When That Door Opens - Chapter 57
“Argh!”
Lakian’s body collapsed with a thud. The blood from the wound gradually spread. His convulsing eyes searched for something. I had to use all my strength not to reach out and hold his hand. Finally, he found me and blinked slowly. His lips moved silently.
“Well done. Now, no one will ever doubt you.”
With that soundless whisper, Lakian closed his eyes.
I slowly stood up. His blood dripped from the dagger.
“How long do you think he’ll last?”
“Since his chest was stabbed, a few hours at most.”
“Only a few hours? I’ve granted him too peaceful a death.”
I clicked my tongue.
“Before his breath completely ceases, abandon him on a path frequented by wild animals. Maybe then, as his flesh is torn apart, he’ll regret his sins a little.”
“An impeccable disposal, My Lady.”
The knight took the dagger from me. His respectful demeanor showed that any suspicions he had about me were now gone.
* * *
Time passed, and winter approached.
I leaned back in my rocking chair, gazing at the falling snow outside. A maid, who had been nervously watching me, hurried over.
“It’s cold outside. Please, cover yourself with this, Lady Astel.”
A fluffy fur blanket covered my upper body. I lowered the blanket that covered my mouth and burst into laughter.
“You don’t need to go this far.”
“No, it’s necessary. If you catch a cold, it will be a disaster.”
“It’s just a cold.”
“Do you not remember how the entire capital was turned upside down when you collapsed last time?”
I laughed at the maid’s lament. Then, I looked outside again. The view of the capital’s nightscape was different from the temple garden scene I had seen all my life since I was eight years old.
After Roman’s death, I moved my residence to the Imperial Palace. With Roman gone, someone needed to act as the central figure for the Council of Elders. The council unanimously asked me to take on that role.
Thanks to the efforts of the past three years, I was able to lead the country quite well. At first, the people, confused by Roman’s death, gradually found stability. The voices praising me for protecting the faltering nation grew louder.
However, unfortunately for the people of Schultz, the peace did not last long.
I began to suffer from an unexplained illness. I grew progressively weaker, unable to keep down any food, and would often faint.
The Council of Elders was thrown into a panic and summoned every renowned physician. None could find the cause. Someone cautiously suggested,
‘I wonder if it’s due to the shock of the Grand Duke’s sudden death.’
At the physician’s words, I nodded as if I had expected that to be the case.
‘The truth is, I have been seeing the Grand Duke in my dreams for months. His resentment is so strong even in my dreams that when I wake, it feels like a stone is pressing on my chest, making it impossible to eat. They say time heals all wounds. Let us wait patiently.’
Contrary to my words, my condition only worsened with time.
I became so emaciated that I could no longer walk without assistance. The atmosphere in the capital grew darker by the day.
Fear spread that the Astel, blessed by the gods, might be destroyed by human fault. The maid attending to me was also consumed by such worries.
“Lady Astel, please try this. The Council sent these fruits from the warm southern lands. They say they are as sweet as sugar because they received plenty of sunshine.”
“Leave them be. I don’t feel like eating right now. I’ll try them later when my stomach settles.”
“But you never eat even a single piece,” the maid cried, clinging to me.
I looked down at the tearful maid. She seemed at a loss, staring at my scrawny wrist.
“You look even thinner than before. Can’t you just close your eyes and try one piece? You haven’t eaten all day.”
“You’re very kind.”
“You’ve done enough. Even if I don’t last long, don’t blame yourself.”
“Why do you keep saying that? The gods would never abandon you!”
The maid, horrified, shook her head vehemently.
“You mustn’t lose hope! What about the hot springs the royal physician recommended? They said the waters are good for restoring vitality. You liked them initially.”
“If I stay away too long, it will trouble the Council. I can’t inconvenience everyone because of me.”
“Inconvenience? Not at all! Please reconsider. Just once more?”
I silently smiled while patting the head of the maid who was afraid I was going to die.
* * *
Despite the doctors’ efforts, my condition worsened daily. When they mentioned the need for drastic measures, I brought up the hot springs I had previously declined. Everyone, who had been on edge, quickly prepared for the trip.
It took three days in a plush carriage to reach the villa with the hot springs once used by royalty.
As expected, the villa was beautiful. Tall fir trees surrounded it like a wall, and a lovely path of flowers spread around it.
