Chapter 15: Fiene’s Slow Life (2)

The next morning, Fiene was awakened by the sound of opening curtains.

“Fiene-sama, good morning. How are you feeling?”

Martha peered in with a worried expression.

“Good morning, Martha-san. Huh?”

Fiene slowly sat up, surprised. Had she been dreaming? She had been sleeping in her usual luxurious guest room. Despite remembering going to sleep in the cabin yesterday, her memories were confused in a half-awake state.

“Why am I sleeping here?”

With a puzzled expression, Fiene asked.

“When Fiene-sama moved to that cabin, the master hurriedly brought you back to the castle.”

With a lowered brow and a smile, Martha explained

“Eh!”

Fiene was surprised.

“Was it inappropriate to use that cabin?”

She worried if she had caused trouble again.

“No, it’s not that. The master was concerned because Fiene-sama didn’t have dinner.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Fiene was surprised by Noah’s kindness.

“Fiene-sama was carried to this bedroom by the master last night.”

“Eh! I apologize for causing trouble. But why didn’t I wake up?”

Martha sighed sadly.

“It seems Fiene-sama wasn’t asleep but rather unconscious. If we had stopped you, it wouldn’t have come to this.”

“Oh my!”

Trying not to cause trouble, she ended up causing quite a problem. Although life in the cabin seemed enjoyable, Fiene decided to give up on it quickly.

She had said she would disappear into the forest upon realizing her impending death, but it seemed Fiene’s intuition in that regard was completely nonexistent.

During breakfast, there was a knock on the door.

“It seems the master has arrived.”

Saying so, Martha helped Fiene put on a gown and drape a shawl over her shoulders.

When Noah entered, he looked displeased.

“Didn’t I tell you to stay within sight?”

He was angry.

“I’m sorry. Living here is too luxurious, and I feel guilty.”

“Huh?”

“Because, without me doing anything, you’ve been preparing delicious meals and tea. My family and I deceived you like a scam, and I feel sorry for that. When I think about it, Noah-sama is the biggest victim, isn’t he?”

When she calmed down, she realized that she was a crazy enough woman to have made such a fuss by saying that she wanted revenge on her family at the front door and making such a fuss.

“Is this luxurious? It’s just an ordinary life for a noble, isn’t it? Isn’t this normal for the Earl’s family?”

“No, I took care of everything around me until I fell ill, and I helped my father, keeping busy.”

“What’s that? Normally, an Earl’s daughter would spend her days gossiping, attending tea parties, and attending evening events, wouldn’t she?”

“That’s a prejudice.”

She couldn’t help but let out a laugh. According to Muge, socializing was so challenging for Fiene that it was almost impossible.

“Then, did your siblings work too?”

“My older brother was studying abroad. My sister was busy with social events, and my younger sister occasionally attended tea parties since she’s still young.”

“What were you doing during that time?”

“I was helping my father with his work.”

Noah furrowed his brows.

“There are some odd things, but well, never mind that. Listen to what I have to say.”

According to his explanation, Fiene’s recent good condition was due to her lazy lifestyle. If she skipped even a little of her meals or potions, she would lose consciousness, as happened last night.

After a light scolding, Noah said, “Sorry for causing trouble. But, Noah-sama, you said I could live wherever I liked.”

“What are you talking about?”

Noah grumpily asked.

“After my measurements in the research building were done, didn’t you say so?”

“No? I have no recollection of that. Anyway, when you have something to say, say it when I’m not in the research building.”

“Do you ever come out of the research building, Noah-sama? It seems quite rare.”

“Understood. Let’s do this. We’ll have a meal together once a day. If you have something to say, say it then.”

Since coming here, Fiene has never shared a meal with Noah. There was no need to go down to the dining hall, and Martha always brought the food to her room.

“Do you mean in the dining hall together?”

“Yes.”

It was the master of the estate’s command. As an experimental subject, Fiene had no choice but to comply.

“Understood.”

“Also, the measurement results are out. We’ve identified the true nature of your magical power.”

“Huh? Magical power?”

Since it had been determined that she had no magical power, the term didn’t resonate with Fiene.

“It’s Attributeless.”

“Attributeless? What’s that? Aren’t attributes typically categorized into fire, water, and earth?”

Fiene looked puzzled at the unfamiliar term.

“You’re surprised. Your knowledge of magical power is really at the level of a seven-year-old. Attributes are more diverse and finely classified.”

Noah said it with a hint of exasperation.

“I haven’t touched anything related to magic since I heard that I have no magical power.”

Fiene had found it difficult to accept the fact that she had no magical power, so she had consciously avoided anything related to magic.

“Well, whatever. Your attribute is unusual and rare; it has not been extensively researched yet. Moreover, it’s not observed in simple magical power tests. You’re a very valuable sample.”

Noah said it with a hint of excitement. Fiene felt pleased, realizing that she might be allowed to stay here until the end. Surprisingly, it was quite comfortable.

“I’m glad. Please take care of me for the next six months.”

Smiling, Fiene responded, and Noah suddenly averted his gaze.

“Anyway, since you are an important experimental subject, never do anything reckless. Always consult with me before doing anything.”

It felt quite restrictive.

“Even for a walk?”

“Well, a walk is fine, but never alone. Always bring a servant with you. Also, when there’s time, I’ll accompany you.”

“Eh?”

As Fiene opened her eyes wide in surprise, Noah cleared his throat.

“When I’m stuck in research, I often take a walk by the lakeside.”

“Really! Then please allow me to join you when that happens.”

From then on, Fiene bombarded Noah with questions about the local vegetation.

As a result, Fiene was allowed access to the estate’s library at her own pace, as long as it didn’t strain her health.

Since coming here, Fiene had been enjoying very comfortable days—something she had never experienced before.