FLBE Chapter 4 Part 7

“Try not to get your hands wet for a while. I know it’s difficult… If they do get wet, make sure to dry them thoroughly and apply the ointment regularly, okay?”

 

 

 

“Yes, Saintess. But why don’t you use your holy power to heal and instead apply medicine yourself?”

 

 

 

At a maid’s question, Liena’s hand trembled. She couldn’t admit she hadn’t learned to do that yet.

 

 

 

That’s when Emma’s sharp voice cut in.

 

 

 

“Her holy power isn’t meant for trivial things like your minor wounds. Should the Saintess exhaust herself just to heal such small injuries?”

 

 

 

“I-I didn’t mean…”

 

 

 

“Enough, go now. How long do you plan to idle here!”

 

 

 

The servants, cowed by Emma’s cold reprimand, stood up hesitantly. Those who hadn’t yet received treatment shot disapproving glances at the maid who had spoken out of turn, grumbling among themselves.

 

 

 

Liena, initially startled by Emma’s fierce demeanor, soon cracked a smile. She was inwardly grateful for Emma’s support. Glancing at Emma, Liena addressed the servants.

 

 

 

“I’ll see you again on my walk tomorrow. Those who didn’t get treated today, come tomorrow.”

 

 

 

“Saintess…”

 

 

 

Emma frowned at Liena’s words and shook her head, but seeing Liena’s persistent smile, she couldn’t bring herself to object. Just as the brightened maids were about to return to their tasks, a chilling voice intervened.

 

 

 

“What is happening here?”

 

 

 

The servants turned ashen at the sight of Rhetrik, who had approached unnoticed. They all prostrated themselves in fear. Emma was equally flustered, worried that Rhetrik’s ire might be directed at Liena.

 

 

 

“Your Majesty, you’ve arrived.”

 

 

 

“Is this some kind of group outing?”

 

 

 

Rhetrik’s towering shadow engulfed Liena, who was still seated on the ground. It was a strain to look up at the man, who was so tall she had to tilt her head back even when he was standing.

 

 

 

Memories of the previous night made Liena speechless, her tongue seemingly frozen. She feared being humiliated in front of the servants. Unable to prostrate like the others, yet also unable to stand up, she felt paralyzed under his icy gaze.

 

 

 

“Liena, I asked what you were doing.”

 

 

 

“Your Majesty, the thing is…”

 

 

 

“Emma, I wasn’t asking you.”

 

 

 

“I apologize, Your Majesty.”

 

 

 

Emma who was abruptly cut off, bowed her head in restless agitation. She felt as if she should have resolved this situation sooner and blamed herself for how things had escalated.

 

 

 

At that moment, Liena’s trembling voice spilled out incoherently.

 

 

 

“Your Majesty… These people hurt their hands… I was just treating them… If, if left untreated, it could lead to more serious illnesses… So, as a saintess… it’s my duty to heal people…”

 

 

 

“Enough.”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

“You seem to have a lot to say. We’ll continue this conversation over dinner.”

 

 

 

Liena’s eyes widened at Rhetrik’s response. She had braced herself for a scolding, but his words were unexpectedly mild. She glanced at Emma, who was still bowing her head, and noticed her smile. This seemed to ease Liena’s anxiety.

 

 

 

“I’m hungry. Order the meal to be prepared. Today, we will dine in the Saintess’s quarters.”

 

 

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

 

 

Rhetrik picked up Liena, who was still sitting dumbfounded and headed to her room. The servants, finally exhaling the breath they had been holding, quickly dispersed to their respective duties.

 

 

 

Emma also hurried to the kitchen. She had feared a major incident, but thankfully, nothing happened. Observing the seemingly changed Emperor, Emma smiled faintly.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

In the tense atmosphere, where even the clinking of cutlery seemed muted, Liena sat opposite Rhetrik, dining. Her room, which had felt comfortable in the morning, now felt unbearably uncomfortable with him present. She wished he would say something, anything; his silence made it feel like she was having her last meal before an execution.

 

 

 

Though hungry, she couldn’t bring herself to eat. She was anxious, unsure when or how he might suddenly turn hostile.

 

 

 

She reluctantly picked up her fork and toyed with the salad in front of her. There was a deliciously roasted lamb, but she dared not touch it, fearing he might act sick like last time.

 

 

 

“Is it not to your taste? Should I have the chef executed?”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

His first words during the meal were an absurd threat. Who would fall for the same trick twice?

 

 

 

Despite the tasteless joke, it was at least a joke, and Liena, although slightly pouting, quietly responded after taking a bite of her salad.

 

 

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

 

 

“Hmph, so even a servant of God can lie well.”

 

 

 

“……”

 

 

 

“Continue with what you were saying earlier.”

 

 

 

He spoke nonchalantly, focusing on his meal. Unlike their first shared meal, he seemed to be eating quite well today. Observing him for a moment, Liena gathered her courage and called out to him.

 

 

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

 

 

“Hm.”

 

 

 

Seeing him still concentrating on his food, Liena put down her fork, clasped her hands tightly, and cautiously broached the topic she wanted to discuss.

 

 

 

“May… I continue to treat the servants as I did earlier?”

 

 

 

His continuous movement with the cutlery abruptly stopped. The piece of meat dripping with blood was impaled on his fork.

 

 

 

Rhetrik slowly raised his head and put the fork in his mouth. After chewing a few times, a deep red stain spread between his firm lips.

 

 

 

Each of his movements was so intimidating that she bowed her head deeply. She then realized that the roasted lamb in front of her also looked as if it had been freshly slaughtered, soaked in blood. ‘What kind of roasted lamb is this? Next time, I should ask for it to be well-done,‘ she thought, gripping her clenched hands even tighter.

 

 

 

Then came the indifferent voice of the man.

 

 

 

“I doubt I brought you here just to heal some maids.”

 

 

 

“But, it’s not that… Being idle every day is boring… and if they are healthy, they can… um, serve Your Majesty better…”

 

 

 

As he uncrossed his legs and set aside his utensils, her words faltered. Even without looking, she could sense his cold gaze, making her speech jumbled and hesitant like an idiot. After a moment of silence, he gestured arrogantly with his head as if to encourage her to continue.

 

 

 

“They are also Your Majesty’s subjects. I am a Saintess meant to heal Your Majesty’s people. So…”

 

 

 

“Hmm… Healing… I don’t recall instructing you to do that. Have you already forgotten what I said to the nobles? It seems you have.”

 

 

 

“Ah…”

 

 

 

She clearly remembered his words at the banquet hall. He had declared that she was a Saintess meant for Rhetrik himself, implying there would be no blessings.

 

 

 

“So, is that all?”