Chapter 48: The Cause
"I'm Clementina Medici," she said.
"The only daughter of the Duke of South. The House Medici."
Of course, Sevi had known who she truly was, but he acted surprised, not wanting to give away the fact that he had already knew her identity.
He looked at Clementina, his expression now a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"If you're Clementina Medici, then... why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be at the Holy Church, preparing to become the next Saintess?"
Clementina's gaze shifted away from him, her eyes focusing on something in the distance.
For a brief moment, she seemed lost in thought, her face hardening with an expression Sevi couldn't quite read.
She took a deep breath before looking back at Sevi, her voice soft but laced with an undertone of something unspoken.
"Things aren't always as they seem. The Holy Church... isn't what it appears to be, my family... and neither am I."
Her words were vague, as though she were holding back more than she was letting on.
Sevi furrowed his brow.
'Seemed like some riddle or some sort. Anyways, I don't want to press her further,' Sevi thought.
"Okay," Sevi replied, choosing to respect her silence.
*Grumble
Clementina's face flushed with embarrassment as her stomach let out a loud grumble.
She quickly placed a hand over her abdomen, her cheeks turning pink.
"I'm sorry," she muttered, her voice small.
"I didn't realize how hungry I was."
Sevi chuckled lightly, "It's alright. You're recovering, and your body needs energy. How about I get you something to eat? I also haven't eaten yet."
He moved toward the small kitchen, quickly pulling together ingredients.
'Something light would be great,' he thought.
Sevi started with a warm, creamy oatmeal, adding a touch of honey to make it soothing and sweet.
He also sliced some fresh fruit, a mix of berries and apples, and set them alongside the oatmeal.
Within minutes, Sevi returned with a tray, carefully setting it down beside her.
"Here you go," he said, his voice warm. "I made something simple, but it should be gentle on your stomach."
Clementina looked at the food with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "You really didn't have to, but... thank you."
She picked up the spoon and hesitated before taking a bite.
Sevi smiled, watching her carefully.
"It's no trouble at all."
Clementina nodded, taking a few more bites. Seeing Clementina eating, Sevi also ate his share beside her.
As soon as Clementina finished eating, she stood up from the bed, although struggling.
Sevi quickly stood up, ready to offer help, but Clementina waved him off with a weak smile.
"I'm fine," she said, though her voice wavered slightly. She took a few unsteady steps toward the window, her hand gripping the edge of the bed for support.
Sevi didn't push, but he stayed close, watching her carefully.
"Are you sure you should be up? You just woke up, and you're still recovering."
Clementina paused, her fingers brushing the windowpane as she looked outside. The morning light went in, casting a soft glow across her face.
She inhaled deeply, her eyes closed for a brief moment.
"I just need to move a bit."
Clementina stepped unsteadily to a nearby chair, lowering herself carefully into it.
Once seated, she closed her eyes and exhaled softly, her hands glowing faintly with a gentle golden light.
Her healing magic was at work, mending her lingering injuries and replenishing her strength.
Sevi, who had been watching her quietly, couldn't hide his curiosity.
"That's... amazing," he said, his voice filled with genuine awe.
'Now, this is real healing magic,' Sevi thought as he remembered his not up to par first aid skill.
"But why didn't you use that in the fight? It could've helped you a lot."
Clementina opened her eyes, the glow fading from her hands as she rested them on her lap.
"I couldn't," she said softly, looking at him.
Sevi tilted his head, confused.
"What do you mean? It's your skill, isn't it? Why should you hold back?"
Clementina hesitated, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of the chair.
"Because I wasn't Clementina Medici during that fight," she explained.
"I was Carla—a skilled assassin in the Red Crescent guild. Using healing magic would have raised too many questions. Assassins aren't supposed to have such powers."
Sevi frowned, "So, you had to hide... even if it put you at a disadvantage?"
Clementina nodded subtly, but before Sevi could press further, her expression shifting to something more guarded.
"But let's not dwell on that for now," she said, her tone firm but calm.
"I bet you and Noemi have already pieced things together about the fever she had recently. The one who did that is---"
"You." Sevi sighed.
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