The Forgotten Field

The only fortunate thing was that there were still three years left before the invasion of the Zram.

Somehow, he had to find a way before then.

...Is there no way to warn her about what's going to happen?

Stepping out from behind the folding screen once more, he slowly surveyed the room filled with furniture that now seemed absurdly enormous.

Several books and writing utensils lay on the desk.

There was no way a beast's forepaw could hold a pen, but perhaps he could use ink to leave a message.

Then again...

Would that really be wise?

His gaze returned to the bed.

She slept peacefully, oblivious to the world.

The lingering pallor of illness still coloring her face made his heart tighten painfully.

Even if he somehow managed to leave her a message...

Would she actually believe it?

He himself could barely accept the situation.

If a magical beast suddenly left behind ominous warnings, it would be branded an evil spirit and driven away immediately.

And even if, by some miracle, she believed him, that would only create another problem.

She herself might be accused of being a witch.

She was already likely to be suspected of heresy simply for keeping a magical beast.

If anyone discovered that she could communicate with him, they would undoubtedly believe she had been possessed by an evil spirit.

In the end, there was only one realistic course left to him.

He had to remain steadfastly at her side until that fateful day arrived three years from now.

Using hind legs that had already grown noticeably stronger than when he had first awakened in this body, he leapt lightly onto the bed and settled beside her pillow.

For now, his appearance was pitifully insignificant.

But magical beasts matured at astonishing speed.

And he knew exactly how enormous this wolf would eventually become.

If he could simply avoid being driven out of the castle before the Zram invasion...

...then he would be able to stop the tragedy awaiting her.

...To do that, I have to make sure everyone sees me as completely harmless.

He quietly looked down at his wife, half-buried in her pillow.

If he wanted to protect her, he had to appear gentle and obedient to everyone around him.

Most importantly...

He could never, under any circumstances, display aggression.

If he ever harmed someone—even once—as Khan had once attacked Lucas, his execution would be immediate.

That could never be allowed to happen.

No matter what, he had to remain beside her.

If he could stay in this castle for just three years...

...he could change the future.

And after that...

His thoughts stopped there.

He didn't want to think that far ahead.

For now, protecting her was all that mattered.

Curling into a small ball beside her, he closed his eyes.

He feared that if he truly fell asleep, everything might vanish like a mirage.

But if he wanted this body to continue growing, he needed proper rest.

He pressed himself tightly against her side and rested his chin atop his neatly folded forepaws.

Then...

A harsh, ragged sound brushed past his ears.

It sounded like someone drowning, desperately struggling to draw a single breath.

He jerked his head up.

She was clutching her own throat with both hands.

He shot to his feet in alarm.

Even in the darkness, he could clearly see her face turning blue, like someone moments away from suffocating.

Without stopping to think, he let out a frantic cry.

Cold terror swept over him as he watched her struggle desperately for air.

Praying that someone—anyone—would come running, he cried out louder.

Still gasping painfully, Talia slowly forced open sweat-soaked eyelids and looked at him.

The next instant, trembling hands suddenly seized him and pulled him tightly into her embrace.

"Varkas..."

The tearful whisper made his entire spine go rigid.

For one fleeting moment, hope surged through him.

Had she recognized him?

But the instant their eyes met, his heart collapsed.

Her gaze was unfocused.

She clung to him so tightly it hurt, murmuring like someone who had completely lost touch with reality.

"I knew you'd come."

"I knew... you'd come to save me."

He felt the blood in his entire body freeze.

The moment he realized what nightmare was tormenting her, it was as though an icy blade had pierced straight through him.

He pressed his face tightly against her cold, bloodless neck and breathed unevenly.

The memory rose vividly before him—

His own back as he ran toward Aila Roem Gwirta...

...and Talia being attacked by a magical beast.

He had never once truly protected this woman.

But this time...

This time would be different.

Even if it cost him his life, he would protect her.

Even if he could never again hold her in his arms...

Never kiss her again...

It didn't matter.

As long as you're alive in this world...

Nothing else matters anymore.

Listening as her breathing gradually steadied, he gently licked away the tears soaking her cheeks.

Little by little...

Peace returned to her face.

Until dawn slowly illuminated the sky...

He simply watched her.

And watched her.

* * *

"That medicine really does seem to work."

When Marisen came to check on her condition, Talia greeted her with an unusually cheerful voice.

"I walked two full laps around the garden with Khan, and my leg barely hurt at all. Even at night, I don't toss and turn nearly as much anymore."

The healer, searching through a cabinet for fresh bandages, turned back toward her with a polite smile.

"That is wonderful news."

"Which is why I'd like you to prepare more of it. I think I should take it every day."

"Your Grace, that medicine is quite potent. You should allow at least three or four days between doses so it doesn't place unnecessary strain on your body."

"It didn't seem that strong."

She pouted slightly.

"It isn't even particularly bitter, and I haven't had any stomach pain or other side effects after taking it."

"It may taste mild, but the medicinal effects are actually quite powerful—"

"What kind of medicine is it?"

Tiuran, who had been quietly scraping ashes from the incense burner, spoke cautiously.

Marisen turned toward her with obvious displeasure.

"Her Grace said the pain in her leg worsens every night, so I simply prescribed a somewhat stronger painkiller."

"May I ask which herbs you used?"

Faint lines formed between Tiuran's brows.

"I made it by combining mandrago extract with poppy, thorn-apple, and wild boar bile."

At Marisen's explanation, Tiuran frowned ever so slightly.

"Those are all ingredients with an intensely bitter taste. I'm curious how you prepared them so that—"

"And why should I explain that to you?"

Marisen's voice turned noticeably colder.

"You're merely an assistant healer. I find it rather offensive that you're questioning me as though you were Her Grace's personal physician."

"That wasn't my intention. I only wished to learn from you, Lady Marisen... If I've offended you, I sincerely apologize."

Tiuran immediately lowered her head.

Marisen looked at her with clear dissatisfaction and was just about to speak again when Talia cut in irritably.

"That's enough. Is this really the time to be having such a childish rivalry?"

"...My apologies. I've behaved inappropriately."

Marisen answered calmly before removing clean bandages and fresh ointment from her bag.

Then she resumed the examination as though nothing had happened.

As Marisen rolled up her skirt, removed the bandages from her leg, and carefully applied fresh ointment, Talia looked out the window with an uncomfortable expression.

Then she felt a familiar warmth.

Lowering her gaze, she found the young wolf had somehow climbed onto the bed.

He was carefully examining the scars covering her leg with worried eyes.

She picked him up and slowly stroked his little head.

"You don't have to worry so much. These scars are years old now. They don't hurt that much anymore."

The wolf quietly looked up at her face.

Then his gaze returned to the uneven scars.

There seemed to be profound sorrow in those jewel-like blue eyes.

Feeling an unexpected ache welling up inside her chest, she hugged him tightly.

At that moment, footsteps stopped outside the door.

"Your Grace, I have an urgent matter to report. May I come in?"

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