Chapter 13
Cecilia watched with a trembling gaze as the doctor from the Baron Trangier family examined Milena.
‘What should I do?’
There was no color at all in Milena’s face on the bed. Cold sweat formed in beads upon her pale forehead. Watching her, Cecilia’s turquoise eyes darkened.
‘If Milena is seriously ill because of me…’
But just then, the doctor examining Milena let out a short sigh and raised his head. Cecilia asked urgently.
“How is she? Is she okay?”
“Ah, she is fine. It seems she just overexerted herself a little.”
“But she even collapsed…”
As Cecilia trailed off worriedly, the doctor reassured her again.
“It is simply a buildup of fatigue. She will be fine after a deep sleep, so please rest easy.”
At that answer, Cecilia’s face brightened instantly. She nodded quickly.
“Right, that is a relief.”
But that feeling was brief. Cecilia’s expression clouded over again like a sky filled with dark clouds. She bit her lower lip and stared blankly at the quietly sleeping Milena.
‘Is it… truly a relief?’
Her mind was in a total mess. Her heart beat with a restless thud.
The brilliant blonde hair looked as if it were woven from individual strands of gold. The vivid green eyes resembled lush greenery. These were all the characteristics of the “real princess” who was said to have been lost in Lucert.
Of course, it was too hasty to be certain of a blood relation based only on hair and eye color. However…
‘That wind…’
The wind that had saved her. That wind had definitely blown from Milena. Furthermore, Cecilia knew about the rare existence known as Lucert’s “Blessed Child,” born once in a few generations.
‘What if that wind was Milena manifesting her supernatural power?’
Cecilia clenched her fists tightly. Her chest stung as if she had swallowed a handful of broken glass shards. What if Milena really was the biological daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Lucert?
If that were the case, then I…
“…Lady.”
“….”
“Princess!”
Cecilia suddenly snapped back to her senses. The doctor was looking at her with a puzzled expression.
“Is something the matter?”
“Ah, it is nothing.”
Cecilia hurriedly shook her head. The doctor, who had been staring at her, asked cautiously.
“More importantly, are you alright, Princess?”
“Me?”
“Yes. You were almost in an accident as well. You must have been very shocked.”
At those worried words, Cecilia reflexively straightened her back. She tucked her chin slightly and put on a soft smile. There was not a trace left of the anxious look she had just moments ago. She was the picture-perfect image of a flawless noble lady.
“A Princess of Lucert must always maintain a perfect appearance.”
The sharp voice of Madam Howard echoed in her ears.
‘If I make even a small mistake, I will disappoint my family again.’
She had to show an undisturbed appearance anytime, anywhere. She must not let others worry about her. The obsession to “be perfect,” engraved into her very bones, bound her without fail. Taking a short, deep breath, Cecilia replied elegantly.
“Of course, I am fine.”
“But…”
The doctor frowned slightly. It was only natural, as Cecilia’s complexion did not look good either. He thought he had seen her limping earlier as well. But Cecilia quickly waved her hand.
“I said I am really fine.”
“….”
Since Cecilia herself was so adamant, the doctor could not urge her to be examined further. It was the same earlier when the Lucert servants asked after her well-being. She had insisted she was fine. Finally, with an unconvinced expression, the doctor nodded and stood up.
“Yes, then I shall take my leave.”
It was just as the doctor was politely bowing.
Bam!
The door swung open. The people who appeared behind it were none other than the Duke of Lucert’s family.
“Ah, Father? Mother?”
Startled, Cecilia jumped up from her seat and then bit her back teeth hard. A sharp pain shot through her leg. It was a relief she didn’t stumble; if she had, she might have been scolded for behavior unbecoming of a princess.
“Tha-that child?!”
The Duchess cried out in a high-pitched voice. Hurrying inside, she stopped in front of the bed. She looked down at Milena with a trembling, desperate gaze.
The sparkling blonde hair. The delicate features are like a porcelain doll crafted by a master. She looked so much like the imagined grown-up version of her biological daughter. Unable to overcome her anxiety, the Duchess turned sharply to the doctor.
“Where is she hurting? Hmm?!”
“She-she is fine.”
The doctor answered quickly, then glanced at Cecilia with a bewildered face.
‘The Princess of Lucert is right here, so why are they so concerned about a mere maid?’
As soon as the question arose, the doctor flinched. Cecilia looked as if her face would crumble at the slightest touch. However, the Duke’s family had no room to care about the eyes of others. The Duchess gently stroked Milena’s hair with a trembling hand.
“O-our Chesya… her hair sparkled golden like this, too.”
Meanwhile, Cecilia stared at her family with a hollow gaze. Her heart ached. No one looked back at her. This intense feeling of isolation… it was as if she had become an invisible person. Then, the Duke’s gaze fell upon Cecilia.
“Cecilia.”
“Yes, Father.”
Cecilia reflexively corrected her posture. Her turquoise eyes sparkled faintly with a small glimmer of hope. At least Father spoke to me first.
‘So, perhaps he was worried about me…’
But contrary to her wish, the Duke let out a deep sigh and spoke.
“What on earth were you thinking, running out like that?”
“….”
“I told you that as a Princess of Lucert, you must always show dignity.”
Cecilia tightly gripped the hem of her dusty dress. Even while being rebuked, she felt pathetic for finding comfort in the words “Princess of Lucert.” She bowed her head politely.
“I am sorry, Father.”“….”
At that answer, the Duke looked at Cecilia with complex eyes. Then, in a voice mixed with a faint sigh, he asked.
“Your complexion is not good. Have you been seen by the doctor?”
“I am fine, Father.”
“….”
The Duke’s gaze sank deep. A haggard face. Disheveled hair. Even dark shadows cast under her eyes.
‘Did they say she was almost hit by a carriage?’
She must have been very shocked herself. It would be better to reassure her a little rather than lecture her more. More than anything…
‘Milena.’
He had to find out more about that child. It seemed better to send Cecilia out for now and focus on Milena. Glancing at Milena out of the corner of his eye, the Duke nodded.
“Fine, go and rest for now.”
In an instant, Cecilia’s eyes shook violently.
‘As I thought, Father… is only interested in Milena.’
