(Time Skip)
(Six Days Later)
(Viviana Rosalind's POV)
"I'll come back in the evening, Elza.
"Rest well."(Rosalind)
I said, trying to sound reassuring.
"No worries, Sister Rosa. Just take care of Brother Rai as promised."(Elizabeth)
Elza replied enthusiastically.
However, on clear notice, her voice sounded a little weaker than usual, and even the glow in her face was reduced.
It was evident that the treatment had taken a toll on her.
Her green eyes, though they looked tired, still had their usual charm and shine.
Her blonde, curly hair was a little messy.
She was resting on a bed as she wore a simple white gown.
"I will."(Rosalind)
I responded with a momentary pause.
I then turned my attention to Mia, Princess Elza's personal maid, who was standing just a few steps beside.
"Take care of her."(Rosalind)
I said, my expression a mix of concern and command.
"Don't worry, Princess Rosalind.
"It is my duty.
"I will take good care of Princess Elizabeth."(Mia)
Mia replied softly, her voice gentle yet her face conveying a sense of reassurance and understanding.
Satisfied with her answer, I took my leave of the room.
I continued on my way, accompanied by Maya, my own personal maid, who followed silently behind me.
As we walked, my thoughts couldn't help but drift back to my recent encounter with Elza and her condition from the very beginning.
It has been six days since the treatment for Elza started.
Right after the day, I and Rai conversed, he had a talk with Elza as he explained the real reason behind their visit to Alchemoria.
As Rai stated, Elza was really brave.
Without a second thought, she went along with the choice her Brother and Father made, completely trusting them.
Actually, the case of Elza's illness is slightly different as the symptoms haven't yet started.
In fact, the illness she is suffering from is considered extremely dangerous.
However, it was not because there was no treatment but because of the cost of treatment.
Only a privileged few could afford the cost of medical treatments.
As a result, many individuals were unable to access life-saving treatment, leading to severe complications and potentially fatal outcomes.
Even in such cases where people could afford it, the chances of surviving are low as the illness doesn't show symptoms until the last stage.
Luckily, Elza is one of the rare cases where the checkup for the illness was done long before it could spread, and she was also one of the few who could afford the treatment.
Whether it was out of fear caused by his wife's death or a simple precautionary measure, the King of Xantrinia, Elza's Father, had made a wise decision to prioritise Elza's health and have a full checkup.
Well, Prince Rai had also undergone a checkup, and luckily there was no such case. Not like it was common in the first place.
With all these factors, the chances of Elza coming out fine from the illness were almost full, without a doubt.
All that is to be done is give her medicine daily for a week and keep her under observation for 15 days of her condition.
As I pondered over the impact of my thoughts on Elza's tired and hazy appearance, I came to a sudden halt.
Without turning back, I addressed my maid, Maya, who was walking a few steps behind me.
"Maya, did Prince Rai come by?"(Rosalind)
I asked, keeping my question simple and direct.
Despite my distracted state, I knew Maya would understand what I meant.
"Yes, Lady Rosalind.
–Maya continued, providing the information she had gathered.
"According to Princess Elza's maid, Mia, Prince Rai visited her early in the morning.
"He stayed by her side and even had breakfast with her before heading back to his camber."(Maya)
Maya concluded her explanation.
"Head back to his chamber, hmm?
–I repeated it inquisitively, my curiosity piqued.
"You mean back to the training grounds."(Rosalind)
I added, seeking confirmation.
"Most probably, Lady Rosalind."(Maya)
Maya replied, her tone indicating a high level of certainty.
As I processed the information, a smile crept across my face.
"Prince Rai is more dedicated than I had initially assumed.
–I said, the smile still lingering.
"I shouldn't underestimate him anymore."(Rosalind)
I continued, recognizing the depth of his commitment.
Reflecting on the past week, I hadn't had many encounters with Prince Rai.
While we did cross paths occasionally, it was usually just a brief exchange of greetings.
But I got this unusual report from Maya saying that Prince Rai has been visiting the training ground since the day of our encounter a week ago.
And from that day on, he spent one week either with his sister Elza or on the training grounds.
I had initially brushed it off, thinking it might just be a one or two-day thing.
But to my surprise, he kept at it.
"Things might get a little interesting this way."(Rosalind)
I thought aloud, my smile taking on a different form than it usually does.
Although one week may not be enough to fully judge a person, it was sufficient to gauge whether someone was serious and not just fooling around.
I couldn't help but wonder what had triggered this sudden obsession with his new 'profession.'
…well I do have a hunch, but I wasn't entirely sure.
What I do know is that.
People don't change easily.
Their likes, dislikes, and ways of thinking tend to stick unless something major happens.
And as I wondered if something significant had happened to cause such a shift in his priorities.
There was one incident that stood out that might've affected him—the bandit attack during their journey.
But from what I know through the information I gathered, it wasn't such a dangerous situation.
While most of the bandits had been dealt with by the Knights.
The only reason Prince Rai was injured and got concussed was…
His own misjudgement of the situation.
Or perhaps he was so worried about his sister Elza that he couldn't think rationally and made a mistake during the attack by attacking first instead of staying behind the knights and letting them handle the situation.
Whatever the case, that incident seemed to have left a mark on him.
It isn't something I should be worried about.
On the contrary, this may work in my favour if I use it wisely, I thought, a sly grin forming on my lips.
Breaking out of my thoughts.
"Now I can't slack off either, can I?
–I couldn't help but speak aloud with a playful expression.
"Let's go, Maya."(Rosalind)
With a determined air, I said to Maya, already taking a step forward.
"Are we going to meet Prince Rai, Lady Rosalind?"(Maya)
Maya asked, sounding doubtful.
"*chuckle~
"What gave you the idea that I am visiting Prince Rai, Maya?"(Rosalind)
I chuckled at her question and replied
"Well, I won't deny that he's got me curious.
-However, before she could answer, I admitted.
"And he does have an intriguing personality."(Rosalind)
[...there is also another reason, but there is no need to point that out as it has not yet been brought out by anyone.](Rosalind)
I nodded with a matter-of-fact tone, keeping my thoughts to myself.
"But the answer is no.
"Let Prince Rai be for now.
"I don't want to intrude during his training hours."(Rosalind)
As I continued on my way, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity.
This whole situation sparked my interest.
There was much to do, and I had my own path to follow.
I was determined to make the most of my time and seize any opportunity that came my way.
With that in mind, I walked forward.
.
(To be continued…)
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Chapter words : 1310
Total words : 19.75K