Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Ricardis headed straight to his office. As soon as he returned, Isserion followed him, dabbing his tears with a handkerchief.

Your Highness, it has been three days since you last entered your chambers.

Ricardis intended to ignore him, but Isserion was crying too sorrowfully.

You might collapse! He wept.

It seemed like Isserion was the one about to collapse. Next to him, Lewon put his arm around Ricardis shoulders and admonished him with a scolding tone.

Ive been telling you since you were little. A healthy mind dwells in a healthy body! How can you expect to manage when your mind is exhausted but you still dont get proper rest? Please understand the hearts of us who watch you.

Alright, alright.

Under the assault of the two brothers, Ricardis surrendered by raising both hands. They were the ones who had nurtured him back to health when he was struggling in the Wingranate Mansion; he couldnt help but acquiesce. Already battling a throbbing headache, he had contemplated sipping some wine and briefly closing his eyes on the sofa.

However, influenced by Isserions wails, claiming that the bed might forget its masters face since they still had to change the sheets daily, Ricardis decided to go to his bedroom today. Well, wasnt changing the sheets the maids responsibility? It sounded like a lie, but he shrugged and let it slide.

Ive prepared the water, so go wash up and head to your room.

Ricardis accepted Isserions help, undressed, and entered the bathroom. An abundance of rose petals floated atop a giant bathtub filled with warm water. Hed told them not to do this the intense rose fragrance the next day

The warm temperature felt delightful. Ricardis poured water and washed his face. The warmth seeped into his body, and a contented sigh escaped him. He closed his eyes and leaned against the bathtub, tilting his head back. The pleasant moisture danced around the tip of his nose.

It had been a tiring day contending with the stubborn nobles like Diech and Katelyn. He closed his eyes, and Rosaline floated into his darkened field of vision. He was concerned about her, especially when remembering her tearful face. I hope shes doing well.

Ah! Oh, this is!

Opening his eyes, Ricardis met Rosalines gaze as she stretched out with her arms and legs spread on the high ceiling. He almost let out a curse in shock. Rosaline subtly avoided his astonished gaze. Blushing, Ricardis covered his chest Even though the rose petals entirely concealed his lower region. But wait, she might have seen it when I came in. Ricardis asked with a slightly embarrassed tone,

What did you see, from where to where?

Hanging in the air, Rosaline desperately shook her head.

Ah, nothing.

Her voice was barely audible. How could she not have seen anything!? Ricardis was about to yell, but Lewon urgently called him from outside, lightly knocking on the door.

Your Highness, is something the matter?

Ricardis broke into a cold sweat. How should he handle this situation now?

Its nothing. I just slipped for a moment.

Alright. Also, may I inquire about your choice of wine, my lord?

Even though she had disobeyed his orders, Ricardis felt that he might have been too harsh on the person who came to converse, and gradually, his stern resolve softened.

I planned to hide until you go to bed, just observing for a while and then leaving

Do you know what society would call such behavior, Sir?

Loyalty?

They would call it a crime; dont do it again. Since todays attempt remained incomplete, Ill let it slide.

By the way, Rosaline wasnt the only one who wanted to observe Ricardis sleeping face. A few years ago, an esteemed young lady from a prominent household, who had sent dozens of letters daily to Ricardis, had shared this passion. They both similarly failed, and the difference between them was whether or not they got caught.

Upon hearing, They would call it a crime, Rosaline glanced at Ricardis from the corner of her eye. It felt like she had unfinished words, behaving like a cautious dog after causing a commotion! An ominous feeling crept in.

Youll let it slide only for today?

Is this person for real Ricardis looked at her with a chilling gaze. It was too apparent that she was considering her accumulated actions in the past. How often had she snuck in to see his sleeping face, for goodness sake?

You seriously

Your Highness, may I come in for a moment? Isserion spoke from outside.

Rosaline and Ricardis widened their eyes and looked at each other. Ricardis stammered out a response.

N-no. Whats the matter? I quite hate being disturbed during my alone time!

He felt ashamed for giving such an adolescent-like answer.

I have something important to discuss. His tone was so grave that Ricardis couldnt bring himself to reject him.

Rosaline was flustered, unable to go left or right. With a determined expression, she whispered to Ricardis.

Its too slippery to cling to the wall right now! Instead, if I get in the bathtub, I can submerge for about an hour! Please let me do that!

Thats remarkable.

Even in such an urgent situation, he admired her ability. As Rosaline seemed like she was about to submerge herself into the water, Ricardis panicked. No, dont go in! You cant! He grabbed her by the hem of her clothes, barely preventing her. It was chaos.

I will enter, Your Highness.

The sound of Isserion opening the door reached their ears. Rosaline gasped in shock. Ricardis gritted his teeth and turned her shoulders. Rosaline felt the firm warmth of Ricardis against her back as he turned her around and held her close.

When Isserion stepped inside the bathroom, he saw Ricardis sitting amid the swaying red rose petals with his back exposed. Right in front of him, Rosaline had crouched down. Because Isserion, Ricardis, and Rosaline were all lined up in a straight row, Isserion couldnt see her. He could only admire Ricardis upright sitting posture, imagining how good it would be for his spine health.

Whats going on, Isserion? Since this area is damp, please dont come in. Just speak from where you stand.

Ricardis consideration was overflowing. Rosaline had dipped herself in the bathtub up to her mouth, looking up. Seeing her hair floating in the water, Ricardis quickly gathered it into one and handed it to her. Rosaline accepted and tightly held her hair like a lifeline dropped from the sky.