Published: August 15, 2025
On a day when snow began to flutter, I was heading home from the workshop when Gil, wearing a gloomy expression, called out to me and handed me a letter.
“Make sure you read it where no one unaware of the situation can see.”
I didn’t need any explanation to know what kind of situation this was. Whenever Gil was vague like this, it was always about Myne. So, whenever I received a letter from Myne, I made it a point to stop by Myne’s house before going home.
Today was no different. Carrying the bag with the letter inside, I hurried up the stairs and stood before the entrance of Myne’s house.
“Good evening. It’s Lutz, is everyone here?”
“They are. …Ah, could it be?”
Tulli came out to the doorway and, upon seeing the letter I pulled from the bag, nodded excitedly. Her blue eyes sparkled as her braids swung, and she turned to call out behind her.
“A letter has arrived!”
At the same moment, Uncle Gunther burst out from the bedroom. He was probably just waking up from a nap before his night shift, still in his pajamas and looking a bit groggy. Aunt Eva immediately wiped her hands and finished up her kitchen work.
Seeing everyone eagerly gathered around the kitchen table, awaiting the letter, Kamil said, “Camille, enough already,” and demanded to be picked up.
When Aunt Eva lifted Kamil into her arms, I spread out Myne’s letter on the table in front of everyone.
The letter addressed to me was written in Myne’s usual light tone: “I’ll be using medicine to get better, so I expect to be bedridden for about a season. Please take care of the workshop and the Gutenbergs while I’m out.” There were also detailed instructions about the Gutenbergs.
The letter to the family said, “I’ve made medicine, so I’ll get better. I’ll be a normal girl. I’ll be bedridden for a while, but don’t worry,” followed by a personal message to each family member.
“Finally, she might get better.”
“I still can’t believe Myne will get better.”
“Lutz, there’s another letter here. It’s from Fran. I can read the handwriting, but I don’t really understand what it means.”
After reading Myne’s letter, I pulled out the one from Fran. Fran’s letters often contained formal expressions used for nobles, making it a bit difficult for Tulli to read. I’ve been practicing at the shop and recently learned some at Ilkner, so I could understand a little.
I took Fran’s letter and began to read.
“…Seriously?”
“What’s wrong, Lutz?”
Tulli tilted her head in puzzlement, while Uncle Gunther noticed my stiff expression and abruptly stood up.
“What happened to Myne!?”
“…Apparently, she was attacked by someone at the castle and poisoned. The high priest’s diagnosis is that she survived, but the medicine regimen will be extended to over a year…”
The letter also asked to inform master, but that was irrelevant now.
I fell silent, and Uncle Gunther snatched the letter from me, wanting to confirm with his own eyes. However, like Tulli, he couldn’t understand it. He furrowed his brow and threw the letter onto the table.
“The sleeping period is longer, but there’s no immediate threat to her life… That’s the only relief.”
Clenching his fists tightly, Uncle Gunther repeatedly pressed them against his forehead, exhaling slowly as if trying to release his helpless anger.
“Is Myne really going to be alright?”
“She will be, Tulli. Myne’s a strong girl. We always feared she might die, but she woke up properly. This time will be no different… We just have to believe and wait.”
Aunt Eva repeated “She’ll be fine” over and over, though her smile was strained. They couldn’t visit her, nor openly ask about her condition. That must be agonizing.
Kamil, unaware of the situation, looked up anxiously at the gloomy family. Meeting my eyes, he reached out his hand.
“Lutz, Lutz. Toy…”
“No new toys for a while, Kamil. Your sister who was making them is sick in bed.”
I lightly patted Kamil’s head, folded the letter addressed to me, and put it back into my bag. I’d have to show this to master tomorrow.