obsession chapter 27

“As the Young Duke instructed, I’ve prepared a warm room with excellent lighting and a view.” 

True to the words, the late afternoon sun streamed generously through the large windows. Shariette slowly surveyed the room. Beyond the open windows, the Duke’s gardens, which she had glimpsed on her arrival, stretched out before her. Soft beige walls, a plush rug underfoot, a comfortable sofa by the window, and a potted plant with vibrant leaves rustling gently. 

A cozy scent permeated the sepia-toned room. Everything was warm and inviting, like a sanctuary crafted for someone special. “There’s a bedroom through that door, and the bathroom is over there… Won’t you go in?” 

Shariette hesitated, stepping back. It was all so perfect, she felt afraid to disturb it. She wanted to brush the dust off her shoes, tie back her hair, and straighten her clothes before— “Go on in. Don’t make the person showing you around feel awkward.” A relaxed voice drifted down from above. At the same time, she felt a gentle nudge between her shoulder blades. It wasn’t a forceful push, but it was enough to propel her a few steps into the room. 

“…!” 

“Lord Nox!” The head butler, who had been singing the praises of the room moments before, beamed. Shariette checked the floor for scuff marks before turning around. “I heard your initiation was quite the spectacle.” 

Nox, the one who had just nudged her into the room, chuckled, digging up her embarrassing past. “So, Doctor. What do you think of your quarters?” 

“…I didn’t realize the estate provided rooms for apothecaries outside of the dispensary.” Nox, leaning against the doorframe, tilted his head. Her hesitation wasn’t about the room being too large or too extravagant, but rather the surprise of being given a room at all. 

Where did she think she was going to sleep? As the question arose in his mind, Nox recalled the makeshift cot in the Maylily dispensary where he had first woken up. Even now, he remembered how cold, hard, and uncomfortable it had been. Did she think she was part of the dispensary’s inventory? Nox concealed his amusement and replied, “A civilized person maintains separate spaces for work and rest.” 

“One room is enough for me.” 

“Then you’ll have to get used to this.” 

“.…” 

That expression again. Nox quietly observed Shariette, caught between acceptance and bewilderment. It was the same expression she wore whenever he called her name – the face of someone encountering a perfectly ordinary concept for the very first time. [You ask strange questions sometimes. Is that normal in Rubelot?] Sasha. Just like the woman this room was originally intended for.

That night, Shariette began her first official duty. Under Eden’s skeptical eye, she quickly prepared a customized sleeping draught for her designated patient and headed to Nox’s room. He was still dressed as he had been earlier, reviewing documents. The sight of him holding a pen instead of a sword felt both unfamiliar and strangely fitting. 

“Guest… I mean, patient. Here’s your dose for today. I’ll adjust the dosage and ingredients tomorrow based on its duration and effectiveness.” 

As Shariette placed the vial on the desk, Nox picked it up with an intrigued look, swirling the pale red liquid inside. A tag listing the ingredients hung from the neck of the bottle. A pointless habit, considering a layman wouldn’t understand it anyway, but an honest one nonetheless. 

“Thank you. Is it truly chocolate flavored?” 

“Not just any chocolate. It’s ‘bitter’ chocolate, as requested.” Shariette replied, a hint of pride in her voice. 

“Remarkable. You’ve had a hectic day. Get some rest.” 

Despite his words, Nox himself showed no signs of retiring. Shariette cocked her head, watching him place the vial back down. “Why aren’t you drinking it? If you don’t trust it, I’ll take it first.” Nox stopped her as she reached for the stopper. 

“If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have brought you here. Go on. I’ll drink it after I finish this.” 

“Liar.” Shariette narrowed her eyes, folding her arms.