What is it?

The trial opening will be a few days ahead of schedule.

Is that so?

Thanks to the vital role Anna had in your rescue, it looks like there wont be any major opposition to her mother managing the dispensary.

Thats good.

Good news at last.

Yelena beamed.

Annas contribution to saving Yelena was remarkable; she had safely delivered Yelenas magical tracking earring to Kaywhin.

What was impressive was that Anna had received help from adults nearby to reach the ducal castle, all without saying a word about the earring in her hand.

That was because she thought that people would want the earring if she mentioned it.

The earring looked luxurious even without accounting for the magic powers it held.

What would have happened if someone had coveted the earring and stealthily deceived Anna by telling her that they would deliver it in her stead?

Yelena didnt even want to imagine it.

Shes a smart girl. Bright for her age.

If she could be supported with a proper education, she could very much grow up to be a remarkable individual.

As Yelena was thinking that, she suddenly opened her mouth to speak.

Speaking of Anna, I should go meet her

You are still prohibited from going outside.

Tch.

Should I call Anna to the castle?

Forget it. That would be inconvenient.

Yelena just wanted to use Anna as an excuse to go outside. Though she failed. But she wasnt too disappointed by it.

Well, if I just endure it for a little longer, my days as a patient will eventually come to an end anyway.

Yelena recalled the medicine Dockter had prepared for her this morning. It was less bitter, tolerable to drink. It was less concentrated and had a weaker taste.

That was a very hopeful sign.

Plus, her only external wound, the bruise on her neck, had faded enough that it was no longer visible. Yelena stopped wearing a scarf on her walks.

Is it just me, or did my bruise fade pretty quickly? Yelena thought to herself as she absentmindedly stroked her own neck. She suddenly stopped.

Ben was right there.

It would be troublesome if she gave him an unnecessary reminder that she had been strangled, especially as Ben was a severe worrywart. Or in other words, fastidious.

Anyhow, to think that you have to worry about every little thing.

Pardon?

Do you have nothing to do? Is today a leisurely day for you?

No, not leisurely, but

Then hurry and go do your work.

Yes, Madam.

Despite kicking Ben out, Yelena couldnt enjoy her alone time for long.

A guest had come to visit.

Black Tower Owner.

The visit was almost unexpected.

After hearing the news of his arrival, Yelena had gone down to the parlor, slightly surprised.

Duchess, are you feeling okay?

Yes, I am Yelena trailed off as she watched Sidrions face. But you dont seem okay?

He had dark circles under his eyes. It would have been a bit difficult for him to say that he was feeling well, even as lip service, given his appearance.

Why is your face like that? Are you feeling ill? Or did you not sleep well? Yelena asked as she gestured for Sidrion to sit across from her.

I did not get sufficient sleep.

Why not?

Sidrion didnt answer.

Instead, he looked at Yelena as he sat down and continued what he was saying before.

Im glad youre okay. I feel at ease seeing that you are safe.

You were of great help.

Even if he hadnt been, Yelena was thinking of meeting with Sidrion at least once.

Not for any other reason.

I was thinking of expressing my thanks to you anyway. For the earring.

The magic in Yelenas earring was cast by none other than Sidrion. How that came to be was a trivial story.

It was the day she and her husband had used Sidrions teleportation ability to attend the festival.

Fascinated by her first experience with teleportation magic, Yelena had asked Sidrion to show her his other magic abilities. Sidrion seemed to contemplate briefly, and then he had instantly cast the tracking magic on her earrings.

What are you doing?

Ive imprinted tracking magic. If you have one earring, you will be able to track the whereabouts of the other earring.

Ooh

However, you will have to call me in order for the magic to work; its incomplete.

Oh, so its actually useless?

Well, it was just for show.

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