At the breakfast table, my gaze remained fixed on the world outside the window, my hands unable to bring themselves to reach for my bread.
Early this morning, the rhythmic thud of hooves had echoed from the direction of the castle gates. A single horse. It was the sound of an express messenger at a full gallop.
Father’s seat was empty. He was likely still in his office reading the dispatch or consulting with someone. Mother sat in her usual chair, but her expression was more strained than it had ever been. Her teacup remained untouched on the table.
"Liese, Rose. Let’s go to your room and read a book with me this morning."
Mother Sophie spoke softly to the twins. Liese and Rose tilted their heads curiously, but they took Mother Sophie’s hands and stood up without complaint.
Something was coming. The thought crossed my mind at almost the exact moment a voice called out.
"Lady Roswitha, Lord Rein."
Mira spoke softly from the hallway.
"The Master requests your presence. In his office."
I nodded.
◇◇◇
Outside the office door, Mira paused and looked back at Lina, who was trailing behind.
"Lina, wait here."
Lina gave a small, silent nod.
She clasped her hands in front of her, taking a quiet, attentive stance beside the door.
Mira knocked lightly, and the door was opened from the within.
Inside the room, a sheet of parchment lay spread across the desk.
"You've come, Roswitha, Rein," Father said in a low voice, turning to face us.
"Yes." "I'm here, Father."
At our responses, Father glanced at the parchment once more before slowly lowering himself into his chair.
"A letter has arrived from House Ahrens."
He paused, his expression grim.
"It is a formal request for the treatment of Lady Clarissa, the eldest daughter of the Marquis."
◇◇◇
Father proceeded to explain Lady Clarissa's situation. He told us the cause of her injuries and how the Saint's regeneration magic had been halted at the lady's own request. She had been living in seclusion ever since. He also explained that the request had come because Hermine had witnessed my treatment during her audit.
Father pressed his finger lightly against the personal letter, reading a specific line aloud.
"‘Through Lady Hermine's report, I have seen a ray of hope. While I understand this is an imposition, I wish to borrow your son's strength. For the reward, we will pay whatever you desire, to the extent possible, upon the name of House Ahrens’—or so it says."
"At this point, the reward is irrelevant," Father continued. "The problem is that Rein will be hurt, and..."
Mother took over where he left off.
"...And what happens if the treatment is a success. If it succeeds, the young lady will eventually return to society. It will be impossible to hide the fact that she was healed from the rest of the nobility. Everyone already knows that the Saint failed to treat Lady Clarissa. Every person in a similar predicament will become desperate to find the one who succeeded."
"This letter claims, ‘The identity of the one who performed the treatment shall be kept strictly confidential,’ but..."
"—That will be... quite difficult, won't it?"
Mother’s voice dropped an octave, turning somber.
"I am against this. The treatment itself already causes him pain, and if the cover-up fails, Rein will be forced to keep sacrificing himself forever."
"I agree," Father said. "To send a request while knowing exactly what Rein’s treatment entails... it’s insulting."
"However... we are dealing with a Marquis. How are we to refuse...?"
Father's face was a mask of frustration.
"—I'll do it. I'll treat her."
Before I could think better of it, the words were out.
In an instant, everyone in the room turned to me, their eyes wide with shock.
"If I don't treat her, she’ll never be able to go outside again for the rest of her life, right?"
"Then I have to do it."
"After all... I learned recovery magic to save people."
Father looked me in the eye, his voice heavy.
"You understand what we were just discussing, don't you? Are you... truly prepared for this?"
"Yes."
Silence filled the office for a long moment.
"—Very well."
"Dear!?"
"It is Rein's decision. Our role is to provide the maximum cooperation to ensure it succeeds."
Mother started to protest, but ultimately, she closed her eyes and remained silent.
From there, the three of us began to coordinate our response.
"As Roswitha pointed out, if the treatment succeeds, word will inevitably spread through social circles. We must ensure no one suspects Rein was the healer."
"And... fortunately, Lady Therese is currently staying with us."
"If Lady Therese accompanies us, we can announce the success as a ‘re-treatment by the Saint.’ That alone should be enough to deflect any suspicion."
"...In that case, we will have to explain the situation to Lady Therese..."
"Yes... and we’ll have to explain the truth behind Rein's magic as well..."
"—I'll be the one to talk to her. I knew I'd have to tell Big Sister Therese eventually."
"I'm sorry... I'll leave it to you, Rein. If it becomes too difficult, please let me know."
"I will. Thank you."
As I left the room, I caught sight of Mira’s eyes. They were dark and stagnant, just as I had seen them before.
◇◇◇
When I stepped into the hallway, Lina was still standing exactly where I had left her.
Her posture hadn't changed, but her eyes were fixed on me with a sudden, sharp resolve.
"Lord Rein."
Her voice was soft but clear.
"Please, take me with you."
That was all she said.
"How... did you hear the conversation inside?"
"I could hear it..."
My gaze drifted to the tips of Lina's long ears.
Of course. Lina was an elf.
Even through a heavy door, she would have been able to hear every word spoken inside.
"I understand. I'll clear it with Father."
I turned and walked away from the office door.
It might be a problem that she knew the truth, and there might not be much a maid could do on such a trip, but I was simply happy that she wanted to stay by my side.
However, I still had to go to Big Sister Therese and explain everything.
I knew by now that revealing the nature of my Transplant Magic only brought sorrow to those I cared about.
The realization that I was about to make Big Sister Therese suffer made my footsteps feel just a little bit heavier.