The prince came too close to me — so close that I could feel his breath.
Without a second thought, I grabbed the wine bottle from the table, smashed it halfway, and struck his weak spot with all my strength. Again and again, I hit him until some people pulled me away. The prince was writhing in pain, gasping.
"Prince Agnus, please turn this way. Let me heal you," Reana said.
"No, I don't need your healing power. I'll recover on my own. But thank you for offering," Prince Agnus replied, struggling to stand — but his legs gave up.
Soon after, both of us were brought before Master. We sat in silence.
"Wellness," the Master began calmly, "why did you do that to Agnus?"
"I was angry," I said in a low voice. "He tried to do something wrong to me."
"So you say, but is that true, Agnus?" the Master asked.
"I didn't do anything wrong," Agnus replied in a calm yet angry tone. "I only held her — everyone saw that."
The Master's sharp gaze turned toward me. "Is he telling the truth, Wellness?"
"Yes…" I said quietly, lowering my eyes. I knew that apologizing now would make no difference. The Master stayed silent for a moment.
"Alright then. You'll receive punishment, Wellness. But instead of Agnus deciding, you'll choose your own."
I fell deep into thought. What punishment could I give myself that would also help me in some way? I remembered my existing punishment — two years without sleep.
Maybe this was my chance to make things right.
After a moment, I took a deep breath.
"I'll serve Prince Agnus as his maid for two years. I'll do everything he says — but I have one condition," I said calmly.
"What condition?" Prince Agnus asked.
"You will treat me as your younger sister. And I will see you as my brother. That's my only term."
"What! You — my sister?" he said angrily. "I have no interest in having a sister, nor do I want to make anyone part of my family. I'm a prince."
The Master silently stared at him.
"Fine then," Agnus said coldly. "You'll be my servant for two years. Bow before me — right now."
I knelt before him and bowed deeply.
"Wellness, Agnus isn't in good condition," the Master said. "You'll stay with him for a few days. He won't be able to move on his own."
"Master, I'll take him to his room right away," I said with a small smile.
"I have the strength to walk, stupid girl!" Prince Agnus snapped.
"Well, I have no interest in carrying spoiled kids anyway," I replied lightly.
Later, I sat beside him while he lay down.
"You should have kept that maid's dress on. You're my servant now," Agnus said.
"You can't order me on what to wear. I'll wear what I like," I said, smiling.
"Listen carefully," he said in a serious tone. "Until I say you can leave, you'll stay here."
I looked at his face — he was sweating heavily. I placed my hand on his forehead.
"You've got a high fever," I said softly.
"So what?" he muttered carelessly.
"I'll go get you some medicine," I said, standing up.
"I don't need any. I'll recover on my own," he replied stubbornly.
His words reminded me of Prince Phils — the day I refused his offer and he slapped me for the first time. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped Prince Agnus.
"I'll bring you some soup right away," I said, leaving with a small smile.
Just then, Prince Jack entered. He grabbed Agnus by the collar.
"What is it, Jack? I'm not in the mood for a fight," Agnus said calmly.
"What did you do to Wellness?" Jack shouted angrily.
"What do you mean?" Agnus said, his voice rising. "You — the prince who never talks to anyone — are suddenly showing concern for a new girl? What's the meaning of this?"
"Just answer what I asked!" Jack yelled. "Is she your crush or something? Why so much concern?"
Jack punched Agnus hard in the stomach.
"Fine then," Agnus said bitterly. "Listen — I only held her close. I pulled her near and touched her cheek and kissed her. That's all. Nothing more."
Before Jack could react, I entered the room.
"Prince Jack? You're here?" I said in surprise. Both princes suddenly went quiet like guilty children.
"I came to deliver medicine for Prince Agnus," Prince Jack said kindly, But Jack snatched the bottle and threw it to the floor.
"Oh no! This medicine took me forever to make… but I guess it wasn't meant for him," he sighed. "It's alright. Prince Agnus will recover on his own." Prince Jack said with a smile.
Jack said nothing more and left the room. Agnus sat there, silently regretting everything.
"It's alright, Prince Agnus," I said softly, smiling. "I brought soup for you. It'll help your fever go down quickly."
Agnus looked up at me and asked, "Do you know Prince Jack?"
"No, we've only met once," I replied.
"Oh… so that's how it is," he muttered.
He lifted the bowl to his lips — but suddenly spit it out.
"What is this?! This isn't soup — it's poison!" Agnus exclaimed.
I smiled calmly. "Yes, Prince. It is poison."