WCMBI - Chapter 255: Had Enough

Upon learning of the Emperor's orders and the need to reorganize the chaotic mansion, Ian found himself incapable of rising from his bed. Such profound lethargy had never plagued him before, marking this as an unprecedented experience in his life.

Persistently, Melissa's image lingered in his mind, her composed demeanor and stoic expressions while eloquently sharing her pains were unforgettable. It was surely her own business to divulge, but how could she narrate it so calmly, as if it were someone else's tale? Perhaps, it was only feasible due to her complete resignation to everything.

Even wallowing in agony felt like an indulgence beyond his reach. Ultimately, he had only experienced side effects of individuality. When she uttered those words, confessing that she no longer loved him, all he did was harbor doubts.

"Why would she reject me? Didn't she claim to love me to the extent of individuality?" Yes, without a doubt, Melissa must have misunderstood something. Alternatively, could it be that she became afraid because of the wounds she suffered from me all this time?

In the future, it will not be so. If I envelop her in love so fervently that she can barely breathe, surely she will look at me again with those eyes filled with desire, or so he naively believed.

However, he had not anticipated the extent of the injuries from the carriage accident. If she had not awakened as a sorceress, Ian would undoubtedly not have been breathing in this world.

"Ack!"

Just the brief assumption of her death was enough to make him gasp for breath. Had it not been for Melissa's resourcefulness and will to survive, he, too, might have ceased to exist.

Choking back tears, he writhed in pain, feeling the sorrow and shame suffusing him. The mention of the pheromone spring being destroyed caused him to thump his chest vigorously, and the realization that he could no longer sense any scents brought forth a phantom wave of her favorite tea fragrance.

Imagining Melissa's unbearable suffering, anguish, pain, and sorrow all surged into his heart, overwhelming him. Forgetting about food and drink, he let out bestial cries, leaving the household staff unsettled.

"If we don't do something, he might imprison us all. Should we secretly escape? What if he captures us again? We can't afford to take such risks," the employees whispered, observing Ian's agitated state.

Amidst the turmoil, however, two individuals seemed oblivious to the tension.

"Master, shall we go to the garden and admire the flowers today?"

"Yes!"

"Let's go see flowers that match the color of the master's eyes. Isn't that delightful?"

"Yes, yes! Umyo is the best!"

"Ah, you must never forget that."

D.S. took Umyo's hand, descending the stairs with a skip in their step. The servants, who were previously preoccupied with Ian's condition, couldn't help but stand still as if petrified, upon witnessing this sight. So, D.S. and Umyo strolled cheerfully, unnoticed by the rest.

"Noisy children, what are you doing now?"

An irate voice echoed sharply through the first-floor corridor. Only then did the flustered maids rush forward, offering greetings to Umyo.

"Good afternoon, Umyo."

"Are you going for a walk?"

The first person they had to greet was not D.S. but Umyo herself, a strange occurrence not only to Umyo but also to the other maids nearby.

Chin held high, Umyo thought that whenever she showed proper manners, it was rewarding, so she clasped her hands and ordered one of the nearby maids, "Prepare a light picnic atmosphere. Fetch fruits, fragrant tea, cake, as well as fruit and meringue cookies for the master."

"Yes! Understood."

She found delight in observing the unwavering obedience of her employees as they followed her commands. With a contented smile, she held the child's hand and walked toward the main entrance. The scorching summer sun compelled her to instruct one of the maids nearby to fetch a parasol, and she insisted the maid accompany them, carrying it along.

Thus, it was the maid, not the parasol, that shielded them from the sun's rays. However, the child, consumed by immediate joy, carelessly darted around, even though beads of sweat formed on their skin.

Leaving the child to their own devices, she surrendered herself to the luxurious and delectable dessert the maids had brought.

"Hmm, it could use a touch more zest. Have the chef prepare this lemon cream cake with a bit more tang."

"Yes."

"Whose tea is this?"

"Mi-Mine!"

"Is that so? From now on, you shall brew my tea personally."

"Th-Thank you!"

"Your fingertips are quite nimble, I see? Ah, the meringue cookies are melting away so delightfully."

With about six maids standing nearby, she relished her meal. The maids, preoccupied with her every move, paid little attention to anything else. Hence, no one noticed that DS was chasing a fluttering butterfly, heading somewhere unknown.