Chapter 36: I Tried Recalling Serios’s Memories
《Serios’s Side》
When I heard that Liese had collapsed, I felt a pain in my chest, as if it were being squeezed.
As I hurried down the corridor, my mind was filled with thoughts of Liese.
She was more hardworking than anyone, and since enrolling in the academy, she had tried to perfectly manage her studies, swordsmanship, and her conduct at the academy—everything.
That figure of hers was a source of pride for me, yet also somewhat precarious.
No, the truth is, I hadn’t even noticed such things until Claris-san pointed them out. And then, after talking with her, the fact that she believed in me became my greatest support.
When I reached Her Room, Faina was waiting in front of the door. Her usually calm face now showed clear signs of anxiety.
“Lord Serios, Liese’s fever is quite high. I believe she pushed herself too hard.”
I nodded silently at Faina’s words and entered Her Room.
Liese lay on the bed. Her face was pale, and sweat beaded on her forehead. Her usual dignified appearance was gone; a frail girl lay there instead.
A sixteen-year-old girl, separated from her Mother.
“Liese…”
When I involuntarily called her name, her eyelids twitched slightly. However, she didn’t open her eyes and let out a small, unconscious groan.
I gently sat beside her and touched her forehead. The heat I felt through my hand told me just how much she had been overexerting herself.
“You’re… always like this.”
As I voiced these words, what welled up in my heart was anger. Not towards her for pushing herself so hard, but towards myself for not having been able to support her enough.
Looking at her, my childhood memories as Serios resurfaced.
I had obtained the position of Margrave, but it was by no means something I was born with.
Originally, I was born into the Royal Family. However, having lost my Mother at a young age and my father’s interest, I had no backing and lived a lonely life in the cold royal court.
To my father, I must have been merely a worthless son, an unnecessary existence in the line of succession.
That’s why, when I threw a tantrum and injured my other siblings, I was sentenced to Disinheritance.
“One who cannot cherish their family cannot cherish the country. Such a person has no qualification to be King, nor is there a need for them to remain royalty.”
No one objected to the King’s decision.
Utterly isolated.
I was sent to the Margrave’s House as an adopted son. Devoid of value as a political pawn, the Margrave and his wife took me in.
The Margrave’s House had lost two sons on the battlefield. I imagine a temperamental child like me must have caused the elderly couple considerable trouble.
“Serios, this is your home now.”
The voice of my Foster Father saying those words still echoes clearly in my ears.
They accepted me not as a “Tool,” but as a “son.”
Even though they knew I was a troublesome burden foisted upon them by the Royal Family.
For the first time, I knew the warmth of a family.
My Foster Mother’s gentle smile, my Foster Father’s strict yet warm gaze. All of it is deeply engraved in my heart.
But such Happiness did not last long.
The Margrave and his wife died in a sudden accident.
Young and suddenly burdened with the responsibility of the domain. The sense of loss from losing the parents who had showered me with affection, and the pressure of being a Lord. Amidst all that, nothing went right for me.
I became withdrawn. Being originally temperamental and an ignorant brat, I imposed heavy taxes.
I didn’t see the suffering faces of my people. I retreated into my own world, lashing out at my attendants and cursing the world.
It was then that I took over, and I met Liese.
She was seeking Medicine money for her Mother. Driven solely by the desire to save myself, I bought her with gold and declared, “I will buy all of you.”
Even now, I don’t understand why she trusted and followed me back then. But when I saw her innocent eyes, I was overwhelmed and captivated.
I had to change.
Liese, sleeping before me now, is the most hardworking and strongest-willed person I know.
Placing a freshly wrung towel back on her forehead, I called her name.
“Liese…”
She reacted faintly, letting out a weak voice. It didn’t form words, but it sounded to me like she was saying, “Lord Serios.”
That voice warmed my chest. Even in this state, she still believed in me.
I finally realize it.
“I’ve fallen in love with you.”
I hadn’t intended for her to hear those words. I had merely uttered them as if telling myself.
But, in that instant, her eyelids twitched faintly. She hadn’t regained consciousness. Yet, I felt as if she had heard my words.
“…If you weren’t here, I don’t know what would have become of me by now.”
Conveying just that, I gently squeezed her hand. It was a little hot from the fever, but the sensation was comforting.
When she gets better, I’ll tell her properly. About my past mistakes, and my feelings for her. And I’ve come to realize just how important her existence is to me.
“…Rest, Liese.”
Gazing at her sleeping face, I murmured quietly.
It was also a vow to myself.
I left Liese’s room. I headed towards a place where a large crowd had gathered.
“You’ve come, Serios von Aegrid.”
The one who greeted me in the center was Edward von Leclair.
Those bearing the same “von” in their names faced each other.