Still, did he just read what was on Vivian’s mind? The physician who was smiling subtly, suddenly added.

“However, we still can’t be truly sure when his eyes will heal completely. Thanks to that though, the Grand Duke has been in a sour mood ever since.”

“…you’re still unsure when they will be healed completely?”

“Yes. His body has always had a monster-like resilience, so why would his eyes be the only exception, though?”

“Why don’t you just leave if you’re going to keep on talking such nonsense?”

Knox, who couldn’t stand him any longer, gave a piece of his mind. The physician immediately burst into laughter before turning to Vivian.

“I require your help, My Lady.”

“My help?”

“Yes. Please do give your support to the Grand Duke, who is uncomfortable due to his eyes, which can’t really see—for as long as possible.”

“Butler!”

Knox, who couldn’t tolerate it any longer, eventually raised his hand.

Right at that signal, the butler who was standing nearby, swiftly approached him. Knox, on the other hand, was already grimacing while pointing towards the physician.

“Send him off right now—as soon as possible.”

“However, Master, your check-up still hasn’t…”

“Did you not hear that I’m all well already?”

“Don’t you worry. I’ve just finished the check-up. It seems like he wishes to spend some time alone with the Young Lady.”

Even before Knox could give any response, the physician quickly took his bag and stood straight up. He greeted them by bowing his head once before he gazed intently at Vivian for the last time.

“Well then, I beg of you, My Lady.”

She turned her head to avoid the unpleasant eyes, yet she just couldn’t help but to listen to that voice of his.

Only after the physician had been completely out of sight—following the butler—did Vivian take a seat beside Knox.

“Are you angry?”

“No.”

He had said it firmly. But still, his face appeared rather sulky.

“You still have some creases all over your face.”

His eyes hardened at Vivian’s words before he eventually heaved a sigh.

“I don’t even know when these damned eyes of mine will get better. My work keeps on getting piled up, yet there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“He did say that your body heals rather swiftly. So, I’m sure that your eyes will recover speedily as well.”

“I just want to see you quickly.”

Vivian’s body immediately stiffened at Knox’s statement.

“Even right now, I just want to look straight into your eyes.”

“…I’m sure you’d be able to do that soon.”

Vivian then touched the strands of Knox’s fringe.

His eyes were still out of focus, but they looked much clearer than when they had first met before. She could see rather vaguely that his eyesight was slowly returning.

Well, the question remained; who would actually be the one to stand in front of him when his eyesight had been completely restored, then?

“The doctor has requested me to support Knox for a long time.”

“You still remember those useless words?”

“…should I?”

“What?”

This time, it was the Grand Duke’s turn to move rather awkwardly in response to Vivian’s words.

“I was wondering if I should stay by Knox’s side for a few days.”

“However, you…”

Weren’t you the one who always felt impatient to return home? Nevertheless, he managed to swallow the words that were just about to be uttered.

Knox wasn’t someone who’d let go easily of the opportunity that had come for him like that.

“Of course, that is only if Your Highness would grant me your permission.”

“…Is it really fine? If you were to nod your head right now, I won’t let you go home anymore. I won’t be holding myself back as well.”

“But please, do give me some time to prepare back home. I need to let my family know about this as well.”

“Will it not be starting from today onwards?”

The Grand Duke deliberately displayed his disappointment. However, once he realized that the headstrong Vivian wouldn’t fall for his act any longer, he then let out a sigh.

“Fine, then. You may come here anytime you’d like.”

“Thank you.”

“But there is one condition.”

He said that while lifting her chin.

As her red lips that had been covered by the hat were finally seen through his blurry vision, he then lowered his head before kissing them tenderly.

“I will have you as much as you haven’t been coming to see me—only then, you may head back home.”

“What do you mean by that?”

While being all flustered, Vivian had belatedly shoved his chest, but he didn’t move at all.

His other arm had embraced her waist before plunging his lips even more. His lusty tongue then immediately took her breath away. While he began nudging the insides of her mouth, Vivian’s waist gradually relaxed itself.