The Male Lead’s Sickly Aide is My Type - Chapter 104.1
Chapter 104.1
She could remember the resolution she made when she first possessed Carinne’s body. The resolve to discover why Archen was dying and then use every possible means to save him? That determination still lingered in her heart.
“Archen, I’ll save you somehow. Remember when I said I’d make sure you only be lucky? I’ll find a way, even if I have to consult every physician and mage in the land. I’ve already commissioned the Magic Research Institute and the Physicians’ Guild to find a cure.”
The research showed gradual progress. Carinne had also sent letters to the world’s leading scholars, requesting they research treatments for excessive magical energy depletion.
Of course, it wasn’t a mere request; she’d promised an immense reward for success. Everyone had readily accepted the offer, and she eagerly awaited their replies.
“So trust me. You’ll live.”
Archen didn’t answer. His shoulders trembled subtly as he covered his face with one hand. Carinne gently removed his hand. Tears welled up in his reddened eyes.
As their gazes met, a transparent droplet traced a path down his cheek.
“Why are you crying? And about this… the medicine you’ve been taking…”
Carinne picked up the medicine bottle, shook it in front of him, and then flung it towards the lake with all her might. The bottle arced through the air before disappearing with a splash.
She stopped Archen as he started up in surprise.
“Marie told me. She said she found it in the house, and who else besides you would be taking medicine in our home? Anyway, I had the medicine analyzed at the institute, and they said it’s an incredibly potent painkiller, practically poison.”
She already knew from the doctor that his time was limited. But she hadn’t known he was taking medicine toxic enough to erode his organs.
She’d thought the pain he usually experienced, though considerable, subsided quickly with ordinary painkillers. The results from the institute, however, were truly shocking.
The researchers said that for him to be taking such a strong medication meant not only that other painkillers were ineffective but also that, with his organs damaged, he’d quickly develop a tolerance.
Hearing this, Carinne understood why he sometimes disappeared without a word.
He couldn’t bear to show his suffering when even the medicine couldn’t alleviate the pain. That must have been why he vanished at the masquerade ball, saying he was going to the restroom, never to return.
Realizing this, she felt incredibly sorry for him. She couldn’t imagine the anguish he must have endured, bearing his illness alone.
“I’ve ordered herbs that are more effective than that medicine but without the toxicity. They should arrive tomorrow.”
The institute had said the medicine would no longer work. But Carinne, refusing to give up, had searched high and low in apothecaries and libraries until she found herbs renowned for their pain-relieving properties.
They contained magical energy, apparently providing pain relief through a different mechanism than ordinary painkillers, and thus didn’t cause tolerance, but they were incredibly expensive.
The price was higher than that of a diamond of the same size, which said it all.
Calculating the cost for several months’ worth was astronomical. She had to sell all her jewels and ornaments to purchase the herbs in bulk. She had no regrets.
As long as Archen wasn’t in pain, that was enough.
“Don’t take that medicine anymore. And don’t hide your pain from me.”
Carinne held his face and spoke with conviction.
She’d planned to secretly mix the herbal decoction into his drinking water, but she was relieved she wouldn’t have to. From now on, she would never leave him alone when he was in pain. She would be by his side, supporting and encouraging him, facing it together with him.
Archen placed his hand over Carinne’s. He lowered their clasped hands to his lap.
His eyes, looking down at her, held a mixture of apology, guilt, gratitude, and sorrow. He gazed at her with a distant look as if seeing something far away, then turned his gaze to the lake where the medicine bottle had disappeared.
“But throwing the medicine into the lake…”
“Why?”
“It’s nothing.”
The redness in his eyes, hinting at worry, faded back to their clear, bright blue. Carinne asked cautiously, “Shall we go home now?”
“Just a moment…”
His voice was distant, as if lost in a dream. Archen took Carinne’s hand as if escorting her.
“This is all I can offer you.”
A faint yellow hue tinged his face as the day wore on. Beneath his pale lashes, his sapphire eyes sparkled like pearls.
His brows lowered, and his round eyes curved into crescents.
A rustling sound swept through the forest as the wind picked up. His earrings swayed, and his straight hair danced like willow leaves. Under the setting sun, he brought his lips to the back of Carinne’s hand.
A distinct warmth spread through her skin like a hot brand.
He lifted his lips from her hand and leaned closer. His slender fingers gently cupped her cheek. Feeling his breath draw near, Carinne closed her eyes.
Sitting by the lake, ablaze with the colors of sunset, they kissed for a long time.
* * *
While Carinne and Archen spent time by the lake, Duke Lucas and Iris arrived at the Shunen County estate. Having concluded their discussion on the way, all that remained was signing the contract.
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