I Married a Sick Husband

“Yes?” “I didn’t know that the two of you had such a close relationship. I am very surprised.” “To say it’s close, is particularly vague… We just see each other occasionally when there’s something I don’t know.” “Occasionally?” “Yes.” “How often is this ‘occasionally’?” “Once… or maybe twice a week?” “… What?” “Usually I make a call, but today I wanted to take a walk.” “… Once or twice a week is not occasionally.” “Your Majesty, usually we refer to that kind of thing as occasionally. Or often?” “…..” “Not often anyway.” “… There are many other talented doctors.” “I looked into it just in case, but Sir Jerome’s skills were by far the best.” “… Right.” “Ah, please keep this story a secret from Sir Jerome, Your Majesty.” “… Sure.” “It doesn’t mean anything, and it may be unpleasant for Sir Jerome… But Your Majesty, you look uncomfortable.” “… Do you mean me?” “Yes. For some reason, your complexion doesn’t look good… I don’t think there’s any need for ‘sickness medicine’.” “… No, my mood is completely normal. I’m fine.” “Your Majesty, ‘Sick Medicine’ has been concocted.” Just then, Jerome came out holding the finished medicine. Theodore, who received the ‘sickness medicine’ from Jerome, drank it in one gulp. The medicine took effect in an instant, Theodore’s complexion became worse than before. Meredith asked worriedly. “Are you sure you don’t mind this? I think it’s excessive…” “… Like you said, I think it’s excessive.” “Yes? What? Lord Jerome, I think we may need a neutralizer.” “No, it’s a precious medicine, so there’s no need for it. It’s a waste.” “Yes? But… no matter how precious a medicine is, it is not more important than your health.” “That is correct.” Theodore agreed with a somewhat pleased expression. “If you’re that worried, you can take me to the Great Hall.” “Are you talking about me?” “You don’t like it?” “No. That’s not it…” After Meredith glanced at Felix, who was standing silently behind her, she spoke. “I think Sir Felix will support Your Majesty better than me.” “Sir Felix’s arm isn’t feeling well right now.” “Yes? What unwell arm do I have….?” Felix muttered in confusion, but Theodore cut him off mid-sentence. “He accidentally hit a pillar earlier.” “Yes? really?” Meredith asked Felix with a surprised look on her face. “Sir Felix, are you okay? But how did you end up hitting your arm against a pillar…?” “It looks like he was carrying a lot of stuff and didn’t watch where he was going.” With those words, Theodore turned around and looked at Felix. “Right, Sir Felix?” “….” At that moment, Felix saw Theodore’s contradictory expression, which felt eerie even though he was clearly smiling. He somehow felt like he had to answer well. However, Felix thought that he was a person who could not lie (he was alone), so he only smiled awkwardly, raising the corners of his mouth. “Look.” Only then did Theodore look at Meredith again. “That’s right.” “All right.” It wasn’t that difficult, so Meredith nodded her head casually. “Let’s go, Your Majesty. I will take care of you.” Then she held out her arm to Theodore with a grin on her face. Theodore stared at Meredith like that for a moment. “…Okay.” Soon, without realizing it, he smiled the same way as Meredith and grabbed her outstretched arm.   ***   ‘I don’t think the ‘sickness medicine’ he took today is very effective.’ The two of them were on the path heading to the Great Hall where the meeting was being held. ‘Could it be because it was made in a hurry?’ Meredith squinted. ‘He has obviously taken the ‘sickness medicine’, so now should be the time to lose strength.’ But the weight on her own arms was not heavy at all. ‘He sure looks very sick on the outside….’ It was true. His breathing was unstable, the hands holding onto her were hot, and he seemed to be sweating. ‘What on earth is it?’ “Do you have any questions?” A question suddenly came in. Meredith looked at Theodore in shock. Theodore smiled, clearly as if he knew what she was wondering about. “If you show an expression like that with your eyebrows narrowed and thinking deeply, it’s hard for anyone to not notice.” “… Ah.” An embarrassed Meredith laughed. “I got caught.” “What are you curious about?” “It’s no big deal.” “Tell me.” “It just seems that His Majesty has more strength in him than what he appears to have on the outside.” “Yes? I thought it was similar to usual.” “Hmm, is that so?” “I guess it’s just because your strength has improved.” Theodore replied slyly. “Congratulations. It’s not easy. Is it thanks to me?” “Hmm, that would be nice, but…” Of course, what Meredith didn’t know was that Theodore deliberately didn’t lean on her too much out of concern that she might have a hard time. “Ah, Your Majesty. Now that I think about it, I do have a question.” “Say it.” “Actually, Your Majesty’s birthday will be in a month.” “….” Theodore, who heard those words, paused for a moment and muttered. “Right.” “Yes. Is there anything you would like to receive as a birthday present?” “… Do you have to ask about that before deciding?” “A gift is only worth receiving if you receive what you need the most.” “I think atmosphere is important even when it’s not needed the most.” “That makes sense, but…” Meredith didn’t really agree with that idea, but Theodore seemed to be of that opinion, so she decided not to say more. Taste must be respected. “Then shall I prepare it myself?” “Okay. This is a gift that I need to give on your birthday in front of everyone, so I’ll have to choose it carefully.” “Yes, of course.” “To show everyone that we are a real couple.” Theodore muttered softly. “I think it would be nice to have a gift like that.” ‘But we are not a ‘real’ couple.’ “All right.” There was an inner feeling that did not need to be revealed. Meredith smiled and nodded her head.   ***   Meanwhile, Catarina was leading a busy life of her own. ‘Now I’m a lady-in-waiting. I can’t live in hiding forever.’ She decided that she needed to resume her social activities from which she had stopped. ‘It was not long ago that mother went into exile.’ Moreover, wasn’t she now a lady-in-waiting serving the Empress Dowager? This makes it clear that she is the Empress Dowager’s favorite. So she didn’t need to stay quiet any longer. ‘I even got permission from Her Highness the Empress Dowager to hold a social gathering.’ Surprisingly, Blair readily accepted Catarina’s request. Catarina had completed her thorough preparations and intended to make a grand return to the social circle. So it took quite some time just to come up with the perfect tea party. ‘But it’s all ready now.’ Finally, tomorrow was the day the tea party would be held. Catarina muttered with a very excited expression. “I’m going to be the social queen again.” Catarina had no doubt that everyone would welcome her.   ***     Will be trying to speed run as there are only 6 or so chapters left to end volume 2. But.. since I don't have the kkp version of ch 52 - 60, I'll split them based on word count. In the off chance you notice a few chapters longer/shorter than the rest apologies. I'll try to fix it once I reach Ch 61. (And you might see a few chapters in parts if they end up being longer).

Thank you for reading~

Also special thanks to Zya69 for donating honeys. Look forward to a mass release in Dec as thanks.