Prim’s Illness And Arthur’s True Aim?

Having excused herself from Arthur, Marianne visited her friend—only to find her changed beyond recognition. Even knowing it was futile, she couldn’t stop herself from calling out.

“Prim… you’ll be okay!!”

The girl lying in bed was severely emaciated and gave no response. Gone was the sweet, smiling girl who had once shown kindness to all. Only the faint breath escaping her lips proved that she was still alive, though she looked as though she were already dead.

“I was told she secretly ventured deep into the mines, past where the dwarves normally work… She collapsed there and was rescued by a dwarf named Gale, but she hasn’t regained consciousness since.”

“That’s terrible… Did you have a priest look at her?”

“Yes, our family’s priest examined her. He said it wasn’t immediately life-threatening… but he couldn’t cure her.”

Edward described her condition with a heavy sigh. Marianne didn’t know what expression to wear. Trying to dispel the dark mood, she asked another question.

“Is there some kind of powerful, poisonous monster in that mine?”

“The dwarves come and go from that place all the time. Such a monster couldn’t… No, surely not…”

Edward briefly frowned as though something had occurred to him, but he quickly shook his head to dismiss the idea.

His reaction concerned Marianne, but there was something more important to clarify.

“I see… Then, is there any way to save Prim? Like bringing in a priest from Jerusalem?”

“I tried that too. But the priest from Jerusalem said the same thing as ours…”

After asking, Marianne noticed Edward’s hand was clenched with immense force.

Of course, she thought. He adored Prim more than anyone. He’s already tried everything she could possibly suggest.

Besides, a noble family’s private priest was usually better than average. If even they couldn’t help, only a handful of people might be able to.

Like the Saintess of Jerusalem… or Lord Arthur himself…

Marianne thought to try asking Arthur for help… but then remembered his words in the carriage.

-“Also, I won’t be healing any nobles this time. So be careful not to get hurt.”

Why had Arthur gone out of his way to tell her that? Think, Marianne. Just like when he entrusted the orphanage work to her—his thoughts run so deep that someone like her couldn’t even begin to comprehend them.

Maybe he didn’t explain everything because he believed they’d grow more by figuring it out ourselves.

“Don’t worry. I’m part of Lord Rod’s noble faction, but if I offer an accessory made from orichalcum found deep in the mine, Lord Glutton will speak to Lord Arthur for us.”

“Lord Glutton…? Are you on friendly terms with him, Lord Edward?”

Edward gave a tired smile, and Marianne frowned. Lord Glutton was hardly someone with a good reputation. She’d met him a few times while serving as Arthur’s maid, and the man had left a strong impression as a sycophantic upstart, constantly praising Arthur with exaggerated flattery.

She also heard that he was obsessed with gemstones and would stop at nothing to acquire what he desired.

“Yes, he used to visit frequently to purchase ores from us. One time, I showed him our heirloom—an orichalcum bracelet. He wanted to buy it, but I refused. Then, when Prim fell ill, he offered to introduce us to Lord Arthur.”

“…Did he ask for anything in return? Like… orichalcum, perhaps?”

“Yes… He said Lord Arthur had taken an interest in orichalcum, and that if we offered a ring made from it, he would grant us an audience!!”

“I see…”

From Marianne’s perspective, someone close to Arthur, that was clearly a lie. Arthur had no interest in gemstones. And when it came to healing, he never once asked for anything in return—not from Bedie, not from Kei, not even from her.

Maybe it was just because they were his companions… but even if someone had asked through Lady Morgan, he’d never demand such outrageous donations.

The rumor that Arthur demanded exorbitant offerings for healing was widespread, but Marianne now suspected that this reputation was crafted by the nobles around him.

“Ah… I understand now…”

Finally, Marianne realized Arthur’s true intent. He had come here to confront those who were exploiting his healing powers.

Unlike before, Arthur now had strong connections with both the Church and Lady Morgan. He could stand up against the interference of corrupt nobles.

That’s why he came under the pretense of accompanying orphanage children—and even went as far as to conceal his identity…

He had come to punish Lord Glutton.

It also made sense why he had warned her ahead of time that he wouldn’t heal noblewomen. Of course Arthur already knew about Prim’s illness.

“It’ll be all right. Everything will work out.”

She didn’t know exactly how Arthur planned to punish Lord Glutton. But she was certain that he would. And when everything was resolved, the kind-hearted Arthur would surely save Prim too.

With that unwavering faith, Marianne gently called out to the unconscious Prim once more.