Entering the great hall under the servants' watchful eyes, a tall beauty in a white ruffled dress stood in the center, smiling gently at Louise and the others.
She had long pink hair and looked 90% like Louise, radiating a gentle, mature air. Most importantly, unlike flat-chested Louise and Éléonore—well, it was as if both their "assets" had grown on her. She was abundantly endowed, drawing every eye.
"My little Louise, welcome home."
The beauty spoke softly, opening her arms to her.
"Big Sister Cattleya!"
Louise happily dashed over, dove into her arms, and rubbed her cheek against that soft bosom. The familiar scent and tender embrace made Louise ache with nostalgia.
"My Louise has grown even prettier," Cattleya said with a smile, stroking her sister's head and studying her delicate face with warm eyes.
"C-come on, Sister, that's not true…"
Louise flushed. "Um—by the way, how is your health, Second Sister? Are you alright?"
Cattleya shook her head gently. "The same as always. But don't worry—I'm used to it."
"Second Sister…" Louise's heart twinged for her gentle sister.
Éléonore pursed her lips, a little jealous of the sisters' closeness, but didn't comment. She only asked, "Cattleya, is Mother here?"
"She is," Cattleya nodded with a smile, then turned her gaze to Hayashi Maki.
"This must be Mr. Familiar, Louise's companion. Welcome to House Vallière."
"Hello, Miss Cattleya. I'm Hayashi Maki. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
He greeted her with an easy smile, showing no nerves.
"Mhm, likewise. Since you're here, please make yourself at home. I hear Lord Hayashi Maki is already a duke—such an achievement at your age is remarkable."
Cattleya praised him with a smile, quietly watching Louise's reaction. Louise looked a bit smug, then tugged at Cattleya's hand. "Don't praise him, or he'll get a big head! Actually, Hayashi Maki can use healing magic—could you let him take a look at you?"
The girl looked at Cattleya expectantly, eyes full of concern. Cattleya's heart warmed. Though she no longer had much hope, she didn't want to disappoint her sister, so she dipped her head.
"Very well, I will trouble Lord Hayashi Maki."
She gave a courteous bow.
"No need to be so formal—just call me Hayashi Maki, Miss Cattleya. Louise is my contractor; her family is my family," he said, waving it off. "Since we have time, let's find a quiet place and I'll examine you first."
At that, even Éléonore began to look hopeful. If Hayashi Maki could truly cure Cattleya, all the better.
Cattleya thought a moment. "Let's go to my room, then." Because of her condition she preferred quiet; her room had the best environment for that.
She led Hayashi Maki to her chamber. Hayashi Maki put on his most "professional" tone:
"While I'm examining you, we can't be disturbed. Louise, Éléonore—please wait at the door, alright?"
Louise eyed him suspiciously and leaned in to whisper in his ear:
"You're not going to take advantage of my sister's beauty, are you?"
"Ahem! What kind of person do you think I am?" he snapped, glaring.
"You are that kind of person!" Louise insisted, nodding hard.
Hayashi Maki's face stiffened. "If you don't trust me, then I won't examine her…"
"Don't! You have to—please cure my sister!"
Seeing him back out, Louise panicked. Hayashi Maki gave her an aggrieved look.
"But if you're worried I'll make a move on her, how am I supposed to examine her?"
Louise bit back the urge to sock him, took a deep breath, and said, "Just… don't go too far. If you hurt Cattleya in any way, I'll never forgive you. And you can forget touching me ever again!"
Hayashi Maki patted her head. "Don't worry. Your sister is my family, too. I'll do my best."
"Mhm—go on."
Reassured, Louise let him in.
And so Hayashi Maki strode, all propriety, into Cattleya's boudoir. The room smelled pleasant; the sweetest scent was Cattleya's own, with a faint undertone of medicine—proof her health truly was poor.
Sitting by the bed, Cattleya looked at Hayashi Maki gently. "What should I do, Mr. Hayashi Maki?"
His friendliness earlier had won her over, so she addressed him as "Lord Hayashi Maki" no longer.
"First, lie down," Hayashi Maki said in a mock-professional tone.
Cattleya obediently reclined on the bed.
"Close your eyes." His voice was calm; she had no reason to doubt him and complied—nervous, fingers clutching her skirt.
"Don't be nervous," he murmured. "Since I agreed to examine you, I'm confident I can treat you."
"Mhm. I'm in your hands." Who doesn't want to be healthy? Cattleya had grown used to being housebound, but she still hoped to set foot beyond the manor and see the world.
"Alright, I'll begin the examination." He took her soft hand—she jolted, and he smiled slightly. As a wicked devil, he wasn't going to waste a chance to cuddle.
With a little cry, Cattleya found herself scooped up and seated on his lap. She opened her eyes, flustered—so flustered she started coughing.
"There, there. Don't be nervous. My examination requires mana contact—it's the only way to check properly," he said, straight-faced, cupping her cheeks and channeling mana into her.
Warmth suffused her body; the cough died away.
"Good girl. Close your eyes, Miss Cattleya. You're Louise's sister—I won't hurt you."
His gentle words made her shiver; instinctively, she obeyed. Though expectant, she also felt confused. Is he really examining me? Blushing, she gripped his lapel, feeling the heat of his body—his "condition" was… alarming for an untouched noble lady. She understood enough to know something was off—his ragged breathing didn't help.
"Forgive me, Miss Cattleya—you're too beautiful. Please excuse my instincts," Hayashi Maki said, then continued his "examination."
Though she realized he was taking advantage, her body was limp—she couldn't push him away. And since he was a man Louise trusted, she shyly shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut.
"It's alright. I trust little Louise—and I trust you, Mr. Hayashi Maki. Do as you wish."
~~~
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