Bright sunlight streamed through the window.
I lay in bed, looking at the faces gathered around me with slightly blank eyes.
The Grand Duke wore a serious expression. Hannah looked like she was about to cry. Butler Sobel remained expressionless as always. And there was even a sharp-looking physician I'd never seen before.
"How serious is it?"
The Grand Duke's voice was heavy.
I was so embarrassed I wanted to cover my face.
I just felt dizzy for a moment. I'm not sick.
It was probably because I'd cried until late last night.
I simply couldn't wake as early as usual—but Hannah had panicked and called both the Grand Duke and a doctor.
As soon as the Grand Duke entered, he'd stopped me from speaking.
The physician examined me carefully, then spoke with clarity.
"She has severe body aches."
"That can't be right."
I immediately tried to deny it—but then coughed.
The pain felt like the inside of my throat was being scraped raw.
Now that he mentioned it... my head was pounding, my body felt limp, and yes—everything ached.
From a young age, I was told I was healthy.
Even when I was with my mother, I'd never been sick.
And now, grown like this, I fall ill?
I held back the soreness in my throat as I spoke.
"I was always told I'm quite healthy."
The Grand Duke frowned at my cracked voice.
The physician adjusted his glasses and answered.
"It is true that the Princess—or rather, the young lady—is in good health. Because you were healthy, your body has endured this long. But now it aches precisely because of what you've put it through."
"What's the fastest way for her to recover?"
"She needs adequate rest, a balanced diet, and medicine taken at the proper times."
"Adequate rest. A balanced diet."
The Grand Duke spoke quietly, then looked at me.
I said, almost like an excuse:
"I was getting enough rest..."
"In my professional opinion, I disagree, my lady."
The physician chimed in firmly.
The Grand Duke's eyes darkened.
"...I'll need to take better care of her rest and meals from now on."
They already take such good care of me—what more could they possibly do?
I was flustered.
I unconsciously pulled the blanket up over my face to hide.
The Grand Duke's voice carried clearly beyond the fabric.
"...Sobel. Speak to Chef Martha. Prepare more nutritious meals."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Hannah—remove anything that might disturb her rest."
"Y-yes..."
Unlike Sobel's short, steady reply, Hannah's voice trembled with tears.
I wanted to tell her not to cry—but I couldn't bring myself to lower the blanket.
"I've prepared soup and medicine. Should I bring it right away?"
That was Sobel's voice.
I peeked out from under the covers, even as dizziness swam through my head.
There was no verbal answer from the Grand Duke—but I heard the door open and close.
Did he leave already?
It was already hot inside the blanket from my feverish breath.
I carefully lowered the fabric—
And came face-to-face with the Grand Duke, his face right in front of mine.
Oh my god—
I caught my breath in surprise.
The Grand Duke looked vaguely dissatisfied.
"Why do you look so surprised? Don't say anything—your throat will hurt."
I nodded instinctively—then winced.
My head rang like a bell.
"My head hurts..."
"Don't speak. Or nod your head."
"Then what do I do?"
"I told you not to say anything."
"I can't just stay silent..."
The Grand Duke shook his head at my deeply subdued voice.
Then he made a firm request, his face stern.
"Adequate rest and a balanced diet. I'll make sure you do just those two things—even if it's difficult for you."
His voice was somehow grumpy.
Just as I had a bad feeling about what that meant, the door opened again.
"I've brought the soup and medicine."
Sobel.
I sighed inwardly.
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