Duty-Bound: Chapter 81
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With even stride, she kept walking towards her destination without paying attention to the bowing servants along the way. At the moment, she was determined to find out about Natsume's past. The more she thought about their fight three weeks ago, the guiltier she felt. Moreover, she felt that she was being unfair. Moments later, she reached the infirmary. If there was anyone who could tell her about Natsume, it would be his mother. This time, she would not be denied. A male servant bowed towards her before sliding the door open for her. She quickly entered the room that smelled of various healing herbs. All were kept neatly within rows of jar on the wall. Her eyes sought the head healer's gaze.
"Sit down, child."
She nodded in greeting. "Kaoru-ba-chan."
A kind smile appeared on the woman's face. "I know what you want, but first..."
Seeing Kaoru's hand gesture, she calmly sat down across from her. The older woman immediately poured two cups of relaxing tea.
"Thank you," she said, accepting the tea with a small smile.
After feeling Kaoru's eyes on her for minutes, the woman sighed. "You should take better care of yourself, child."
Despite her effort to hide her tired eyes with light make-up, Kaoru-ba-chan could still see through her. "I'm sorry."
Kaoru shook her head. "Both of you are equally stubborn if I say so myself."
Entirely embarrassed, she blushed slightly.
"You wish to know about his past."
Staring at the steaming cup of tea, she nodded.
"To be honest, I can't tell you anything."
Her face fell.
"Tell me, child. Isn't he one of your suitors?"
Confused at the sudden turn of subject, she could only utter, "Eh?"
When Kaoru remained silent, realisation dawned on her. A true smile graced her lips. "He is."