In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 68

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 68

“No.” Benedict’s refusal was absolute. The hand that had reached out to her, intending to do something quite out of character, retreated.

“B-But I’m curious to see how much they’ve healed.”

“Not nearly enough.”

“Then, perhaps if I used a little more divine power…!”

“It’s late.” He offered no further room for argument, pulling her close by the waist and carrying her away. Before stepping out of the tent, he carefully draped the hood of her cloak over her head, shielding her face from view.

He glanced down when he realized Hilde had fallen silent. Blindfolded and head bowed, she seemed utterly dejected. He’d indulged her every whim; what could she possibly be unhappy about? Benedict frowned, irritated, yet he couldn’t resist adding, “A few more treatments, and they’ll be presentable.”

Hilde peeked up at him. “Does that mean… next time…?” Her lips parted slightly, and then her face brightened. Even with her eyes covered, he could almost see the curve of her smile. Now, Benedict found himself wanting to remove the blindfold himself, before that smile faded. That was why he quickened his pace. Inside the carriage, finally alone, he could at last see the face he’d been wanting to.

“Have I been of any help at all?”

“Considerably.” He chose honesty over empty platitudes. Hilde’s delight was uncontainable.

“I feel so fulfilled, so proud.”

Benedict’s gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks, the joyful curve of her eyes, and the gentle movement of her lips as she spoke. He watched her until, exhausted, she finally drifted off to sleep in the rocking carriage.

Hilde returned to the medical tent several times. By her third visit, the conditions of the most seriously wounded had improved enough for her to remove the blindfold. From then on, Moritz, Benedict’s aide, was assigned to stay by her side. The lord, Benedict, had a mountain of responsibilities to attend to.

“Your Highness, the castle repairs are proceeding…”

“The troop redeployment is complete, and I’m here to report.”

Even during the brief periods Benedict spent in the medical tent, knights and officials constantly sought him out.

Hilde realized anew that he was the most important, the busiest person in this territory. ‘The domain wouldn’t function without its master…’

“Ensure there are no…unfortunate incidents.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After Benedict left, having given his instructions to Moritz, Hilde remained with the aide. She assumed Moritz was there to prevent her, a slave, from escaping. She believed the same was true of her master’s previous presence.

‘Even so… I feel empty.’ It was astonishing how much she felt his absence, after only two times in his company. She didn’t want to part from him, even though she was being watched regardless.

‘N-No, that’s absurd. Parting…’ Hilde shook her head, quickly dismissing the thought that had drifted into her mind. As if there’s something special between Master and me… I need to get a grip.

‘If you harbor foolish dreams, you’ll only meet a tragic end. Do you understand?’

‘As long as you don’t get greedy, you can stay here for a long time.’ Hilde steadied her heart, recalling Mrs. Greta’s advice. Don’t forget your place. You’re just a slave. You’re able to do this work you dreamed of only because Master, on a whim, showed you mercy. So be grateful for every moment you’re given. Don’t wish for more, don’t expect more…’ Pushing aside the turbulent thoughts, Hilde turned her attention to the injured.

Her hands glowed with divine power. A warm sense of fulfillment bloomed within her as she saw the improved wounds and the peaceful expressions of those sleeping under her care. She was overjoyed to be useful, to be able to help someone. And she felt increasingly grateful to him. He could have used her however he pleased, forced her to use her power solely for his benefit, driven her relentlessly. Yet he readily allowed her to use her divine power for the people of the territory. Moreover, whenever she felt even slightly dizzy or fatigued, he noticed with remarkable accuracy and made her stop.