Chapter 76
Unattainable hope
Before the wounds on her back had even properly healed, Lea collapsed again from the aftereffects of excessively guiding Calix.
Seeing Rose’s expression turn cold upon discovering several of her fingernails had broken in the process, Lea grew tense, though for a different reason than with Calix.
But Rose said nothing and nursed her with great care. Thanks to sufficient rest, Lea gradually recovered.
In the meantime, many people came to visit, wishing for her swift recovery. Lea found their concern both unfamiliar and heartening. It felt like proof that she had walked a different path from before the regression, and walked it well.
“Lady Haisley, I’ll apply the ointment and help you change into fresh clothes.”
“Alright.”
Lea continued to admire Rose’s skillful touch.
“I always knew it, but you really are quite adept at nursing, Rose.”
“Thank you.”
“…How’s your younger sister?”
Knowing her sister was still unwell, Lea asked cautiously.
“She’s much better than before. Thanks to you, Milady, we’ve nearly paid off the debt, too.”
“That’s a relief.”
Lea was troubled by the fact that even after five years, Rose still hadn’t repaid the debt in full. The wages she’d received during that time was no small sum.
If it still wasn’t enough to pay it off, then just how large had Rose’s family debt been? Or perhaps there was something else going on?
While pondering that, Lea resolved to ask Derek to look into it and finished changing her clothes.
As she tended to her, Rose murmured in a voice tinged with regret.
“If only this burn scar could disappear, too.”
The arrow wound and the recent injury on her back had, fortunately, not left any scars. But the burn she’d received right after returning had only slightly faded in size—it still remained clearly visible.
“If I cover it well with clothing, it won’t show. It doesn’t matter.”
“…Still.”
“This isn’t your fault, Rose. Maybe it’s something I wanted, in a way.”
“It was just an accident. Accidents can cause injuries.”
At Rose’s words, Lea recalled the past and replied quietly.
“But if that accident left someone else with a scar that will never fade… then maybe I was the one who should’ve been hurt.”
At her words, Rose couldn’t help but think of the Crown Prince. Having served Lea for so long, there was no way she didn’t know how Lea felt about him.
Even so, Lea’s unwillingness to let her feelings show—almost as if she’d rather die than be noticed—was something Rose could never quite understand.
Other noble young ladies would cling dEsperately to any opportunity to gain the upper hand, no matter how small.
Rose, being from a noble family herself, didn’t find that kind of survival instinct unfamiliar.
And yet, Lea, who lived in the rigid, isolating Imperial Palace with more humility than anyone, seemed both unique and radiant. Though at times, her humility came off as a lack of confidence.
“Pardon me, Lady Haisley.”
At the sound of a voice accompanying a knock, Rose’s hands moved more quickly. Lea, now dressed in neat but comfortable clothes, gave Zion permission to enter.
He stepped in with haste, but when he spotted Lea standing in the drawing room, he offered her a gentle smile.
“You seem to have recovered quite a bit.”
“Yes. I have no trouble moving now. Once again, I’m indebted to you, Sir Zion.”
“Please don’t say such things.”
He approached, knelt on one knee before her, and took her hand. Pressing a light kiss to the back of her hand, he then stood once more.
“Today, I came hoping I might be served tea by you, my lady.”
To deceive Bianca’s eyes, the two of them had always kept their meetings brief, exchanging only the necessary words and guiding quickly before parting. For Zion to now say he wanted to have tea caught Lea off guard, and her eyes widened.
Seeing her startled expression, Zion responded with a relieved smile. Just then, Rose, who had emerged late from the dressing room, spoke softly.
“Then I’ll prepare some refreshments.”
“…Mm. I think this is a first.”
“Pardon?”
“What do you mean, my lady?”
Rose and Zion both asked in turn, unable to immediately grasp Lea’s response. She hesitated, then said shyly, as if embarrassed.
“I think… this is the first time I’ve ever had tea with someone in my palace.”
At her words, both Zion and Rose’s expressions stiffened.
A heavy silence fell. Lea, realizing she’d said something unnecessary, felt awkward and regretful.
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