Episode 136: Rudbeckia, who Don’t Want to Regret #6
The scent of flower petals lingered at the tip of his nose, and a soft, warm sensation brushed against his forehead.
Yohan opened his eyes.
Tickling sunlight streamed in through the window. It seemed to be around noon.
“Ugh…”
He tried to get up, but his body felt heavy and sluggish. His back ached, as if he had been lying down for too long. In fact, now that he thought about it, there wasn’t a part of him that didn’t feel uncomfortable. In the end, Yohan chose to lie back down.
As he lay there, he glanced to the side and saw Francia dozing off beside him.
“Francia?”
His voice came out hoarse. He also felt a strong thirst.
“Hmm…?”
Still half-asleep, Francia rubbed her drowsy eyes, having heard his voice.
“Yawn…”
As she stretched lazily and yawned, her eyes met Yohan’s.
“Y-Yohan…!”
Her eyes widened, and she immediately began checking his condition.
“Are you feeling any discomfort?”
“Just a bit thirsty, but otherwise fine.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Let me get you some water right away.”
Francia took a deep breath and calmly brought over a cup of lukewarm water from the table. Yohan preferred cold water, but since he was a patient, he didn’t say anything.
“Can you drink on your own?”
“It’s a bit difficult.”
“Let me help you.”
With Francia’s assistance, Yohan sat up slightly. She tilted the cup and helped him drink. Finally, his thirst subsided, and it became easier to speak.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s nothing.”
She smiled softly and placed the cup back on the table. Yohan slowly leaned back against the headboard and asked,
“Where are we?”
“This is the Cantabile Estate. The Margrave said there’s a space here for patients, so he had us come here.”
The room Yohan was in was indeed a good place for a patient. The mana here was pure and of high quality, likely thanks to the garden visible through the window.
The flowers absorbed and released mana, further enhancing its purity.
“Well, not that it matters much since I, the greatest healer on the continent—no, in the empire—am here.”
While Yohan was looking out the window, Francia puffed out her chest proudly and smiled.
“Haha, you’re absolutely right.”
Yohan chuckled softly.
It was true. In terms of healing magic, Francia, with her purification abilities and blessed mana, was unparalleled. Even the greatest healer in the Holy Kingdom probably couldn’t match her.
“By the way, how is Advisor Rudbeckia doing?”
“Thanks to your quick actions, she’s perfectly fine.”
“Phew, that’s a relief.”
Yohan let out a sigh of relief. He had been worried about her, but thankfully, everything was fine.
“What about the situation?”
“Ah, the Dark Mages?”
“Yes.”
The special-grade demonic lair was essentially a residence for dark mages. The environment was suitable, and there was a dark mage capable of controlling the intense dark energy.
“The Margrave sent a letter, so the Imperial Bureau’s 1st Division Officer has been dispatched. Along with the Celestial Knights, they’ll be exterminating the Demonic beasts and destroying the main base of the dark mages.”
While the Imperial Bureau’s 2nd Division Officer and Yohan, as the head of the Purification Bureau, managed the demonic lair, the 1st Division Officer dealt with anti-state organizations like the dark mages.
“It’s the first mission for the new 1st Division Commander. I’m not sure how well he’ll do, though. He’s relatively young.”
“Ah, he’s twenty-six, right?”
“Yes. Rumor has it he’s the next Grand Swordmaster of the continent.”
After Cassis was executed, Duke Lenokhonen stepped down from his position as the Imperial Bureau’s 1st Division Commander. The exact reason was unknown, but it was likely due to a sense of loss or disappointment.
The heir to the great ducal family had foolishly thrown his life away, after all.
‘By the way, the next Grand Swordmaster, huh.’
At only twenty-six, he probably hadn’t reached the level of a transcendent yet. But that just meant his talent was exceptional.
‘He’ll do fine.’
Yohan nodded slightly. There was no reason not to trust him. With such talent, he must possess power beyond the special class.
“Is your back still hurting?”
As Yohan pondered while stroking his chin, Francia asked with a faint smile.
“It still hurts, but it’s better than before since I’m sitting up now.”
“Haha, that’s to be expected. You’ve been lying in bed for a whole week.”
“…A week?”
Yohan asked again, wondering if he had misheard. Had he really been unconscious for an entire week?
“Yes. You were already exhausted, and then you got poisoned by dark energy and drained your mana. Ah, just thinking about it makes me want to cry again…”
Francia smiled bitterly and dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. When she saw Yohan unconscious and battered, she felt like her world had collapsed.
His mouth and nose were covered in blood, and his face was so pale it was almost white.
“Anyway… I’m just glad you’re safe.”
But since he had returned safely, Francia didn’t get angry. She didn’t have the right to, anyway. Deep down, she had also wanted Yohan to go save Rudbeckia.
“…”
Yohan quietly watched her. What should he say? Apologizing didn’t seem like the best option. It felt wrong to keep pushing himself and then apologizing every time.
Then, something he had read in a book came to mind.
“Thank you for worrying about me.”
“Hmm? I thought you were going to apologize.”
“I remembered that gratitude is better than an apology when someone worries about you.”
“Haha, I think that’s better.”
Francia leaned forward and kissed Yohan on the cheek.
The warmth of her breath and the soft touch of her lips lingered.
“That’s your reward.”
“A reward, but on the cheek instead of the lips.”
“Haha, I’ll give you a kiss on the lips next time.”
Francia smiled and gently stroked the back of Yohan’s hand.
“Rest well.”
***
If one were to name the most beautiful place in the Cantabile Estate, it would undoubtedly be the Garden of Mana.
A marble fountain with sparkling, mana-infused water, rose vines emitting a subtle fragrance, maze-like hedges, and rare wildflowers along the path.
Warm sunlight filtered through the mana-rich trees, and dew glistened on the grass. In the distance, the chirping of birds and the sound of a stream quietly filled the air.
How could anyone not find this place beautiful, when even the air felt refreshing?
“Phew.”
Yohan was leisurely enjoying a stroll through the garden. The Margrave had told him to rest until he felt restless, so he was taking his time.
‘It really is different.’
The garden, filled with flowing mana, made the rest even more effective. Just a light stroll was enough to make his body feel lighter.
Yohan gazed at the pillar standing tall at the center of the garden.
Surrounded by rose vines, a bright blue gem sparkled. The reason mana flowed so freely here was likely due to that artifact.
‘If I ever return to my territory, maybe I should get something like that for the estate.’
If I did, mana would flow through the Lahart gardens, and Rudella, who loves decorating, would be thrilled. Taking walks with Francia or Rudella wouldn’t be so bad either.
‘Okay, let’s get one.’
I’m not sure how to acquire such an artifact, but… surely I can find a way, right? I’m the Duke Lahart now, after all.
As Yohan was strolling through the garden, admiring the scenery—
“Director? You’re awake!”
Someone called out to him from the side. A familiar voice. When he turned around, he saw Rudbeckia.
“I woke up today. How’s your body holding up?”
“Thanks to you, I’m fine.”
Rudbeckia smiled brightly and quickly stepped closer to Yohan. She hesitated, wondering if she should take his hand, but ultimately decided against it. It might ruin the mood.
“Are you out for a walk?”
“That’s right. And you, Advisor Rudbeckia?”
“Me too. If I stay still, I might gain weight.”
Yohan glanced at Rudbeckia. She was wearing the Purification Bureau’s uniform, which clung to her figure, naturally accentuating her curves.
“You could stand to gain a little. You’re too thin.”
“That’s not allowed. You like this kind of figure, don’t you?”
“What are you…”
He couldn’t bring himself to deny it. Rudbeckia was tall and slender, yet perfectly proportioned, matching Yohan’s preferences exactly.
“Haha, was I right?”
“…Advisor Rudbeckia, you seem to know me too well.”
“I do know you well. Though I can’t tell you how.”
Rudbeckia grinned and continued.
“Do you know how good the food is here?”
“The food is good?”
“Yes. Especially the venison. It’s amazing.”
“…That’s surprising.”
This was the west, where even special-grade demonic lairs existed. How could they possibly procure ingredients that would satisfy central nobles? For a moment, Yohan felt a pang of worry.
“I heard they have something called mana deer, a specialty only supplied in the west.”
“They raise deer?”
“Yes. Apparently, there’s an expert who takes care of them. The Margrave holds them in high regard.”
“Impressive. That couldn’t have been easy…”
Yohan nodded in admiration. Honestly, he was surprised. Raising deer, infusing them with mana, and then using them for food—it was no wonder the west was so well-protected.
“You’d love it too if you tried it, Director.”
“Hmm, now you’ve got me curious.”
“Hahaha.”
As they chatted and walked along the path, Rudbeckia stole glances at Yohan. He smiled faintly as he admired the garden.
Should I hold his hand?
Honestly, I want to.
Rudbeckia quickly scanned the area. The sun was setting, so there was no one around. Garden work usually ended before lunchtime, after all.
“Ahem…”
She cleared her throat unnecessarily and subtly brushed the back of Yohan’s hand.
“…”
Yohan didn’t resist. Rudbeckia’s mind raced. His hand didn’t flinch or pull away.
Could this be a positive sign?
‘I don’t know!’
Snap!
Rudbeckia closed her eyes tightly and grabbed Yohan’s hand. It was large and firm, yet warm. Her face turned bright red.
“What’s this?”
“Uh, um…”
Yohan tilted his head, confused. Rudbeckia’s mind went blank. Was she too hasty? But she thought the distance between them was close enough…
“If you’re going to hold my hand, do it like this.”
When Rudbeckia hesitated, Yohan interlaced their fingers. Their hands fit together perfectly, palms completely pressed against each other.
Yohan, pleased by the softness of Rudbeckia’s small, delicate hand, gently caressed it with subtle movements.
“Ah, uh, ah…!”
Caught off guard, Rudbeckia fidgeted, her reactions almost malfunctioning.
Yohan found her adorable and chuckled softly.
“Advisor Rudbeckia, you have a careless side.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Isn’t that the case right now?”
Yohan raised their interlocked hands playfully and smiled.
“Your face turns bright red from just a little contact like this.”
Then, he slowly pressed his lips to the back of her hand.
“Huh…!”
Rudbeckia froze completely. It felt too good. She was so happy she didn’t know how to react.
But one thing was certain.
“…You’re right. I become careless when I’m with you, Director.”
Because she liked him so much, she turned into a fool.
“That seems to be the case.”
Yohan asked.
“But aren’t you going to call me Yohan anymore?”
“Huh? How could I…”
“Call me Yohan when it’s just the two of us like this. It’s not an official situation.”
“…Really?”
“Yes.”
Rudbeckia glanced up at Yohan shyly. Was this really okay? After hesitating, she cautiously opened her mouth.
“…Yohan.”
The corner of Yohan’s mouth lifted.
“That’s much better.”
His blue eyes gazed at Rudbeckia. Then, he squeezed her hand again.
For Rudbeckia, this situation was a welcome one. The distance between them had truly narrowed, like lovers. But—the sudden closeness was also overwhelming.
“But aren’t we still getting to know each other…?”
“This is how we get to know each other.”
Yohan smirked.
“Confessions are just a confirmation process.”
“…”
Rudbeckia lowered her head deeply. Her heart pounded loudly. She was happy but also embarrassed.
Still, it was a relief.
Unlike before the regression, this time she could truly accept his feelings.
“I hope the confirmation process comes quickly.”
Rudbeckia smiled bashfully.
This happiness was something she never wanted to let go of.