Ch.69Paralysis Poison (1)

From the next day, the Academy returned to its normal routine. With the Grand Council meeting over, some nobles who had finished their business were heading back home, marking what could be seen as the end of the major event.

I too was up early this morning, on my way to take up my duty as Daisy Hexter’s escort.

Come to think of it, I hadn’t been able to talk with her recently due to overlapping commitments. I wondered how she’d been doing. I found myself curious for no particular reason.

As I entered the women’s dormitory building, thoughts about the twins crossed my mind as well.

Did Asena finish her conversation with grandmother well? Had Kirsy calmed down after crying so much yesterday?

How long would it take for them to accept my departure? Selfishly, I thought that perhaps my leaving could become an opportunity for their growth.

It’s true that their recent reactions have been troubling me. Seeing them try so desperately to prevent our separation has given me much to think about.

At the same time, the scars they’ve left in my heart remain, making me feel I still need to leave.

Looking back, it will be for the best for all of us. Don’t they say that beginning is half the battle? It’s probably so difficult because I’m just starting.

“…Hmm?”

Upon arriving at Daisy’s dormitory door, I discovered a woman waiting for me.

None other than Daisy Hexter herself was standing in front of her door, waiting for me.

Seeing her, I quickened my pace.

“Daisy.”

It had been a while since I’d called her name.

Daisy, who had been staring blankly at the floor while waiting, suddenly lifted her head at my call.

What happened next was something I never expected.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she ran to me and embraced me.

“Daisy??”

“Caden!”

It wasn’t as intense as the twins’ embraces, but it was still an embrace nonetheless.

Not fully understanding the situation, I couldn’t do anything with her in my arms, and my hands wandered in the air.

Could she have missed me all this time? Perhaps she felt my absence despite us being together every day…

But that seemed unlikely. It’s not like we were lovers or anything…

As I remained silent in confusion, waiting for her to calm down, she looked up while still embracing me and spoke.

“Caden… I haven’t had the chance to tell you this, but… thank you so much.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“The food supplies you received as your award… you sent them all to our territory…”

“Ah.”

Only then did I understand why Daisy Hexter had embraced me.

Feeling suddenly embarrassed, I replied.

“…Well, as I said on the podium then, it really didn’t mean anything to me. And I heard the plague has gotten worse recently? I should help when I can.”

“I don’t know how to thank you… Actually, as you mentioned, the plague has gotten much worse… many people have been suffering… truly… I won’t forget this debt…”

I waved my hand dismissively.

“No, please consider this as me repaying my debt to you instead.”

“What?”

“Your words have been a great comfort to me during difficult times. And seeing your steadfastness has motivated and consoled me… please think of this as my repayment for all of that.”

In truth, when reading the novel, she became my favorite character precisely because of these qualities. Her unwavering strength against the twins became my inspiration. Of course, in this world, she hadn’t yet shown such dazzling resilience, but I knew that spirit lived within her.

Daisy said:

“…But I haven’t done anything…”

“No. I’ve been by your side, and I know how hard you’ve been working.”

At those words, Daisy blinked. Then she stared up at me blankly.

Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes softened slightly. Was she moved? I was only being sincere.

Finding the sudden silence awkward, I first released her arms.

“Daisy, the embrace…”

“Ah!”

She jumped back from me in surprise, then began fixing her hair.

After glancing at me, she quietly asked:

“…But why are you so nice to me?”

“Pardon?”

Without making eye contact, she asked me as if making casual conversation. This was the first time I’d seen her like this.

After thinking for a moment, I answered:

“…As I just said… because you’ve been good to me too, Daisy. Especially when I was struggling with the twins. Even this escort practicum is a result of that. Being able to escort Asena—I’m here now thanks to you accepting me.”

Daisy turned her head and whispered:

“…Is that all?”

“What?”

“……”

Another awkward silence fell. Daisy still couldn’t control her body. Her feet nervously shuffled around, and her fingers fidgeted with her nails.

When I didn’t answer, she looked around to check if anyone was nearby, then took another step toward me and spoke quietly:

“…Caden, have you heard?”

“…Heard what?”

“…At the Grand Council… they say the former Duchess Praester mentioned she’s looking for a match for you.”

“…Ah.”

I scratched my head awkwardly. I wasn’t sure why, but it was somewhat embarrassing.

“…Yes, I heard.”

Daisy cleared her throat. By now she was visibly blushing. Her ears especially were as red as roses.

“…My father… said my name was mentioned then too.”

“……”

“That you and I might be matched… that I should prepare. I-I think he said that because he was grateful for the food supplies you sent us!”

“…Daisy.”

“I-I’m just telling you so you won’t be surprised if such a situation arises. We never know what the future holds.”

At that moment, I decided to speak up before things became even more uncomfortable.

Though nothing seemed definite yet, and family circumstances might have prevented an official announcement, I had to tell her.

“…My fiancée has already been decided.”

Daisy’s busy movements stopped at that moment, and with a now gentle nod, she looked up at me without avoiding my eyes.

“…What?”

“It will likely be Judy. Grandmother told me.”

“…Judy Ice?”

“Yes.”

Daisy noticeably slowed down. She stopped biting her nails and shuffling her feet, just blinking and moving her eyes.

Then, as if something complicated had passed through her mind, she pulled up the corners of her mouth and said:

“Oh, I see. Congratulations, Caden.”

“…Thank you.”

“You two seem to suit each other very well.”

I detected slight discomfort on Daisy’s face. Because of the twins, I’d somehow become sensitive to others’ emotions, especially women’s.

“But… weren’t relations with the Ice family poor?”

“Perhaps this marriage is meant to change that.”

“Ah. I see.”

“…Daisy.”

“…I almost made a mistake not knowing that. Please forget what I just said.”

“Daisy, you don’t look very happy.”

“What? No, you’re mistaken.”

Her awkward reaction made me wonder about something.

It seemed unlikely, but just in case.

Since I would need to stay close to Daisy going forward, it was better to resolve this issue quickly.

“…Daisy, did you perhaps… like me?”

I asked very carefully. If she had liked me, nothing would make me happier or more grateful… but I was already connected to Judy. I couldn’t reciprocate her feelings.

I knew that asking this question was insensitive no matter how I phrased it, but I had to ask to prevent the issue from growing larger.

Daisy’s lips trembled at my words, and she answered quite late:

“……….No? How could that be? There’s never been that kind of atmosphere between us, has there?”

There hadn’t been. Until today.

But today, with her embracing me, our mutual compliments, and bringing up the topic of engagement, it felt like we had broken through to that kind of atmosphere.

That’s why I was concerned and trying to block it myself.

In any case, since she said she didn’t, there was no need for me to make further effort.

“…That’s right.”

“But I do feel a bit strange. Learning that someone I’ve known for so long is engaged gives me a feeling in my chest that’s… well… hard to explain?”

Once my thoughts had gone in that direction, even Daisy’s expression of her feelings seemed awkward to me.

The twins often did this when complaining to me.

They would deliberately convey their feelings to me, sending a message that I should care about them.

Was Daisy doing the same now?

I simply empathized with her feelings without saying anything more.

“It certainly would feel strange when someone you know gets engaged.”

“Right? I think that’s why I feel this way.”

Right after, she tilted her head and whispered in a very small voice:

“…Probably.”