Chapter 44: How Did You Get That Wound On Your Neck?

Chapter 44: How Did You Get That Wound On Your Neck?

It wasnt considered breaking the unspoken rule of the imperial family just by spreading the rumor.

Ive only said that there was someone in the empire who could heal anything. I didnt mention the name of the family or a specific person.

Since the rumor was vague enough that the source was questionable, it should sound like complete nonsense to others.

But it should be different for Damian.

His heart condition had already been revealed to the public, so he should be wanting to grab onto even the slimmest of chances in order to heal it.

There is a person in this empire that is able to heal any disease and even restore a severed tongue.

The phrase restore a severed tongue in the rumor.

That was a hint I had kindly provided to Damian.

A hint so he would come to visit me once he heard the rumor.

He was the black crow, oblivious that the hope of curing his heart disease would become the path to his demise.

Cassadin said that he no longer needed revenge, but I was different.

I wasnt a pure-hearted person like Cassadin. I didnt plan on being used like I had in the past.

As long as Cassadin went out to the battlefield in the place of my father, that was more than enough for me. It was a separate matter from whether he considered me his sister or not.

I couldnt dirty the hands of Cassadin when he was calling me his savior. The only one who was going to have the black crows blood on their hands was me.

Becoming slightly uncomfortable talking to Cassadin after the incident during the day, I creeped out of my room and tiptoed to Tuules room at the end of the mansion.

Knock knock.

When I knocked quietly on the door, it opened cautiously. When Tuule peeked his head out of the door and saw me, his expression brightened into a wide smile. His blue-gray eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

Damians servants had been lying when they claimed Tuule was an aggressive man. The only thing rough about Tuule was his appearance. Rather, his personality was calmer than a lamb.

Hey, Tuule.

When I said hello, Tuule bowed his head and greeted me.

Miss Aren.

I came alone today.

Hearing that, Tuules eyes widened.

Has Mister Cassadin not come with you?

Yes.

Tuules expression eased when he heard that Cassadin wasnt with me.

Has something happened between the two of you while I wasnt there?

Tuule vigorously shook his head sideways at my question.

N-No, Miss.

Nothing had happened with Mister Cassadin.

Tuule rapidly blinked his large eyes. He looked incredibly anxious the moment Cassadins name was mentioned.

Just what happened to him while I was absent?

When I narrowed my eyes and peered at Tuule, I saw a wound that had not been there before.

How did you get that wound on your neck?

Tuule jumped back in surprise and quickly tried to hide the wound with his hand. But I had already seen what had been on his neck.

I merely got it by foolishly tripping on something

Unlike his threatening physique, Tuule had exceptional empathy for others, even though he had lost most of his memories. This was likely an innate trait.

Though he had a kind nature like no other, Tuule, unfortunately, had no one to depend on. Was it really the best option to send Tuule without his memories to the Crown Prince?

I started to contemplate it seriously.

The Crown Prince had opened up to Cassadin enough in the past to position him as his closest aide, but would he also treat Tuule the same way?

What if I sent him to the palace, and he was unable to fit in among the other palace dwellers? Did the Damian in my past life send Tuule to the Crown Prince?

But all of my current thoughts are ultimately pointless. Because I hadnt seen or even heard of Tuule in my past life.

It was likely that Tuule wouldnt have been alive if I hadnt healed him with my ability.

I felt Tuules gaze on me as I fell into deep thought. Turning my gaze to the man staring at me with a tilted head, I asked,

Tuule, do you wish to stay here?

Pardon?

Tuule looked at me with an expression of disbelief. I smiled brightly at him as I continued,

If its alright with you, youre allowed to stay here.

H-How could I dare?

Ill talk to Cassadin about this matter. So you dont have to be afraid of Cassadin any longer.

Cassadin wouldnt treat Tuule harshly if I told him so. Unlike in the past, Cassadin was now keeping his promises with me, so I put my trust in that.

Tuules eyes started to redden as he looked at me, and he asked me with a shaky voice.

May I, may I truly do that?

His watery voice almost sounded desperate. I gave Tuule a big nod in response to his question. His eyes overflowed, causing a single tear to roll down his face.

Plop.

The single tear that traveled down Tuules cheek fell to the ground. He then aggressively rubbed at his eyes and spoke in a determined voice,

Thank you. But I cant continue to be a burden like this any longer.

If there is anything I am able to help with, please let me do so.

Tuule thumped his fist against his chest as he added on.

Though I have lost my memory, I am confident in my physical strength. Look at my arms. Theyre incredibly sturdy.

As Tuule had said, his tanned copper-brown skin and veiny arms did indeed look incredibly sturdy. It was to the point where I was curious about just what he had been before he lost his memory.

His gray-blue eyes, located under his bushy eyebrows, shone brightly.

His long black hair, close to a brown tone, reminded me of a wild horse. Though, unlike his tough exterior, his kind personality was similar to that of a soft rabbit.

The first task is going to be persuading Father.

Its already been several weeks since I brought in Tuule. I had promised Father that I would send Tuule away after those several weeks. Me taking in Tuule ultimately meant I would break my promise to Father.

I was nervous that Father would become upset, but I wouldnt feel at ease sending away that gentle slave to the Crown Prince because he had nowhere to go.

Because I knew all too well how it felt to have nobody to depend on and how terrible it was.

When I was at Damians duchy in my past life, I was nothing more and nothing less than a tool.

With the single excuse that I was his fiance, Damian had blocked off all channels for those who I could depend on. For three long years.

Hm. Alright, Tuule. Then stay put and rest here for now.

I left Tuules room in order to persuade Father.

Clack. Just after I had closed Tuules door and exited his room, my heart dropped to the floor.

That was because Cassadin was standing right in front of me, leaning against the wall.