affection chapter 16

Sienna’s heart was heavy.

How could she possibly be at ease when the child who had ridden all night through the rain for her sake now lay like this?

She gently brushed back a strand of hair that had stuck to his sweaty cheek, her eyes filled with anxiety as she watched him.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

“Sienna, are you in there? Please open the door.”

It was Jane’s voice. Sienna went to the door and turned the handle.

Jane stood there, holding a basin full of water and a towel.

“Jane.”

“Sienna. Is the young master any better?”

“I don’t know… The physician came and gave him some medicine, at least.”

Jane set the basin down and crouched to check on Damon’s condition.

She placed a hand on his forehead and snatched it back in surprise.

“Gasp. His fever is so high…”

“I know. I’m so worried.”

Seeing Sienna’s deep distress, Jane hesitated before speaking.

“Um, Sienna. You might not know this, but… the young master is actually rather prone to fevers.”

“He is?”

“You know how little kids tend to get fevers easily? The young master is twelve, but he still looks more like he’s ten… so I think that’s why. My little brother gets sick often, too.”

“I see… How often does he get sick like this?”

“Usually about once a month?”

“Once a month? That often?”

Sienna asked again in alarm, but Jane just nodded awkwardly.

Is it really okay for a twelve-year-old to get a fever so frequently…?

Seeing Sienna grow even more worried, Jane added, “Ah, but they say it’s gotten a lot better than before. He used to get a fever almost once a week and could barely even go outside.”

“That often… isn’t that some kind of illness?”

“Well… it could be. And it’s not just a simple fever; he collapses as if fainting and suffers from a terribly high temperature. But it’s not like Baron Limerio is the type to take him to a physician…”

Jane trailed off.

Sienna couldn’t bring herself to ask more, pressing her lips together.

This was Damon, who was treated in a way that amounted to abuse. Of course Baron Limerio would never have taken him to a physician.

“Were there no days when the young master was sick when the duke visited?”

“Honestly, today was the first time I’d ever seen the duke. He’s such a busy man.”

Sienna sighed. She’d heard that the duke had just returned after a six-year war. No matter how much he cared for Damon, he was the duke who ruled the vast North—a region that bordered foreign nations and was home to the Dragon’s Forest, making monster attacks frequent. Even if he cared for Damon, his duties would have made it difficult to pay him close attention.

“I see… I suppose it can’t be helped, since he’s so busy.”

“Exactly, Sienna. And you must be cold and exhausted from being in that cell all night. I’ll watch over the young master, so you go wash up, have a meal, and get some sleep.”

“Oh? No, I’m alright…”

“You have dark circles under your eyes. Go on and get some proper rest. Not even the head maid can give you work today.”

Jane’s kindness warmed Sienna’s heart. Her affection wasn’t directed entirely at the person Sienna was now, but perhaps it could be, as they spent more time together.

Grateful for Jane’s consideration, Sienna started to rise.

“Alright then…”

“Sienna…”

At that moment, Damon’s hand shot out and gripped the collar of her uniform.

Startled, Sienna looked down at him.

Damon was gazing up at her, his eyes glistening with fever.

“Young master? Are you awake?”

Sienna asked, gently stroking his cheek. It was still warm, like a rice cake fresh from hot water.

“…Where am I?”

“You’re in your bedroom. Do you remember fainting while you were shaking my hand earlier?”

At Sienna’s words, Damon’s face grew even redder. A light sweat seemed to break out on his brow.

Seeing his parched lips, Sienna started to get up again.

“You must be thirsty from all the sweating. Shall I get you something to…”

But Damon’s small hand, like a maple leaf, was still holding fast to her uniform. The strength in his grip was surprising for someone so ill.

He mumbled something at her.

“G…”

“Pardon, my lord?”

Unable to hear, Sienna leaned in, bringing her ear close to his face. A stray, golden curl that had escaped from behind her ear brushed against his feverish cheek.

Damon’s breath caught.

“G… Go…”

“Pardon? Goats? Would you like to eat some goat?”

As if moved by Sienna’s unwavering dedication, ready to procure a goat at a moment’s notice, Damon’s small hand fell away.

“No… it’s nothing.”

Sienna looked at him worriedly, wondering why the young master’s face looked as despondent as an old man who had seen everything the world had to offer.

From behind, Jane, who had witnessed the entire charming exchange, called to her with a knowing look.

“Um, Sienna.”

“Yes, Jane.”

“I think it would be better if you were the one to look after the young master.”

“Huh? All of a sudden?”

“It’s just… I suddenly remembered something urgent I have to do. I’ll bring him some water.”

“Oh, well, if you must. Thank you, Jane.”

“It’s nothing… What are friends for? I’ll be right back.”

After the door closed and the room fell silent, Sienna smiled brightly at Damon, who was still gazing at her with those glistening eyes.

“Jane must be very busy. I’m sure it’s not because she found nursing you to be a bother.”

“Cough, yes…”