I Have a Stalker of Noble Status. And to Make Matters Worse, their Numbers are Increasing (BL) - Chapter 23

A week had passed since the Kidnapping of the Baron’s Son—in other words, my abduction.

Even though Angela had healed my injuries with her saintly powers after I gave my statement—leaving me perfectly fine—I had still been made to stay at the Royal Hospital for the past week.

I was told it was just a precaution, but in reality, it was probably an excuse to keep me away from the academy while they handled the aftermath and worked on smoothing things over.

“Sigh… This is boring.”

Since coming to the royal capital, I had never once felt bored until now.

I chuckled to myself.

Ever since I arrived, my life had been nothing but one unexpected event after another, leaving me with no time to even think about boredom.

“A series of unexpected events, huh…”

I recalled the conversation I had with Ray and Max on the day I was admitted.

According to Max, my kidnapping closely resembled an incident that, in the original timeline, was supposed to happen to the heroine in her second year.

If that was the case, not only had the timeline shifted, but an event meant for the heroine had happened to me instead.

I had no idea why, and neither did Max, who was equally puzzled. But Ray… Ray had gone pale.

Apparently, in his first life, that same incident had occurred, and the mastermind had been accused of being Lady Violetta. Worse still, at the time, even Ray had believed it.

There was no point in continuing the discussion—it would only bring Ray more distress—so we left it at that.

Still, if I had taken the heroine’s place in this event, then for once, I was honestly glad.

I couldn’t bear the thought of Angela—of any girl—going through something like that.

“Oh, right… the bookmarks.”

After the incident, I had asked the hospital staff to send the gifts I had bought for my younger brothers.

But the bookmarks I had intended for Ray and Max? I still hadn’t given them.

Among the belongings Max had brought me from my dorm—alongside textbooks and reference materials—was a special collection: a pressed flower specimen book I had made myself.

It had taken me three years to complete, a project I had poured a great deal of effort into.

The Humming Barony was a rural area, rich in unique plant life. I had hoped that, somehow, those flowers could serve as a selling point to make our territory more appealing to outsiders.

Our barony lacked natural resources and wasn’t known for any specialty goods.

The only thing remotely resembling a “local specialty” was the Dungeon Manju, a confection whose marketing relied entirely on the fact that there was a dungeon at the very edge of our land.

But it barely sold.

Because, well… no one visited our territory in the first place.

No tourists meant no market for souvenirs.

And to make matters worse, Father wasn’t exactly a skilled businessman.

That said, my homeland was a good place.

And as its heir, I had to think about its future.

Technically, as the eldest son, I was expected to inherit the barony.

But if getting a job in the royal capital would benefit our territory more, then I was open to that option as well.

I could earn money and send it back home, or take on a role that allowed me to advocate for regional development.

Besides, I had four capable—and frankly, adorable—younger brothers. There was no shortage of potential successors.

For now, my best course of action was to focus on my studies, secure good grades, and keep as many future options open as possible.

Letting my thoughts drift, I reached for the pressed flower specimen book sitting beside my bed.

A flower that suited Ray.

A flower that suited Max.

Flipping through the pages, I pondered the strangely specific nature of my task.

Trying to find a flower that suited another man…

It wasn’t something I ever expected to be doing.

The thought made me chuckle.

The flowers I chose were a delicate white blossom with soft petals and a striking blue flower with a sharp, elegant form.

The white flower, despite its fragile appearance, was actually highly resistant to the cold and full of life.

It reminded me of Ray—sensitive and easily hurt, yet possessing the resilience to endure seven deaths for the sake of his sister.

Its meaning? “The truth one reaches.”

…That felt strangely fitting.

The blue flower, on the other hand, had a refined beauty but concealed poison in its stem.

It suited Max—sharp-tongued yet steadfast in his beliefs.

Its meaning? “Conviction.”

…The conviction of a true enthusiast?

I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.

Ha, who would’ve thought I’d actually find the perfect flowers for them?

Wondering if they would appreciate the gesture, I carefully peeled back the protective film and gently removed the pressed flowers from the page.

◇◇◇

By the afternoon, Ray and Max arrived at the hospital.

Despite their busy schedules, they had visited me every single day for the past week.

“Hey, Pat. How are you feeling?”

“Well… I was never actually sick or injured to begin with, so if I stay in this hospital any longer, I might just end up getting sick for real.”

I said it with a wry smile, but Ray only looked troubled.

He still seemed to believe this whole kidnapping incident was somehow his fault.

I knew it was because the culprits had gone on about “doing this for Lord Raymond” and “someone like him doesn’t deserve to be by your side.”

But honestly, I wished he wouldn’t let the words of people like them get to him.

“You’re getting discharged tomorrow, right? Just hold out for one more day. Here, today’s notes.”

Max, despite his blunt way of speaking, had taken notes for me every single day without fail.

“Hey, I actually have something I want to give both of you…”

Tomorrow, I would finally be leaving this hospital.

I couldn’t wait to return—to our academy.