Chapter Six
_ Duty of Friends
_ Duty of Friends
* * *
The moon was in the heart of the clear sky and the snow covered every place, reflecting the color of the sky, but the strange thing was that the weather was pleasant. I was sitting on my seat as usual in front of the window, a bird landed with blue eyes and white as snow. It was beautiful and enchanting. It was a magical bird controlled by magic.
After I stroked its soft white feathers, I found a hidden letter in its belly. After taking it, I removed the wax. It was a five-leaf flower mark, a sign that became an agreement between me and Raphael. I read the content of the letter.
[ Can you come tomorrow in the early morning, an hour after dawn? I will be busy tomorrow as you know
Raph.. ]
I smiled at the letter. The content may be ordinary, but over time I began to see Raphael's other personality, a very considerate and shy person striving to protect this empire. I kept talking to him by the name of Raph until it became familiar to both of us. I took a small piece of paper and wrote him my reply and returned it with the magical bird. A month and a half had passed. I continued my meetings with Raphael as agreed. If any change occurred in the appointment due to his busyness, he would send me a message via Roalf. Raph is very busy with the approaching New Year and the arrival of foreign delegations. As for Marianne, she no longer worries much about me. It is true that she does not know his identity, but she says that I am certainly safe. Also, I did not tell her about my treatment method, I only told her that I was looking for a cure.
Only a month and a half had passed, but my body became much better. I did not expect that...
"My lady, dinner is ready."
Marianne placed the food on the table. It consisted of a salad, a plate of vegetable soup, and bread. I took my spoon and began eating the soup.
"Marianne, tomorrow I will go at dawn, try to secure me."
Marianne anxiously: "But my lady, won't the situation be dangerous?"
"Do you think I will be sacrificed?!"
"No, the Lord seems like a strong person. Will he come to pick you up?!"
"Certainly."
In truth, I am not sure if he will come to take me or not, but I wanted to reassure Marianne. I also trust Raph. It is a trust based on mutual interests, that's all. Certainly.
I shook any distracting thought from my head and finished my meal, and decided to read a book instead of sitting and thinking about meaningless things.
Since my reincarnation, I had been reading books about medicine, herbal science, and pharmacy, and some political books, and sometimes I would read some literary novels. In my previous life, I specialized in pharmacy alongside alternative medicine (herbal medicine), although everyone tried to change my mind about my specialization because my health would not allow me to go out and work in the future. So after graduation, I settled for reading books and watching programs about medicines and medicinal herbs. Even in this life, I still only read. I was not yet able to go out properly. In this life, I also use my knowledge of herbs to make some types of tea and medicines that soothe my illness and are also beneficial for immunity, because the medicines here are strange and not known, I almost doubted the doctor.
After I fell asleep while reading the book, I opened my eyes spontaneously. When I looked around, I found that my posture had been adjusted and the book placed on the table. I smiled with contentment:
"Marianne, that gentle and considerate child."
I feel like I have a kind younger sister. I opened the bed curtains and got out of bed, and when I saw the outside from the window, it was dawn. Even before I rang the bell, Marianne knocked on the door, so I allowed her to enter. She asked me to have breakfast, but I had no appetite. So I washed my face with warm water and wore thick winter clothes, a heavy cloak, and she gave me a cup of ginger and honey tea. It is good for warming the body. Marianne and I moved from the secret door and headed out of the palace. The cold dawn breezes were refreshing. Marianne walked with me until I reached the main road to hire a carriage, and it was difficult to find one at this time. A fairly good carriage came forward, and a man got out of it and greeted me politely.
."Greetings, young lady."
I knew that my cloak covered me well and was also shabby, and I certainly did not look like a noble. If you looked at me, you would find me an ordinary citizen, but the man addressed me formally.
"Who are you?!"
"I have been sent to escort the lady until she arrives safely, because my master is worried that you asked for an early appointment."
"Ah! Thank you, take good care of me."
I spoke to him with a smile and nodded to Marianne to leave. The knight bowed respectfully and helped me board the carriage.
When I entered the carriage, which might look shabby from the outside but was comfortable and beautiful from the inside, I knew that Raph was truly considerate. I don't know, maybe for his own interest, but what he is doing touches my heart. I
quickly shook off the thoughts to look at my path.
* * *
I arrived first at the inn and went up to the simple room that I was almost used to, so I feel more comfortable inside it than my room in the palace. I don't know how that is?!
I sat on the chair opposite the door. I know it is early, but I am waiting for her to enter through this door. I have gotten used to it, so it will seem strange if she doesn't come. It is the first time I have asked to meet her in the morning. Usually, if work arises, I am forced to change the day, but I know that I am busy because of the guests from outside, so that it does not become a diplomatic issue that I can do without. Usually, if there is an Empress, those matters are her mission, but I do not want a woman chosen by the temple. I do not want their interference anymore. I do not want to be at their mercy. But I do not want to rush so as not to spread chaos in the country. I need to be patient... I looked at the cup of tea. Usually, I do not drink aromatic tea, but that girl keeps pushing her tastes on me. I took a sip of it. I cannot deny that its smell is refreshing and it soothes my mood. It is funny that flower teas have become on my drinks list.
I sent the knight Brian to go and fetch her. The time is very early, and it is a time when the streets are empty, and certainly a heartless criminal will not miss a beautiful woman alone. If she faced that, she would not be able to protect herself. She is fragile and small. She will break easily. In truth, I was going to go personally to fetch her, but I pulled myself back at the last moment. She will certainly be annoyed and say that I am an exaggerating person, and she might be upset. So I pulled the idea from my head.
When I emptied the cup of tea, I poured a new cup, and in the meantime, I heard footsteps at the room door. I looked at the door, and it opened, and she entered with her sweet and bright smile and her cheerful greeting.
"Hello, Raph."
"It seems you left the formality behind the door."
I spoke sarcastically to provoke her. She pouted childishly:
"If you want, I can act formally and return the greeting?!"
This girl knows that I will not ask her to do that. When she acts formally, she is devious and seems cold and annoying despite her friendly smile, but when she leaves the formality, she is more honest, she makes you feel that she is taking off the mask she wears.
So I prefer a conversation without masks. I do not know how my lips lifted because of her actions, but I returned them before she noticed it.
"You know that I prefer real faces, so act at your ease."
She smiled brightly and said cheerfully:
"I knew. You are the best friend, Raph."
She sat on the chair opposite me and looked at the tea in astonishment:
"Are you drinking Lavender tea?!"
I raised the cup and looked to see if there was a mistake:
"Yes, is there anything wrong with that?!"
She nodded negatively and said anxiously:
"Are you okay? I mean your strength?!"
I understood her anxiety, so I shook my head negatively:
"It has nothing to do with my strength. I work a lot these days, and tea helps relax my mind because of work pressure and lack of time."
"Can I help you? I mean you are the Emperor and you know better about those matters, but as a friend to relieve the burden, is there a way?"
She spoke with genuine concern, which aroused my confusion. Why is she worried?! We are only partners. Is this the feeling of having someone close? No no, I don't think so. I didn't know how to ease her anxiety, I never cared about easing anyone's anxiety, but I felt the need to do so.
"It is okay, what we are doing helps a lot, and your advice about tea helped me, so do not worry... You are helping."
I felt genuine gratitude towards her. Her anxiety, kindness, and honesty reached my heart. Did I even have a heart fundamentally?! I do not think so.
The brightness returned to her face, which eased my heart, and her words were beautiful as usual:
"Okay, I will help you with all my strength, and I will look for new types of herbs that may help you more."
"Okay, you can do that."
And then I adjusted the chair and moved closer to her, and as usual, I placed my hand on her heart. I could feel the beating of her heart and its distinctive rhythm. And then I poured the magic..
* * *
When I got out of the carriage and entered the inn, I saw the owner who greeted me gently and respectfully, and I responded in kind. The place has become like home to me. No one knows me, but they are very kind. They do not ask what I am doing. It might be their job, but kindness is not their job, so I appreciated that a lot.
.I reached the room and opened it to find him, sitting as usual comfortably. He is a person who has that momentum that makes you feel like he is a king even if he is wearing rags. I have never seen him before in official clothes, but I am sure he is wonderful.
I greeted him cheerfully and without formality. I knew that it was outside etiquette to greet someone of higher status than me in that way, but I considered him my friend, so I gave up thinking about formality and acting properly in an exaggerated way.
Despite his words and attempt to provoke me, I have probably gotten used to his harassments. He is a subtly harmful person. I knew how to behave and I knew very well that he does not like devious people, so I know he is provoking me. Sometimes I suspect he is smiling...
But I do not think so. He is a very gloomy person, and he only laughs mockingly. When I saw him drinking lavender tea, even though I was the one who recommended it, I know that it is a medicinal tea more than it is an ordinary tea, and he is a person who does not care about those matters unless he is in a bad state, so I was worried, but his response reassured me.
I truly wanted to help him. I tried to think about the novel a little, but I do not know many details. The novel did not actually start until the spring, or rather at the Emperor's birthday party, so I felt frustrated, but he acted kindly. He really relieved me. I did not know he had that skill.
And when he poured the magic into me, I looked at him contemplatively when he was intensely focused. Sharp silver eyes, and the astonishing thing is his long silver eyelashes. Their charm was more and more complete. Honestly, sometimes I find myself contemplating his wonderful features to the satisfaction of my heart. Anyway, I am a person who appreciates beauty and attractiveness.
When Raph finished, he raised his eyes to me and caught me contemplating him. I swallowed my embarrassment and said cheerfully:
"Wow, I feel refreshed."
"Good, my strength also started to stabilize."
His response was cold, and for the first time, his cold personality saved me. Then he rang the bell, so I looked at him confusedly, and he spoke calmly:
"Cover your face, the servants will enter now."
I did what he said, and indeed a maid entered pulling a food cart and then placed the food on the table in front of us calmly. Then she bowed and left.
"What is this?!"
"Breakfast!"
"Why?!"
"Because I asked for your early attendance, so I thought maybe you had not eaten breakfast yet."
I smiled awkwardly and said:
"And will I eat alone?!"
"No."
"Good."
He opened the covers, and the food consisted of a slice of beef covered with golden sauce, and there was salad and bread. It was a complete and luxurious meal compared to a simple and shabby inn.
He took the fork and knife and nodded to me meaning: "Aren't you going to eat?!" I felt embarrassed and took the cutlery and began cutting with the knife. I was nervous, and he seemed to notice that, so he said calmly:
"Don't you like meat?!"
I hesitated a little and said with a shaky smile:
"On the contrary, I love it... Um, but... I haven't eaten it for a very long time."
He said in a tone of disapproval:
"Doesn't the Marquis take care of you?!"
Although the Marquis does not abuse me, he also never cares about me, but food was available, meaning I am not deprived of food, but... I spoke awkwardly:
"No, the matter is, that I am afraid."
I lowered my head but glimpsed confusion in his eyes.
"Why are you afraid?! Does it affect your health negatively?!"
Perhaps what I and the owner of the real body experienced is similar, as she did not eat meat and many types of food for the same reason. I took a deep breath.
"I used to eat meat voraciously, but when I was sick for a period of time, my stomach was hurt and I started to suffer a lot when eating any food, and I suffered a lot until I found a diet that did not cause me suffering."
He said in a very comforting manner, strangely:
"Your health has improved, why don't you try? And if you feel unwell, I will try to heal you... Try."
I sighed and raised my head with shaky enthusiasm:
"I will try."
I cut the meat elegantly and took a small piece and took a deep breath and put it in my mouth. The taste was unbelievably delicious. I raised my gaze to him and saw encouragement in his eyes, so I smiled with relief:
"It is delicious, I will eat... Okay, if I get sick, will you help me?"
He nodded yes, and I started eating with appetite, and despite my good appetite, I barely ate half the meat and a few spoons of salad and looked at him, and he had eaten the meat and salad even though his slice of meat was somewhat larger. ' He has a good appetite ' After finishing, I left the spoon with a smile:
"I am full, it is delicious, thank you..."
He looked at me with a raised eyebrow:
"You have not finished your food."
I felt embarrassed and scratched my cheek:
"I am not exaggerating, but I really ate more than usual."
In the past before I got severely sick, I used to eat with a better appetite and slightly more, and when I transferred, Ariana's body was sick like mine, so we shared many and many things, including a poor appetite. Maybe if my health improves, I will eat better.
"Since you prepared breakfast for me, what do you think of tasting the biscuits that Marianne makes next time? They are very delicious, I want you to try them."
He spoke coldly, raising my pressure:
"I do not like sweet things."
"Have you tried them?!"
Honestly, the question is stupid, and I don't know how it came out of my mouth, but what shocked me was his answer:
"I do not remember."
So I seized the opportunity and spoke enthusiastically:
"Why don't you try?"
"Okay."
He is really kind. I did not imagine that that villain in my favorite novel was so kind.
.He rang the bell again, and indeed I covered my face again for the maid to enter, take the food, and place the tea. After she left, I spoke after thinking:
"Oh! New Year is in a week. What will you do on New Year's Day?!"
He replied calmly, as if recalling his schedule:
"Not much. The party that will host the delegations from outside will continue for about five nights, and certainly my attendance is necessary, I will be very busy."
"The celebration is at night, I think there is a festival held during the day."
"True, I did not think about that."
His answer was really boring, he really does not enjoy his life.
"Have you ever gone out and wandered around?!"
He had raised the cup of tea to his lips but stopped and placed it with deep thought, to the extent that I felt he would say something important, but:
"I have not been out much."
I laughed hard and tried to restrain myself so as not to have a coughing fit:
"Never? You are an Emperor?!"
"I do not have time."
"And when you were a prince?!"
"I did not go out."
He was honestly a frank person. I was silent for a while and thought:
"It is your duty as an Emperor to go out to know the suffering of your people."
"I go out sometimes on inspection tours with the soldiers."
"Wrong."
He tilted his head inquiringly for me to complete:
"When you go out as an Emperor, you will not see anything. You must go out like them to see what is behind the shining appearance of the Empire."
"Are you complaining about something?!"
The strange thing is that he was listening to my words sincerely like a model student:
"I do not know, but maybe you will discover a lot, and it is okay to enjoy yourself."
I started my words seriously and then ended them cheerfully, so he raised his eyebrow in disapproval and then with coldness moved his lips:
"I think I am free during the day on the last day of the festival, so you will take me on a tour."
I got really excited, then I clenched my fist and said sincerely and with a deep voice:
"Leave it to me, this is the duty of friends."
... To be continued ...