Chapter 52
But Heinrich had accepted Nita. That meant the quickest conclusion was that they had noticed Nita’s ability. The North, which had not received proper purification, was overflowing with mana, and they were in no position to be selective. He had realized it from the moment they requested a mage using the Emperor’s order. So they must have needed even such a filthy power. It seemed they thought what the girl possessed was an extraordinary purification ability.
Foolish Heinrich. Even when they missed the mark, they missed it completely. Purifying by absorbing mana into the body? What kind of ridiculous ability is that? That is neither an ability nor anything at all. Without a doubt, Nita would turn into a monster before long.
The Duke was certain. That child, having become a dreadful monster, would resent Heinrich for using her and would lay waste to the North.
A satisfied sneer formed on the Duke’s lips as he set down the burnt-out cigar.
***
“You must have been very uncomfortable all this time. You’ve worked hard.”
At last, the bandages were removed. While the attending physician checked my legs, skin, and the rest of my condition, I wiggled my fingers. My hands, free for the first time in a while, felt a little awkward even though they were mine.
“Your other areas have improved greatly as well. Your skin has completely recovered.”
“It’s thanks to you, doctor.”
“What are you saying? It’s thanks to you for following the treatment so well.”
The attending physicians, who had been three at first, gradually decreased as my health recovered, and for the past two weeks, only one had been taking care of me. The physician, with whom I had grown quite close in the meantime, added a joking piece of advice.
“Since Miss Mage is now no different from a treasure of the North, you must be careful, even more than before. Please refrain from rough activities like tumbling down the stairs.”
“I won’t do that anymore.”
I nodded with a big smile.
“Then I will see you at the next visit.”
After the physician gave a polite farewell and opened the door, Anthony happened to be standing there with his hand raised in midair, as if he had been about to knock.
“Ah. Were you in the middle of a consultation?”
“No. We just finished.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
After seeing the physician off, Anthony stepped inside. I spread both my hands wide toward him.
“Look at this, Sir Anthony.”
“Congratulations, Lady Nita. You’ve finally recovered.”
“Yes. I’m very healthy now.”
Anthony smiled gently, drawing a soft curve with his lips.
“Then shall we head to the dining hall? The Grand Duke is waiting.”
Waiting? I looked at the time. 8 o’clock.
Normally, at this time, Chase would be doing morning training with the knights. Behind the Grand Duke’s residence, there was a very large annex used for training, and Chase’s mornings began there. Not just him, but all the knights of the residence did the same.
Even though the weather had grown cold, they continued their hellish training every day. Especially in winter, since muscles shrink and injuries can happen more easily, it was apparently even more essential. I seemed to remember hearing that.
Did training end early? Even so, we had never eaten breakfast together before.
“Are we eating together with Chase this morning?”
“Yes. A special meal has been prepared.”
“A special meal?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
Anthony didn’t add anything more and simply smiled. When I went to the dining hall with him, Chase was already there. A maid had just set down the last dish.
“You’re right on time. Sit.”
Chase lightly tilted his head, signaling for me to sit. Anthony pulled out the chair across from him. As I sat down, I glanced lightly over the table.
There wasn’t anything that could particularly be called a special meal, but the menu felt heavy for breakfast. The cross-section of the meat, cut in half and plated, was red. It’s Steak.
I looked at Chase.
“Why.”
“You’re telling me to eat this in the morning?”
“Eat.”
“But this is too heavy…”
“Nita.”
Chase cut me off and narrowed his brows.
“If I tell you to eat, then eat.”
Who eats steak first thing in the morning!? And rare at that.
As I frowned in dissatisfaction, Chase added another blunt remark.
“It’s supplied to the Imperial family. Top-grade meat raised on only the best feed. I personally purchased it for you, so eat it. You said you’d get healthier.”
Chase pointed at the plate with his chin, then looked over the documents in his hand. After he said that much, I had nothing to argue with. It was true that I had confidently said I would get healthier.
I picked up the fork and knife.
“Then I’ll go make preparations first.”
I had just put a small, slowly cut piece of meat into my mouth when Anthony left the dining hall. Chewing the meat, I asked,
“Where are you going?”
“To the capital. More importantly, why do you eat so slowly?”
“This is my normal pace.”
“This is normal for you?”
“Yes. You just didn’t know because you never ate with me. But you’ll have to get used to it. I always eat at this pace.”
I began cutting the meat slowly again.
“So why are you going to the capital?”
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