Instead of My Stepsister, I Have Become Engaged to the Son of a Marquis, Who Is Said to Only Have a Year Left to Live - Chapter 10

Chapter 10
Lionel’s Fever

　Edith followed Lionel’s father through the entrance to the Marquis de Granvelle mansion and, in place of the servant, pushed Lionel’s wheelchair down the long, wide, elegantly furnished corridor. Having spent a long time as a commoner with her parents and been accustomed to a small home, Edith had been dazzled by the size and splendor of the mansion when she was adopted by the Earl of Oakridge family. But Edith was overwhelmed by the even more magnificent Marquis de Granvelle mansion.

　Edith had been pushing the wheelchair alongside Lionel’s father for a while. Lionel looked back at Edith as they walked a short distance down the first-floor corridor and came to a turning point in front of a room.

“Edith, this is your room.”

　When Lionel’s father opened the door to the room, a spacious and elegant space spread out on the other side. A lustrous mahogany table and chairs were placed in the center of the room under the chandelier, which cast a modest glow, and an antique dressing table and closet with an atmosphere, as well as a canopy bed, were lined up in the back. There were several landscape paintings on the walls that appeared to have been painted by famous artists. Although surrounded by only things that could be sensed at first glance as being of high quality, the room was warm and cozy without being too gaudy. Warm sunlight streamed in through the large window facing the courtyard.

　Edith felt as if she had wandered into a beautiful painting, and with no sense of reality, she was looking around the room blankly. Lionel looked at her with a bit of anxiety.

“Well, I wonder if you like it? If you don’t like it, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”

　Edith hurriedly responded to Lionel’s words.

“Um, I was surprised to see that this room seems too good for me…. Is it really alright if I use such a nice room?”

　Lionel exchanged a look of relief with his father, then smiled and nodded.

“Oh, of course. This room was prepared for you. If there’s anything you need, please just let me know.”
“No, that’s more than enough for me.”

　Edith looked around the lavishly furnished and seemingly oversized room, wondering how many times larger it must have been than her own room in the annex at Oak Ridge. Nevertheless, she was grateful to have been given the room that had been prepared just for her.

　Lionel’s father continued his son’s words and spoke to Edith.

“Also, I’m thinking of preparing a maid for Edith…”

　This time, Edith shook her head at Lionel’s father’s words.

“Well! I’ve been a commoner for a long time, and I can take care of most of my personal needs by myself, so I don’t need a maid. It’s easier for me that way. Even at the Oak Ridge household, I didn’t have a maid.”

　Lionel’s father exchanged looks with his son but nodded at Edith’s words.

“Oh, I understand. I think it’s better to do it the way you’re used to and make it more comfortable for you.”

　Lionel looked back at Edith again.

“…However, if you ever change your mind, please feel free to tell me. If you do, I’ll always assign you a maid.”
“Thank you for your kind consideration, Lord Lionel.”

　Edith smiled back, and Lionel smiled back at her, then turned his eyes out the window to the courtyard.

“My room also faces this courtyard.”
“My son uses a wheelchair, so the first floor is more convenient. I’ll show you around the mansion again later, but next I’ll show you my son’s room.”
“Yes, please.”

　Lionel’s room, not far from Edith’s, was neat and tidy, with a deep, glossy bookshelf, a writing desk, a chair, and a bed. Edith thought this reflected Lionel’s meticulous personality.

　Lionel looked at Edith with an apologetic look on his face.

“I apologize for having you come all the way here after you arrived to see my room, Edith, but could I go back to bed and rest for a while?”
“Of course, Lord Lionel. I appreciate you making the effort to come to the Oak Ridge House to pick me up today, despite your poor health.”

　Edith assisted his servant in lifting Lionel out of his wheelchair and placing him on the bed in his room. Lionel’s body was so light that she did not require the servant’s assistance, and Edith’s heart ached.

(Huh…?)

　Lionel’s complexion appeared to have improved slightly, but Edith felt heat in his body when she touched him, so she looked at his face. He was having difficulty breathing, and Edith noticed a slight flush on his face, so she spoke instinctively.

“Lord Lionel, please excuse me for a moment and let me touch your forehead.”

　He nodded obediently as he lay there, and Edith put her hand to his forehead, and the color quickly drained from her face.

“You have a terrible fever…! I’m sorry for pushing you so hard.”
“No, this is quite common, so don’t worry.”

　Edith asked Lionel and his father, who laughed weakly.

“I brought some medicine from home. If you don’t mind, may I bring it to you, Lord Lionel?”
“Oh, thank you.”

　Edith immediately hurried off to her room, where she had just left her luggage.