The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 77

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Chapter 77

“[I can feel my body lying there now. Not perfectly, mind you, but enough to recognize that it’s mine. This has never happened before. If I concentrate, I can even feel pressure, like something’s pressing against me. Perhaps it’s the muscles atrophying from being bedridden for so long.]”

Could my ability truly be reaching him? Could it be helping him become aware of his physical form?

“[Even though it feels like something is pressing against me, it’s not unpleasant. Before I lost consciousness, it felt as though something was stuck, all the way to my fingertips, like indigestion. Now, I feel empty inside.]”

I focused intently on his words, my hand trembling at what he said next.

“[It’s as if someone has tidied up the overflowing power within me. This has never happened before.]”

It was similar to what Kin had said before. Could it be true? Could I possess an ability after all? His gaze studied my expression as he added earnestly, “Perhaps thanks to you, my dear, I might be able to return to my body soon.”

His bright, sparkling eyes suddenly turned serious. Anyone could tell he wasn’t joking.

‘Could I possibly save him?’

But how? I didn’t even know I was using an ability. If I could save him, I wanted to. Even though it was deeply entangled with the Grand Duchy and avoiding it would be the wisest course, if my ability could help someone… I wanted to use it. Besides, if he opened his eyes again, perhaps my guilt would lessen. He looked down at the floor in silence, then his eyes lit up again as he looked at me.

“[Ah! But, just in case you’re worried, don’t feel burdened. You don’t have to save me. Hahaha. Just being able to talk to you like this and spend time with you is wonderful! I’ve been alone for five years! Whew!]”

He was more cheerful than I expected. His positivity seemed to be affecting me. Looking at his joyful expression, I asked, “…What you’ve told me so far… it’s not a lie, is it?”

“[Goodness, why would I tell such a lie?]”

So it was true. I really did have an ability. Kin hadn’t lied. Amidst the guilt I felt towards Kin, this was a chance to atone, even just a little. I wasn’t sure whether to be happy that I’d confirmed I had an ability before I died. My legs felt weak. Probably from all the dance practice earlier.

He, who had been happily entertaining himself, approached me again.

“[By the way, my dear… I’m curious… may I ask the name of the medicine you’re taking…?]”

My legs, already weak, felt even weaker at his question. This called for some serious lying. I stammered, unsure what to say.

“It’s, it’s, uh, it’s…”

“Ailee.”

A familiar voice came from behind me. Kin, the spitting image of his father except for his eyes, rushed towards me.

“Why are you here like this? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“Oh, um. I got lost…”

“And what are you looking at over there? You’ve been staring at that spot for a while now.”

“[Don’t tell them you can see me!]”

At his father’s urgent words, I opened my mouth, then closed it again.

“Just… the building is unusual. I was admiring it.”

“I’ll show you around properly later this afternoon when we go inside. Let’s go back to your room. And aren’t you tired? From behind, it looked like your legs were giving out.”

How perceptive he was. I glanced nervously towards his father and replied that I was fine. But after a few shaky steps, Kin scooped me up into his arms.

‘Oh, his father is watching!’

His father, with his bright eyes, smiled warmly and waved. I discreetly mouthed, “I’ll be back later,” hoping he understood. I couldn’t be sure.

***

After Kin carried me back to my room, the maids washed me and I ate a leisurely lunch. I felt uneasy about leaving his father behind. What would I say if he asked about my medicine again? And how could I wake him up?

These weren’t problems I could solve by simply thinking about them. I leaned against the pillows, staring blankly at the wall. I wanted to practice dancing more, but Kin insisted I rest, so we sat side-by-side on the bed. The time to visit his father with Kin’s mother was still far off, so there was plenty of time for this.

Suddenly, Kin shifted and gently pressed my calf.

“Wh-what are you doing?”

Kin shrugged, continuing to massage my calf.

“If you don’t want to suffer from muscle soreness tomorrow, stay still.”

Normally, I would have argued that a little movement wouldn’t cause muscle soreness. But this time, I decided to keep my mouth shut. I had a feeling I would be sore tomorrow.