Chapter 117
“……What the hell do you know……”
“I saw you in Mother’s room, saying things like that and getting slapped for it. Back then, I just thought you were completely insane.”
My hands trembled with rage.
“Oh, and for the record, Lizzy, Mom, and Dad don’t know anything. I wasn’t sure myself, so I came to find you in secret. I always wondered why the Grand Duke was so damn protective of you… so, you’re loved for your usefulness? But it looks like your power isn’t omnipotent, is it? It doesn’t seem permanent, at least. Not if it made me desperate enough to hunt you down.”
Not permanent? Kin was already in good health when I met him five years later. And his father, the Duke, only ever improved each time I saw him; he never worsened.
“I was fine when you were at the house, but the moment you left, my health plummeted. Ah, so this is why the Grand Duke keeps you so close.”
“……You don’t know a thing. Shut your mouth.”
“Ailee. You were happy to leave the Count’s estate, weren’t you? What a shame. You’ll be coming right back home soon.”
“……What?”
“The moment I get back to the manor, I’ll tell them everything about your little ability. We’ll be seeing each other again.”
Lane vaulted over the terrace railing and vanished from the ballroom. I ground my teeth. Though it was spring, the night air was cold, sending shivers through me. I’d used too much of my power, and my head was spinning. I had to get home before my condition deteriorated.
Pretending to cross my arms to hide my wrist, I stepped back inside. I saw Kin waiting outside the washroom. As I emerged from the terrace, he strode toward me, his expression questioning.
My power isn’t permanent…
Lane’s words echoed in my ears. He got worse right after I left. Did that mean he was already unwell before then? If so, something about his story didn’t add up. It hadn’t even been a full month since I’d left the Count’s estate.
“Were you feeling stifled? You must be freezing. I left the food with an attendant… it’s probably better if I just get you something new—wait. You’re ice cold! And your face, why are you so pale… Ailee?”
The strength drained from my eyes. My body throbbed. The tension that had seized me upon meeting Lane so unexpectedly finally released its grip, leaving only a dull ache in its wake.
…I can’t get sick here.
Kin tried to steer me toward the ballroom’s infirmary, but I shook my head. If I collapsed like this, I might cough up blood. I had to get away from him. But in that moment, the thought barely registered. I just wanted to be somewhere safe.
“……I want to go home.”
Kin looked as if he had a thousand questions, but he bit them back. He must have decided it was best to simply get me home.
Apparently frustrated by my sluggish steps, Kin lifted me into his arms, right there in front of everyone. My head was spinning so violently I couldn’t even protest.
“I didn’t consider your stamina. I’m sorry.”
…Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault. The pain, the sudden release of tension—it all made me want to cry.
Just as we were exiting the ballroom, someone intercepted us. I looked closer and saw they were knights from the Grand Duke’s estate.
“We were just looking for you, Your Grace. Duke Dale has awakened. And…”
“……What did you just say? My father?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The knight glanced at me. Kin’s gaze followed. I shook my head, feigning ignorance, but my mind was reeling with questions. Duke Dale… awake now? B-but why?
“We have a message from Duchess Minerva. You are to return to the estate at once. A teleportation artifact is ready for your immediate use.”
Kin was silent for a moment, then nodded, his brow furrowed. His strained expression was filled with bewilderment.
The knight handed him a single artifact. It must have been the kind that teleported anyone in contact with the user. No. No. I can’t go back like this… I can’t.
I tried to speak, but no sound came out, as if even my vocal cords were drained of strength. My head was burning. Tears welled in my eyes, brought on by the ruined future and the searing pain consuming my body. Without hesitation, Kin activated the artifact, still holding me tight.
I blinked, and our surroundings changed. This wasn’t… this wasn’t the master bedroom or the entrance hall. We were in what looked like an infirmary, and medical personnel were rushing toward me. The Duchess approached, her eyes red-rimmed.
No, this can’t be happening. It can’t.
“Son. I’ll explain later. Just get her onto the bed, quickly.”
Kin, bewildered by the scene, could only say, “Mother?”
“How did you know Ailee was sick—no, wait. Father is awake? What on earth is…?”
A sharp pain lanced through my head. My stomach churned, threatening to erupt. Ha. If things were going to fall apart, they were going to fall apart this spectacularly.
“Ugh—”
“Ailee!”
“My dear!”
Coughing up blood once had been bad enough. The moment I was laid on the bed, another gush of hot blood surged up. The medical team immediately turned my head, taking measures to keep my airway clear. Strange machines closed in around me.
My eyelids fluttered. If I lose consciousness now… that, that really can’t happen.
The last thing I saw was Kin’s face, instantly streaked with tears, before I slipped into darkness.
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