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 14

Chapter 14
Lionel’s Rest

　As Edith watched Lionel’s happy, smiling face, she noticed that his eyelids were starting to feel a little heavy and sleepy, so she smiled gently at him.

“Lord Lionel, perhaps it would be best for you to get some rest. You had a good lunch, and I’m sure you’ll feel better after some sleep.”
“Thank you; that’s true… However, even though I know you’ll be staying in this house from now on, I still feel a bit sad to have to cut short my time with you.”

　Edith gave Lionel a warm smile again, as he looked slightly lonely.

“Then I will stay in this room until you go to sleep, Lord Lionel. And, if you wake up again, I will stay by your side as long as you like.”

　Lionel nodded, and Edith helped him carefully slide his torso under the blanket, then moved the chair she was sitting in closer to his bedside. Lionel closed his eyes once, but he opened them several times, looking restless, and seeing him look up at Edith, Edith gently held his thin hand.

“Fufu, it’s okay. I’ll be right here.”

　Edith held his bony hand, remembering the days when she had a fever, felt lonely as a child, and felt comforted by being touched. Lionel’s cheeks flushed red again, but he nodded obediently as he felt Edith’s soft hand.

“…Thank you so much for doing this for me, Edith.”
“No. I will pray that when you wake up again, Lionel-sama, you will feel better.”

　With a look of relief on his face, Lionel gave Edith’s hand a small squeeze and soon began to sleep peacefully.
　Edith gazed upon Lionel’s peaceful sleeping face, relieved to hear a regular, steady rhythm of breathing, unlike the one she had heard in the carriage. Then, being careful not to make any noise, she placed both their empty bowls and the pot on a tray and headed to the kitchen to clean up.
　Edith was washing dishes and pots in the small kitchen when Lionel’s father came in to check on her.

“I’m so sorry, Edith. I don’t mind if you use more servants.”
“No, I’ll finish cleaning up soon.”
“… How is Lionel doing?”

　Edith smiled quietly at Lionel’s father, who seemed restless and anxious about his son and his new fiancée  who had just arrived home.

“He is sleeping soundly at the moment. I’m sure the fatigue from visiting the Oak Ridge Earl’s house two days repeatedly has taken its toll. He also ate the herb porridge well, so I’m sure he’ll feel a little better when he wakes up.”
“I see, that’s good then.”

　With a look of relief, he let his hands drop from his chest and looked at Edith.

“They say that illness comes from the mind, but looking at Lionel, it seems as though a flame of hope has been lit in his heart since he became engaged to you. This is the first time I’ve seen my son look this happy since he fell ill. It’s also been a long time since he’s been able to eat a proper meal.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that… Until he’s able to eat the same food as your family, I’m thinking of cooking meals that are easy on his stomach and sharing them with him. What do you think? Of course, that’s assuming you agree.”

　Lionel’s father looked at Edith’s words, opened his mouth once, then closed it again, as if hesitating. Then, hesitating again, he began to speak.

“Your suggestion is much appreciated, but I don’t know how long it will take for him to recover to that extent. Edith, are you sure you want to go that far? It may be a considerable burden on him…”

　Edith couldn’t help but smile when she saw Lionel’s father, who wanted to see his son’s happy face but was hesitant, fearing he would become a burden to Edith.

“That’s what I want to do myself. I like cooking, and spending time with the kind Lord Lionel is so much fun that I even lost track of time a while ago. So, it won’t be a burden to me.”

　Edith’s words came from her heart. Every time she saw Lionel’s smile, her heart warmed, and every time she spoke to him, she felt his intelligence and perseverance, and her respect for him deepened. Though they were of different social status, their conversation flowed naturally, and Edith found the boyish expression he sometimes showed somehow endearing. Moreover, compared to her time at the Oak Ridge House, where she had been treated like a nuisance by her stepparents and stepsister, Edith was happy to feel that she was needed now.

“…I owe you a debt of gratitude, Edith. I’m so glad that you’re the one who’s engaged to Lionel.”

　Lionel’s father spoke with deep emotion, then, as if he had remembered something, he spoke again.

“Lionel’s brother Craig is also due to get engaged soon. Have you heard from Lionel, Edith?”
“Yes, I have heard about that plan.”
“…I see. Do you hear anything specific?”
“No, I haven’t heard anything more than that.”
“Really……”

　He folded his arms thoughtfully, then continued to talk to Edith.

“The young lady to whom Craig is engaged is coming to visit the house soon. I will introduce Edith to her then.”
“I see. Thank you very much. I am also looking forward to meeting the person to whom Craig-sama is going to be engaged.”

　Edith smiled but was secretly puzzled by the way Lionel’s father stood before her and seemed to be somewhat vague in his words.