Isaac rushed over to help Ciel. She copsed into Isaacs arms as she fell unconscious.


    Meanwhile, Theoforted ra, who was trembling and as white as a ghost.


    ra, are you okay?


    Brother[1], Ciel, Ciel is in danger.


    For the time being, the fallen sibling took priority. Theo scattered his mana to swiftly teleport them back to the Valentines Duchy.


    The three brothers who hurried Ciel into the bedroom began to figure out what was going on right away.


    So, is that the guy ra likes?


    Sister ra, I didnt expect that, but you have a very peculiar taste.


    ra mentioned to Ciel that she liked someone, so Issac and Louis assumed Heinz was the one. Theo, on the other hand, had a different idea.


    Last time, she said she was about to sign a contract. I think it was this.


    A contract?


    She said the association wanted her to work with them, and it didnt seem especially worrisome, so I let it pass, but now I suspect somethings wrong.


    Last time, after Ciel left, Theo reviewed ras contract.


    The amount was ridiculously small, but it was a big deal for a new pharmacist to be in charge of managing the drug ingredients, so he told her to do well, but the overall situation was odd.


    Brother, I need to look into something, so Ill be right back.


    Isaac and Louis left the mansion to seek clues about the flowers Ciel had brought. Meanwhile, ra, who had barely gained stability, cried and med herself.


    Because of me Our Ciel, what do we do now?


    Its okay. Everythings gonna be okay.


    What happens if Ciel doesnt regain consciousness? Theo hugged ra, who was in tears.


    Young Duke, Theo, whats going on?


    Alex, who had been waiting for a while, dashed in after hearing the newste. Fortunately, he didnt run into the younger siblings.


    Ciels breathing had calmed down considerably by the time the three arrived at her room. ra examined Ciel, who was fast asleep.


    I think she ate the wrong trana flower. Our poor Ciel, it must have hurt a lot.


    ra, she seems to have stabilized, so rest today.


    Ill take care of Ciel.


    Theo tried to persuade ra to rest and Alex stepped up. Still, Theo tried to decline because it was a family matter, but ra agreed immediately and left Ciel in Alexs care.


    I can trust you, Your Highness. Just looking at the symptoms earlier, the dehydration phenomenon was quite severe, so Ill prepare some medicine for her as soon as she wakes up.


    ra seemed to already know about the rtionship between Ciel and Alex.


    I need to change my clothes for now, so please leave for a moment, Your Highness.


    Oh, yeah.


    What the hell is going on? Theo sighed heavily as he gazed at Ciels sleeping face.


    *  *  *


    My head hurt so bad it seemed like it was about to explode.


    Due to the dizziness and vomiting, my stomach, which hurt like hell, was turned upside down.


    Louis, how the hell did this crazy guy eat this kind of stuff? I frowned and managed to open my eyes.


    Ugh.


    Are you awake?


    The first thing I saw as soon as I opened my eyes was ra. I needed to say something to her first. No matter how you think about it, it cant be.


    Sister, Heinz, hes not the one. You cant like him.


    What? What do you mean? I like Mr. Heinz?


    ras straightforward reply left me wide-awake. When I tried to get up, arge hand reached in and lifted me up.


    Good thing youre awake.


    Thank you, but why are you here?


    Alex was sitting across from ra. He held me so naturally that it startled me.


    I looked terrible. I was all sweaty and my hair was a mess. The maids had changed me into my pajamas, so I wasnt in a good enough shape to wee a guest.


    Take your medicine first. How did you end up eating trana flowers?


    I think Louis put it in a candy.


    Im sorry, my brat brother. Youre the only one Im gonna sell out. I slipped the me onto Louis.


    Louis? This cant be. I think I should talk to Theo about this properly.


    We argued more than ten times a day, so she should have just let it go, but ra looked particrly irritated this time, so I did my hardest to calm her down.


    Its because I sprayed ketchup on Louis shoes first.


    I told you both to get along.


    We will. Louis is reflecting on himself; so please dont be angry.


    I took the medication ra had given me and soothed her, and because I had already awoken, she eventually calmed down.


    I managed to take medicine and feel better. I have to get better quickly before dinner when my parentse back. Alex, who had been watching without a word, opened his mouth, talking to ra.


    Could you excuse us for a moment? At Alexs words, ra moved aside.


    Ciel, let me talk to Theo for a second. Ill be right back, so please wait. Alright?


    Seeing that her eyes were swollen, she seemed to be ming herself. I should ask about how the situation with Heinz is, but it may be better to leave it to Theo for now.


    When my sister went out, I was left alone with Alex. There was an awkward air surrounding us but I didnt notice since I was too focused on trying to figure out why he was here.


    Your Highness, what brings you to


    Did young master Louis really hurt you like this?


    With his fists clenched, Alexhad a grim expression on his face. I gestured for him toe closer and whispered in his ear. I didnt want misunderstandings to grow.


    He didnt do it.


    I cant hear you. Can you say that again?


    Louis didnt do it.


    Even if there were only the two of us, I whispered as quietly as possible in case anyone would hear it, but Alex kept asking me, saying that he couldnt hear me well.


    QC/N:


    Frustrated, I pulled his ear and spoke louder.


    I ate it on purpose because I was in trouble. Louis is just an excuse.


    Alex seemed to understand only when I spoke properly. But his expression seemed unusual.


    You ate it on purpose? Since when did you get into such a bad habit?


    The anger that was focused on Louis was now on me. Of course, I knew it wasnt a good thing, but there really was no other way back then.


    Although, I didnt know it would hurt this much.


    Im sorry.


    Dont let this happen again. You have no idea how surprised no, nothing.


    QC/N: (`)


    Everyone must have been surprised. Ive never seen my siblings with such scared faces.


    Alex sighed deeply with a dejected expression.


    Yeah, there must have been some reason. I didnt mean to be mad at you.


    What are you doing here anyway?


    Drink some more water for now.


    PR/N: changing the subject smoothly kkk


    He didnt reply to my question about why he came, instead, he kept asking whether I was thirsty or hungry.


    Knowing I wouldnt hear a clear answer, Iy back on the bed, leaning on Alexs arm.


    QC/N: hehe getting quitefortable there I see


    He diligently wiped my sweaty forehead with a wet towel. His caretaking skills were poor, but his hands smelled ofvender.


    I thought you wouldnt use it because it was bothersome. You put it on again today.


    This was the scent of the hand cream that I gave himst time. Alex smiled awkwardly at myment.


    Because you gave it to me.


    QC/N: *me grinning like a creep this whole chapter*


    I was seriously ill and my body started to sag. With a nket over me I secretly nced at Alex, who was squeezing the towel.


    His well-proportioned muscles flexed softly every time he moved. Im not sure who it will be, but his wife will be pretty fortunate.


    QC/N: *whisper* Its you


    Suddenly, an insidious thought unsuitable for my age crossed my mind, and I tried to maintain myposure.


    While holding a wet towel, Alex wiped his hands clean as well. His hand stroking his fingers was clumsy.


    He didnt appear to be used to taking care of others, yet he made me feel much better than before because of his careful attention, as if he were handling ss.


    Thank you, Your Grace.


    Its okay, were friends I can do this much for you.


    Well, friends dont usually do this.


    Seeing you acting like this makes me feel like Im in a dream. Im in a good mood now.


    I gentlyid my arm out to him andid downfortably. The scent ofvender from Alexs hand tickled the tip of my nose.


    Obviously, he is using the same hand cream as me, but somehow Alexs has a slightly more refreshing scent.


    Thats why I became more and more calm. Unlike me, who had found stability, Alex, who was startled and hesitated for a while, spoke out his words carefully.


    Whos Heinz, by the way?


    Heinz? The man ra likes, or thats what I supposed.


    Considering that they met every day, it was certainly suspicious, but she said that it was not like that at all.


    We need to find out more about the truth, so is he a suspect for now?


    Alex asked a few more questions. How I got to know him, what he does. I answered everything I knew.


    From what you said, I think they got to know each other because of work, rather than being in a rtionship.


    Really?


    Well, Lady ra could have a crush. Do you do you like anyone?


    QC/N: trying to be smooth I see


    Are you really not interested in my sister at all? Suddenly, a spark sshed towards me.


    Of course, I like my sister.


    I mean, not her but a guy.


    Among men? I dont. Its not an exaggeration to say that Im a person whos been blinded by high standards.


    Hmm. Dad and my brothers?


    Not your family.


    Whats wrong with you? I was irritated because he kept tightening the boundaries.


    The only other man I knew was the teacher.


    Did he think I liked Stan? How can I like a childhood friend or someone who behaves like that?


    I looked at him arrogantly and scolded him.


    Im not interested in Grand Duke Stan. No matter what they say, its not true.


    Well, if not, thats fine.


    Because I put on a stern face and talked straightforwardly, Alex chuckled. As expected, he was worried that I might be on Stans side.


    I told you I was on your side. No matter what Grand Duke Stan says, I will definitely give you the Crown Princes seat.


    People have to stand in line well to live long[2]. That was the reason why I approached the Crown Prince in advance, to escape the death g.


    As Iy on my bed, fawning over and ttering him as much as I could.


    Besides, can he evenpare? Appearance aside, your intellect, your intelligence, and even physical strength are superior.


    [1] Just in case, the term ra uses is oppa, which can be used by a female when addressing her brother or other guys that she is close to, like friends, cousins, etc.


    [2] Basically, people have to be patient and wait for their chanceI think