Nobody Welcomes a Summer Fever (2)
Baroness Kreuznach, the maid of our imperial princess whom I'd met through someone else. If I had to define the aura emanating from her in one word, it would be "sternness".
She'd tucked her hair completely under her hat to avoid drawing attention, and her long skirt hem and sleeves covered every inch of exposed skin from her wrists and ankles. Her hands and feet were no exception. The only hint of color far from primary hues was the sky blue in her eyes, and even the traces of age seemed suppressed. My head throbbed with a headache that left me detached from reality, but I still tried to offer her some hospitality.
There weren't many staff hired for the dorms, so the reception was modest at best. After a brief exchange of names, I got straight to my question.
"You've come to see me."
"Yes."
"Yet you arrived without any prior notice. If I may be so bold... have we met before?"
I feigned composure, pretending this was a complete stranger. She glanced at me once and lightly shook her head.
"No."
"In that case, I must ask why you've sought me out specifically. I can't imagine what it might be..."
"I also serve as the lady-in-waiting to Her Imperial Highness Charlotte Laura, the Second Imperial Princess currently studying at Sponheim Academy."
"Ah..."
"And I've heard that lately, Her Highness has been associating more with outsiders."
Her eyes sharpened as she fixed them on me, her gaze implying she already knew I was the one involved. I decided to admit it outright.
"...We just have occasional gatherings. I can't see what's wrong with a study group. It's not only men, either."
"Her Highness said much the same. There's no issue with it in principle. While studying at the academy, it's not as if we can demand she cut off all contact with her peers or forbid private relationships."
"Then?"
"The problem arises if she becomes too attached to those relationships."
The baroness continued calmly, though she let out the slightest extra breath.
"As you're aware, Baron, the Duke of Neustria arrived at Sponheim today."
"Yes."
"And in a few days, someone else will arrive from the capital."
"..."
"Soon, she'll meet with him. You understand what I mean, don't you?"
Of course I did. She'd mentioned it herself once before.
Engagement... perhaps.
It was odd for someone her age not to have one yet, but I hadn't expected it thrust upon her like this. And sharing such matters with an outsider like me was telling.
"...Is this set in stone?"
"It's not for me to decide or know. Like you, Baron, I'll simply learn of it in due time."
A subtle pressure to mind my own business. Still, after her sudden intrusion dragging me into this, I figured I could speak my piece.
"You speak as if I hold some sway, Baroness. I'm not in a leadership role in that group. I merely facilitate discussions on what we know. So telling me won't..."
"──Make any difference. Is that what you're claiming?"
Baroness Kreuznach narrowed her eyes slightly. A strange emotion flickered in them before fading away. Then her true intent emerged.
"Baron von Hebel."
"Yes."
"The Second Imperial Princess needs allies. Her position in the family isn't favorable."
"..."
"And those of blue blood have duties. She must cultivate both duty and necessity. ...Even minor deviations could poison her life."
Her words circled so much that I didn't grasp them immediately. But chewing them over, it was clear: a warning aimed at me.
So, unless you're ready to take responsibility for her life, back off.
A rough summary, but that was the gist.
I waved my hand dismissively.
"My apologies, ma'am. My head hurts too much to follow. I don't associate with the princess on a familial level."
"..."
It was an excuse, but my headache was real. Entertaining her while ill and mustering eloquence had taken its toll. Cold sweat beaded on my forehead as I clutched my head, and the baroness briefly closed her eyes before standing.
"I've delivered my message, so I'll take my leave. My apologies for intruding while you're unwell. Please rest well."
"...Yes."
Only after she left under the servants' guidance could I finally tend to my feverish forehead. It was drenched in sweat.
Dragging me into this while I'm sick...
That didn't mean I'd forget her words right away. They lingered, prodding my aching thoughts like thorns.
"I'll rest upstairs for a bit, so don't come up."
"But, my lord Baron, at least let us assist you..."
"I'm fine."
I waved off the servants trying to help and barely made it to the second floor. My body swayed as I gripped the railing, only for a warm presence to steady me.
"Werner...? Are you okay? You're burning up...!"
"It's... fine... Let's get inside quick..."
Too feverish to even manage polite speech, I grumbled as I dragged myself along. She let out an odd "Huh." but eventually grabbed me despite my protests and led me into the room.
"...How'd you know this was my room...?"
"It was obvious—nothing but books. Had to be Werner's room."
"Jeez..."
"More importantly, lie down quick. Got any medicine?"
As I collapsed back onto the bed where the sweat had somewhat dried, a fresh wave soaked me again.
"Medicine... didn't bring any."
"You're such an idiot. Body like this and no doctor, no meds...? You'll make it worse pushing through."
"Whose fault is this...?"
I grumbled, and the princess—perhaps feeling a pang of guilt—stood without replying.
"Where are you going?"
"Gonna get some medicine. Wait here!"
"Ah... then the servants..."
But off she went, forgetting her sloppy disguise, straight out the door.
Why hide if you're just gonna wander like that...?
A tiny resentment bubbled up from the headache, but worry overrode it. If that maid hadn't gone far, she might get caught.
Thankfully—or not—she returned soon with a few items and approached my side.
Our hands and feet really don't match...
The thought crossed my mind as I looked at her.
"Mind if I use the desk for a bit?"
"Yeah..."
Now just letting fate take its course, I heard a fragrant aroma fill the room soon after. Rustling and pounding sounds followed, then a cool touch approached my fevered self.
"Try sitting up. Take the medicine and lie back. Okay?"
"Yeah..."
For some reason, there I was, drinking a herbal decoction from the princess. Willow bark with various additions, no doubt, served with a steaming cup.
"Drink this too."
"...You sound just like my mom."
"...Don't say weird stuff!"
Guided by her hand, I gulped down the decoction and finally lay back. Exhausted, I closed my eyes briefly, only to feel a perfect chill settle on my forehead moments later.
"What...?"
"A spell to draw out the fever and create cooling. Better now?"
"...You can do that too?"
"You're not the only one studying everything, Werner. It's not that hard... So, yeah. Didn't expect it'd come in handy today."
The princess dodged with a vague response. But thanks to it, I could finally open my eyes and look up at her again.
The long summer daylight had faded, and the sunset was nearly gone. As most people prepared for sleep, her violet eyes met mine, gleaming without a trace of drowsiness.
"...You okay?"
"Why are you asking me that...? Of course I'm fine...?"
"I see..."
I sighed, and Princess Charlotte seemed to catch on.
"...Did the baroness say something?"
"Yes. She beat around the bush without saying everything outright, which made my head hurt worse... But I get that you're in a situation you'd hate."
"For example?"
"An engagement, say."
"Mm..."
A short groan, and she admitted it readily.
"Yeah. Probably one of the Neustria duke's sons is a candidate. Major western house, and they have unmarried sons. Perfect fit..."
"Not confirmed, though."
"Of course not. That's why I didn't want to meet over this talk."
"So you ran away."
"...Yeah."
She hung her head. Yet her hand stayed on my head, the gentle sensation almost like stroking my hair.
"Not meeting today anyway, and no immediate face-to-face. But..."
"Did the maid scold you?"
"..."
"Something clichéd like 'act properly now, avoid strict people,' right? Or not?"
"...Yeah."
"Must be old news by now. At your age, in your position."
The tickling at my throat made me cough hastily, hand to mouth. I'd talked too much.
"...But it just felt off today."
"Why?"
"Can't explain well. ...It's the usual stuff I hear daily, but today I wanted to run from it. Maybe because it's getting real?"
Charlotte smiled bitterly, rubbing my sweaty forehead with her cool touch. Now I saw it—like handling a doll.
"...But why me, of all people?"
"You know I don't have friends."
"Didn't have to be a friend. Someone like you could've found plenty of hiding spots in this academy. ...Like that library annex back then."
"True, but... I figured my rival might come up with some idea. Wishful thinking, maybe."
"What do you even take me for...?"
"Right?"
She chuckled softly at my complaint, and any retort died in my throat—I couldn't spit on that smile.
Meeting my gaze, she slowly looked down and said,
"...Sorry. Won't happen again."
The shadow that fell over her. A reaction perfectly suiting "deviation," refusing any repeat.
Of course, I didn't know why she said it. But I could tell she was somewhat cowed. It was unlike her usual self.
What was she so afraid of? Where had that confidence gone?
So, shaking my aching head, I spoke to her puppy-like face seeking even a touch.
"...It might happen, or it might not."
"...Huh?"
"Don't know the details... But there might be ways to keep it from going against your wishes."
So cheer up already, woman. I'm the sick one—why's my heart uneasy? No clue.