Chapter 16

"Such words have never been said to me before. Thank you..."

Edith's cheeks were thoroughly flushed, and she looked down bashfully. Lionel chuckled and gazed at her with an admiring look.

"Besides, you are a warm-hearted and considerate person. I thank God for the good fortune of having a woman like you in the Oakridge family. ...At first, I was reluctant to bring up such a proposal in exchange for support to the Oakridge family, thinking about how much trouble it would cause the young lady of the house. But, thanks to that, I met you."

"...Lord Lionel, you are always so kind, and I am grateful to have met you. You treat me without any prejudice, even though I am of common birth. When I was in the Oakridge family, I felt out of place and sometimes felt isolated because I suddenly became an adopted child in a noble family after a long life as a commoner... But, when I am with Lord Lionel, I have a lot of fun."

"I'm glad to hear you say that."

After exchanging smiles with Lionel, Edith started pushing the wheelchair slowly through the courtyard again. As she pushed the wheelchair, she gazed at the flowers blooming gracefully in the flower beds. Suddenly, she stopped and pointed at a corner of the flower bed, exclaiming softly.

"Oh, that plant with the pale pink leaves is a somewhat rare herb used in medicine. Such plants are also planted in the flower beds. The Oakridge family used to make medicine with this herb."

Edith pointed to a low-growing plant with pale pink leaves mixed among the flowers in the flower bed.

"Really? You are quite knowledgeable about herbs. ...What kind of medicine is this herb used for?"

"Mainly for pain relief. Despite its cute color, it is classified as a very potent herb. For example, it is used when there is persistent pain in the limbs, joints, or back, even when resting. It can cause numbness if used alone, so it is usually mixed with several other herbs to make medicine."

Lionel looked up at Edith in surprise.

"Amazing, you can explain it so fluently."

"Well, I have been in charge of compounding a pink tablet made from this herb in the Oakridge family for about a year."

Lionel's eyes widened even more at her words.

"...Wasn't the tablet you made, using this herb, sold in a black bag?"

"Yes. It was part of the more expensive line of medicines handled by the Oakridge family, so it came in a black package. Lord Lionel, how did you know about that?"

This time, it was Edith's turn to tilt her head. Lionel slowly opened his mouth.

"It's because I use that medicine. ...What a strange coincidence. I was using the medicine you made even before I met you. And, I've felt it working better for about a year. I feel more comfortable in my body and can sleep better after taking it. I was almost bedridden at one point, but now I can use a wheelchair."

Edith's face darkened as she thought about how severe Lionel's condition must have been.

"Really...?"

Lionel smiled gently.

"It seems I was being helped by you even back then. And, the reason my father agreed to increase the loan to your family and proposed a match for me was because your medicine worked so well."

"I had no idea there was such a background."

As Edith thought about the mysterious connection, Lionel suddenly broke into a bright, pure smile like a young boy.

"You might really have magic. I feel a surge of energy from deep within my body just having you by my side."

"Hehe, I wish that were true. ...By the way, Lord Lionel, shall we have breakfast soon? If you like, I can make a herb porridge with eggs for this morning."

"Can I ask for that? Thank you, Edith. I was just starting to feel hungry."

Edith returned a smile to Lionel and, pushing his wheelchair, left the courtyard, which was brightly lit by the morning sun.