TWFLLYM Ch 10

A Romantic Consideration of Why Knights Should Avoid Getting Burned

It was just as she had feared.

Aldwin was in the kitchen at that exact moment. When she saw Roserikta arrive, accompanied by a Senior Knight of the Royal Guard under the guise of protection, she clutched the back of her neck, speechless.

[Aldwin] "What on earth is His Highness thinking... Ugh."

She couldn't understand what was so special about them.

Lately, rumors have been flourishing in the Trifolium Palace. They whispered that the Prince had fallen for some cat, only to discover it was a scheme by the cat's owner.

Rumors said she had somehow managed to occupy the Crown Princess’s bedroom. They even claimed the poor, innocent Prince—who had never been in a relationship—was being manipulated by her dark intentions.

Of course, most people treated it as nonsense, but the gossip persisted like a lingering fog.

Anyone who had served the Prince knew he wasn't the type to be easily swayed by others. Among the maids, some flatly refused to believe that a mere "cat maid" was using the Crown Princess’ bed.

And yet.

The cat maid from the rumors appeared in the kitchen, escorted by the Senior Knight of the Royal Guard. At this point, even the whispers that she was actually a witch started to seem plausible.

How could she, with that face, surpass so many other beauties?

[Roserikta] "Could I possibly get some cheese and honey?"

She asked. She had expected a reaction, but she hadn't realized it would be this intense.

Every maid in the kitchen had stopped working to stare at her. Aldwin looked as if she might collapse from fury at any moment.

Amidst this, Arad stood prominently at the kitchen entrance, his shoulders broad and his presence firm. To the onlookers, he looked like living proof of the rumors that the Prince had lost his mind to a woman’s charms.

[Maid 1] "..."

[Maid 2] "..."

[Maid 3] "..."

The maids exchanged silent glances. The atmosphere suggested that if anyone dared to hand over what she asked for, they might be whipped by Aldwin.

Realizing the silence would last, she knew she had to act for herself.

[Roserikta] "Then, may I look for it myself?"

[Maid 1] "..."

[Maid 2] "..."

[Maid 3] "..."

[Roserikta] "Is that a honey jar on the shelf over there?"

When she asked so directly, one maid finally blinked, signaling that she was correct.

Roserikta turned to Aldwin with a look of apology and awkwardness, seeking permission. She nodded reluctantly, her breath heavy with unvoiced indignation.

[Roserikta] "Then I will take just a little. Thank you, Countess."

The shelf next to the hearth was too high. She spotted a ladder nearby and leaned it against the shelf.

[Maid] "Ah..."

One maid started to speak as she stepped onto the ladder, but another quickly nudged her to stay quiet.

The ladder was meant for the high shelves, but it was old, and the nails had loosened. They had meant to send it to the palace carpenter for repairs, but had forgotten since it hadn't been used lately.

Looking at Aldwin’s tightly pressed lips, it was clear she had no intention of warning her.

Just as Roserikta reached for the shelf—

Crack!

The sound of splintering wood echoed beneath her feet.

[Roserikta] "...Huh?"

Snap!

The support vanished instantly.

[Roserikta] "Ah!"

Her body lurched, and the ladder began to tilt backward.

[Arad] "No!"

Crash! Thud!

A pot filled with cabbage and broccoli was boiling vigorously on the hearth. As she lost her balance, her foot struck the pot. It flew into the air and overturned, drenching the floor in scalding water.

The water didn't hit her as she fell. Instead, it poured over the shoulder of Arad, who had rushed forward to shield her in his arms.

[Roserikta] "...?"

[Maid 1] "Aaah!"

[Maid 2] "What have we done!"

[Maid 3] "Oh my god!"

Chaos erupted. Hot water splashed across the kitchen floor. Maids scurried about, trying to keep their shoes dry while grabbing mops, checking on Arad, and flinching under Aldwin’s shouting.

[Roserikta] "Heavens... Are you alright, Sir Arad?"

He grimaced.

[Arad] "I’d like to say I am, but I’m not sure. Are you hurt, my lady?"

She wasn't technically a lady, but in the heat of the moment, the title slipped out. He looked up from his arms, her face pale as she bit her lip.

[Arad] "I think I should be asking you the same thing."

[Rosekrita] "Oh dear."

Noticing her ankle had already begun to swell, he lifted her into his arms.

[Arad] "Forgive my rudeness, but we must leave this place first."

[Roserikta] "But you’re injured too!"

[Arad] "That can wait."

Arad carried her out of the kitchen. The sight of a Royal Guard carrying the cat maid across the courtyard spread through the palace like wildfire.

---

[Roserikta] "I’m fine now."

She spoke firmly. She had definitely sprained her ankle and couldn't walk, but with Axaca powder, she could heal such an injury in an hour.

The problem was Arad. He had clearly suffered a severe burn. He hadn't received treatment immediately; instead, he had run across the palace grounds while wearing wet, hot clothes and carrying her.

[Arad] "You need treatment. I will get the Prince’s permission to call the palace physician."

[Roserikta] "No. You are the one who needs treatment."

She pulled on the edge of his cloak.

[Roserikta] "You need to take off those wet clothes."

[Arad] "I will do so after the physician arrives."

[Roserikta] "The burn is more urgent! Clobell, help me!"

Clobellina, who had been startled when they first arrived, was now bored and clawing at the curtains.

[Clobellina] "What do you want me to do?"

[Roserikta] "We have to get his clothes off."

The cat was still hungry and feeling cranky.

[Clobellina] "If you’re going to work me, feed me first. Why are you so selfish? I have no energy because I’m starving."

[Roserikta] "The knight is injured!"

[Clobellina] "Injured is injured, and hungry is hungry."

Arad gently tugged his cloak back from her.

[Arad] "Please, let go."

[Roserikta] "Treat your wound first, Sir Knight."

[Arad] "His Highness ordered me to protect you. I cannot..."

Knock, knock.

A soft tapping at the door interrupted them.

[Arad] "Who is it?"

He stood and opened the door. A pale-faced maid stood outside.

[Arad] "What is it?"

[Elona] "Ah, well... I heard about what happened in the kitchen. I was worried you were badly hurt..."

Her pale face turned bright red. She was clearly holding back tears.

Looking at her, Roserikta understood. This maid hadn't come for the "cat maid" whom everyone hated; she was here for Arad.

[Roserikta] "Yes, I’m glad you’re here. Come and help me."

She called out to her. The maid entered the room hesitantly.

[Elona] "How can I help?"

[Roserikta] "He needs treatment immediately, but he’s being stubborn. Could you help him out of these wet clothes? He needs to remove his armor and the shirt beneath it."

The maid nodded with a look of determination.

[Elona] "Yes. I understand."

Arad tried to protest.

[Arad] "That’s not the issue right now..."

[Elona] "Sit down, Sir Arad."

She firmly made him sit. Unable to brush off a lady's touch, he sat on the floor, making the task easier.

Roserikta slid her chair over to help.

[Roserikta] "Let’s do this together. The cloak first."

[Elona] "Good idea."

In moments, his upper body was exposed. The burn on his shoulder was serious; the skin from his shoulder blade to his elbow was an angry red.

[Elona] "Heavens... It’s so bad..."

She bit her lip. It was easy to tell she had feelings for Arad.

Roserikta patted her shoulder gently.

[Roserikta] "Lady Elona, don't worry too much. Please bring some cold water and dry towels. I am a pharmacist; I know of an ointment that works well for burns."

She fought back her tears and stood up.

[Elona] "I understand. How many towels?"

[Roserikta] "Three or four should be enough."

[Elona] "I’ll be right back."

Once she left, Roserikta exhaled in relief and gently pressed around his wound.

[Arad] "...Ugh."

He groaned in pain. She gave him a pointed look.

[Roserikta] "See? It hurts. You are badly injured."

[Arad] "I was too distracted to notice until now... Is it serious?"

[Roserikta] "Come closer. Let me look at it properly."

[Arad] "Very well."

He turned slightly, offering his bare shoulder to her.

She leaned in close to examine the wound thoroughly. She felt both grateful and guilty. He had done this without knowing she was a witch, an act of genuine bravery.

[Roserikta] "Thank you so much, Sir Knight."

[Arad] "I only followed my orders. Though I don’t think I followed them very well."

[Roserikta] "I’m fine. I’ll heal faster than you."

The burn was a problem. She didn't have her ointment with her. She knew the recipe, but hadn't brought the finished product.

She wondered if she should sneak out on her broom at night to her shop, but she couldn't leave for that long with the Prince around.

As she was contemplating the ingredients—

Thud!

The bedroom door swung open. She assumed it was Elona with the towels, but—

[Kalart] "...I heard you were injured. Was that a lie?"

The voice was cold and unexpected. It was Kalart. He stood there, his hair slightly disheveled, staring at the two of them.

He had heard there was an accident in the kitchen—that a boiling pot had overturned. He was told the Senior Knight, whom he had ordered to watch her, had scooped up a limp, unconscious Roserikta and run off.

In that moment, Kalart felt a physical reaction he couldn't explain. His fingertips turned cold, and he felt as if something was slipping through his fingers. It was a sensation he had never experienced.

He had been on his way to meet Count Sibero, but he turned back instantly. He needed to see her. He needed to see how badly she was hurt. He had walked so fast that his hair was a mess.

But the scene he found was nothing like he had imagined. A shirtless Senior Knight and Roserikta are leaning in, looking at him tenderly. He didn't even notice where Clobellina was. His entire focus was on the meaning of this scene.

Why was he shirtless?

To show off his muscles? Kalart had muscles too.

Why was she leaning in so close? Her hand was so close to him, almost touching.

Even when they had shared a room the night before, Roserikta had never been that close to him, except when he carried her to bed.

Arad stood up immediately. Usually, he felt a bit of tension before the Prince, but today his body felt like stone. Perhaps it was because the Prince was staring at him intensely through his messy bangs.

[Arad] "My apologies, Your Highness. I am ashamed."

His gaze remained fixed. He repeated Arad’s words slowly.

[Kalart] "Apologies... for what?"

[Arad] "Pardon? Well... for failing to fulfill the task you assigned me..."

Arad stammered. The question was strange, and the Prince’s expression was terrifying. He wondered if the Prince was angry because the cat maid had been hurt under his watch.

[Kalart] "Failed to fulfill it?"

His voice was as cold as a blade. He was clearly furious.

[Arad] "I am deeply sorry, Your Highness. I have no excuse. If I had caught her in time, this accident..."

His expression darkened further.

[Kalart] "Caught her?"

[Arad] "Yes. If I had..."

[Kalart] "And what exactly were you planning to do after you caught her?"

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