Chapter 17: Whispers After the Rain

Fedric took it upon himself to organize, categorize, and file what Azriel had yet to review.

He stopped before the desk, placing a fresh stack of reports on the desk. 

"My Lord, these are the latest updates on the knights' training and today's sparring evaluations."

Azriel lifted his gaze, nodding in acknowledgment. "Any noteworthy concerns?"

Fedric stood at ease, his voice steady as he answered. "Most injuries from the sparring sessions are minor. The usual cuts and bruises, nothing of concern. However, there were a few sprains among the younger knights."

Azriel hummed, flipping a page. "And Carlis?"

Fedric's lips twitched slightly. "...Nursing his bruised pride more than his wounds."

Azriel exhaled through his nose, a ghost of amusement flickering in his golden eyes. "As expected."

"Their rivalry is as lively as ever," Fedric smirked. "If only their skill matched their bickering."

Azriel leaned back slightly, fingers tapping idly against the edge of his desk. "They are both competent in their ways."

"Indeed." Fedric inclined his head. "Shall I increase their training regimen?"

Azriel considered it for a moment before shaking his head. "Not yet. Let them exhaust their grudges first."

Fedric gave a small nod and was about to take his leave when, almost incidentally, he added, "Ah… there was something else I overheard at the Physicians' Hall."

Azriel did not lift his gaze. "Go on."

Fedric inclined his head slightly as if debating whether to speak further. "It seems Lady Rosellene Valentine fell ill after being caught in the storm."

Azriel's grip was still on his quill imperceptibly.

Fedric did not miss the subtle flash of reaction.

Azriel set down his quill. "Is that so?"

"It seems she was fevered, but the physician did not appear alarmed. The matter should resolve in a few days." Fedric continued.

Azriel hummed in response. 

For a long moment, he said nothing.

The amber glow of the magical map fluctuated, reflecting faintly in his eyes.

Then he spoke merely like an afterthought.

"Send a selection of medicinal herbs and elixirs from my treasury to the temple," he instructed. "It would be unbecoming if a guest suffered during their stay."

Fedric raised a brow. "Understood."

Azriel did not lift his gaze, instead returning to the reports before him. But just as Fedric turned to leave, he added almost like hindsight.

"…And while you're at it, have someone inquire about her condition."

Fedric lowered his gaze further, masking his understanding beneath his obedience. "As you wish, Your Highness."

As he stepped out of the study, the smallest ghost of a smile tugged at his lips.

Perhaps, Lucien had been onto something after all.

---

The morning sunlight stretched across the temple grounds, painting the damp stone paths in dazzling hues. Dewdrops clung to the leaves before sliding off in delicate drops.

The air was fresh and crisp with the lingering scent of rain, mingling with the faint fragrance of temple incense.

The roads remained wet, as life in the temple resumed its quiet rhythm.

Along the stone pathways, a group of temple attendants made their way toward the guest quarters, their hands carefully carrying a lacquered box adorned with the temple's sigil.

Upon reaching Lady Rosellene's chambers, they announced their presence with formality.

Millie stepped forward to greet them, offering a courteous bow before stepping aside to allow them in. She was polite but weary from the long night. "You have come early, honored attendants."

The leading attendant, a composed young woman, gave a polite nod. She flicked her hand and the temple attendants behind her dressed in their white and blue ceremonial robes, stepped forward to offer the box with both hands.

"We bring a selection of medicinal herbs on behalf of the temple, as a gift for Lady Valentine's recovery."

Behind Millie, Elizabeth had just stepped out of the chambers and caught sight of the exchange. She arched a delicate brow.

The temple attendants continued, calm and courteous. "The temple cares deeply for the well-being of those who seek refuge within its halls. We wish Lady Valentine a swift and complete recovery."

Elizabeth smiled graciously, though the curiosity in her gaze did not fade.

A donation of such rare herbs?

Still, she dismissed the thought as quickly as it came, gracefully accepting the box. "The temple is truly kind. We are grateful for your care."

As if ensuring the purpose of their visit was met, the leading attendant hesitated briefly before asking, "Might I inquire about the lady's current condition?"

Millie, standing nearby, responded without much thought. "My lady's fever has yet to break entirely, but thanks to the physician's care, her sleep was restful last night."

The attendant lowered her gaze in a thoughtful nod as if tucking away the information. "That is good to hear. May her condition continue to improve."

With that, they bowed and bid their farewell, stepping away from the quarters.

As they made their way back, not all of them left together.

The leading attendant subtly parted from her fellow group,

She quietly made her way elsewhere, weaving through the temple's pathways until she reached a secluded corner, where a tall figure awaited her.

Fedric stood in the shade of a stone pillar with his arms crossed as the attendant approached.

She bowed deeply in respect. "My lord,"

Fedric gave a short nod, signaling for her to proceed.

"As per your request, the herbs have been delivered under the temple's name, and we inquired about Lady Valentine's health. Her fever has not fully broken but her condition is stable."

Fedric listened without interruption.

The attendant hesitated before adding, "Her maid confirmed that she will recover in time."

Fedric nodded slightly, accepting the information. "You've done well," he acknowledged. "That will be all."

The attendant lowered her gaze, bowing once more. "If there is anything else, my lord, you need only ask.""

Fedric offered a brief nod before stepping away, prepared to return to his duties.

But, unfortunately, fate had other plans.

Just as Fedric rounded the cornet, a dramatic gasp filled the air.

"What in the world is this promiscuity?!"

Fedric immediately regretted his existence. Of all people.

Standing just a few paces away, Carlis Renard gaped at him, his expression caught between horror and delight.

He had been out strolling, freshly recovered from his 'deathly' injuries, only to stumble upon what looked like the scandal of the century.

His eyes flicked from Fedric's composed figure to the fading silhouette of the maid, his mind already constructing an elaborative narrative.

Fedric barely blinked. "No."

Carlis ignored him completely, pointing a dramatic finger. "Don't you 'no' me! I saw that! How scandalous! Fedric Lione, the most inflexible man alive, having a secret tryst in the holy temple?!"

Fedric rubbed his temples. "Carlis—"

Carlis clutched his chest, looking utterly betrayed. "I thought you were different."

Fedric exhaled sharply, already feeling a headache forming.

"That was a temple attendant."

Carlis crossed his arms, his tone pure mockery. "Oh, I saw very well. You emerged from a dimly lit corridor, and a woman in robes bid you farewell. That seems rather intimate to me."

Fedric closed his eyes briefly, reigning in his patience.

He turned on his heel, intent on escaping this nonsense.

Carlis quickly matched his pace, walking beside him.

"So," he mused, elbowing him lightly. "it's true? A forbidden romance between a knight and a temple maiden?"

Fedric kept walking.

"I was gathering information," he stated flatly.

Carlis grinned wider. "Information? Is that what you call it these days?"

Fedric finally stopped, pinning him with an unimpressed look.

"If you do not silence yourself in the next three seconds, I will personally throw you into the next sparring match against Lucien."

Carlis's smile vanished instantly.

"...You wouldn't."

Fedric arched a brow. "Wouldn't I?"

Carlis eyed him warily for a moment before muttering under his breath, "Tch. Ruthless bastard."

With a satisfied smirk, Fedric resumed his walk, finally enjoying the silence he had been denied.

Carlis, trailing behind, grumbled to himself.

"Damn, Lucien must be rubbing off on him."

---

By mid-morning, the Physician Alden arrived once more, his expression calm as he checked Lady Rosellene's pulse through the drawn veil.

Her fever had significantly subsided, though her body remained weak from the ordeal. The physician withdrew his hand, nodding in approval.

"She is recovering well," he concluded. "With rest and proper care, she will regain her strength. However, she must be mindful of her health, another chill could set her back."

Millie, standing attentively beside the bed, dipped her head. "We will be careful, Master Alden."

Satisfied, he gave a few more instructions before excusing himself, leaving behind an air of quiet relief.

Celestine let out a slow breath, finally allowing herself to relax. She had been far more worried than she let on.

"If I had known things would turn out like this, we wouldn't have let you rest alone yesterday."

Elizabeth, who was directing Millie and her maid, Margaret, in organizing the rare herbs, echoed in agreement. "Indeed. Though I must say, the temple has been incredibly generous."

Her fingers traced over one of the finely wrapped bundles, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

"These aren't just common medicinal plants," Elizabeth noted. "Some of these are rarer than what even the imperial apothecaries keep stocked. I must say, Rosellene, It seems you've gained the temple's favor."

Rosellene, still leaning weakly against the pillows, merely lifted a tired brow at her.

"I was unaware that being half-dead earns one favor," she replied dryly.

Celestine let out a light laugh, reaching over to tap her lightly on the forehead. "It does if you do it gracefully."

Rosellene sighed but said nothing, too weary to argue.