Ask the Duke!

The few hours after our chat felt weird. It's as if I was dreaming.

Nothing feels real.

However, I reconnect my brain and ask Aida to come into the tent. She's my handmaid, so she's allowed to be alone with me.

I ask her to take a look at Ignis's wound.

«It's deep. I can't heal it completely... It would be suspicious. But I can help a little, your Majesty,» she says. «It will hurt less, and it'll stop bleeding out of the blue. There's no infection, luckily. The doctors did an acceptable job.»

Ignis just nods, and Aida places her fingers on the rim of the wound. I'm sitting far apart and observing her magic at work. It lasts a few moments, and then she retreats. I can't see any difference in the wound, but Ignis smiles. His face isn't as pale, which is a good sign.

He feels better.

«Thank you, Aida,» he says. «It's of great help.»

«I'm doing it for my master,» she points out, glancing at me.