The Forgotten Field - Chapter 102

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 102
He spoke as casually as if he were merely stepping out for an evening stroll.
Talia’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“A minor suppression campaign?”
Barcas, handing a leather purse filled with gold coins to the man who appeared to be an Administrator Official, glanced down at her. Sensing her displeasure, a faint sigh escaped through his tightly pressed lips.
“We’ve received reports of bandits encamped in this region. Since their stronghold is reportedly not particularly large, we should be able to return by sunrise.”
Do you really have to go yourself?
Talia swallowed the words she was about to speak, becoming aware of dozens of pairs of eyes fixed upon her.
Anxiety churned in her stomach, but she had no desire to reveal her anxious feelings to this infuriatingly indifferent man.
She brushed his hand away from her shoulder and spoke coldly.
“Whether you return or not has nothing to do with me. I want to rest, so just show me to the Residence.”
The Administrator Official across from them inhaled sharply, his breath audible.
Yet Barcas showed no reaction whatsoever. He turned his head back toward the Administrator Official and asked.
“Where is the Residence?”
“Ah… this way, please.”
The man hurried forward, leading the way.
Following him, a modest Stone Building came into view.
The Administrator Official, stepping inside, continued his explanation haltingly.
“Originally this was used as an official residence, but upon hearing of your impending visit, we cleared it thoroughly. You may use this Chamber.”
He carefully opened the large door located at the innermost part of the building.
Talia surveyed the dimly lit Bedroom with an indifferent gaze.
Despite its humble exterior, the interior was arranged quite cozily. It appeared to have been deliberately prepared to receive guests.
The Administrator Official, gauging her reaction, added carefully.
“If there is anything lacking, please tell me at once. I shall have it corrected immediately.”
“No, this is sufficient. You may withdraw.”
Talia, examining the bed with its thick sheets, spoke arrogantly, lifting her chin.
The Administrator Official, noting Barcas’s expression, soon took his leave.
Talia carelessly removed her flowing robe and tossed it aside, then collapsed onto the bed. Barcas, who had been silently watching her, approached her side.
Talia deliberately ignored his presence and turned away to face the opposite wall. Looking at his face would only provoke her to say something disagreeable.
She fumbled to pull the blanket toward herself and spoke curtly.
“I’m simply going to sleep tonight, so tell the Nursemaid that dinner is not necessary.”
“Talia.”
Feeling a dark shadow fall over her head, Talia’s eyes flew open. Barcas was leaning over her, his hand braced against the pillow beside her.
The glow of sunset streaming through the window tinted one side of his face crimson. As she found herself captivated by that enigmatic visage, cool fingers descended upon her forehead.
“Do not skip meals, even if you are tired.”
“Whether I starve or not is none of your concern.”
Talia twisted her head away and coldly brushed off his touch.
“Go kill those bandits already.”
A shallow crease formed between his brows. He seemed not to comprehend the reason for her displeasure.
Talia pulled the blanket up over her head.
Soon after, I heard him stirring from the bed. As his footsteps receded, a sudden wave of anxiety crashed over me.
This man could dispatch a giant twice his size with ease. I’d even witnessed him chain a Wyvern and topple it. A band of marauders would be nothing to him.
Yet nothing in this world was absolute.
I bolted upright and seized the hem of his cloak.
He paused and turned to look at me. I mumbled in a voice barely above a whisper.
“Be… careful with yourself.”
His eyes widened slightly.
Seeing him react so intensely to such a trivial remark made my chest ache.
I added tersely, as if to deflect.
“If something happens to you, my position becomes precarious. So just be prudent with yourself, that’s all.”
A subtle expression—somewhere between a smile and a grimace—flickered across his face before vanishing.
I buried myself back beneath the blankets. Heavy footsteps followed shortly after.
“Do not worry. I shall return shortly.”
Barcas leaned over the bed and gently stroked my hair with careful tenderness.
The unexpected touch made my heart plummet.
Strangely, that soft caress stirred my heart far more than any passionate kiss ever could.
A moment later, he left the chamber.
Like a snail peeking from its shell, I cautiously lifted my head.
As I approached the window, I saw hundreds of soldiers standing in formation before the residence.
Soon Barcas joined their ranks. I watched as he led the army toward the Village Outskirts, my gaze lingering long after.
Even after his figure disappeared beyond the hill, I found myself unable to leave the window. Then a familiar voice called from beyond the door.
“Your Highness, I’ve come to apply the medicine.”
“… Come in.”
The Taren Healer entered without delay.
I limped over and settled into the chair by the fireplace. The woman knelt before me and carefully rolled up my sleeve as she asked.
“How are you feeling?”
“The same as always.”
She skillfully unwound the bandages I’d wrapped tightly and examined the damaged skin closely.
“The skin is beginning to chafe. It would be best to leave the bandages off tonight.”
I fixed her with a sharp glare.
“No. Wrap it properly.”
“But the Grand Duke is away tonight. There’s no need to hide the scars…”
“Who said I’m doing this because of Barcas!”
I raised my voice sharply. The Healer’s expression stiffened.
I stared at that tense face and spoke in a quieter tone.
“I don’t want to see it myself. So wrap it properly.”
The Healer sighed briefly and, as if resigned, retrieved fresh bandages. She carefully applied the sticky salve over the scars, then wrapped the bandages as loosely as possible.
“Is the medicine made by the Eastern Territories’ sorcerer working well?”
The woman asked abruptly as she wiped the salve from her hands with a cloth.
I answered indifferently.
“It doesn’t seem entirely ineffective. The medicine is so potent that my stomach aches a little after taking it, but the next day my condition improves considerably.”
“Do you know which herbs are in it?”
“I was only told that several vitality-restoring herbs were mixed together.”
Talia regarded the Healer with a suspicious gaze.
“Why are you interrogating me like this? Are you afraid someone poisoned me?”
“…The Empress instructed me to monitor your health carefully.”
The Healer spoke cautiously.
“And there are many here who view your presence unfavorably. It’s better to be cautious.”
Talia, who had been glaring at her with a hardened expression, replied coldly.
“If they wanted to poison me, they’d put it in my food or wine. It would be discovered immediately—why would they mix it into medicine?”
Aria fell silent, her expression thoughtful.
Was there something troubling her?
Talia, wearing an uneasy expression, added as if offering a concession.
“If you’re that suspicious, I’ll keep some of the medicine for you to take and verify.”

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