The thing Ive been worrying about still happened in the end.

In the guest room, Roel listened to Charlottes story with a heavy heart.

He had thought of many possibilities as to what could have happened to Charlotte. He did suspect that it might have something to do with Bruces mysterious affliction, but the situation was worse than he had expected. The one who was ailing wasnt Bruce but Charlotte.

His mind went completely blank the moment he heard about it from Roel. His ears started buzzing as if they couldnt accept what they had just heard. This was a huge shock to him, for he knew that the affliction was currently incurable.

The Rosa Merchant Confederacy had paid astronomical sums to engage the services of the churchs bishops and renowned scholars, but none of them was able to make sense of Bruces affliction. All the wealth and connections but Bruce was still helpless before the affliction.

That was how terrifying the affliction was.

Charlottes situation was only going to be worse, for the Soulcalming Lamp that had run out of oil wouldnt be potent enough to simultaneously suppress both of their afflictions.

The cruel reality of things left Roel feeling despaired, but he shook his head and pulled himself back to the present. He could see a dilemma in Charlottes eyes. On one hand, she didnt want to part with him, but she was also hoping that he would leave so that she wouldnt infect him.

Seeing that, he rose to his feet and began walking up to her.

D-darling? What are you going to do? Wait, no, you cant

In spite of Charlottes flustered refusal, Roel determinedly approached her and sealed her lips. She initially tried to push him back, but she soon succumbed to the emotions she had suppressed for the longest of time.

Her body gradually slackened as their kiss deepened, leaving little room but intermittent gasps of air between them. It felt like a long time before the two of them parted lips with heavy breaths.

Darling, y-you cant. If you catch the affliction as well

You would have caught it long ago if the affliction is truly contagious. Look at those around Uncle Bruce. Arent they all fine?

Roel calmly assured the woman in his hands, but that wasnt enough to quell Charlottes unease.

But the affliction stems from a curse. If the curse spreads

Itll be my fate if that really happens, Roel replied.

Roel gently placed his hand on Charlottes cheeks and gazed into her emerald eyes. He felt a sharp pain in his heart just thinking about the emotional turmoil she had been put through.

Several years ago, when the two of them fell into the Witness State, Charlotte chose to entrust her hopes to Roel at the critical moment and stand alone against the despairing ashes and embers of Sire Darkness.

It felt like a replay of the same situation.

Despite knowing that Roel was the one who had provided the Sorofyas with the Sarchormes Soulcalming Lamp, she still didnt want to risk spreading the affliction to him. Even the most heartless of people would be touched by her self-sacrificial spirit to love, let alone Roel.

Roel felt yet another explosive growth of affection toward Charlotte, and it made his face redden a little. He understood Charlottes worries, but he had no intention of backing down here.

I dont know how this matter came about, but Charlotte, just like how it was a few years ago, I will never leave you to the lurch.

Darling

Really, I dont know what to say about you. The Witness State is one thing, but you shant escape this time. I cant allow you to face this all alone. This matterNo, it should be all difficulties well face in the futureI hope that we can face them together.

!

All difficulties well face in the future?

Charlottes heart skipped a beat when she heard those words. The promise to face all difficulties together wasnt like any other promise. It was part of a wedding vow in the Sia Continent, such that the significance of those words was practically a proposal.

Those were words that she had been dreaming of for the longest time, but hearing them on this unexpected occasion left her feeling conflicted. Tears glistened in her eyes as she rested her head on Roels chest.

Why are you saying such words now?

Its because its now that Im saying such words.

You dumbo.

Youre the one who is a dumbo. Even after so many years, youre still thinking of running away from me to confront your problems alone

Roel gently brushed Charlottes smooth auburn hair before affectionately pulling her in tighter. No words were exchanged between the two of them; they soaked their senses in each others existence and vented out a years worth of yearning.

A gentle atmosphere drifted into the quiet guest room. A blissful smile slowly emerged on Charlottes tearstained face.

After a long embrace, the two of them finally parted a little.

Putting aside your physical condition for the moment, are you feeling any better?

Mmhm. I feel euphoric. I cant help but wonder if its all a dream.

Its not a dream. I wont allow it to become one.

Roel gently wiped away the tears on Charlottes face as the latter nodded in agreement. It was then that she was suddenly reminded of something.

Right. I have to release Grace.

You imprisoned Grace?

She was going to snitch to you, so

Charlottes face reddened. Roel revealed a helpless smile.

Under Charlottes order, it didnt take long for the black-haired maid to return to the guest room.

Lord Roel, I think you have probably heard the story by now, but Id still like to verify if youre aware of our young miss Grace asked anxiously.

Yes, Charlotte has told me, Roel replied calmly.

Im sorry, Grace. I was too obstinate, Charlotte earnestly apologized to the loyal subordinate who had accompanied her all her life.

From the moment she entered the room, Grace could already tell from the harmonious atmosphere between the couple that her young miss plan had fallen through. She heaved a sigh of relief, gladdened that her young miss wouldnt have to face it all alone.

Lord Roel, our young miss only hid this matter from you because she was afraid that the affliction would spread to you. I ask for your understanding on this matter, Grace courteously apologized on behalf of her young miss with a graceful curtsey.

Roel shook his head, expressing that he wouldnt hold it to heart. He proceeded on to tell Grace what had happened after the two of them reunited, but to his surprise, Grace revealed a contemplative look upon hearing his story.

A glint flashed across Graces eyes as she gazed at the couple seated together. It dawned on her that this was an ideal opportunity.

The two lovebirds had hardly any time to meet over the past year due to heavy responsibilities they shouldered. The Roel X Charlotte Ship was simply too overloaded that there was not much she, as the captain, could do to help the ship set sail. But now

After a quick moment of thought, Grace decisively interrupted her own flow of mana, causing her face to pale within the span of a few seconds. Then, she crumbled weakly to the ground.

Grace had fallen ill.

What illness is it, youre asking? Dont stick your head where it doesnt belong. The important thing is that shes ill.

The convoy doctor took a look at her and diagnosed it to be a case of exhaustion. Charlotte immediately ordered Grace to take a rest.

Another problem quickly surfaced: Now that Grace was ill, who was going to take care of the equally ill Charlotte?

Grace had been with Charlotte from a very young age. The trust shared between the two of them was not something that anyone else could simply take over. It usually wouldnt be a big deal for her to take a brief rest from her responsibilities, but not when Charlotte was this ill.

Charlotte most definitely couldnt be left alone given her current condition.

By a huuuge stroke of coincidence, there happened to be another person in the convoy who was able to take care of Charlotte, and that man unhesitatingly volunteered himself upon learning of the problem.

I understand. Dont worry, you may leave Charlotte to me. What do I have to do?

In Graces resting room, Roel enquired about what he had to take note of while attending to Charlottes needs. The maid revealed a warm smile in response.

Lord Roel, all you have to do is to accompany her in bed.