Chapter 97
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
On a different note, Dahlia felt a bitterness in her mouth at the news that the woman was unharmed.
“…Really?”
She was secretly disappointed. It would have been perfect if the problem had resolved itself.
“An assassin? I’m so scared I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep properly from now on.”
“From today, a guard will be stationed outside your door. We can’t let anything happen to you.”
“My brother wouldn’t allow that. Well, I suppose the assassin was skilled. So, what’s for breakfast this morning?”
“There’s warm soup, an open-faced shrimp sandwich, and your favorite caramel pudding.”
“Sounds good.”
Dahlia looked down at Serina, who was washing her feet. The firm pressure of Serina’s hands relieved her fatigue.
“You have quite skillful hands.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. I’ll do it more often for you.”
Though she knew it was flattery, it still felt nice. Dahlia nodded and then noticed her nightgown.
“Hmm?”
Strange. Did she go to bed wearing this?
“Serina, is this the nightgown I wore last night?”
It looked similar but seemed a bit different.
“Of course! This is the one. It couldn’t be another. I wouldn’t change your clothes while you were asleep! Miss, how about this dress for today? I think it would suit you well.”
Serina quickly moved the basin aside and brought a new dress.
Dahlia scrutinized the fabric and design carefully.
“Good. Your taste is improving. Serina, I like you more and more.”
Serina smiled, though Dahlia didn’t seem to notice the fear in her expression.
* * *
After taking the medicine from the doctor, the pain gradually subsided.
The doctor had re-bandaged her hand neatly, making it more comfortable to move.
“Ah! I wonder how Miss Dahlia is doing.”
“I heard everything is fine at the annex. She’s probably having breakfast.”
“…It feels like a different world over there, despite all this chaos.”
Emilia gave a bitter smile. Perhaps she was the only one here fiercely contemplating her survival.
“Dell, it’s not too late for you to go somewhere else.”
“Madam, I’m not going anywhere.”
“You might end up in danger too.”
“Don’t worry. If that moment comes, I’ll grab your hand and run.”
“Grab my hand?”
“I have nowhere else to go, and I like being by your side. So please, don’t send me away.”
“…Don’t worry. I don’t have the power to send anyone away, even if I wanted to.”
Though she bore the title of Duchess, she had no real power. She merely existed in this place.
She might be of less significance than even a guest.
* * *
Upon arriving at the annex, Emilia sensed the change in atmosphere. The knights were on higher alert than usual.
“Were there always this many guards?”
“It seems they’ve increased the number of knights because of last night’s incident.”
“He must care deeply for his sister.”
Emilia stifled a bitter laugh.
The selfish Duke seemed to become selfless only when it concerned Dahlia.
Emilia headed to the annex dining room.
Dahlia, who was eating breakfast, blinked slowly as Emilia entered.
“Sister-in-law, what brought you here so early? Did you come because you missed me?”
“I’m here because an assassin broke into the main house, and I was worried. Is everything okay at the annex?”
“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine. Your hand, however, doesn’t seem to be. Did you face the assassin?”
“Fortunately, they didn’t get a chance to threaten my life.”
“That’s a relief. The thought is terrifying. But sister-in-law knows how to handle a sword, so I’m sure you faced it bravely.”
Dahlia wiped her mouth with a napkin, then drank some fruit juice. Suddenly, as if realizing something, she looked intently at Emilia.
“Oh! You haven’t had anything to eat, have you? Come and sit. This morning’s breakfast was delicious. The chef did an excellent job.”
“Miss, did you see anything last night? That’s why I came to ask. I know you often look outside before falling asleep.”
Dahlia’s expression twisted subtly.
“It seems sister-in-law is very interested in me. Are you spying on me?”
The sweet smile vanished, replaced by a deadly glare.
Her red eyes flashed menacingly.
“Why would I spy on you?”
“Then how do you know I look outside before sleeping every night?”
“I’ve occasionally seen you sitting in the garden at night, looking lost in thought. Quite often, actually. I also have trouble sleeping and sometimes look outside before bed.”
The eyes that had seemed ready to ignite with anger calmed down.
“It is nice to look outside when you can’t sleep. But I didn’t see anything unusual last night. I did see someone entering the Duke’s estate…”
Dahlia trailed off.
Emilia quietly observed Dahlia’s expression from across the table.
‘Did she see the maid?’
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