Chapter 42
Chapter 42
“Then why is her shoulder still in that condition?”
The unexpected turn in the conversation made Greta falter. Though her serious nature masked it, she was inwardly flustered.
“Were you unaware of the injury on her shoulder?”
She quickly composed herself and replied, “No, I heard about it from Sir Lemon.”
“And?”
“Since I received no further instructions, I only provided her with medicine and didn’t call a physician.”
His aura grew sharper. The sensation of hundreds of icy needles pricking her skin made Greta tense.
“I was uncertain if it was appropriate to have her seen by the Ducal physician, as he is a man.” That was why she’d offered an excuse, unlike her usual self. “My oversight. I will take responsibility and examine the wound now.”
But the Duke remained silent, seemingly displeased with her answer. After a moment, he asked, “What medicine was it?”
Greta quickly retrieved the medicine she had prepared for Hilde from her pocket and handed it to him. Benedict rolled the vial in his palm and murmured, “…She hasn’t used it, has he?”
Then, he unfastened the unconscious woman’s clothes. Greta was surprised by the practiced ease of his movements. He looked as if he had done this many times before.
Soon, her bandaged shoulder was exposed. The Duke frowned as he unwrapped the cloth. Just how bad was it? Greta involuntarily lifted her head to examine Hilde’s shoulder and gasped in shock.
Good heavens, such a deep wound, and she hasn’t said a word…
But what happened next was even more shocking. The Duke began to tend to his slave himself. He cleaned and disinfected the wound, applied medicine, and re-bandaged it with fresh cloth, all with a practiced fluidity.
Meanwhile, Greta regained her composure and accepted the situation as it was. This child is special. Whether her master realized it or not, she was certain. Hilde was special. Whether it was because of her divine power, the Duke’s whim, or some other reason. This must be why these unprecedented exceptions kept occurring.
After meticulously tying the bandage, the Duke redressed the woman and spoke. “Do not give her any unnecessary tasks.”
“I understand,” Greta replied, bowing her head. Even without the explicit order, no one would dare assign Hilde any work now. By now, the story of the Duke carrying the slave in his arms would be spreading like wildfire among the servants.
It was then that a question suddenly occurred to Greta. “Your Grace, is she unable to use her divine power on herself?”
The Duke’s gaze shifted to her. Something in his chilling stare made Greta instinctively understand: she must never speak carelessly about anything related to Hilde.
His order came. “Find a physician. A woman.” That was as good as an answer.
“Inform me in my study when she awakens.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Benedict turned and left the bedroom without a backward glance. But Greta saw it clearly. The Duke’s gaze had lingered, ever so briefly, on the back of Hilde’s hand.
***
Hilde finally regained consciousness late that evening. “Did… did you truly… spare my life?” she asked the moment she opened her eyes. To be concerned about a servant’s well-being upon waking… Greta sighed.
But another fainting spell would be troublesome, so she willingly answered. “Yes. His Grace has commuted your sentence to labor.”
Hilde’s face instantly brightened. Despite her evident exhaustion and pain, her smile resembled a shyly blooming lily of the valley. Greta realized anew that the woman before her was quite beautiful. Silver hair like spun moonlight, snow-white skin, delicate features. Her large, peach-blossom eyes, in particular, were clear and mystical, like those of an untouched fairy.
“That’s… such a relief… Thank you, Head Maid.” Hilde expressed her gratitude, but Greta shook her head.
“Your thanks should be directed to His Grace, not me. He even carried you to his bedroom when you fainted.”
“Master… did…?” Hilde repeated, clutching the blanket tightly in her hands. She seemed more bewildered than joyful, and even a little frightened.
Perhaps the shock of seeing the servant’s wrist being severed still lingers. Greta recalled Hilde’s terrified silence.
It’s understandable, but excessive fear will only be detrimental. So, Greta spoke carefully. “His Grace also tended to your shoulder while you were unconscious.”
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