The consequences were harsh.

Unlike his rational mind, his body was screaming in frustration.

He considered using his own hands to relieve himself but decided against it.

He felt it would leave him hollow afterward.

It was only at dawn, as the morning star rose, that he managed to fall into a light sleep.

But he soon woke up to the sound of knocking on the door.

“Milord. There’s urgent news.”

Russell sat up abruptly.

When he opened the bedroom door, a hunter was standing there.

He unfolded the note the hunter handed him.

His eyebrows twitched.

 

A new pack of gray wolves has appeared. Injuries reported after a skirmish.

—Harrison

 

‘It couldn’t possibly be new wolves already. That one-eyed bastard must have been raising a successor.’

They really are similar to humans.

That’s why old and cunning beasts can only become natural enemies of humans.

“I’ll leave immediately.”

“Yes, Milord. Preparations are underway.”

Russell hurried down the stairs but stopped midway.

He looked up toward the direction of Cecilia’s bedroom.

Though he was unaware of it himself, this was the first time he had looked back before departing for a hunt.

The wind was particularly strong today.

Hoffman, who had been alerted and hurried out, came to see him off.

“Safe travels, Milord.”

Russell nodded and pulled on the reins.

Two hunters accompanying him also set off.

A short while later, as the sound of hoofbeats grew louder again, Hoffman turned his head.

Russell, astride his horse, had returned swiftly.

“My lord?”

“Hoffman. Relay this to my wife.”

“Pardon? Yes, of course.”

“Tell her I left in haste without being able to discuss something important. Let her know I’ll speak with her when I return.”

“…Understood, Milord.”

Russell turned his horse back and galloped away again.

Hoffman stood watching until the sound of hoofbeats faded entirely.

He tilted his head to the side in curiosity.

He couldn’t help but wonder what could be so important that it made the lord turn back on his way out.

 

❖ ❖ ❖

 

The next day, a small commotion erupted within the castle.

It was just as Cecilia had predicted.

When she woke up the next morning, her lips were swollen.

The maids, shocked by her appearance, immediately informed the Elder Missus.

Benjamine, leaning on a maid for support, came to see Cecilia.

“My goodness, Miss! Are you feeling unwell? I’ve never seen you with symptoms like this before. Could it be some new infectious disease spreading in Lagos Castle?”

At that moment, Cecilia came up with a suitable excuse.

“…I think the fruit wine I drank yesterday didn’t agree with me.”

“Fruit wine? Alcohol? Why would you consume something so unsuitable?”

Before coming to Lagos Castle, Cecilia had never drunk alcohol.

So Benjamine believed her words.

“I’ll summon a physician immediately.”

“There’s no need to call a doctor for something like this.”

“You’ve had an adverse reaction to alcohol. Leaving it alone could lead to serious trouble.”

Seizing the rare opportunity to assert herself, Benjamine ordered the maids to fetch a physician at once.

Shortly after, Helen entered with Dr. Brendan.

With a grave expression, Brendan asked Cecilia various questions.

“Is there any swelling inside your mouth? Try swallowing—does it hurt? Do you feel itchy anywhere on your body?”

“I have no other symptoms.”

Cecilia felt awkward under the doctor’s scrutiny.

“Fortunately, it’s not a severe allergic reaction. However, it would be best to avoid alcohol altogether in the future. I’ll prescribe a poultice to reduce the swelling.”

After Brendan left, Benjamine motioned for Helen and the Lagos maids to leave.

“Everyone, leave. I’ll attend to the Miss myself.”

When Benjamine had first injured her ankle, the pain had been so severe that she was terrified to move and confined herself to bed.

But once she began walking again, she found she could manage to limp around.

Now, she had no intention of leaving Cecilia’s side.

‘I won’t let the Lagos people take my place.’

Helen approached Cecilia and spoke.

“Madam. I have something urgent to tell you.”

“Urgent? Is it something I alone must hear?”

“Yes, Madam.”

Cecilia glanced around at the others and spoke.

“Everyone, leave.”

The maids all left the bedroom, though Benjamine hesitated.

“Nanny. I said leave.”

“…Yes, Miss.”

Benjamine was deeply disappointed to be sent away.

Her face clearly showed her frustration, but Cecilia paid it no mind.

As Benjamine exited, she cast a resentful glance at Helen.

“What is it?”

“Early this morning, His Lordship received urgent news and departed.”

“…I see.”