CH 55.2

A moment of silence passed. Theodore looked dazed. With Charlotte’s help, I slowly got up and said,

“…Please leave me alone.”

“…….”

Still, when I fell down, he looked surprised.

Well, it’s only natural since he was seeing someone faint in front of their eyes.

As he was still standing still, I walked past him. My vision was still swaying, but I didn’t feel as dizzy as before. Charlotte supported me and was at a loss. Seeing her upset face, I somehow felt apologetic. Charlotte was always worried about me. I want to become a more dignified person.

‘…In my condition, I don’t know if I’ll be able to properly run away at night.’

With Charlotte’s help, I managed to get to the front door, but the problem was the stairs. Going up to the third floor, where my room is, was impossible in my current state.

I was standing in a daze thinking about what to do, but suddenly I heard Theodore’s voice from behind.

“…I will take you to your room.”

“…….”

I slowly looked back. Theodore approached me with a gait that was neither slow nor fast. I wondered if he might have remembered what had happened, but seeing the still cold expression on his face, I doubted that.

The only difference was that he stared at me with rather confused eyes.

Those eyes were different from when they just stared at me coldly. It didn’t feel any warmth, but it was less sharp and less hostile.

“It will be difficult to go up to the third floor in that state… Even if you’re uncomfortable, be patient.”

He reached right in front of me before I knew it and before I had time to say no, he picked me up.

At that moment, I felt dizzy again, and without realizing it, I grabbed his clothes with both hands. Theodore paused, then pursed his lips. I squeezed my eyes shut to try to alleviate the dizziness.

“Please… put me down. I don’t need your help.”

“Don’t be stubborn. You look like you’re about to faint.”

After replying like that, showing he would no longer deal with me no matter what I said, he began to stride forward.

He climbed the stairs without hesitation, and there was no shaking. His breathing was steady and his face was not red. It was a world apart from me, who felt short of breath after climbing the stairs and had blood rushing to my face.

“Are you dizzy?”

“…….”

I didn’t answer. That question seemed to be considerate, like asking if I was okay… No, maybe he’s really being caring. The fact that my health was at its worst seemed to surprise him more than he thought.

“…We’re here.”

I slowly opened my closed eyes. Before I knew it, the place had changed to the hallway where my room was.

It took only a few minutes to get here, but it felt like it took longer than that. I turned my head away from Theodore’s gaze and said,

“Please put me down now.”

“…….”

He dropped me off without a word. I stumbled a little, but managed to stand on my own two feet. As I reached out to open the door, I heard Charlotte’s voice from close by.

“M-Madam!”

Gasping roughly, Charlotte caught her breath in the middle of the hallway stretching from the stairway. It seemed that she was almost running, chasing Theodore’s insane speed. I held the doorknob and waited for Charlotte to come.

“…….”

Shortly after, Charlotte arrived by my side, bowed quietly to Theodore, and gave me a gesture. It must mean, “You’d better go to your room and rest.”

I obediently opened the door and entered the room. Charlotte came in after me and closed the door for me.

As soon as I heard the sound of the door closing, I collapsed onto the bed.

To say ‘thank you for bringing me here’ to Theodore… I deliberately didn’t do it.

Because it was an act of kindness I never wanted.

His kindness, compassion, and maybe sympathy.

I don’t want to put any meaning to them now.

Either way… We’re going to separate soon, aren’t we?

* * *

Four days later—

Valentino’s castle turned upside down.

Missus Seymour, who had been quiet for a while, had another fit.