As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover Chapter 53

Edward’s question was met with a gloomy expression from Robin, who then spoke up.

 

“Vice-captain won’t wake up!”

 

“It’s probably just exhaustion from our first camping in a while,” Hendrik commented nonchalantly, but Robin protested vigorously.

 

“I’m a healer; do you think I can’t tell the difference between sleep and unconsciousness?”

 

“It’s possible.”

 

Then, Aiven approached them with a stoic face. “Indeed, he’s not waking up. It seems to be caused by black magic. We found a magic stone nearby that appears to have been used for amplifying magic.”

 

Everyone’s expressions turned serious upon hearing this.

 

“There were no other signs throughout the night.”

 

“It seems to have happened because we entered an area affected by magic. I found a magic stone that looks like it was used for amplification,” Aiven explained, handing Edward a black magic stone.

 

Hendrik clicked his tongue at the sight. “It’s dreadful. I’ve never seen one so thoroughly darkened that its original color is unrecognizable!”

 

“It wasn’t originally black?”

 

When Luize asked with a puzzled look, Edward responded. “Magic stones typically reflect the inherent color of the creator’s mana. Natural mana can never be black. It only turns black when activated forcibly by black magic.”

 

“So, if we find and destroy these stones, will the magic be dispelled?”

 

“The magic would cease, but anyone caught in it won’t be freed until the conditions are broken. Black magic is similar to a curse. It doesn’t require the caster’s mana but instead demands a corresponding price and conditions. Even if the caster dies, the magic persists because it’s not sustained by their mana.”

 

“A curse…”

 

Luize murmured gravely, to which Aiven added, “…However, if the conditions are disrupted, it can easily be undone, so don’t worry too much.”

 

“Why are you being unusually kind?”

 

“…” Aiven pretended not to hear Hendrik’s question.

 

“As Aiven said, identifying the cause of black magic makes it easier to find a solution. I’ll search and destroy the magic stones in the forest, and Aiven will investigate the cause. Hendrik, please assist the others with their morning training.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Miss Luize, could you stay with Robin and look after Maxion?”

 

“Yes, I will.” She nodded. Her face filled with concern.

 

* * *

Maxion remained unresponsive, no matter how much they tried to wake him. Even after Edward had finished his task and returned, there was no change in Maxion’s condition.

 

“We can’t leave him here. Let’s move him to my tent. At least there’s a bed.”

 

“There’s a bed in my tent too. Seems not everyone has one, though.”

 

Luize was restless, and Robin commented in a grumbling tone, “It’s okay. We unanimously decided to purchase extra beds because it would be more uncomfortable for Miss Luize to sleep on the floor. I do wonder why you two don’t share a tent in the first place.”

 

“Um.”

 

“Really?”

 

Both Edward and Luize reacted simultaneously.

 

“It might be awkward for you two to share. Considering us…”

 

“Robin.”

 

“Yes, I spoke out of turn again. But it might be better to combine your tents into one. You were originally meant to share one to prevent accidents. As a healer, I prioritize everyone’s safety.”

 

“Well, that’s one way to look at it.”

 

Edward looked at Luize, who made an awkward face in response.

 

“If the vice-captain hadn’t shared a tent with me, we would have found out about his condition much later. Although it wouldn’t have made much difference in finding a solution.”

 

“Alright, I’ll consider your suggestion.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“…Yes?”

 

Luize gave Edward a protesting look with an expression of disbelief. The corners of his mouth drew a soft line.

 

“Of course, if the situation arises where one tent becomes unusable, we’ve prepared an extra one just in case. There’s no need to combine them.”

 

“You’re saying you won’t listen.”

 

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll check on Miss Luize’s tent every morning since you’re under my watch. Everything will be fine.”

 

“If it weren’t for us keeping an eye out, you would have managed to escape and hurt yourself on the last day of the previous expedi—!”

 

Robin raised his voice but stopped short when he caught Edward’s gaze. The smile had suddenly disappeared from Edward’s face. Robin then continued speaking with a face that he realized his mistake.

 

“…but well, that’s an old story, and since you’re the lord, it’s natural to be worried.”

 

“I always appreciate that sentiment.”

 

Edward’s face returned to its usual expression. Robin sighed deeply and then shifted his gaze to Maxion.

 

“Anyway, about waking up the vice-captain. Before we found the cause of the black magic, I thought of trying various things since shaking him seemed too gentle. Maybe a strong physical shock could work, like slapping his cheek.”

 

“Are you suggesting I slap my subordinate’s cheek?”

 

“Well, it’s not like I can commit such an act of insubordination. If it were Hendrik, I might have tried.”

 

“That makes sense.”

 

Edward and Robin’s gaze naturally shifted to Luize, who was standing between them.

 

“I think Miss Luize is the best candidate for this job. Right, Your Excellency?”

 

“I would prioritize Miss Luize’s willingness, but I agree.”

 

Luize, with her eyes wide, looked back and forth between Maxion and them. Indeed, she seemed like she could slap Maxion’s cheek without any burden.

 

“Then I’ll give it a try.” Luize nodded determinedly and rolled up her sleeves.

 

* * *

Slap. Slap, slap.

 

“Maxion. Wake up.”

 

She grabbed his collar and shook him before slapping him again. Slap, slap, slap!

 

“Gasp, gasp… this is tough,” Luize murmured, wiping the sweat beading on her forehead with the back of her hand.

 

Robin’s face turned pale as he checked the condition of Maxion’s cheek. “I think that’s enough. If we go any further, we might need to treat him for other injuries. It seems stimulation is not the solution. Maybe continuous stimulation could help, but please don’t hit him too hard.”

 

“Okay. I’ll do that.”

 

“…I should be thankful I haven’t been slapped by Miss Luize for my wrongdoings,” Edward muttered, looking at Maxion’s swollen cheek with a troubled face.

 

Unable to wake Maxion, the members decided to create space in a wagon and stuffed him in it for transportation. He did not wake up the next day either, remaining asleep as if dead.

 

“Maxion. Come to your senses.”

 

During a pause in their journey to set up camp, Luize carefully climbed onto the wagon and slapped Maxion’s cheek lightly.

 

“Is there any reaction?”

 

“None.”

 

“That’s troublesome.”

 

“Should I try hitting him harder?”

 

“If that happens, I think I’ll have to call Robin.”

 

“Well. His cheeks are already quite red. By the way, I think I’ve been smelling roses from Maxion too, lately. Everyone wears perfume except me, right?”

 

Luize came down from the wagon with a sullen face. Edward responded with a gentle smile and a calm voice.

 

“Of course not. Rather, Miss Luize, as you can see, since Maxion is in such a state, it seems we will be stopping by Servenia’s territory of Airen as soon as we leave the forest. We might stay there for a few days until we find a way to improve Maxion’s condition. Since it’s close to where we’re headed, Servenia’s castle, we plan to ask for their assistance.”

 

“That means…”

 

“You’ll have the chance to meet the lord of the land. Let’s resolve any misunderstandings.”

 

“Thank you.” Luize smiled faintly and continued, “I’m more worried about Maxion right now, though. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him sleep so soundly. I wonder if he’s having an interesting dream?”

 

“Who knows. If he’s dreaming, I hope it’s a good one.”

 

Edward stared at Maxion with an inscrutable face. Luize quietly nodded.

 

“Since it’s the last day of camping, we’ll arrive at the territory tomorrow.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“But Edward, have you been sleeping well lately? No matter how early I wake up, I can’t seem to beat you.”

 

“I try to maintain a presentable appearance for Miss Luize.”

 

“You’re already doing well in my eyes. You’re as comfortable and nice a friend as Maxion, though I’m still not used to that handsome face…”

 

“…I guess I need to try harder,” Edward muttered in a low voice as Luize awkwardly looked away.

 

* * *

Ultimately, Maxion did not wake up until they left the forest. As soon as they entered Airen, Hendrik announced the arrival of the knightly order to the lord’s castle on behalf of Maxion.

 

The knightly order of the exiled crown prince, following the emperor’s command to kill the lord. From Servenia’s perspective, there could be no more unwelcome guests, but they couldn’t just dismiss them carelessly.

 

The locals cast furtive glances at the knightly order. Their looks mixed fear and curiosity towards the outsiders.

 

“Everyone looks exhausted.”

 

“We’ve been away from the capital for so long we were unaware of Servenia’s situation, but it’s not the same as before. It wasn’t this quiet when we last visited.”