Don't Remember Me - Chapter 61

Chapter 61

When the unexpected question returned to her, the physician blinked in surprise before nodding in agreement. 

“Of course, in this situation, it’s best to minimize the risk of infection as much as possible…”

“And I am the princess’s personal maid, Your Highness. If I don’t go in, who will? It would surely bring the princess some comfort to have me with her,” Rosé added.

Haven couldn’t deny or argue against her words. She was right; above all, Flitta relied on Rosé and felt the safest with her. Having Rosé alongside would surely help the child feel more at ease.

But…

Haven looked back at Roze, taking in her pale face into his vision. She had always been frail, and the thought of her entering a separate space with Flitta, risking infection… Of course, while the symptoms might be milder for an older child, it was still a concern.

‘And with her arm in that condition…’

His gaze fell to Rosé’s injured arm, which was supported by a splint. He ran a hand through his hair in agitation. It felt absurd to worry about someone else when his daughter was sick, too.

‘No. I need to focus on Flitta. I must be a selfish father.’

He repeated the thought to himself several times before finally nodding in agreement.

“Very well. We will isolate Flitta in the annex. The only people permitted to enter will be Flitta and Rosé. The physician will visit once a day to monitor her condition.”

His throat felt tight, making it difficult to speak. After ruffling his hair back one more time, he turned to Rosé. Her eyes were filled with determination, but she showed no hint of fear. Haven was captivated by her resolve so he continued.

“The isolation will last until the child is fully recovered. Please send someone to clean the annex right away. Once it’s ready, you can both move in.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you.” 

Rosé bowed her head, holding back her tears. It was time to be stronger for the sake of the child.

 ***

“Is it really sensible to isolate her until she recovers? They say treatment is nearly impossible. Won’t there just be dead bodies later…?”

The maids murmured among themselves, glancing at Rosé, their voices falling silent. They exchanged uneasy looks at the sight of her face covered by a large handkerchief, their expressions showing their discomfort.

When Rosé paused to look at them, the maid felt the weight of her gaze or perhaps simply uneasy with her presence, began to slowly back away.

This made Rosé tighten her lips. She didn’t mind being treated like a germ and kept at a distance. But hearing them talk about the child was unbearable.

The thought of Flitta’s death…

She bit her lip. No one believed the child would recover. Even the nurse had rushed to take a leave of absence, fearing she’d be ordered to enter the annex herself, even though Rosé had already decided to go in with Flitta.

‘… I will definitely return with her.’

With a firm resolve, Rosé resumed her steps, heading toward Flitta’s room, enduring the whispered remarks and sidelong glances.

She didn’t want to waste time getting angry or addressing their comments. She just wanted to be by her child’s side as soon as possible.

Knock, knock.

Before entering Flitta’s bedroom, Rosé knocked gently. As she opened the door, the sharp smell of medicine hit her nose. Normally, she would be welcomed by the sweet, nutty scent of her child, but now..

Sighing deeply, Rosé felt a pang in her chest as someone approached her in the room.

“Is everything ready?”

The person who approached was Haven, his face also covered with a handkerchief. He glanced at the bag Rosé carried.

“Yes, Your Highness. Everything is packed.”

She had remembered to bring a change of clothes, essential items, and medicine. It was crucial to take care of herself while tending to the child.

“Rosé…”

Flitta sat on the bed calling out to Rosé, her voice trembling. It seemed the medication had improved her symptoms, allowing her to sit up. Still, she had to get up anyway since they were heading to the annex.

“I’m scared.”

Upon seeing Rosé, Flitta began to whimper. Even with the handkerchief covering half her face, it was clear she was trying to stifle her tears.

Rosé quickly set her bag down and rushed to the child’s side. Flitta hesitated, reaching for Rosé but then pulling back. Flitta hid her hands behind her back with her sulky face.

“No. Don’t come too close.”

“It’s okay, Flitta. We’re going to the annex together, remember?”

“But… you said it’s not safe to be too close. I don’t want to give you my cold. That’s why I’m covering my face like this.”

Flitta thought her illness was merely a cold. At five years old, the concept of a rare disease like Dunfer’s was too complex for her. For her, being sick simply meant having a cold.

Watching the child, Rosé reached out with her uninjured arm. Flitta lost weight, fit snugly into her embrace, which pained Rosé to witness her in this state.

It was heart-wrenching that, despite being ill, Flitta felt she had to worry about others possibly getting a ‘cold’ from her.

“I won’t catch a cold, Flitta.”

“How can you be sure? Cough cough, how can I believe you?”

Though Flitta’s symptoms had improved, she still coughed occasionally. Rosé held her closely and smiled.

“Well… even the Grand Duke knows this. That’s why he chose me to enter the annex with you.”

“Really?”

Flitta blinked and turned to Haven, who stood leaning against the wall. He nodded at her wide eyes.

“Indeed. Rosé doesn’t catch colds, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Wow… that’s a relief.”

Flitta believed her father’s words wholeheartedly and, feeling comforted, hugged Rosé tightly. Even though her fever had gone down, she still felt warm against Rosé’s body.

“I was worried you’d hate me… because I thought I might pass my cold to you.”

Flitta finally felt reassured and expressed her worries. The thin handkerchief trembled as she revealed her fears. Rosé gently patted the girl.

The news of going to the annex had frightened Flitta. She seemed more scared about being separated from everyone than about being sick.

Moreover, being told to cover her mouth and nose with a handkerchief was likely adding to her anxiety.

“Why would I ever hate you? You’re so beautiful and lovely.”

“… What if I make you sick?”

“Even if that happens, I could never hate you.”

Rosé looked directly into Flitta’s eyes as she spoke. Tears glimmered in her round eyes, spilling over as she wiped them away with her palm, nodding in agreement.

“And I promise I will help you get better.”

“Can I really get better? I saw the physician shaking his head.”

Flitta may not have understood everything, but she was perceptive enough to sense the reactions of those around her.

“Flitta.”

Haven straightened up from the wall and stepped closer to the child. Flitta turned her head to look at him while still in Rosé’s embrace.

“You will get better.”

“…”

“Don’t worry, you will get better and soon, you’ll return while holding hands with Rosé.”

At Haven’s words, Flitta blinked slowly, scanning the room as if contemplating something important. Observing the determination in her eyes, Haven turned to Rosé.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Rosé replied and stood to take Flitta’s hand, but Haven swept the child up in his arms first.

“Ah! Daddy! If you hold me…”

“I won’t catch a cold,” Haven said firmly. 

Flitta hesitated before wrapping her arms around his neck, and Roze watched them for a moment before picking up her bag. As Haven turned to leave the room, he glanced back at her and extended a hand.

“Shall I carry that for you?”

“Oh, no, Your Highness! I’m fine!” 

Rosé was taken aback and shook her head. It was unthinkable for a Grand Duke to carry a maid’s bag. Yet Haven, still holding Flitta in one arm, furrowed his brow and spoke again.

“But your arm…”

“This one is perfectly fine!” Rosé said defensively, quickly hiding her bag behind her back, wary of it being taken from her. 

Haven let out a small chuckle and withdrew his hand. With that, the three of them exited the room.

Haven carried Flitta while Rosé followed closely behind, clutching her bag. The hallway was empty. The same silence persisted as they descended the stairs and crossed the first-floor hall, a measure to minimize the risk of spreading infection.

But in that stillness, Flitta seemed to sense something unsettling and began to sniffle. Rosé turned to her, speaking in a gentle voice.

“It’s not scary, Princess. Just think of it as a little picnic for just the two of us.” 

“Just a picnic?”