Chapter 15

Vivian then took a seat on the chair next to her that was already prepared beforehand, as usual. She carefully pried open the curtain, only to be greeted abruptly by the searing heat that had been trapped inside.

“Please don’t approach too close.”

“How can I take care of him if I’m not permitted to come closer?”

While her mouth was saying no, Vivian’s hands were busy taking the wet towel that was already prepared beside her. The Chief Physician smiled as he stared intently at Vivian, who bore such a look before leaving the room together with the butler—without her knowledge.

Just as the cold towel had brushed against his feverish body, the Grand Duke flung opened his eyes that had been kept closed before. Then, there it was—a pair of eyes, tinted in red.

At first, he only narrowed his eyes to catch a sight of Vivian. Only after he had recognized her did he utter his bewilderment.

“…Why are you even here? I’m sure I had told you to leave beforehand.”

“It’s because I’m worried about you, Your Highness. I’m not that heartless as to leave a sick person behind, just like that.”

“Ha…. Did you not hear the explanation? My disease is contagious. You’ll never know when it might infect you to be just like me. It’s a truly terrifying disease.”

“I’m not worried about that. Haven’t I said it before? I grew up without ever contracting any diseases.”

Vivian said nonchalantly before starting to wipe down the Grand Duke’s sweltering body. Perhaps due to the clash between the damp towel and his heat while she was wiping off the sweat that seeped out, the Grand Duke seemed to tremble ever so slightly.

“Did you never think about entering my room this easily when you were confronted with such a thing like yesterday?”

“It’s not that big of a deal to subdue a sick person.”

“…I can’t seem to stop you, then.”

The Grand Duke finally closed his eyes after he had eventually raised his hand in total defeat upon Vivian’s dedication. In the end, his breathing grew more comfortable before gently permeating into thin air.

“Well, do as you like. I’m feeling tired, so I’ll be sleeping once more.”

“Please don’t mind me and hopefully, you’ll have a pleasant rest.”

That was actually more convenient for Vivian as well. The Grand Duke snorted at her words before falling into deep slumber.

How long has it been? The Grand Duke slowly opened his eyes to the chilling air. Perhaps it was due to the murk, his vision was filled with darkness with a tinge of blue. Then, he felt an unfamiliar scent on the person next to him.

“Ah, did you just wake up?”

“You were here till now…..”

“I was going to leave after changing this wet towel.”

Vivian quickly impeded on the Grand Duke’s words before getting up from her seat.

“Now that you’re already awakened, I must be on my way. The butler will serve your meal soon.”

The Grand Duke’s gaze landed on his own figure. His body had become lighter then before he went to sleep, which ultimately showed some rapid improvement. He then stroked his face that was cool to the touch, in contrast to the heat that had been crushing against his body.

It feels quite cool. Right at the moment when he felt so, the Grand Duke unconsciously reached out his hand and straight away clutched onto hers.

“Would you like to eat together?”

Upon his words, Vivian’s gaze immediately turned towards him.

That might be the case if Alexia was the one who was standing right here and not Vivian. Moreover, Vivian had to minimize the risk of her identity being discovered unexpectedly.

“It’s already late at night. Let us do it next time.”

The Grand Duke could only stare blankly at Vivian, who was already on her way after responding so while pressing on her hat continuously.

***

“Would it be alright for me to go alone today?”

“Why?”

Alexia suddenly turned her head while she was still trimming her nails leisurely. As soon as their eyes entwined with one another, Vivian quickly lowered her head.

“I think that there is no need to waste any workers on something that does not even need two people in aiding the same thing at every single time. Besides, there is nothing that requires My Lady to carry out.”

Alexia was staring intensely at Vivian, who had just finished her words. As Alexia’s silence was prolonged, Vivian’s head simultaneously lowered as well.

But, it was not really for long. As though she wasn’t in the least interested, Alexia’s gaze straight away reverted back to her nails.

“Yeah, sure.”

Along with Alexia’s permission, Vivian went unattended to the house of the Grand Duke for the first time ever. Amanda looked at Vivian with a worrisome pair of eyes only to be responded by her soft smile.