The Puppet Villainess’s Splendid Rebellion - Chapter 62

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

Chapter 62

 

After Carlos woke up, there was a change in my daily routine.

 

“Duke, it’s me.”

 

Knock knock, I opened the door and entered with a knock. Carlos was leaning against the bed reading a book. His face was still pale, but he looked better than before. At least he didn’t look like he was going to die.

 

He didn’t look at me even though he heard the door. This was a reaction I had grown accustomed to by now.

 

‘At least I’m not being kicked out.’

 

Considering that a blade had been pressed to my throat when I first came to the Duke’s Mansion, this was tremendous progress.

 

I stood by the door staring at him intently, then quickly walked over to the bed and plopped down.

 

“How are you today? Is your condition okay?”

 

Only then did Carlos turn his gaze away from the book he was reading.

 

“You never skip that annoying question, not even for a day.”

 

“It’s better to hear it directly. At least to my eyes, you look a bit better. Your complexion seems brighter than yesterday.”

 

“Does Loreia have nothing to do? You used to run around every corner of the mansion so busily before.”

 

“Yes, not really.”

 

I answered nonchalantly and swung my legs back and forth on the chair.

 

Carlos only frowned but didn’t say anything else.

 

This had been our routine lately. Coming to Carlos’s room every morning to check on his condition had become routine. Even Carlos, who had been annoyed at first, now had a half-resigned attitude.

 

“Oh, right. This.”

 

I took out a purification stone from my pocket. The red gem was glowing softly inside the box.

 

“Today is the delivery day.”

 

Sion had told me to make the purification stones to a minimum, but I hadn’t stopped filling a small box once a week. A contract was a contract, after all.

 

Most importantly, without this right now, Carlos would be in danger too.

 

“….”

 

Carlos silently received the purification stone. He stared at it for a long time, then set it down on the table.

 

“That day, was it prepared in advance?”

 

“What?”

 

“The purification stone.”

 

“Ah.”

 

It must be about the day we were attacked.

 

I couldn’t answer right away and rolled my eyes around.

 

“Uh… um. Yes, just in case?”

 

Well, I could make them anytime as long as I had my blood. It wasn’t completely a lie.

 

“You’re strangely thorough in odd places.”

 

“I can’t help in other ways. When the Duke is going all the way to the Eastern Region full of magic energy because of me, it’s natural to prepare at least that much.”

 

I deliberately shrugged and spoke as if it was no big deal.

 

Carlos’s gaze turned toward my arm area.

 

“The Archmage said you were bleeding at the scene that day.”

 

“I scraped my arm a bit while getting out of the carriage in a hurry.”

 

His eyes narrowed.

 

“You’re thorough in preparation but lack caution, it seems.”

 

“That’s how it turned out. But are you worrying about me right now?”

 

“Nonsense.”

 

His head turned away immediately.

 

Liar, you jumped in saying you’d protect me.

 

I couldn’t help but suppress the laughter that was bubbling up. I stared at Carlos’s face for a long time before speaking.

 

“I’m grateful that you made an effort for me, but I’d prefer if you didn’t risk your life in the future.”

 

Carlos looked at me again.

 

“Of course, if it hadn’t been for the Duke that time, I’d probably be dragged to the Imperial Palace by now.”

 

It was true. If Carlos hadn’t thrown himself into danger that time, I wouldn’t be here now.

 

“But that doesn’t mean the Duke should die instead.”

 

“….”

 

“Don’t do that next time. You can’t get hurt because of me.”

 

Carlos’s expression was subtle. It was a face where I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

 

“It was Loreia who came to me asking for protection. Didn’t you set foot in the Duke’s Mansion for that purpose? You should know that protecting the ward is the guardian’s role.”

 

“That’s true, but….”

 

“Saying more seems wasteful.”

 

Carlos cut off my words sharply.

 

“Since when did Loreia gain the right to interfere with my decisions?”

 

He’s talking like this again.

 

‘If you were trying to protect me, couldn’t you just say it a bit more nicely?’

 

My lips automatically pouted out, but I swallowed it back. By now, I was getting used to this cold tone.

 

“It’s not about rights… it’s worry, worry. I can’t help but worry. If the Duke collapses, I’ll be in trouble too.”

 

I said it deliberately lightly.

 

Then Carlos tilted his head to the side.

 

“So you’re worried about yourself?”

 

“Of course. I’m a selfish person.”

 

“That’s a good excuse.”

 

With those words, Carlos turned his head again to look out the window. He seemed like he had something to say, but he didn’t open his mouth.

 

“Oh, and there was something else I wanted to ask.”

 

I eventually spoke up, trying to change the atmosphere.

 

“Was the meal okay? I did ask Mia to make it focused on healthy food. I was wondering if it suited your taste.”

 

“You must really have nothing to do. Seeing the princess trying to do all the maid’s work herself.”

 

“That’s all good for mana purification too, so please make sure to eat your meals. Taking it through food puts less strain on your body than just eating medicinal herbs. You especially need to eat breakfast.”

 

“Did I bring home a nagging bird instead of a princess?”

 

“Yes, please listen even if it’s annoying. It’s important.”

 

Food is so important for health.

 

The Emperor didn’t diligently prepare healthy meals for nothing.

 

At my persistent recommendations, Carlos looked fed up.

 

“…Fine, I understand, so can’t you keep that mouth quiet?”

 

“Hehe.”

 

Nothing beats repetitive drilling education after all.

 

See? He’s answering in the end.

 

“I’m glad the Duke is getting healthier.”

 

This time Carlos’s expression became ambiguous.

 

How should I put it, he seemed flustered. It looked like he didn’t know how to react to this situation.

 

“I’ll make you even healthier from now on. It won’t take long.”

 

“…”

 

“Really, I’m going to do my absolute best.”

 

I said it like a promise with a bright smile.

 

I’ll make sure Carlos is never in danger again.

 

Carlos hesitated. He looked at me as if he’d seen something strange. Our eyes met briefly, then he turned his head away.

 

His face looking out the window seemed somehow complicated.

 

“…Go now, I need to rest.”

 

His voice was lower than usual.

 

Something seems to have made him uncomfortable again.

 

“Yes. Duke, rest comfortably.”

 

I obediently got up from my seat.

 

It was about time for Mia to come looking for me with breakfast.

 

I was about to open the door and leave when I turned back.

 

“Duke.”

 

“What now.”

 

“I’ll come again tomorrow.”

 

There was no answer. But he didn’t refuse either.

 

Not refusing must mean it’s okay. If he didn’t like it, he would have already frowned deeply and ordered me to leave. That’s what I thought.

 

I closed the door and came out to the corridor. My steps were light.

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