Isabel sighed softly. She straightened her back.
"It's okay, Young Master. I was just a little surprised because you suddenly rested your head on my lap," she said with a small, soft smile, which was rare on her beautiful, strict face.
The reason was simple. It had been so many years since Azael had talked to her warmly, just like when he was young. She remembered how she used to give him a lap pillow like this at that time as well.
Her hand ruffled his black hair softly, slowly. She stroked it tenderly.
Azael closed his eyes in delight. 'This... this is so good. Never had I thought a simple lap pillow and a stroke on my head would feel so cozy.'
Azael did get some memories from childhood, where he used to do such things with Isabel. So yes, he tried it. And it worked perfectly. Though he knew he needed to take things slow.
The knights and guards who were training in the hall decided to ignore the scene. It was none of their business.
After resting peacefully on her lap pillow for half an hour, Azael got up and asked Isabel to follow him. He walked toward his chamber.
"By the way, Isabel. How's everything going? Are you doing well?" Azael decided to start a normal conversation, nothing much. He should get to know more about her life, mostly the current details.
Isabel Walker walked just beside him, but slightly behind. Her high heels made a clicking sound against the marble floor. Her gaze was straight.
"Yes, Young Master. Everything is good. Not to mention, now that you are not ill anymore, I am really happy for you." Her voice was strict, like always, but there was a hint of tenderness and honesty there. She truly cared about her young master.
'So she still cares about me like old times,' he thought, nodding as he heard her answer.
"If that's not enough... you seem to be brighter... unlike before, you are actually talking to me... like you used to in the past. Also, you seem open to others as well," she said. This time her voice softened. She was truly happy to see this transformation in her Young Master.
Just like that, they reached his chamber.
"Isabel... can you bring me something to eat? I will get fresh in the meantime. I mean, I am all sweaty from the workout. Also, no need to knock on the door and ask permission. You can just enter. I might be in the bathroom. That's why," he said, giving her a small smile.
Of course, she didn't mind it. She just bowed and left to bring him food.
'Alright, gotta get a bath.' He entered his chamber and went to the bath.
The door of the chamber slid open once more as Isabel entered the room. Her expression was professional. She surveyed the room. There was no one. But she could hear movements and the sound of water from the bathroom, indicating he was still taking a bath.
She kept the tray full of food on the table near the couch. The couch rested against the wall, just beside the window.
Just then, Azael got out of the bath. Sensing him, Isabel turned, only to see Azael half-naked.
His upper body was bare, glistening with the sheen of warm water. Thin wisps of steam still rose from his skin, curling into the cool air. His black hair clung damply to his forehead, beads of water trailing down his neck and shoulders.
His complexion was fair, smooth, and touched with a healthy tone. Though not bulky, his body had a lean strength to it, the subtle definition of muscle shaped by recent days of training. A white towel wrapped around his waist to cover his lower body.
The moment Isabel saw him like that, heat rose through her cheeks.
It wasn't something that should make her flustered. She was the older one here. Her young master was only 18 years old. But still, she couldn't deny that Azael was actually handsome.
No, he had become more handsome compared to a week ago. His body had become healthy again, no longer skinny. He even acted differently now, as if his aura had changed. But it was for good. It made him more attractive.
A small blush rose on her fair cheek. "Oh... Young Master. You completed your bath... I will get out so you can change." She tried to leave the room.
But Azael smiled mischievously.
"Wait, Isabel!" He called her again.
Isabel stiffened. She masked her embarrassment. Her face turned stoic and calm. She tried to cool herself.
"What is it, Young Master?" she asked professionally.
Azael really wanted to laugh. 'Her expression is kind of cute.'
His decision to do this was a little risky. There might have been a possibility that Isabel didn't even react upon seeing him. In the end, he was younger than her. She might have just politely left the room.
But no. She acted just as Azael wanted. It's not that he was good at understanding her, but she had a soft spot for him. If that wasn't enough, it's not like maids in this world actually bathed their male masters or dressed them up. They usually do this only for their female masters. So she wasn't used to such a scene.
And lastly, he knew he was attractive. Not much when he first woke up in this body. But since he got cured at that time, his body showed a sudden development in health and his appearance.
"Can you help me... get dressed?" he asked with an innocent smile.
Now this actually took Isabel aback. She couldn't believe that Azael was asking her to dress him up.
"I am sorry. But I—I don't think I can do that, Young Master. It's inappropriate," she said with a shudder. Her stoic expression was on the verge of crumbling.
"Why is it?" Azael asked innocently again, as if he didn't understand.
Which only made Isabel more tense.
"Look, it's not that hard, is it?" Azael touched his towel and took it off.
Isabel's eyes widened through her glasses. She covered them with both palms, her cheeks flushed.
"What are you doing? You shouldn't do this!" Her voice was urgent and flustered.
"Hahaha!" But the response she got was a laugh.
She didn't understand why he was laughing. This was no joking matter. She somehow made up her mind. In curiosity, she peeked through the gap of her fingers covering her glasses.