve brought a clue with the intention of offering even a little help. Please, take it.”

 

Rishana let out a short laugh. She thought he was openly hostile, but his words flowed like water.

 

“…To think you brought such a clue to help Bastien. I’m grateful. Information from the ducal house is reliable.”

 

It was no different from handing her a warning. Perhaps it was a miracle she wasn’t dead already. The very thought was humiliating, but she was curious about how he’d obtained this clue.

 

“We have someone exceptional on our side. A person who slips in and out of shadows—good enough to impress even me.”

 

“…I see. I’ll deliver this to Bastien.”

 

Evan didn’t miss even the smallest reaction from Rishana. Someone might wonder why he would say something so important aloud, but it was to sharpen her senses. To make sure she understood she shouldn’t touch his fiancée. Evan felt Rishana’s guard shoot even higher.

 

Indeed, as she read the letter, her expression darkened; her lips curled as if mocking, but her eyes had hardened. Proof she was tense.

 

“I trust you’ll handle it well.”

 

As Evan bowed and turned to leave, Rishana’s voice caught his steps.

 

“Has your heart changed? Or is it because I heard the antidote has finally been completed—is that the reason?”

 

His sudden appearance could only be interpreted as a declaration that he would now engage in politics in earnest. That, and he even dared to threaten her.

 

But Evan’s words were simple when pieced together: he was clearly stating that she was not to lay a hand on his betrothed.

 

“…The reason for my actions is simple. Simple enough for Your Majesty to understand immediately. I’ll be on my way now.”

 

When Evan left, Rishana burst out laughing.

 

“Yes, it is simple! Love… They say love changes people.”

 

Evan walked down the palace corridor, leaving her laughter behind, and spotted Camille waiting for him.

 

“You waited for me?”

 

“There’s no harm in being cautious. So, my son. Did it go well?”

 

“No. It hasn’t ended. It’s only begun. I need to create a place where Lep can be safe from all danger.”

 

He had stayed hands-off for too long. Too many ignorant nobles were running around.

 

“First, I’ll deal with Uncle.”

 

“Heh. That won’t be difficult.”

 

A warning was a warning—but things still had to be done. If words were enough, they wouldn’t be here. The Empress-backed successor candidate, Hedeis Peralt, had to be eliminated.

 

And Evan had to solidify his place as the rightful heir of the ducal house. So no one would ever dare touch Lepina again.

 

But cruelly enough, the very next day, Lepina came to him with a request for annulment.

 

 

***

 

 

A letter arrived first thing in the morning.

 

The sender was Elena.

 

‘I’ll be going to the Weiss estate soon anyway… why send a letter?’

 

Thinking little of it, I opened the envelope. And the moment I read the first line, my eyes flew open.

 

“Miss. Sir Evan’s illness has finally been cured.”

 

It was the moment I’d longed and waited for. Sleep vanished instantly, and a shiver of joy ran through me. Before I knew it, I was bouncing on the bed.

 

“Goodness—! Miss! Please come down! You’ll get hurt!!”

 

Mary shouted in panic, but I didn’t hear a word.

 

‘As expected of the heroine! Her stats are on another level.’

 

Of course, I deserved some credit too—I nearly died to obtain the final ingredient! Even thinking about it made me shudder.

 

But the antidote itself had been her work. And she was the one who constantly monitored Evan’s condition. That’s why she could finally declare him cured. I let myself savor the joy. After years of effort, how could I not?

 

My favorite character was finally about to stand tall as the ducal heir. And soon, he and the heroine would get to enjoy their sweet romance!

 

“There’s no way I’m letting a day this great pass uneventfully…”

 

I lifted my chin and ordered Mary:

 

“Prepare the carriage. We’re going to the Weiss estate!”

 

I opened my drawer and took out the annulment letter. Evan recovering meant it was finally time to hand this over.

 

“M-Miss? That’s…!”

 

Mary sounded shocked, but I remained calm.

 

“It’s time I let him go.”

 

I headed straight to the Weiss estate, where my fiancé—my favorite—was staying. The whole house felt excited.

 

I ran through the familiar halls—soon I wouldn’t need to come here as often. Evan’s room was glowing with bright light. I threw the door open.

 

“Evan!”

 

“Lep?”

 

Warm sunlight streamed in through the window, cool breeze swaying the curtains, his silver hair scattering in the wind. Evan’s gentle violet eyes curved softly as he looked at me.

 

I rushed to pull a chair over next to his bed and sat. Naturally, I took his hands and placed mine on his forehead to check for fever.

 

“Mm. No fever.”

 

Feeling his cool forehead made me smile. Elena had written it, but I needed to see it myself.

 

He’d looked better lately, but now that Elena had confirmed his cure, he seemed even healthier. I’d waited for years—hopeful, then crushed, over and over again with each new antidote. It had been exhausting.

 

“I haven’t been sick recently. I’m full of energy, if anything.”

 

“Well, you never know. You might’ve been hurting when I wasn’t there.”

 

“Anyway, what brings you here this early?”

 

He glanced out at the morning sky. It wasn’t my usual visiting hour. I smiled brightly.

 

“Why else? I heard from Elena that you’re fully cured! You worked so hard… really…”

 

“Ah, that’s why. It’s all thanks to you.”

 

He laughed cheerfully and leaned against me. I patted his back, telling him he’d done well.

 

His smile as he credited me—so radiant it brought tears to my eyes. Thinking about what he suffered because of me only made the tears fall faster.

 

How much must he have endured? His organs had been rotting in my place. I’d always felt guilty and sorry. It was a miracle he’d only ingested a small dose of poison—otherwise he wouldn’t have survived.

 

Evan always said he was fine because I was there, but I could never take his pain away.

 

Then his slender fingers brushed away my tears. I blinked through the wetness and saw him smiling at me—his once sickly complexion now completely healthy. The long fight had led to this moment.

 

“Lep. Don’t cry.”

 

“But… because of me… you suffered for years.”

 

“I always told you. It was my choice.”

 

“Still…”

 

He let out a soft laugh and lay down. I checked if he was in pain, but he gave me a teasing smile.

 

“I was happy, you know. When you said you’d take responsibility for me.”

 

“…Ah—well, yes, I did say that.”

 

Of course I did. Until he recovered, anyway. I whispered to myself.

 

The long wait was finally over.

 

Evan spread his arms toward me. He wanted a hug. Even though he was fully recovered, he still craved warmth. I hugged him tightly.

 

“You worked hard. From now on, may your path be filled with nothing but flowers!”

 

“Why do you sound like you’re about to leave? You’ll be by my side too.”

 

“Huh? Well, I’ll be around.”

 

Though things were going to change. I swear I could smell paper, subtly. Evan’s eyes narrowed at my vague answer.

 

Just then, Elena walked in. She sighed when she saw me.

 

“You came because of my letter?”

 

“Of course! Evan’s really all better, right?”

 

“Miss Lep thinks very highly of me, as you know,” Evan said lightly.

 

“…Tch.”

 

Huh? Did I mishear? Elena clicked her tongue, looking annoyed.

 

But then she looked at me and smiled politely. Maybe I imagined it.

 

‘Of course! In <Grow Love>, the heroine was kind to every patient.’

 

Sorry for the misunderstanding, Elena.

 

‘But still…’

 

I looked between her and Evan. Elena had practically saved his life. And yet…

 

I tilted my head.

 

“Why is that?”

 

They both turned toward me.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“Is something bothering you?”

 

I forced a laugh and shook my head.

 

“No, nothing.”

 

The thought wouldn’t leave me. What did Elena and Evan really think of each other?

 

I’d worked so hard to pair them up, but nothing had changed. Sometimes, they even seemed like enemies.

 

‘No! Impossible! Evan will be happiest with Elena!’

 

He just hasn’t realized his feelings yet. Soon, he’ll find where he truly belongs. And when he goes, I’ll cheer him on from behind.