Compromise between Siblings

Claude furrowed his brows.

"What? Did you lose your mind? This is about Father's well-being, the Duke of Nightingale. Do you seriously allow someone who you don't even know to touch his wounds? Who knows what kind of toxic herbs she will place in it!"

"Lady Leone experienced the same. She strongly believes in that maid's skill. We can confirm it ourselves."

"How?"

"We can ask her to treat some of the knights. If nobody dies then we can believe they do not mean to harm the Lord. Also, we can keep her confined for the time being until the Lord regains consciousness or until Dr. Dan confirms that there's no harm placed onto the Lord. Please keep in mind that she's the only one we can rely on for now."

"Very well. In addition, Leone will assist her maid during the treatment. If something goes wrong, Leone will bear responsibility for her maid. I hope this is clear, Leone?"

"Yes, brother. Thank you."

Leone left the room and met Mimi outside. She didn't realize she was trembling until Mimi took her hand and squeezed it.

She's feeling a myriad of emotions. Disappointment, sadness, anger. She can't tell anymore what's the reason for her pain and tears.

"I'm sorry, Mimi. I got you involved in this mess because of my selfishness."

"It is fine, miss. I'm more worried for you. What if something did go wrong? You will be severely punished."

"I am prepared. More than that, I believe in you."

They were assisted to the infirmary where several wounded knights lay on the beds. The smell of blood lingers in the air.

Leone only assisted Mimi who mostly did the treatment. She, herself, is amazed at the girl's ability despite saying that she believes in the latter.

It was actually her first time closely watching Mimi do intensive treatment to someone because she only gets light treatment for burns, scrapes, and minor outside injuries.

After finishing the treatment for the three knights with grave injuries, both girls were assisted back to the Lord's bedroom with approval and permission from Claude who personally witnessed the treatment process.

Like what transpired in the infirmary, Leone assisted Mimi with the treatment. She diligently handed everything Mimi asked for from clean water and towels, ground the herbs Mimi instructed, then helped with applying the bandage once the wound had been closed up.

Time passed by without them noticing as they focused on their task. Silence filled the room as the three men watched the treatment process goes.

"We are finished, young master. The wound was closed up and the bleeding was stopped. I also applied herbs that would prevent the wound from getting infected."

"Good. The family doctor will arrive by sunrise. Until then, you are to stay in Leone's room. Further instructions will be given upon confirmation of the Lord's recovery."

"Yes, young master."

"Brother, we would like to go to the infirmary first and finish the treatment with the other knights."

"Alright. You can go."

Leone nodded and crossed the room first with Mimi following behind her. It was only when they were outside the room that was she able to breathe deeply. Her bloodied hands were trembling.

"Thank you so much, Mimi. If not for you, I might lose father too."

"You were strong, my lady. Aside from me that have numerous experience and encounter with such grave injuries, it was your first time seeing one up close, no less from a family member. You were courageous and that's something to be proud of."

"You know, we will be confined after this too. Do you not mind?"

"Not at all. That just means I have time to laze around with you, my lady."

"You're so careless! Aren't you worried something might happen? Though I sincerely hope nothing bad comes."

"About the treatment? I'm confident the Lord will wake up soon. He seems strong and healthy. He probably collapsed due to too much blood loss and infection. It also happens that they have to travel under the heavy rain."

"I see. I'm glad to know if that's the case. Let's hurry on to the infirmary so we can have our rest."

"Yes, my lady."

The treatment for the remaining knights did not take a long time to finish, thanks to Leone and Mimi's efforts. Leone was able to apply simple first aid to those with minor injuries while Mimi handled those that need intensive care.

Leone also provided clean clothes and blankets and then gave word to the kitchen staff to provide warm soup for the wounded and to send one serving of dinner to her room.

Leone was waiting for Mimi outside of the infirmary. She shivered from the cold brought by the heavy downpour. It also happened that her dress was soaked from all the water she carried.

"Did I make you wait long, my lady?"

"It's fine. The knights needed more attention than I do right now. But if we're done here, let's head to my room already. I asked for your dinner to be sent there as well."

"Thank you, my lady."

"Do you think you can still give me a massage? I feel like I really need one."

"Of course. If it's for you miss."

"Why don't we bath together too? It would save time for both of us. You deserve plenty of rest after moving that much."

"Eh? I don't think I can, miss."

"It's not like we are strangers to each other. Besides, we will be seeing each other from the moment we wake up in the morning 'til we sleep at night."

"Still no, miss. You're still my lady even if we're friends first."

"Stingy."

"But how long will the confinement take? Young master did mention it earlier saying until the Lord's recovery. Did he mean full recovery or only until the Lord wakes up?"

"... I wonder."

They were about to reach her room when Leone's sight suddenly darken and she lost balance. Mimi reflexively caught her and flinched.

"Oh goodness. You're burning hot, my lady! How long had it been? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Ugh. Sorry, Mimi. I didn't mean to hide it but we're both occupied. I didn't notice either."

"Still... Ah, forget it. Next time, please tell me anything you're feeling even if you just wanted to fart."

"Idiot. Who'd do that?"

Leone laughed lightly but it did not contain joy. She's too weak and tired that she could only muster a fake laugh.

Leone lay in bed. Steam forms every time she breathes. She saw Mimi bring over a basin of water before helping her remove her dress.

Mimi gasped in surprise to see Leone's skin turning red due to her fever and skin rashes.

"My lady. Did you eat something again that triggered your allergy?"

"Hmm? Ah. The Prince brought a tea cake with Papaya in it."

"You are well aware you're allergic to Papaya. Why did you eat it still?"

"It's something he prepared for me. Let's just keep this between us, okay?"

"You will simply be hurting yourself if we leave it like this, my lady."

"It's fine, Mimi. I will be careful next time."

Mimi sighed at Leone's stubbornness.

"If I think it will cause even great harm then I will interfere already. Do we have a deal, my lady?"

"Okay."

Leone changed into a more comfortable nightgown to avoid irritating the rashes. She tucked herself under the thick mattress to lessen the cold and said her good nights to Mimi.

It was quite a long and tiring day. There is a lot that happened that she is not quite prepared to deal with. Thanks to Mimi's support, she's barely able to hold on.

Sometimes she wonders what would have happened to her if she doesn't have even one person to talk to and act like herself. Perhaps she would be a broken doll if that happened. It's a scary conclusion but it could be true.

There is a lot she is thankful for to Mimi.

"Thank you, Mimi. For coming into my life."

"I'm thankful as well, Leone. Good night."

***