Chapter 31: Caregiving (2)

Chapter 31: Caregiving (2)

PR: Woober



Elric wasnt the only one surprised.

Tyrias stomach churned with panic due to their sudden encounter.

Well, Ill be going then!

The maid scurried away with her nostrils flared, as if shed been stung by her earlier imitation of Elric.

Neither lord nor lady paid her any mind.

They were too consumed by the bewilderment, relief, excitement, and other complicated feelings they felt in the moment they saw each other.

Tyria was even more than consumed.

-Of course! The master was so worried too, he came by here every day to check on you!

Here was someone who had worried about and took care of her while she slept.

Her doubts deepened.

Why did he treat her so nicely now, after leaving her like that?

No, why was her heart being like that?

This was what bothered Tyria so much.

Why are you here?

She asked in a hushed tone, whilst his answer soon came.

Youve awoken.

Elrics jaw clenched.

The corners of his eyes drooped, a hint of relief appearing.

But it didnt last long.

Youre finally awake.

Yes?

Elrics eyes narrowed.

There was still concern, but there was also anger in his eyes now.

He strode toward her, cane in hand.

Tyria clenched her hands in bewilderment.

Elric stepped closer, his voice flat.

Why did you do that?

What do you mean?

Why didnt you tell me you werent feeling well?

He hadnt realized it was that bad.

When times were busy, Tyria was used to enduring minor aches and pains

Especially after the death of the former Lord, Hoven Portman.

Over the past year, she had actually had more days of exhaustion than days of well-being.

She was used to it, so she had assumed that this time would be about the same.

But, should she tell the truth?

No, it sounded like an excuse.

Tyria suddenly felt resentful.

She had only followed Elric out of concern for him, so why should she be scolded?

How could he be so insensitive?

Of course, she hadnt explained her reasons beforehand, but he should have at least interpreted her actions positively.

It was her childish heart speaking.

Although she should have felt embarrassed, Tyria couldnt easily escape from such sentiments.

Perhaps it was because she was still unwell.

And so her next words were drunk with emotion.

I was fine, at least until we had gotten up there.

Tyria was surprised at herself for blurting that out.

She hadnt expected to sound so blunt.

Naturally, she caught Elrics attention.

His expression hardened even more.

Her heart dropped and as she was about to add an excuse.

Im the one in control of my body

I was worried.

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Tyrias body stilled.

Her gaze snapped to Elric.

She stared at him, wondering if shed heard him right, and her worries grew stronger over his anger.

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Elric shuddered with embarrassment as he left her room.

Youre the worst of the worst!

When he had gone to check on her as usual, he had accidentally overreacted to her sudden awakening.

He had been so worried and angry at the same time that he had made an inappropriate comment.

It was a very shameful act of impudence.

He hadnt even thought about the fact that he was part of the reason she had followed him into the snowy mountains, and so he had just blurted out his feelings without thinking about it.

Thankfully, Tyria hadnt seemed to mind, but his embarrassment had been compounded by the fact that Elric had no way of knowing what was going on in her mind.

It was in that moment,

Milord, where are you going?

Aldio called from the end of the hall.

Elric quickly composed himself and answered.

Oh, Im just going to my office to pick up some papers.

Hmm? Youre not working there?

Ill be in my Miladys room. If I leave her alone, she might start trying to work again.

I cant deny that.

Aldio chuckled.

Why dont you go back to your lady, and Ill make the arrangements for you.

Hmm? Is that okay?

Im sure youd rather use me than go back and forth with that uncomfortable leg of yours, and I hear youve reopened your wounds after that trip into the mountains

Aldio gave him a disapproving look.

Whilst Elric was at a loss for words.

It was true that he had gotten himself into trouble and added healing time to his wounds.

In the end, all he could do was bow his head.

Ill be going then.

Elric staggered back to Tyrias bedroom in defeat.

He exchanged awkward glances with Tyria as she lay in her bed, whilst getting ready for Aldio.

With the help of two maids, Aldio set up a small nightstand, a chair, and a pile of papers beside the bed.

That wasnt the end of it. Only after he had brought Tyria a warm cup of tea, and a cup of coffee for Elric, waiting for the room to be filled with their aromas, did Aldio leave the room satisfied.

Elric sighed heavily and dropped his shoulders.

Aldio is so polarizing.

I think hes a good butler.

Tyria replied, her gaze shifting to the papers.

Elric narrowed his eyes, blocking her gaze with his hand.

Dont even look at them.

Will you be alright?

I can at least do this much. Youre my teacher, you should know that. Do I appear to be a person who cant even handle document processing?

Tyria fell silent.

For a moment, Elric wondered how he should interpret the silence.

But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that all conclusions were not in his favor.

In the end, Elric coughed loudly and picked up the papers as if nothing had happened.

Watch me. I can handle something like these documents in an instant

Elrics pupils started trembling like there had been an earthquake as he read the title of the document.

[End of Year Financial Report for the Territory.]

A huge wall was blocking Elric from the start.

There were numbers.

Terrifying strings of numbers, ones even more terrifying than facing an army of thousands.

The moment he saw them, Elric felt his mind go blank.

His breath caught in his throat, as if the numbers had leapt from the paper and wrapped themselves around his throat.

Elrics gaze snapped to Tyria.

She cocked back her head and asked.

Shall I help you?

Her words were sweeter than the devils whisper.

Elric had to think about it for a good three minutes before he answered that he would do it alone.

Ill try to do it myself.

Elric had a strong sense of pride after all.