Sylas was quite fond of Luna. Without this spirited cat, he wouldn't have been able to get messages to Gwendolyn.
But whenever he thought that even in Stonewold, he could still encounter women like Mirabel, he couldn't help but feel sorrow.
"Whether things are good or bad isn't for me to decide. I've done my best, haven't I?"
He stroked the cat's back, trying to justify the regret in his heart.
"Meow~"
Luna seemed to understand. She leaped out of Sylas's arms, shook her fur, and walked out with elegant, unhurried steps.
By the looks of it, she was probably off to find a sunny spot for a nap.
For a moment, Sylas felt a twinge of envy—being a cat seemed quite nice.
But then, he suddenly heard a cold, faint exclamation from outside.
"Luna, what are you doing here?"
Sylas was stunned.
He had never told anyone the name Luna—not even Gwendolyn knew the cat's name.
Moreover, the woman's voice was completely unfamiliar.
Who was this?
Sylas stayed inside, not daring to show himself.
If this person knew Luna's secret, they surely knew his identity as well!
This was likely someone from Aethelred.
At the thought of Aethelred, Sylas couldn't help but glance outside. He desperately wanted to know the current situation there.
According to official reports from Aethelred, Victoria had shown disrespect to the Empress and plotted a rebellion.
She had been stripped of her titles, reduced to a commoner, and exiled to the northern borders.
Isolde, unable to withstand domestic pressure, had compromised with various factions and abandoned Victoria's reforms.
This news brought a collective sigh of relief throughout Stonewold.
Without Victoria, the Aethelredian warriors were like bamboo severed from its roots—outwardly tough but lacking resilience, destined to rot.
However, Aethelred's sheer size was still something Stonewold could not afford to underestimate.
Sylas missed his daughter dearly, and he knew she was currently at Northspire Palace under the care of her aunt, Celeste.
So, whenever news of Aethelred surfaced, he couldn't resist seeking it out.
Just as he was hesitating, the courtyard gate creaked open.
A maidservant entered and announced, "Sir, Sister Seraphina has arrived. Her Majesty is also in the Master's bedchamber."
"Sister Seraphina?"
Sylas's thoughts were thrown into disarray.
This wasn't someone from Aethelred?
A holy woman from the western realms?
He quickly rose and followed the maidservant out.
As he walked, he found it strange.
If Sister Seraphina had arrived, why was he the last to know?
And how did Sister Seraphina know Luna's name?
Lost in thought, he soon arrived outside Gwendolyn's bedchamber.
He saw Mirabel standing at the doorway, peering inside with pleasant surprise.
Inside the room, a serene woman in the dark, simple robes of a religious order sat beside Gwendolyn.
A soft, pinkish-golden light, akin to a divine aura, emanated from the sister, swirling gently around Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn's eyes were closed, her expression calm, but it was clear she was comfortable.
Noticing Sylas had arrived, Mirabel whispered proudly, "Am I impressive? I wanted to surprise you."
So, Mirabel had deliberately kept it from him.
Sylas didn't quite understand her way of thinking.
Was curing Gwendolyn meant to showcase her capabilities?
But wasn't it Sister Seraphina who was doing the healing?
Then again, he reconsidered—Mirabel had never been particularly capable. Perhaps she was just trying to regain some confidence.
Let her have this, then.
As long as she didn't constantly seek validation from him, she could do as she pleased.
He quietly watched the healing in the bedchamber, wondering—if Gwendolyn recovered, would he be able to escape Mirabel's clutches?
But then, he laughed at himself.
Glancing at the red thread on his wrist, he knew escape was impossible.
With a mere gesture from Mirabel, he would be forced to his knees, begging for her favor.
His fluctuating emotions did not escape Mirabel's notice.
She felt a pang of jealousy again.
Sylas must be hoping for Auntie Gwendolyn to recover and stand up for him.
Seeing that Sister Seraphina was still occupied, Mirabel subtly made a hand gesture behind her back.
Sylas immediately panicked and reached out to stop her fingers.
Mirabel glared at him coldly.
Sylas pursed his lips, his eyes pleading.
Seeing him like this, Mirabel felt pleased. She boldly leaned close to his ear and whispered, "You can be happy for Auntie Gwendolyn, but you must keep me in your heart. Understand?"
Sylas nodded hurriedly. "I understand…"
He was terrified that Mirabel might impulsively force him to his knees, leaving him weak and humiliated.
Mirabel adored his obedient demeanor. In high spirits, she refrained from controlling him further.
After completing her prayer or healing rite, Sister Seraphina slowly withdrew the luminous energy.
Gwendolyn let out a comfortable sigh, opened her eyes, and said gratefully, "Thank you for your efforts, Sister."
Mirabel also sincerely added, "Thank you, Sister."
Sister Seraphina's expression remained serene and somewhat detached. "It was the will of the Light.
Chancellor Gwendolyn, you serve the people selflessly. It is an honor to aid you.
However, your affliction is severe. Full recovery will require continued treatment for at least a month."
After the three exchanged pleasantries, Sister Seraphina stated that she needed to retire for prayer and meditation.
Mirabel instructed a maidservant to escort her to a guest room.
Left alone with Sylas and Gwendolyn, Mirabel hurried to Gwendolyn's side, her eyes full of hope.
"Auntie Gwendolyn, how are you feeling?"
Gwendolyn slightly raised her head and looked at her right index finger, which was twitching faintly.
Clearly, she had regained some sensation.
Overjoyed, Gwendolyn said, "Mirabel, I can feel my body recovering. Thank you!"
This gratitude made Mirabel blush deeply.
Like a child who hadn't been praised in a long time, she finally felt recognized by an elder.
Twisting the hem of her clothes, she replied happily yet shyly, "Auntie… I didn't do much. I'd do anything for your recovery."
Then, surprisingly generous, she turned to Sylas and said, "Come over and see Auntie Gwendolyn."
Sylas wasn't sure what she was up to.
He approached but didn't dare hold Gwendolyn's hand.
Mirabel, now acting particularly understanding, took Gwendolyn's hand and placed it in Sylas's.
Smiling, she said, "Feel it—Auntie Gwendolyn's finger is really moving."
Sensing Gwendolyn's progress, Sylas smiled sincerely and said gently, "You will surely recover, my lady."
Overwhelmed with excitement and hope, Gwendolyn spoke without restraint: "Sylas, once I've recovered, I will marry you openly and properly."
Sylas: "…"
Mirabel: "(▼ヘ▼#)"
When Sylas later went to seek an audience with Sister Seraphina, Mirabel chased after him in a huff.
She intercepted him on the way and grumbled, "What should we do? Auntie Gwendolyn wants to marry you!
This won't do.
Go tell her you don't like her!"
Before Sylas could respond, Mirabel gave up on her own: "Forget it. Auntie Gwendolyn has worked hard all her life. With you by her side, she can finally enjoy some happiness.
But…"
Now deeply conflicted, she fixed her gaze on Sylas and said, "Even if you marry Auntie Gwendolyn, you can't refuse me. Understand?"
Sylas: "???"