Episode 9

After a quick bath, Leonard descended for breakfast and then secluded himself in his study once more to catch up on all the backlog of work accumulated during his extended absence.

He had instructed the maid watching over Olivia to summon him when she awoke.

By noon, Olivia had roused, and the maid, following her orders, informed him that she was somewhat improved and had insisted on getting out of bed.

"My lady, please do not rise—the physician has said you need to rest."

"Do not fret, Rose, I am quite alright. After a restful night, I feel renewed, and the fever has subsided."

Upon entering the room, Leonard observed Olivia, who appeared much better though still slightly pale.

She dipped in a curtsy and greeted him with the grace befitting a noblewoman, an image which Leonard found hard to reconcile with what he had witnessed the night before.

"Good morning, Duke."

"What do you think you're doing?" Leonard inquired.

"...?"

"The doctor has ordered rest; hence, you should return to bed."

"I feel well now; there is no need to remain abed all day."

"Ah! You truly delight in being troublesome."

Seeing that she would not heed his words, Leonard scooped her into his arms and deposited her back onto the bed, his gentleness from the previous day lessened by his irritation.

"You are forbidden from leaving this room until you have fully recuperated."

"But..."

"Cease causing trouble and comply."

Reluctantly, Olivia remained in bed through the afternoon, and Leonard retreated to his office to resume work until dinner time.

During the night, Leonard returned to the room to find Olivia seated in an armchair, reading a book, apparently bored. Noticing his presence, she attempted to rise.

"There's no need for you to get up."

"Why do I owe the pleasure of your visit at this hour, Duke?"

"I've come to sleep..."

"!"

"I'm well again; there's no need for you to stay with me tonight."

"I am your husband; it's only natural that I sleep beside you, or does that vex you?"

"What? ...No."

Two maids entered to prepare Leonard's bath and left a change of clothes for him before withdrawing, leaving them alone once more.

"I'll take a bath; you may go to bed first if you prefer," he told her.

Afterwards, he left her to bathe, emerging from the bathroom in just a robe. Seeing him, Olivia quickly rose and slipped into bed, donning a white, laced nightgown, and pulled the covers up to her neck, amusing Leonard.

However, he said nothing and joined her in bed. Exhausted from the restless night, he fell asleep swiftly, and in the middle of the night, Olivia's blow to his ribs woke him. Knowing she would continue thusly throughout the night, he embraced her while she draped her arm over him and nestled into his chest before he fell asleep again.

In the morning, Leonard woke to Olivia slipping from his embrace and, thinking she was still asleep, he drew her back to him until she began to hit his arm, rousing him fully.

"Please release me, I can't breathe..."

Leonard had embraced her too tightly, causing her to gasp for air.

Loosening his hold slightly, he watched her silently until her breathing eased, and upon realizing he was observing her, she covered her face with her hands, her neck and ears flushed red.

"Are you alright?"

With her back to him and face still covered, she replied, "Yes, my lord, I am fine. I regret waking you in such a manner, but I could not breathe."

Olivia feared she had offended him with the blows to his arm.

"Do not worry," he responded, "it is my fault for embracing you too forcibly."

While speaking with Olivia, the butler knocked on the door...

"My lord, I apologize for the interruption, but an urgent letter has arrived from the palace."

Upon hearing of an urgent letter from the palace, Leonard dressed hastily and exited the room, casting a fleeting glance at Olivia, who seemed quite relieved by his departure.

In his study, Alfred presented the letter, which was a summons from the crown prince requesting his immediate presence.

Upon arriving at the palace, the prince awaited him in the garden, cradling his son, the prince's first child and reportedly, very devoted to his father.

"Good morning, Your Majesty."

"Leonard, I am pleased to see you. I thought you would come yesterday, but since you did not, I sent for you."

"I have been preoccupied with domestic issues."

"Has something happened?"

As the prince conversed, his son gnawed on the buttons of his jacket as though trying to eat them, which did not sit well with Leonard, but the prince seemed unconcerned so Leonard withheld comment.

"My wife has been ill, and I've been tending to her."

"It surprises me that you are concerned for her; I believed you harbored no affection."

"I do not, but it's fair to say her worsened condition was somewhat my fault."

"I called you here to announce that I will be hosting a ball in your honor to celebrate your victory over the army of Azur."

"I appreciate it, but celebrations are not to my liking."

"I know, yet it is necessary. I think it would be fitting to formally introduce the duchess at the ball."

Considering the prince's words, Leonard found it a sound strategy for Olivia's introduction to society to occur at the ball honoring him; this would ensure his support was visible to all, deterring any potential harassment.

"It shall be as you wish, Your Majesty. What is the pressing matter you wished to discuss?"

"The ball was it. I knew unless I told you in person, you would have declined. I eagerly await the ball to meet your young duchess."

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