Chapter 20: Kind Young Master

"Ahem."

Feeling embarrassed, I let out a fake cough.

My gaze naturally wandered to... Amy's plump and protruding spot, no, her hand.

Her delicate, fair hand.

It was the hand I saw in my dream.

It looked so lovely.

But now was not the time for such thoughts.

"..."

"..."

A heavy silence filled the room.

I unintentionally committed an act of harassment, and I was at a loss for words.

Amy, with her lips tightly shut, avoided my gaze.

If things continued like this, it would become a bigger problem.

In a hurry, I blurted out something.

"...I just woke up, so my body doesn't feel like my own. My hand slipped... What time is it now?"

"...It's a little past 11 PM, young master."

"I must have slept for quite some time... Uh, ugh."

As I reached for a glass of water, I felt an intense muscle ache.

Not just my arms, but my legs, waist, and neck – there was no part of my body that wasn't hurting.

Once the anesthetic-like drowsiness disappeared, I realized how battered my body had become.

"Here you go, young master."

Amy quickly handed me a glass of water.

"Thanks."

But my fingers could barely grip the glass.

'Damn, It's so difficult just to drink water.'

Somehow managing to hold the glass, I awkwardly brought it to my lips with movements resembling a cheap ball-jointed doll.

Amy looked up at me with concern.

"...Young master, I think you've been pushing yourself too hard lately. It's good to train, but perhaps you should take better care of your body."

"I have to overcome this."

"Even so, this time was quite severe, young master. May went out in a hurry when she heard that you had collapsed and found you sleeping on a wooden chair in front of the dormitory. Sleeping in that kind of place is not hygienic. You could catch a cold or worse."

...I had no choice at that time.

I was on the verge of collapsing.

"Ah, also... young master..."

"Hmm?"

Amy hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Have you experienced any significant changes in your body recently?"

"...What do you mean?"

"I'm asking if you've acquired something like a new trait."

By now, Amy looked at me with serious eyes.

Her gaze seemed to say, 'I know everything, just tell me.'

It seemed like I should tell her to some extent.

She had been watching Theo for a long time, so it would be strange if she didn't notice the change.

Judging by her expression, she wouldn't believe me if I said no anyway.

And a brief article about it would be released on Monday.

"Yes, I gained a new trait."

I told her, albeit briefly.

"I thought so."

Amy nodded, seemingly convinced.

In this world, traits are like an all-purpose cheat key.

Some people change drastically after acquiring a good trait.

And although rare, there are traits that change one's personality or mental state.

Fortunately, Amy didn't ask any more questions.

As I shakily took a sip of water with my trembling hand,

grrr-

An unseemly sound came from my stomach.

Come to think of it, I hadn't eaten anything since lunch.

I had eaten lightly on purpose before the duel at lunchtime.

"···I'll prepare something simple for you to eat."

"No, it's fine."

"Nutrition is essential for recovery. Please wait a moment, Young Master."

With that, Amy stood up and left the room.

Of course, I was hungry, and I needed nutrition, but······.

It's extremely embarrassing.

Not even able to hold a spoon. It feels like my life as a man is over.

At that moment.

"Understood."

Amy picked up the spoon I dropped and wiped it clean with a cloth.

And then,

"Please, say 'ah'."

She scooped up a spoonful of soup and brought it to me.

"..."

Baffled, I tried to keep my expression neutral as I stared at her.

This is when 'Twisted Noble's Dignity' comes in handy.

Without it, I wouldn't be able to maintain my composure, looking ridiculous instead.

"My arm hurts."

Amy avoided my gaze as she spoke.

"Ah."

I reflexively ate the spoonful of soup.

"How is the taste... young master?"

"It's hot."

I didn't even have time to taste it.

It was so hot that I almost burned my tongue.

A look of dismay crossed Amy's face.

"I-I apologize, Milord. I should have been more careful. Please forgive me–"

"It's fine."

Saying that, I opened my mouth again.

As the pain subsided, I could finally taste the soup.

It's delicious.

In the original work, Amy was known as a gourmet.

She's excellent at cooking as well.

"It's delicious. Can you do this more often?"

"Of course, young master. And you don't need to ask. I am your... loyal servant."

Amy scooped up more soup, carefully blew on it to cool it down, and then offered the spoon to me.

After eating the soup, I spoke.

"Amy."

"Yes, young master?"

Amy looked up at me.

For some reason, I'm reminded of an obedient cat.

"It's nothing. I just hope you can make such delicious meals often."

I want to convey my gratitude, but I feel too shy to say it.

Amy nodded slightly, smiling.

"Of course."

No more conversation took place.

Only the sound of blowing on the soup and eating could be heard occasionally in the room.

***

After finishing the meal with Amy's help.

"I'll go back to sleep now. Have sweet dreams, Amy."

I laid down in bed and spoke.

Sleep is the best medicine for muscle soreness.

Amy stood up, carrying the empty dishes, and bowed her head.

"Yes. Young master, have sweet dreams as well. I'll come to serve breakfast tomorrow morning."

Hm, tomorrow is Saturday.

And by tomorrow, I should be able to move my fingers, right?

"You don't have to do that."

"No, it's best if you rest as much as possible. I'll take my leave now."

With those words, Amy left the room.

In no time, I was alone in the room.

"..."

Well, it's not a bad sign if she wants to help me, right?

I hope that's the case...

Anyway, time to sleep again.

***

Bonus chappy! This one is thanks to Sam!

Enjoy the chappy!