It was now nighttime when Seth had finally left alone with Lara in his room as the latter engaged in wiping Seth's body with warm wipes.

She herself chose to follow Seth without any orders and the determination in her servitude left Valarie with no choice rather than to let her assist the young master.

During the daytime, some visitors came to check on him or ask about his well-being.

His injuries were healed by Anabelle as his mother said but for assurance, a high priest was called to check on him when Seth was in deep slumber.

It was a sight to see when the priest was almost begging the Duchess to know the candidate who healed Seth so impeccably. By every means, such a person was a candidate to become a devotee of the church.

But Valarie had her own plans with Anabelle for which she couldn't let the white-robed leeches get their hands on her.

Only those bones which were completely shattered or some major wounds were aided but needed to be healed naturally as well with time. And there was Seth's mental fatigue as well.

During the meeting hours, his so-called siblings also arrived to ask about his condition but Seth was more panicked in their presence while keeping a calm facade.

He knew their intent just by looking into their eyes. Not to talk about the mentioning of their true nature in the novel he read.

Fortunately, his mother vacated the room soon since she sensed Seth's uneasiness in so many presences.

"Did you hear anything about Serena?"

With his back resting on the headboard of the bed Seth asked in a serene tone as he saw Lara gently cleaning his toes with warm wet clothing.

"She was treated and Your Grace herself took the responsibility for her treatment and safe return to her homeland."

Seth was relieved upon hearing the news since Serena was badly injured in the onslaught they faced.

He was afraid that Serena might have lost her life in such a collision or because of core corruption but Valarie briefly informed him that the girl was alive and safe.

But what bothered Seth was Lara's tone which seemed a little heavier than her usual voice and soon he realized that she hadn't made eye contact with him at all ever since.

"Lara."

Her hand came to a pause as without lifting her face she responded.

"Yes, young master?"

"Look at me."

His tone took a commanding shift which made Lara slightly flinch at her place before she mustered up her courage.

Upon seeing her moistened eyes and emotions filled in her gaze, Seth instinctively held her hand and slowly pulled her toward him.

"Were you worried for me?"

This was enough for Lara to let go of the last restraint before streams of tears started dropping down her cheeks.

She has been trying to hold it but when her young master points it out like that…

"How can I not be? After all, y-young master was… in there… I… I.… couldn't even… "

She soon started choking due to the lack of circulation before Seth made her sit on the edge of the bed and cupped her cheeks to calm her down.

His eyes stared into hers as he spoke in a much gentle tone.

"I understand your feelings, Lara. But you also have to understand that I can't be in your or mother's shade all my life. So stop crying and look up for the brighter side, okay?"

Even though Lara knew she couldn't cover up all the dangers which come her young master's way, it doesn't change the fact that she feels terrible in her heart, seeing him like this.

Apart from her job, it was her own feelings that makes Lara feel so miserable to be such helpless at times.

Seth sighed with a small smile upon seeing the woman in front crying without any clue of halt.

He didn't think anything otherwise before leaning her cupped face toward him and reaching up to her lips with his own.

"!!"

Lara's daze broke before she hurriedly closed her eyes upon feeling the warm sensation on her lips after so long. She couldn't even comprehend how fast things elevated.

Her lips were sweet but the tears made them a little salty on the surface so Seth didn't bother with her upper cushions for long before prying in her mouth and deepening their kiss.

She was extremely shy when came to things like these which made Seth slightly tempted to corrupt this innocent woman.

With his left thumb caressing the back of her ear he traced her tongue with his and felt the occasional jolts and slightly muffled moans which made the kiss even more exhilarating.

"Oh, my~Should have I knocked?"

Lara shot her eyes open before she immediately pulled back herself and stood up in utter shame since she already recognized whose this voice belonged.

Seth side glanced at his mother in annoyance since he already sent a mental signal when he sensed his mother approaching.

But this woman…

"I-I… "

"Lara. Go bring me coffee."

Hearing the command, Lara instantly bowed and took her to leave since this was nothing less than a blessing to not be in that room at that moment.

Lara was way beyond embarrassed!

"I think I conveyed to not come in my room."

Hearing her son grumble Valarie laughed lightly which was mesmerizing enough to make Seth raise his brow. But thanks to original Seth's memory, he was able to accept the lady as her mother to think anything otherwise.

Valarie took the chair near the study as she confessed the reason for her intrusion.

"I thought I might witness how my lovely son has grown but unfortunately I got to see just the first stage."

Seth ignored the comment since he knew what kind of weird parent she is. Rather he chose to ask something more concerning on the matter.

"What about the students, mother?"

With a thin smile curving her red lips, Valarie overlapped her leg over the other before she responded.

"Everyone is under my watch~."

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A/N: - Drop a comment if you are liking the story so far~