The aftermath was surprisingly mild. Or rather, Lowell didn't have the mental energy to feel it.
"Young Master, are you sure you're all right?"
Tanya asked anxiously as she helped Lowell get dressed. She had a good reason—he'd been battling a fever ever since the day he returned soaked from the rain. The priest's visits brought temporary relief, but by night, the fever always returned.
It's been almost five years since I last caught a cold. Who would've thought a bit of warm weather rain would do this much damage?
Realizing he needed to treat his body more carefully than he thought, Lowell continued writing letters to Felix day and night. He was certain Felix would worry if they suddenly stopped.
Not once did any of those letters mention that he was sick. Though Lowell worried Felix might grow suspicious from the lack of an invitation to meet, Felix neither visited not sent a reply. One might have called it cold, but Lowell actually felt relieved.
"The baby is fine and my fever's nearly gone. Besides, it's Count Clarke's order—I can't exactly refuse."
Still, the more elaborate his outfit became, the heavier his body felt, like waterlogged cotton. He reasoned that he'd just cling to Felix like a cicada on a old tree and make it through.
If anyone says my dancing's weird, I'll just blame the fever. Not a complete lie.
With that's he felt no guilt.
"Y-Young Master!"
Lowell's door burst open. Tanya shot a sharp glare, ready to scold whoever had entered so rudely.
"Th-The Grand Duke Felix has come to escort you!"
But her expression softened as soon as she heard who it was. Escorts were expected for such events—but that Felix would do so personally? That was the surprise.
"We can't keep the Grand Duke waiting. Finish up."
Lowell was just glad no more accessories would be added. Tanya hastily tidied him and urged him out the door.
"I'll be back."
Expecting a modest carriage, Lowell was stunned into silence. A spectacular ornate carriage stood waiting—a carriage Felix would never normally be caught dead in. Felix himself dressed for the ball, looked like a painting come to life. Lowell straightened his unsteady steps and made his way to him.
"Thank you for coming to get me, Grand Duke."
"I thought I should fullfil my end of the contract."
Lowell almost teased him—is this absurdly lavish carriage part of that duty too?—but bit his tongue. It was dangerous how much he wanted to tease Felix.
"Then I'll be counting on you today."
Lowell naturally took the hand Felix offered. Though clearly uncomfortable with the act of escorting someone, Felix's sincerity showed. Matching his movements with practiced grace, Lowell stepped into the carriage.
Even the inside is extravagant.
He wondered how Felix had managed to procure such a vehicle in so short a time. It was spacious, safe, and so lavishly decorated that it nearly blinded him.
"It's a beautiful carriage."
"I just got whatever was available."
So it was new after all, Lowell thought. The kind of gesture made someone trying hard to impress their partner. He began to suspect that perhaps Felix was confusing his feelings—believing himself in love when it was simply the results of receiving kindness for the first time.
Maybe he's just mistaking affection for love because no ones treated him well before.
While most would welcome romance in a marriage, Lowell didn't. He believed love had an expiration date—especially when directed at him. He thought bonds based on loyalty or companionship were healthier than those built on romance. Felix's growing attachment began to feel like a potential problem.
Eventually, he'll realize his feelings were a mistake—or they'll cool down. I need to help him focus on responsibility before that happens.
The carriage rattled forward, bearing the two with their divergent thoughts.
The carriage couldn't enter the Imperial Citadel. But since it was a special occasion, they were allowed closer to the ballroom than usual. Once again, Lowell took Felix's hand as he stepped out.
"Ah..."
A brief wave of dizziness blurred his vision. Felix quickly caught him by the waist. Though the gesture was meant to steady him, the place his hand landed made Lowell flush.
*I—I'm fine now."
Even so, Felix didn't let go. Instead, he tightened his grip and escorted Lowell all the way to the ballroom. Lowell couldn't ignore the heat in that trembling hand—but he couldn't push it away either. Soon, the glistening ballroom came into view.
"Now entering: Grand Duke Felix and Lord Lowell Clarke."
With that announcement, every gaze in the hall turned to them. Some were intrigued. Others, openly hostile. Many held nothing but contempt.
They look at him like that, and yet he melts just because I treat him kindly.
Lowell stepped into the hall, exhausted by everyone in it—oblivious to the predatory stares of those who had already marked him as prey.