Reborn As Noble Chapter 1245: A Body for a Bride ( 1245 )
Previously on Reborn As Noble...
Meanwhile, in the adjacent chamber.
With trepidation, Gracelle observed Juria and her assistant as they prepared to detach the monitoring apparatus from her person. Her eyes widened comically as Juria’s hand moved towards the pulse oximeter clip affixed to her digit.
"Eh? Am I going to expire?"
Juria tilted her head, a flicker of bewilderment crossing her features. "What is it you mean?"
"Umm… if you remove that contraption, won’t my heart cease its rhythm?"
Juria exchanged a glance with her subordinate, and a soft chuckle escaped both of them.
"No, no," Juria’s laughter chimed, her head shaking in gentle amusement. "This instrument merely tracks your heart rate and oxygen saturation. It is not the source of your life force. It simply provides us with a reading of your bodily functions."
"R… really?" Gracelle’s gaze flickered upward once more to meet theirs.
"Indeed. This device serves solely to monitor your vital signs. It possesses no direct connection to your heart or any other vital organ."
"Oh…" Gracelle nodded with a slow dawning of understanding, her expression visibly relaxing. "So that suspended liquid…?"
Juria chuckled again, her voice light. "That is not merely suspended water; it is an intravenous drip. Its purpose is to deliver essential nutrients and fluids to aid your body’s recovery process. We shall not remove it until the attending physician deems it entirely safe to do so."
"Oh…" Gracelle formed an ‘O’ with her lips and then nodded slowly, permitting the medical attendants to resume their ministrations.
"Umm… so… where is… Miss Liana?"
Juria and her assistant momentarily paused in their tasks. "Ah… her? We surmise she will be arriving shortly. Is there a particular reason for your inquiry?"
"Umm… it’s nothing… it’s just… she made a promise to me earlier… I am to be transferred to Armand."
A warm smile spread across Juria’s face. "Yes, that is correct. Given the necessity for continued observation of your condition and the assurance of your steady recovery, coupled with the fact that remaining in Mathrias poses a risk to your well-being, relocation to the Armand Healing Facility is indeed the most prudent course of action."
"So, umm… is the noble youth who implored you to save me… nearby?" Gracelle’s gaze shifted between them, her eyes alight with a mixture of hope and earnest curiosity.
Juria and her assistant exchanged puzzled glances once more.
"Noble youth? Whom do you refer to?"
"Ah… his appellation is…"
Just as Gracelle was about to divulge the name, Liana made her entrance into the room. She was clad in her customary maid attire, her cascade of silver hair trailing elegantly behind her, exuding an aura of commanding yet serene presence.
"What is the patient’s current state?"
Juria and her assistant’s eyes widened considerably. They turned in unison, offering Liana a deep and respectful bow, their hands placed over their left chests in a gesture of deference.
"The patient’s condition is stable and no longer critical, Miss Liana. She is prepared for transfer."
"Excellent. I presume all necessary arrangements are finalized?"
"Affirmative, Miss Liana."
"Mm… very good. I shall assume responsibility from this point forward. You two may depart and assist the others with their preparations."
"We shall take our leave, Miss Liana." Juria and her assistant bowed once more before swiftly exiting the chamber.
Liana’s gaze followed them as they departed.
Thank goodness I arrived before they could furnish Gracelle with the answer to her query.
Had they blurted out that the physician was, in fact, the Young Master, I would have forfeited the opportunity to witness the priceless reactions of Gracelle and the Young Master, the very moments I have so eagerly anticipated.
She then directed her attention back to Gracelle, her arms crossing.
"Now then, Gracelle."
"Yes, Miss Liana?"
Liana presented a premium paper bag she had brought with her, extending it towards Gracelle.
"As your condition has improved, please don this garment."
"Hmm? What precisely is it?" Gracelle accepted the bag and peered inside.
Her eyes widened in immediate recognition upon observing the exquisite dress neatly folded within.
"This… is intended for me?"
"Indeed. Simply put it on. Surely you wish to present your most appealing self when you encounter the Young Master, do you not? One would hardly wish to meet him appearing as if one had just emerged from a protracted illness."
"Mm…" A smile graced Gracelle’s lips, her heart swelling with a pleasant warmth. "Thank you, Miss Liana, for your extraordinary thoughtfulness…"
"Yes, yes, enough of that. Now, proceed with changing your attire."
"H… here, within this room?"
"Precisely, where else would you propose? Furthermore, all individuals present are female. There is no cause for bashfulness."
Gracelle cautiously pushed aside her blanket and sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze drifting towards Liana as she reached for her patient gown.
"Umm… might you… perhaps… umm… turn your back?"
Liana crossed her arms, her gaze descending upon Gracelle. "Hurry along with your changing."
"Umm… very well…" Gracelle murmured softly, averting her gaze.
Liana remained standing, one arm held beneath her chest, the elbow of her other arm resting upon it as she propped her chin with her hand, observing Gracelle with unwavering attention.
Gracelle slowly withdrew her patient gown, revealing her unadorned form. A deep flush spread across her cheeks as she stood there, entirely exposed. Her breasts were full and firm, albeit of moderate size, complemented by soft, rose-hued nipples. Her physique remained somewhat slender, her ribs faintly discernible beneath her skin, which was, however, smooth and pale, entirely free from any scars or imperfections.
"Hmm... It appears your body will recover its full health within two to three months with proper nutrition and care," Liana softly commented, a nod of approval on her lips. "Excellent. This indicates your physique is well-suited to be the Young Master’s bride."
Gracelle’s eyes widened in surprise. She swiftly covered her chest with one arm and her lower body with the other, a deep flush spreading across her cheeks.
"What?" Liana tilted her head. "Did you not promise him to be his bride? I distinctly recall you stating you intended to learn to be the finest wife. Or was that pledge merely a childish whim?"
Gracelle’s lips pressed together firmly. "No. It was not a whim. I was sincere. I remain so."
"Then my earlier statement holds true. There is no denying that possessing a beautiful body is crucial if you aspire to become the Young Master’s wife," she smirked. "And if you were to observe all his other prospective future wives, you might be motivated to quickly regain your figure to maintain parity with them. Moreover, having known my Young Master for an extensive period, I am well aware of his preferences."
"R... really?" Gracelle’s eyes narrowed, her lips quivering slightly with nervousness. "D... do you believe my body will... umm... suffice for him?" She slowly lowered her hands, revealing her full form to Liana.
"Mm..." Liana offered an approving nod. "Just ensure you prioritize regaining your health. The swifter your recovery, the sooner you will be prepared to stand by his side."
Gracelle’s hand moved towards the dress, then hesitated.
"Umm... no undergarments? Or a bra?"
Liana shook her head. "No. Your body is not yet conditioned for restrictive undergarments. It is advisable to allow your skin to breathe freely and avoid any undue pressure while you are still recuperating."
"Oh... I understand."
Liana exhaled and raised her palm, directing a gentle Purify and Cleanse spell towards Gracelle’s body. A soft, warm luminescence enveloped her, gleaming like the first light of dawn filtering through morning dew. The magical energy permeated her skin, leaving it feeling revitalized, immaculate, and suffused with a subtle, pleasant warmth.
Gracelle offered a faint smile. "Thank you, Miss Liana. You are exceedingly kind and considerate... I am unsure how I can ever repay your generosity."
"Yes, yes~ Now, hastily change. Our time is limited. The Young Master will be occupied shortly thereafter."
"O... okay." Gracelle smiled, reaching for the dress and carefully beginning to put it on. She guided it over her head, sliding her right arm into a sleeve, but paused when preparing to insert her left arm.
"Err... Miss Liana?"
"Yes?" Liana tilted her head, her arms remaining crossed. "What is it?"
"You mentioned... you know his tastes... did you... umm... perhaps..."
Liana shook her head and let out a breath. "Are you inquiring if I have ever been intimate with him?"
"S... sorry... it is just that, knowing how nobles often behave... you understand..."
"You need not concern yourself with such matters. Naturally, I am intimately familiar with him. I have been in his presence since his infancy. He has, of course, confided his preferences to me." Liana offered a faint, knowing smile, deliberately obscuring her true connection. "Furthermore, the Young Master deviates from the norm of other nobles. He is not one to engage in casual relations with women as he pleases. He holds those close to him in high regard and exhibits genuine care."
"Oh... my apologies... I did not intend to imply that. It is simply... you possess such... umm... exquisite beauty... and you are an elf..."
"Well, if you are truly desirous of further clarification, it would be most prudent to seek it directly from him once this is concluded. You have many sentiments you wish to convey to him, do you not?"
Gracelle’s eyes suddenly sparkled with anticipation. "Yessss!!"