Chapter 28

On August 9th, I ranked 5th in the monthly overall rankings. Thank you to everyone who has been reading and supporting me.

Also, thank you for reporting the typos. I have made the corrections.

"Lord Lionel, your steps have become much steadier, haven't they?"

While staying at the villa, Edith, who was supporting Lionel as he practiced walking every day, blushed and smiled at him. Archer, on the other hand, clapped his small hands enthusiastically every few steps Lionel took.

"Big brother, keep it up! You're doing really well!"

"Thank you. Edith, Archer."

Lionel wiped the sweat from his forehead with his arm and smiled brightly at the two of them.

"It feels like the path to a hopeful future is becoming clearer. I'm starting to think that moving my body freely and returning to my normal life, as I used to, is not just a dream anymore."

Edith and Archer exchanged glances and smiled at Lionel's words.

"Lord Lionel, you're working so hard. I'm sure you'll regain your energetic body."

"Big brother, you'll be fine! You're such a hard worker!"

As the sun began to set, dyeing the surroundings red, Edith gently patted Lionel's back and spoke.

"Lord Lionel, you must be tired from all the walking practice today. It's getting dark, so let's head back to the villa, shall we?"

"Yes, Edith. Thank you for practicing with me today. Archer, let's go back together."

As he sat in the wheelchair Edith had brought closer, Lionel held Archer's small hand.

"Yes, big brother!"

Archer nodded vigorously, turned to Edith with a smile, and squeezed his brother's hand back.

"Big brother's hand has become much softer and stronger than before. I used to be afraid of hurting you if I squeezed too hard, but now it's fine."

Seeing the innocent smile on Archer's face, Lionel paused for a moment, then gently squeezed the small, soft hand in his palm.

"Yes, it's fine now. ...I've made you worry, Archer."

Edith, feeling her heart warm at their exchange, slowly pushed the wheelchair toward the villa, matching Archer's pace.

***

"...Archer, you fell asleep so quickly."

Looking at the peaceful face of the sleeping Archer in the small bed, Edith, who had just finished reading a picture book to him, smiled at Lionel, who was in the wheelchair next to her, with the book still open on her lap.

"Yes. He must have been tired from running around all day.

...I'm sorry you had to read the picture book to him when you must have been tired too."

Edith shook her head with a smile.

"No, it's fine. I'm an only child and always dreamed of having a sister or brother, so I'm actually very happy. Archer is so cute."

"Archer seems to have grown very fond of you. He's really taken to your warm personality. ...He lost his mother at a young age and then had to deal with my illness, so I'm sure he's been holding back his desire to be spoiled. The way he looks at you is like he sees you as part of the family."

"Hehe, is that so? I'm really enjoying spending time with Archer every day."

After smiling gratefully at Edith, Lionel looked up at the beautiful night sky through the large window nearby.

"The stars are especially clear tonight, maybe because it's a new moon."

"Yes, the stars look like they might fall at any moment. ...Ah, a shooting star!"

Edith exclaimed as she spotted a streak of light in the night sky.

"Did you see it, Lord Lionel?"

"Yes, I did. Thanks to you."

Edith and Lionel smiled at each other. Lionel looked up at the stars again, narrowing his eyes as if recalling distant memories.

"...When I used to come to this villa every year, before I fell ill, I never thought about making wishes on shooting stars. This is a bit of a story... but..."

Lionel continued, still gazing at the stars.

"Before I fell ill, I had never really struggled with anything. Born into a marquis family, I was always ahead of others in both academics and sports without much effort. I never questioned it. When I lost my mother, I first realized that not everything goes as planned, but that was about it."

Edith nodded, remembering that Eugenie had said Lionel was perfect in both studies and sports.

"...Looking back, I was probably a bit arrogant back then. I thought making wishes on shooting stars was silly. I believed that if you wanted something, you should just work hard for it. It was natural for me to follow the path laid out for me as the heir to the marquis family, and I never questioned it. I was also somewhat insensitive to the feelings of the people around me. After I fell ill, my world was completely turned upside down."

Lionel let out a small sigh.

"Before, most people looked at me with kind eyes, but as my health declined and I grew thinner, I mostly saw people with pale, worried faces or faces filled with sympathy. No matter how hard I tried, my body wouldn't move as I wanted, and I couldn't do things that others took for granted. It was frustrating and painful. The prospect of inheriting the marquis family became hopeless. As I writhed in pain, I wondered why only I had to suffer like this. I wanted to cling to something, anything. I even found myself making heartfelt wishes on shooting stars."

Thinking of how difficult and lonely Lionel must have felt, Edith gently placed her hand on his. Lionel looked at her intently.

"But, I also realized something for the first time after falling ill. I realized how much the people around me, especially my family, cared for me. I finally understood the warmth of their feelings. Even small acts of kindness from others felt deeply appreciated. If I hadn't experienced such a vulnerable position, I might never have realized it. ...Perhaps I've become a bit more human."

"I always thought Lord Lionel was a kind person, even from the beginning. But, you've gained many insights through your illness."

Edith felt that Lionel's kindness and strength of character were something he had cultivated from a young age, not something that could be acquired overnight. However, his words resonated deeply with her.

Lionel smiled and gently held Edith's warm hand between his own.

"...And then, I met you. I can't express in words how much your warmth, kindness, and your smile have saved me. You've been supporting me patiently, even when doctors had given up on me. Without you, I wouldn't be here today. I still think you're an angel or a goddess sent from heaven."

"No, Lord Lionel, I'm not..."

Blushing, Edith shook her head, and Lionel gently pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you always, Edith. You are truly irreplaceable and precious to me."

Lionel paused for a moment, then loosened his embrace and looked at her, who was blushing shyly.

"...I have a letter from your stepfather, the Earl of Oakridge, asking you to come home. Do you have any idea why?"

"Stepfather...?"

Hearing her stepfather's name, Edith felt a sense of unease. Noticing her troubled expression, Lionel gently stroked her hair.

"I'll go with you to the Earl of Oakridge's house. To be honest, I don't think you were treated properly there."

"..."

Edith was taken aback by Lionel's sharp words, but he smiled brightly, as if to encourage her.

"If there's anything I can do for you, Edith, please rely on me. I want to be of help to you in any way I can."

"Thank you, Lord Lionel."

Feeling reassured by Lionel's words, Edith still felt a growing sense of unease about the letter from her stepfather. She sighed softly to herself.

I'm writing this with the encouragement of your warm words. Your kindness is deeply appreciated...! I wrote this with gratitude for Lionel's words. Thank you always, m(_ _)m

As the hot days continue, please take care of yourselves.