Chapter 17

At the breakfast table, Edith was again spoon-feeding Lionel, one mouthful at a time, with the freshly made herbal porridge that was steaming hot. Lionel's expression brightened as he tasted the porridge.

"This herbal porridge with eggs is also very delicious."

"Thank you, I'm glad you like it. I also tried using a different type of herbs. ...I had some decocted herbs from the ones I saw in this courtyard earlier, so I added a little. I think this will help alleviate your pain without having to take those tablets again."

"You're an excellent pharmacist, Edith. Having you by my side is a great comfort."

Lionel's smile, illuminated by the morning sun, looked very beautiful to Edith, and her cheeks tinged slightly. When he looked so ill, she had no time to think such thoughts, but now, looking at his face up close, she noticed how well-featured it was. His large, almond-shaped eyes were framed by long lashes, and his high nose bridge and elegant lips were perfectly balanced on his small face. Although Lionel's eyes were still sunken and his cheeks slightly hollow, Edith could see that he had not fully returned to his usual self. However, just imagining how beautiful he would be when he fully recovered made her feel dizzy.

(Come to think of it, my sister-in-law once said that Lionel-sama was very handsome when she saw him in the past...)

While thinking about this, Edith gazed intently at Lionel, and he blinked, noticing her gaze.

"What's the matter, Edith? Is there something on my face?"

Edith, flustered, replied to him.

"No, ...I was just thinking that Lionel-sama has a beautiful face, and I was admiring it up close."

Lionel stared at Edith in surprise, then let out a playful smile.

"You're unique, Edith. To say such things even when you see me like this. But, I don't mind at all if you say that."

Lionel's eyes, clear and deep like tanzanite, sparkled, and Edith felt her heart leap naturally. Looking at Edith with slightly heated eyes, Lionel murmured softly.

"Edith, since I met you, I've started to want to live more. I want to spend as much time as possible with you. ...Before I met you, my whole body ached, breathing was painful, and I couldn't move freely. I had no hope. But now, with a wonderful woman like you by my side, I need to get better. I don't want anyone else to take you away, so I have to get better."

"Lionel-sama, you will definitely recover. Hehe, as long as you wish it, I will always be by your side, so please don't worry."

"Ah, thank you, Edith."

Lionel's expression relaxed happily, and Edith squinted her eyes in a warm smile.

"You seem much better today compared to yesterday, and your father will surely be pleased. He was very worried about you yesterday."

"...I've always been a burden to my father. After my mother passed away a few years ago, he was deeply saddened, and then I fell ill, which must have been hard on him. I hope I can reassure him too."

"Yes, I'm sure he will be reassured. Don't overexert yourself; let's gradually and surely improve your health."

Edith smiled and then suddenly remembered something her father had said yesterday.

"By the way, when I met your father yesterday, he mentioned that your younger brother, Craig-sama, is planning to have his fiancée visit the Granville Marquess family soon."

"...So Eugenie is coming."

Lionel's expression seemed to stiffen slightly, and Edith blinked.

"Lionel-sama, you know the young lady who is to be Craig-sama's fiancée?"

"Yes, she is also my childhood friend."

"Oh, I see."

Lionel looked down thoughtfully for a moment before looking up at Edith.

"I think you'll hear about it eventually if you stay in this house, so I want to tell you first to avoid any misunderstandings. ...Eugenie was originally supposed to be engaged to me."

"!"

Edith gasped softly at Lionel's words, and he continued calmly.

"The engagement was planned due to the families' arrangements, but her fiancé became Craig instead. That's all there is to it. ...I am truly happy that you became my fiancée. I want you to remember that."

Looking into Lionel's serious eyes, Edith couldn't think of a proper response and could only nod silently.