Chapter 6

"Who could have done something so horrible to such a frail child?"

That is precisely what I want to know.

"Had your highness brought her any later, I'm afraid it might have been too late. I gave her a sedative and tended to her wounds. Her fever has not yet subsided, so I suggest we keep watch over her during the night."

"Sir Hayden, have you perhaps encountered such a case before?I have become curious as I have been hearing a rather disturbing rumor as of late."

Judging by the way his body stiffened just now, I'd say he does know something. Hayden Bloomfield is a renowned herbalist who came from a long line of doctors. When his parents passed away from a rare disease, he fell deep into depression and even attempted to end his life. The day I met him, he was standing over a cliff, ready to end it all. It was his second attempt. We suddenly engaged in a conversation, and I was able to dissuade him. Ever since that day, he vowed to live his life in my debt. A year later, he married a woman named Leticia, and began to lead a normal life.

Despite his fame and wealth, he carries more of a humble nature, as he often travels to the slums across the world toprovide services for the sick at no cost. Because of that, he became the most sought-after doctor in the duchy.

"Unfortunately, yes, and most of them always had one thing in common." He said as a frown formed on his face.

"Most of these ladies were from the duke's estate. At first, I thought it was his doing, however, these happenstances often took place in his absence. If these girls were beaten to such an extent, I wouldn't be surprised if some ended up dead before making it to my facility."

Then…

"What's more is that none of them were willing to talk. As if their very life depended on keeping their mouths shut."

"Was there a specific person who would usually bring them in?"

"Ah yes, I believe he said his name was Elliot."

The stable master… Could he be the one beating these women?

"Were they perhaps abused in any other way?"

"I have not seen any thus far. Which implies that man may not be our culprit but is likely to be an accomplice."

We continued to rack our brains throughout the night, and the next thing we knew, it was morning. His assistants had already begun making their rounds to check on his patients as SirHayden prepared to start the day. Suddenly, a loud shriek camefrom Fatima's room, which startled me.

"Fatima!" I shouted as I burst through the door.

The assistant was standing aghast before her bed with the unraveled bandages in her hands. She was shaking and panicking while Fatima remained sound asleep.

"H-her wounds…have all d-disappeared." she struggled to say.

Fatima's skin became normal after a mere night in Sir Hayden's care. In fact, she looked way better than when I first laid eyes on her. Is this truly the same girl who was on the brink of death just a few hours ago?

"Your highness, could she be a healer, perhaps?" puzzledly asked Sir Hayden.

Just as I was about to reply, she flinched and slowly opened her eyes.

"Where…am I?"

++++++

"What do you mean there was no one near the annex?"

"That is correct your grace, the only thing I found was a lit lamp. She isn't in the stables, either."

That idiot Dimitriu must have gotten to her first. Which means he must now be aware of what transpired last night.

"You should refrain from biting your nails thus, Gwen."

"Shut your trap before anyone hears you. Can't you see that I am stressed?"

If people find out that I abuse my employees, my position as the centerpiece of high society will be jeopardized. I did all sorts of things to climb the social ladder and positioned myself at the very top, higher than even the empress. I am not about to let afilthy mongrel spoil my reputation in any sort of way. Especially when the crowned prince is roaming around this estate every single day.

"Shall I help you relieve that stress later tonight? You could really use it right about now."

"What are you suggesting in broad daylight, Elliot?"

"You say that, but your face is bright red. Your feelings are betraying you…Gwen."

"Alright, alright. Tonight, it is. Make sure that you are not seen by anyone."

"As always. I look forward to our fun little tryst, my love." he replied as he kissed my hand.

Something about this man is just…irresistibly charming. I simply cannot get enough of him even after all these years.

++++++

Other than the trotting of the horse, my heart was the second loudest noise on this ride. We wrapped things up with Sir Hayden as quickly as we could and began to head back to the estate.

"What is it?"

"I smell…fresh bread." She responded with a drool trickling down the side of her mouth.

"Right, there is actually a bakery nearby. They must be making their first batch of the day."

Just as I was going to suggest that we stop by, her stomach began to growl. She instantly held her belly in embarrassment in front of me, as I could not help but chuckle. She was surprisingly adorable.

"W-why are we turning around?"

"We're taking a detour to the bakery, of course. You are hungry,after all."

"I-I'm fine, Sir Nate. I am not hungry at all and…"

Her stomach growled once more before she could even finish her sentence. I could not help but laugh out loud at her attempts to hide how she truly feels.

"This is not funny in the slightest, Sir Nate! Cease your laughter at once!" she shouted.

"You should stop your flailing first, lest you do not mind falling off a horse. Don't blame when that happens."

++++++

We quickly picked up the fresh bread and resumed on our way back to the mansion. At first, she was skeptical about eating it, however, her hunger eventually got the best of her.

"So warm! So soft! So delicious! Oh wonderful, delicious bread, how I love thee!" she exclaimed as she munched on the bread.

Her sense of humor was spot on, so I could not hold my laughter. I never knew that watching someone eat could be so satisfying. Her cheeks were stuffed like a little squirrel, and I felt the urge to poke them.

"What! What are you looking at, Sir Nate? Ah! Would you like some too?" she asked.

"No wait, I was not…"

Before I could finish my sentence, she had already pushed a piece of bread into my mouth. She was right. It was indeed warm, soft, and delicious with a tinge of sweetness. I have never had anything like it before.

"Judging from your face, you liked it quite a lot. However, Sir Nate, you can't have more, I'm afraid. Absolutely not!" she cheekily replied while squeezing the bag of bread in her arms.

"Are you still upset with me? I really am sorry for pointing my sword at you yesterday."

"That's already water under the bridge."

"Does that mean, you forgive me?"

I was surprised to hear her say that so casually, especially after her reaction yesterday. Does she truly forgive me?

"I cannot hold a grudge against someone who rushed to save me at his master's behest. I would not live with myself if I did that. So, all is forgiven, Sir Nate."

She thinks I did all this because Dimitriu ordered me to do so? Hah! I'm not sure if I should be thankful or upset.

"However, the reason I cannot share any more bread with you is because I am saving it for my friends. Us slaves do not have the luxury of breakfast, you see."

Interesting…

+++++

"Did something happen last night, your highness? You weren't in your room this morning."

"I was not aware that I'm supposed to report my every move to you, Dimitriu."

What's with him this morning? He seems to be in a fouler mood than usual.

"I am going to wash up and get to bed. Alert your staff to keep the noise to a minimum."

"As you wish, your highness." I replied as I left his room.

Curse whoever made the beast angry. Now we all have to bear the consequences.

"Good morning, Lord Dimitriu."

"Good morning, ladies."

"By any chance, do any of you know where the slaves are working today?" I asked the maids.

"Today is a rest day for them, so they should be somewhere around the stables." Replied one of them.

"Very well."

I should go and lighten up my day.

++++++

"We were so worried when we heard what happened." 

"Choose one Clover! Either eat or cry. You can't do both!" Yelled Ivy.

"As you can see, I am all better!"

"You dummy!" exclaimed Ivy as she slapped my back.

"Ow! That hurt!"

"Do you know how worried we were? We did not sleep a wink last night!"

Ivy, who was always aloof, has now become emotional to the point of wailing. I had no idea that our bond had deepened to such a degree. Seeing them bawl their eyes out like this makes me feel warm on the inside and I was suddenly reminded of my family.

"Are we having a weeping party?"

"Y-young master!" we exclaimed in surprise.