Chapter 128
“Your Highness, do you plan to treat that person?”
“He’s a patient for now. But that doesn’t mean I won’t question him. There’s clearly a victim here. Speaking of which.”
I looked at Isaac and asked.
“What would you like to see done with that man?”
“Your Highness’s will is my will.”
“Even if I say I’ll let it slide?”
“Yes.”
It was an answer without hesitation. His response, showing no emotional fluctuation despite being injured because of me, was both bewildering and somehow familiar.
I swallowed a sigh before speaking.
“……I don’t plan to let it slide. If he shows no signs of remorse even after recovering, I’ll hold him accountable then.”
“And if he shows signs of remorse?”
“Then that should be taken into consideration. After all, this happened because of ergotism, nothing else.”
Though I said this, it seemed highly unlikely the man would show any signs of remorse.
Even when asked why he stabbed someone, he was quick to make excuses, saying he only meant to scare, not harm.
‘If he were truly a good person, he would have admitted his fault first and asked for forgiveness.’
Instead of avoiding blame and making excuses.
Now that things had settled somewhat, I felt strangely tired. Perhaps it was the aftermath of resolving the major issues that had been giving me headaches lately.
Returning to my chambers, I told Reno and Isaac they could leave.
While Reno left with a simple farewell, the issue was what Isaac said.
“Then I shall see you again this evening.”
Again this evening? Ah…….
The realization hit me as soon as I mulled it over. Today was the day I needed to share mana with Isaac.
“Wait, Lord!”
I frantically called out to Isaac.
“Wouldn’t it be better to rest today? You’re injured.”
Moreover, the wound was at his side. Since he couldn’t avoid putting strain on it, there was a high chance the treatment would become meaningless.
“This happened due to my carelessness, so it’s fine.”
“Still, at least for today…….”
But would resting just today make any difference? Wouldn’t he need to avoid strain for a while until it heals?
This thought made my voice trail off naturally. Seeing my hesitation, Isaac spoke.
“Even if the wound reopens, I’ll use my sword energy to prevent any blood from splattering on Your Highness.”
“That’s not the issue here.”
While that was indeed a concern, it wasn’t the main point.
“You really should rest today. It won’t kill us to postpone it for a few days……. And don’t guard me for a while either, focus on tending to your wound.”
“I apologize, but I cannot do that. Your Highness’s safety is more important than my wound.”
Isaac calmly replied. It was a rare moment of him opposing me. Knowing how bulldozer-like he becomes regarding my safety, I was contemplating how to persuade him.
“If you don’t trust me, you can call for Reno instead. He hasn’t gone far, he’ll return quickly if called.”
I bit my lip. I knew Isaac was thinking of me, but I couldn’t help feeling hurt by how emotionlessly he seemed to speak.
‘It’s not that I dislike Reno, but…….’
Still, the mere thought made me feel awkward and uncomfortable. Besides, calling Reno because Isaac was injured wouldn’t be courteous to him either.
Right, it’s not like Isaac has to be the one moving, right? Though it might be embarrassing, there was still a way.
After chewing my lip, I made my decision.
“I understand your intention. I’ll wait after dinner, so come when you’re ready.”
In my words, Isaac gave a formal bow and left the room.
* * *
“Phew…….”
Waiting for Isaac, I took a deep breath. Though this wasn’t my first time, my heart still fluttered every time. Especially today, I was more nervous because I planned to do something different.
‘Though it’s not the first time, or well, strictly speaking, is it the first time?’
Last time only ended in an attempt.
Perhaps because I was so nervous, even the thin fabric of my nightwear felt unusually sensitive. It felt like my heartbeat was rising all the way to my throat.
While waiting like that, I heard movement outside the door, followed by a knock.
After the familiar sound of knocking came Isaac’s voice asking for permission. Only after receiving my permission did he open the door and enter.
He must have had a spare uniform, as Isaac looked pristine unlike earlier. No blood stains or holes could be seen.
‘He could have worn something comfortable since he’ll take it off anyway.’
While I personally enjoy seeing him in uniform……. I can’t help but think it must be troublesome.
As he methodically removed his top, his perfect physique was revealed, impressive as always.
However, seeing the bandages wrapped around his waist area, I couldn’t simply admire. Rather, it reminded me of the earlier incident and made me feel concerned.
Isaac didn’t approach me directly but moved to extinguish the lamp on the side table.
It seemed to have become a habit since I was usually reluctant to show my body under light, but today was an exception.
“Don’t turn it off, just come here.”
For a moment, Isaac’s movement stopped.
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