CH 23.1

Chapter 3. I am Healthy

Upon hearing the news that the carriage was ready to leave, I rose from my seat, with Lionel’s help. However, the priest blocked our path.

“Madam Lindel needs complete stability at the moment. I will accompany you on your way.”

What are they talking about when I, the person in question, seemed so healthy?

I have not yet forgotten the recent shocking incident.

Two heavily-built knights with imposing physiques appeared outside, making me nervously furrow my brow. In their hands were two long sticks with cloths attached. I recognized the objects immediately. They were ‘stretchers’ used to carry the wounded in the war. As I already knew, I did not have to ask if they were meant for me.

My heart was filled with the desire to refuse, but I feigned ignorance and asked.

“Surely, you don’t mean I have to lie on that thing, do you?”

“Yes, that’s correct!”

But again, nothing changed.

Along with the priest’s cheerful answer, the knights holding the stretcher answered reassuringly.

“We will make sure you are safe.”

‘I don’t need it!’

I imagined myself getting out of the carriage, loaded on the stretcher, but the thought was unbearable without even imagining it. Anyone who saw me would think I am severely ill when I am extremely healthy.

“It’s okay. I can walk to the carriage.”

I firmly rejected it, but this time Lionel interfered.

“No. I think I should carry it. There should be less shaking so there won’t be any burden on her body.”

Not noticing my distress, Lionel helped them. Even when I looked at Lionel with a gaze filled with betrayal, nothing changed. In front of me, the carriage was still waiting, and people were waiting for me with glistening eyes, like puppies waiting for praise.

In the end, I had to lie down on the stretcher as they carried me. It was impossible to refuse after the Emperor had offered me to lie down. But to my surprise, the feeling of being carried outside on the stretcher was not as bad as I thought it would be, even though I was holding back my tears. 

‘It’s… oddly comfortable.’

The attention of others still bothered me, but as they were only unfamiliar priests, I gradually got used to it. The comfortable feeling and sense of stability in the carriage, which was being led by horses, was even more reassuring than the words of others. 

‘Yes, I won’t see these people again anyways.’ 

Only then was I able to finally relax.

Perhaps it was thanks to the strong arm strength of the knights because the stretcher was very comfortable except for a slight shake. 

‘It’s not bad-’ 

But as soon as I left the temple, I jumped up. 

‘What’s all that?!’

“Madam Lindel! You must stay still! It’s dangerous to move like that.”

I heard a knight dissuading me from struggling, but it couldn’t stop me. 

I was mesmerized by the sight of the moment I crossed the threshold of the temple. 

Outside the temple, there were many faces I knew well-known. 

‘Why are you all gathering over there?!’

It was funny that I was relieved that no one I knew would see me like this. 

The maids, servants, and knights who took care of me, as well as the minister and other ministers who I saw before, were all huddled together and looking at me. 

In particular, the presence of the other ministers made me even more appalled.

Why are those people, who are hard to see outside of national affairs meetings, gathered here?!

As I partially raised my body and looked at them while I was in a panic, I heard them making a commotion.

“D-Did Madam Lindel’s body just shake?”

“I saw it too!”

They were talking about my stunned appearance when I saw them. To my misfortune, the first thing I saw was their laughing faces, which made it even more unbearable. Just as my face was about to turn red from embarrassment, their laughter grew louder.

“I hope it’s not a seizure!”

I almost slipped on the stretcher when I heard someone say that. 

It was ridiculous to say I looked like I was having a seizure. However, I was the only one who thought so. 

“D-Doesn’t it really look like a seizure?”

I was even more bewildered by the responses. But regardless of my mood, the rumors of my seizure were spreading like wildfire between them. 

How could they judge me so harshly with just a glance?

Naturally, the loud voices could not have been left unnoticed by the knights.

“Oh! You did it because you weren’t feeling well, right? I’ll hurry!”

The eyes of the guard who had been paying attention to me filled with sympathy.

Half relieved and half embarrassed, I stammered quickly.

“That’s not it, just please let me go quickly.”

“Understood!”

Based on previous experiences, it was clear that shouting “it’s not like that” would only fuel their misunderstandings.