I Made a Mistake in my Confession. Can I Cancel it? - Chapter 42

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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8. Rare Disease Research

 

Chapter 42

 

“Wow, it’s right on the floor below His Grace the Archduke’s office. How amazing, what a coincidence in this world…!”

 

Lillian had come to live with Dr. Sellie after leaving the Archduke’s Residence. Watching Lillian continuously marvel as she looked around the research laboratory, Dr. Sellie simply let out a sigh.

 

“Count’s Daughter, you can use that end room over there. And please be careful not to disturb me when I’m working.”

 

“Yes, I will.”

 

Lillian nodded her head as if making a promise. At this, Dr. Sellie just muttered while moving luggage with a tired expression.

 

“Ha, I said so many times that I liked the quiet outskirts of the capital…”

 

“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”

 

At Lillian’s question, she just shook her head.

 

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”

 

Soon, Dr. Sellie moved a transparent glass booth next to the desk. Inside was a hamster with light brown spots on its bottom.

 

“What’s its name?”

 

It seemed like a pet that Dr. Sellie was raising, but at first glance its health condition looked poor. Instead of running on an exercise wheel like other hamsters, it was just lying there listlessly.

 

“But the hamster looks very sick.”

 

Dr. Sellie, who was busy organizing luggage, answered dryly.

 

“It doesn’t have a name. It’s for experiments, so don’t worry about it.”

 

“Yes, why not?”

 

As if to block Lillian’s interest, the doctor covered the booth with black cloth.

 

“Because there’s no reason to give it a name. Getting attached would interfere with the experiments.”

 

“…”

 

A cold answer came back. Lillian bit her lips while thinking of the hamster she had just seen.

 

“Is it being used to treat my disease by any chance?”

 

Dr. Sellie spoke coldly.

 

“That’s right.”

 

“…!”

 

Shocked, Lillian’s voice naturally rose.

 

“Why on earth are you doing such a thing!”

 

“Most of the medical knowledge we enjoy is built on the sacrifice of small animals like these. So don’t feel too sorry for them. This is their fate too.”

 

Even after hearing Dr. Sellie’s continued words, Lillian couldn’t understand at all.

 

‘But still, how could you do that… The hamster is so pitiful.’

 

Lillian’s feelings became complicated. She wanted to live, but knowing this fact, she couldn’t just let it pass.

 

Eventually, after midnight when Dr. Sellie had gone to sleep, Lillian ended up using her power of revival on the hamster.

 

“You’re healthy again, thank goodness!”

 

But the good feeling was only momentary. Thinking that she didn’t know what might be done to the recovered hamster again, Lillian secretly took the hamster out of the glass booth.

 

Then, when she brought it outside to set it free.

 

“Where are you going at this hour?”

 

Startled by the sudden voice, Lillian quickly hid the hamster behind her back.

 

“Y-Your Grace, why are you here…?”

 

He cleared his throat quietly and said.

 

“Working late.”

 

Since there was only one floor between them, it made sense that the chances of running into each other would be that much higher.

 

‘It’s just a coincidence, so why is my heart beating so fast?’

 

Lillian felt embarrassed for no reason and kept poking at the innocent ground with her toes.

 

Just then, Kartan gestured with his chin toward what was behind Lillian and asked.

 

“What’s that in your hand?”

 

“Oh, it’s nothing!”

 

“Why are you so surprised? Did you commit some crime?”

 

“Of course not!”

 

Having something to hide, Lillian unconsciously tightened her grip. The hamster must have been in pain because it bit Lillian’s hand.

 

“Ah!”

 

Startled, she ended up dropping the hamster. Kartan’s eyes narrowed as he watched the hamster quickly scurry away.

 

“Now you’re even taking care of insignificant beasts, I see. Where did that thing come from?”

 

“Oh, well… it just happened…”

 

She trailed off and rubbed her stinging index finger for no reason. Kartan spoke in a dry voice.

 

“I have ointment in my room, so follow me.”

 

Then he took the lead and walked ahead. Afraid she might lose sight of him, Lillian quickly followed behind Kartan.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“…”

 

Under the bright light, the wound was deeper than expected. After applying ointment, Kartan covered it with gauze and let out a sigh.

 

“Did you use your ability on another insignificant creature again?”

 

“Ah…!”

 

She was startled for a moment, then belatedly remembered that he also knew about the ability she possessed.

 

‘Come to think of it, why does he just stay quiet even though he knows?’

 

She was already terminally ill. Moreover, if His Grace the Archduke wanted to, he could use her ability as much as he pleased. Yet she found it strange that he wasn’t doing anything about it.

 

‘What’s this? I thought it would be terrible if I got caught, but maybe that’s not the case.’

 

“How did you know?”

 

Kartan furrowed his brow as if finding her pathetic.

 

“Take it easy. Think about your body too.”

 

Only then did she realize that she had caused worry to His Grace the Archduke, who was her guardian.

 

‘I shouldn’t cause any more trouble. My thinking was too short-sighted.’

 

“…Yes, I’ll be careful.”

 

“…”

 

Eventually, Kartan said while organizing the first aid kit.

 

“The doctor is quite single-minded, so it’ll be hard to live with her.”

 

“Yes, I’m prepared for it.”

 

“…”

 

For a while, silence filled the room. Lillian just stared at the floor. She couldn’t bring herself to ask him to stop the experiment that Dr. Sellie was conducting.

 

‘His Grace the Archduke probably shares the same opinion as the doctor…’

 

Then a question occurred to her.

 

“By the way.”

 

“What is it.”

 

“Isn’t it possible to get what you want without harming anything?”

 

“….”

 

For a moment, his expression crumpled strangely. Realizing belatedly that her question was odd, she quickly corrected herself.

 

“No, never mind. Just forget it.”

 

What kind of answer had she wanted to hear from him?

 

“Then I’ll go to bed now. Your Grace shouldn’t stay up too late either. You’ll hurt your health.”

 

Then Kartan, who had been maintaining silence, opened his lips.

 

“Lillian, how many hands do you have?”

 

Lillian, who had been turning the door handle, paused for a moment. Then she looked down at her hands. Naturally, she only had two hands.

 

“Why are you suddenly asking that?”

 

Eventually, Kartan let out a quiet sigh.

 

“I’m saying you can’t have everything. Someone might hold what they want, one thing in each hand, but someone else might grasp just one thing with both hands. The Doctor is that kind of person. So if you’re not confident, come back to the Archduke’s Residence even now.”

 

“….”

 

Had her greed been too excessive? Lillian couldn’t say anything with her head lowered. His words just sounded cold to her.

 

“Lillian.”

 

“….”

 

Kartan let out a quiet sigh toward Lillian, who gave no response.

 

“I’m not telling you to be selfish, but to focus and make choices. I hope you’ll think about what you ultimately can’t let go of and make a wise decision.”

 

For a moment, Lillian felt her complicated mind clearing up.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Instead of answering, he simply leaned back against the sofa and closed his eyes.

 

‘He must be very tired from being buried in work for so long. Though he used to leave punctually on time before….’

 

It seemed like His Grace the Archduke would only be able to rest properly if she left quickly.

 

“I’ll be going now.”

 

Only then did he open his closed eyes and look at Lillian.

 

“Alright.”

 

With that short answer, he let out a long breath. She felt reluctant to leave like this.

 

‘But since he’s right upstairs, won’t we run into each other often when passing by?’

 

Lillian turned her head again to look at Kartan. Seeing him with his eyes closed made her heart flutter inexplicably.

 

‘Did I make a mistake saying I’d leave?’

 

She shook her head to dispel the weak thought that had suddenly occurred to her.

 

“No, if I don’t do this, I’ll end up becoming a burden.”

 

The next day, Dr. Sellie was wandering around the research laboratory, desperately searching for something.

 

“Lady Lillian! Did you happen to see the test subject… I mean, the mouse that was in the experimental booth?”

 

Lillian froze in place instantly.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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