Initially, I was simply listening to what he had to say, but soon, I was left speechless.

As the silence became even more unbearable, Idris stood up. He seemed calm as if he had expected my reaction. “Let’s go. When the sun sets, it becomes rather cold here.”

I couldn’t look away from him.

“If you don’t want to go with me, I’ll go first. I’ll wait for you today.” 

He turned around, opened the door, and left. The hem of his white robe fluttered behind him with every step he took, farther and farther away from me. 

My thoughts wandered to what I had just heard.

***

The hallway was pitch black as I made my way out of the room. It was already dark outside. So I felt a little relieved.

“What should I do now?”

Idris had confessed his feelings towards me. He does not consider me to be a friend anymore.

“Vianne.” At that time, a voice resounded from one side of the dark hallway.

“Gasp!” I leaped to my feet in surprise. I thought there was no one around! Magenta light slithered its way up the wall like a vine. Thanks to this, the hallway was flooded with light.

“It’s me.” That person was Eustave. 

I took a deep breath and clutched my chest. “Why are you here?”

“What makes you think I wouldn’t be here? You’ve been here all this time.”

“… Was Idris the one who ordered it?”

“If you believe I was coerced, you will be surprised to learn that is not the case. I volunteered to stay,” he jokingly replied and moved closer to me.

“Let’s go to the master’s room. You seemed to be afraid of the dark, so I’ll take you there.”

“I don’t think I should go there now.”

“You’d better go.”

“Why?”

“My master saved you, so why don’t you check if he’s alive? He’s sick and lying in bed.”

“What? He was fine before.”

“It’s because the master lied about it.”

“No, that’s not true! Idris definitely said he’s okay. What happened?”

Eustave shook his head. “After you left, Michael pulled some pranks on him. The master suffered additional internal injuries from dealing with him. Even if he’s Idris, he’s not invincible.”

“… This Michael is truly…”

I should have cursed you earlier.

“How’s Idris now?”

“He’s not in a very good condition.”

“Why would he visit me? What should I do?”

I was concerned about Idris. And I felt an unfathomable sense of guilt. He came all the way here to comfort me when he wasn’t even feeling well. 

I was speechless. I had no idea that the word “love” would spring out at that moment, so I suddenly got scared. How pathetic.

Why is he so stupid?

My anger boiled up, and I began to walk ahead. Eustave was just behind me. I stopped in front of Idris’ room. Then, Eustave told me he had to go. 

“…I didn’t report you crying, but you’ll probably get caught,” said Eustave, as I waved goodbye at him.

Well, it must be noticeable. I rubbed my eyes. Were my eyes that swollen?

“Good job, Eustave. I hope you have less work tomorrow.” I bid Eustav farewell.

“I was giving them advice, but they might not realize it… I’ll just go.” He trudged away and disappeared from the hallway.

I opened the door and went inside. Idris’ room was always very clean. Additionally, the furniture arrangement and wallpaper colors were well-chosen. Is it a habit created by living alone for a while when he was younger? People said that Idris managed this room alone until the ban was lifted.

“… Idris,” I called him amidst the silence. There was no answer.

I sat on the bed directly across from him. I examined him carefully since he was buried in the blanket and couldn’t be seen.

In an instant, he grabbed my hand. I was surprised not because I was suddenly caught, but because his hands were hot. Idris opened his eyes. His red eyes were clear, yet he gave the impression of being unable to see well. It seemed like he was in pain at first glance.

“……It’s nothing, so go back to sleep.” I covered his eyes with my other hand that wasn’t in his grasp. His eye twitched a couple of times, and I felt his eyes fluttered close against my palm. His face was also scorching.

“It’s hot… You have the energy to confess to me,  but not to take care of your pain? I’m not going to let this go, Idris,” I spoke to him.

After that, I walked to the door and summoned a servant. I requested a basin of water and a towel. They swiftly delivered it. I accepted it and returned to the bed.

“Ugh, I’ve been through all sorts of things in my life,” I grumbled for no reason and shook off my feelings for a moment.

I dampen the cloth, squeeze it, and place it over Idris’ forehead. I did the same with another towel and cleaned his face from time to time. His clear skin, lips, eyes, and strong features drew my attention. I thought I was the one protecting him. But the reality is that I’m being protected by him with all his might.

With my fingers, I brushed the hair that had fallen near his eyes. He fumbled and grasped my hand in his sleep. He had a big hand much like his big body He slept while clutching my hand.

‘Good night my sweet villain.’