♔  6 – Healing the Wounds ♔

Fortunately, Beatrice was caught by a soldier in the courtyard and survived. However, the soldier’s armour clasp cut her face, leaving a large scar that would never disappear. Subsequently, both she and the king were confined to a remote castle under guard, with few visitors likely to see them. Silvio, meanwhile, recovered enough to be up and working within a day. Since the usually sedentary king was weak and barely knew how to handle a knife, the wound was not deep. Silvio cursed his own carelessness for being stabbed, finding the incident more humiliating than harmful. Idyllia wished he would rest longer, but it wasn’t possible. Silvio used the considerable leverage he had over the Leveaux family to install the King of Mediolam’s brother as the new king of this country without shedding any more blood. For his efforts, he was appointed to stay and assist the new king. According to what he confided to her, the King of Mediolam had planned this from the start. While anticipating strong opposition, he intended to proceed step by step, but Silvio had managed to overturn the situation as if by magic. The King of Mediolam was greatly pleased and had prepared many rewards for him. Despite this, Silvio was given the responsibility of preparing for the arrival of the new king, leaving him quite busy. To reduce his burden, Idyllia stayed at the palace to help as much as she could.

“Silvio! You’re out of bed again. What if your wound opens?” 

Entering the room, she found him in his loungewear, sitting lightly at the desk, reviewing documents.

“Give me a break. This isn’t the kind of wound that would keep me bedridden. If I’m coddled too much, I’ll become the laughingstock of my subordinates.”

“But the doctor said you need to stay in bed—”

“Doctors always exaggerate to avoid any risk. …Anyway, do you need something?”

Resigned, Idyllia sighed but handed over the documents she was carrying, encouraged by his moon-white eyes.

“These are the lists of nobles attending the coronation. This one is for the ceremony, and this one is for the banquet.”

“Thank you. Could you mark the nobles the new king should greet at the banquet?”

“In that case… I’ll make a new list.”

“Is that necessary?”

“These lists are organised by rank and title.”

“So, being higher on the list doesn’t necessarily mean they are the most important?”

“Yes. If His Majesty is going to speak with them, their actual influence is as important as their rank.”

“Understood. Please create a revised list of those who will be crucial in the governance moving forward.”

“Yes…”

After their formal exchange, as Idyllia was about to leave, she stopped and turned back.

“…Um…”

She called out but fell silent under Silvio’s calm, steady gaze. Since the incident with her sister, Idyllia had been given a room within the palace. With Silvio busy with his duties, their private moments had become rare, and when they were alone, there was an awkwardness between them. The spontaneous passion that once ignited whenever their eyes met seemed to have vanished. Their time as lovers appeared to have ended. Just yesterday, he had even offered to arrange her return to the convent if she wished, suggesting he had connections with the Mediolam order. It was a kind offer, something she had planned to ask for eventually.

“────…”

Not knowing what to say, she stared at him until Silvio broke the gaze.

“Is there something else?”

“…No,” Idyllia said, filling the silence. “For the list, I received help from Count Lemege, the court master of ceremonies. He has detailed knowledge of all the nobles in the country…”

“I see. I’ll thank him next time we meet.”

Bowing quietly, Idyllia left his room. She went to the office where she worked and, with the help of the master of ceremonies, created a new list. The task took about three hours. Returning to Silvio’s room with the finished document, she heard multiple voices from the adjoining room. It seemed he had visitors. The door between the anteroom and the living room was not fully closed, allowing her to overhear some of the conversation.

“It’s time you considered settling down.”

“Supporting the new king will be a heavy responsibility. Having a woman by your side would help—”

The conversation made her gasp. Someone was proposing a marriage alliance to Silvio. Despite knowing it was wrong to eavesdrop, she couldn’t move. What would Silvio say? She held her breath and listened to his calm reply.

“I have no intention of marrying anyone.”

“…”

Idyllia’s hazel eyes blinked.

(He’s not going to marry anyone—?)

A mix of confusion and joy surged within her. He wouldn’t belong to anyone. She struggled to suppress the selfish joy that rushed through her. It was wrong to think that way.

(How selfish, just because he won’t be mine…)

Realising her own desires, she felt ashamed. Unable to face him calmly, she left the room with the document, feeling as if she were fleeing.

♔♔♔