CHAPTER 59: HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A SICK PERSON [I]

The only thing the dwarf woman could deduce was maybe it was because of his wood element.

That was why his scent was so intoxicating.

But all she knew was that... she would need to inhale later.

"Alright, you can leave," Villy said crisply, but Emilia folded her hands with a stubborn glare.

"I want to see how you will take care of him."

The younger woman shoved the half-burned uniform aside, feigning nonchalance.

Her cheeks were still red from being caught sniffing it earlier, but her eyes — half-concern, half-pride remained glued to Lucius’s unconscious form.

"...Fine." Villy sighed, though her patience was thin.

She reached into the pocket of her maid’s dress and pulled out a slim packet of medicine.

The wrapping crinkled softly as she placed it neatly on the small table by the bed.

"It’s a blend made for this exact condition," she explained matter-of-factly. "It will help him rest. But he must eat first otherwise the medicine will only weaken him."

She turned to head downstairs, intent on cooking something simple and filling.

But the door creaked open again, and in stepped Luna.

The girl’s headphones dangled around her neck, her purple hair slightly mussed, and her arms trembling as she carried a steaming bowl.

The rich aroma of broth filled the room immediately.

"I, um..." Luna stammered, pink creeping up her cheeks. "She said Lucius wasn’t feeling well, so I—I made something."

She set the bowl on the table carefully, almost reverently, as if it were an offering.

From across the room, Villy took in a deep whiff.

Her eyes softened despite herself.

"Thank you, Lady Luna. You’re far better than Lady Emilia."

"Hey!" Emilia snapped immediately, but the bite in her voice lacked real venom.

Luna ducked her head with an embarrassed smile. "It’s just something my grandmother used to make for me when I was sick."

Her gaze slid to Lucius.

She padded closer, hesitated for only a second, and then gently placed her palm on his forehead.

Her breath hitched.

"He’s burning up..." she whispered, almost to herself.

In an instant she straightened. "I’ll get a cloth and cold water."

Before anyone could stop her, she darted into Lucius’s personal bath.

Villy’s brow arched slightly, impressed.

She didn’t even hesitate.

She glanced sidelong at Luna.

’My lady has no idea the kind of rivals circling her my Lord. If she doesn’t act, she’ll lose without realizing it.’

Emilia chewed her bottom lip, glaring at the doorway Luna had vanished through.

’Why is she acting so meek? Like she’s his wife or something?’

The thought curdled in her stomach. She didn’t like the picture at all.

Moments later, Luna reappeared, carrying a small bowl of chilled water and a folded towel.

Her steps were light but steady, her expression calm despite the faint blush across her face.

"I can take it from here," Villy said firmly, intercepting her. "It’s my responsibility."

Luna froze, then nodded quickly.

"O-of course. Here." She bowed slightly and handed the supplies over.

Villy wrung the cloth out with precise movements, then dabbed Lucius’s flushed face, finally laying the towel across his forehead.

Slowly, the furious heat seemed to ease.

A sigh escaped his lips, and his eyelids fluttered.

Emilia leaned in sharply. "He’s waking—"

Lucius’s eyes cracked open, dazed and unfocused.

He groaned as if every bone in his body ached.

Trying to sit up, he swayed and nearly collapsed again.

"Fuck... it really hurts," he muttered under his breath.

His throat felt like sandpaper, every swallow painful.

Before he could croak out a request, Villy darted to the water dispenser, pouring a full glass.

She returned in seconds, kneeling by his bedside, and guided the cup into his hands.

He drank it in one go, draining every drop.

The glass clinked softly as he handed it back.

His free hand pressed against his temple.

"Where... are we?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"We’re currently in your room, my lord," Villy answered, her tone respectful yet gently chiding. "Would you like to eat and take your medicine?"

Only then did Lucius notice the three women staring at him, all with different expressions.

’Fuck me.’

He shut his eyes, wishing fever would knock him unconscious again.

But the women did not relent.

"Eat first," Villy insisted, gesturing at the bowl Luna had placed earlier. "Your strength must be restored before anything else."

Lucius opened one eye suspiciously. "...Who cooked that?"

Luna hesitated, twisting her fingers together. "I-I did..."

He stared at her for a long moment, then back at the steaming soup.

His stomach gave a violent growl and sighed. "...Fine."

Villy picked up the spoon, ready to feed him herself, but Luna stepped forward shyly. "I... I can do it."

Both women froze, staring at her. Emilia snorted.

"Oh, here we go. The dutiful housewife routine."

Luna flushed crimson but held her ground. "I just... want to help."

"Ridiculous," Villy muttered, but she handed the spoon over reluctantly.

Luna dipped it into the broth carefully, blew on it until the steam faded, and lifted it to Lucius’s lips.

He eyed her suspiciously again, then accepted it.

The warm liquid slid down his throat, soothing the rawness.

His eyes widened slightly.

"...This is actually good."

Luna’s chest fluttered. "R-really?"

"Mm." He swallowed another spoonful. "Better than most of the crap I’ve had in the name of soup."

He wasn’t even lying. His grandmother had fed him a lot of things in the name of soup, she wasn’t really a good cook.

’But fuck this hurts,’ He thought, well according to the novel as long as he rested well, the pain would fade in a day and he’d be good to go by tomorrow.

Luna kept feeding him while Villy worked by tapping his hot body with the towel and it worked, he could feel the heat in his body gradually calm down.

Emilia was feeling useless, like she was just a spectator so she swallowed and took a step forward, only to trip and fall on his lap.

Lucius glared at her despite his headache and she looked sheepish.

"Hehe~ Mistake?"