Imprinted with the Obsessive Male Lead - Chapter 46

After returning to the castle, I found out why Chase and the knights hadn’t looked at me. And also why Anthony, who had come to greet me at the entrance, had his eyes waver for a moment when I tried to take off Chase’s jacket.

Since the maids of the Grand Duke’s castle commuted, there was no one left at this hour. Carrying a change of clothes and a towel, I went into the bathroom, and when I checked the mirror to take off my clothes, I let out a small scream.

“W-what is this…?”

My whole body felt like the hairs were standing on end, and my face flushed bright red. Because of the rain-soaked white dress, everything underneath was clearly visible.

So that’s why Chase, that man, had covered me, fastened the jacket, and only then allowed his subordinates to turn back around? I thought he did it just because I was cold, but that wasn’t the only reason. It felt like steam was rising from my head.

S-still, it was dark, so it probably wasn’t that visible. No, wait. Apart from that, I was glowing so brightly. Could they see? That must be why Chase covered me, right? But it was only for a moment, so it probably wasn’t seen much, right? When I checked, the knights had all turned around.
Ah… I grabbed my spinning head.

Fortunately, my chaotic mind calmed down after getting in and out of the warm bath.

Chase had covered me so I wouldn’t be seen as soon as I came out of the mana storm. Right. It’s fine. Still, it’s true that that man saw me, but it’s fine. It was only for a moment.

It’s not fine at all, but after rationalizing like that, I dried my hair.

By the time my long hair was halfway dry, my thoughts had completely settled, and only then did my knee begin to throb. Setting the towel down, I lifted the skirt of my dress, and there was a bruise on my shin. So absurd that I blinked and stared at my leg.

“How ridiculous.”

This body is more fragile than I imagined. When I returned after finishing the purification, I had stepped on my cloak by mistake while trying to get into the carriage and hit my leg against the door. The wind and rain had been strong, so I was so distracted, and it was dark. I didn’t even realize it hurt, but now there was a vivid bruise.

I had confidently told Chase that I was fine, but I really am weak. Ha. Still, what can I do. This is just how this body is.

I wish the purification ability could heal the body too. Come to think of it, wasn’t there a herbalist in the North? I think they were incredibly smart. I can’t remember the name… but I’m sure they were a remarkable genius who developed a cure for graphite disease with Vivian’s help.

As I searched my memory until my hair was dry enough, I took out some ointment from the bedside table to apply to my leg. Just then, someone knocked on the door. Holding the ointment as it was, I opened the door, and Chase was standing there.

Since he had given me his jacket earlier, he had been more soaked than me, but it seemed he had washed up, as he looked neat and clean. Even his hair was completely dry. Mine was still damp.

“I’m coming in.”

“R-right now?”

As I hesitated, Chase looked at me as if asking whether I had a problem with that.

I still had to apply medicine and was tired, but there was no helping it. Under the silent pressure, I opened the door wide and made way. I’ll apply it after he leaves.

“Come in.”

“Your body?”
Stepping inside, Chase closed the door and asked.

Just how many times is he going to ask?

“I’m fine. Is that what you came to check?”

“No.”

As usual, he sat on the sofa next to the bed and tilted his head slightly. I sat on the edge of the bed and faced him.

“Are you ready for bed?”

I still had to apply the ointment, but I nodded. If I said I was ready, he would leave, right?

“Yes.”

“Good, then.”

Chase gave a small nod, then turned off the lights and returned to sit on the sofa. Then he lit the small lamp on the bedside table.

A dim yellow light faintly illuminated the room.

A room perfectly prepared for sleep. Everything had happened so quickly that I looked at Chase in confusion. Then he gestured toward the bed with his chin.

“Sleep.”

“Right now…?”

“Why? You said you were ready for bed.”

“I did. I did, but… you’re telling me to sleep like this, right now?”

In that instant, Chase deeply furrowed his brow.

“Then what. Do I have to sing you a lullaby?”

That’s not what I meant. Why aren’t you leaving? Why do I have to say something so obvious? Staring at him in disbelief, I picked up the round tin case of ointment I had set on the bed. I’d rather not show that I’m hurt if possible, but…

“Chase.”

“What.”

“No taking back your words.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s something that naturally happens, even if it were other people, not just me. If you bump into doorsteps or furniture or things like that. Others do too.”

Chase, who had been quiet for a moment as if wondering what I meant, straightened his loosely leaning back and asked,

“You’re hurt?”

“Yes.”

I didn’t get hurt on purpose, but my voice shrank as if I were a guilty person.

“Where.”

Chase stood up and came closer to me. When I didn’t answer, he asked again.

“Where did you get hurt?”

“My leg.”

As I said that, I drew my leg back. It reminded me of how that man had once warned me never to show my leg again.

“So could you step out for a bit? I’m tired too, and I need to apply medicine and sleep…”

“Which side?”

“…What?”

“Which side.”

“The left.”

Why is he asking so persistently?
His gaze moved to my leg. Then it shifted to the ointment placed on the bed. Chase slightly raised and lowered one eyebrow, then picked up the ointment case.

“Lift your skirt.”