“M-Move her elsewhere? What are you talking about? Why would we move our baby to elsewhere?”

“Speak clearly so we can understand.”

Both parents seemed on the verge of panic as if fearing that Iva had contracted a deadly disease.

“Don’t worry. It’s not a severe illness.”

“Then, what on earth has caused this rash all over her body?”

“Miss has…”

As he slurred his words, everyone, except Jane, gulped.

“She’s contracted chickenpox.”

Eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected diagnosis.

“Chickenpox? So, that’s why the skin rash…”

“Have either of you had chickenpox? It’s highly contagious; any exposure should be treated with caution.”

“Don’t worry about us. We had it when we were kids.”

“Right. And right now, our daughter’s health is more important.”

I’m sorry, mom and dad.

It wasn’t easy for Iva to pretend to be sick to deceive her parents, but it was the best way if she wanted to stay out for a few days.

From beneath her blanket, Iva gave a loud, fake cough.

“C-cough!”

The doctor, catching the signal, continued,

“Chickenpox is contagious. Even adults can catch it if they don’t have immunity. While it’s not life-threatening, it is highly infectious.”

“So, what should we do?”

“It would be best if the young miss stayed somewhere other than this mansion.”

“But if our baby stays alone, we’ll be worried sick.”

“I’ve heard that even those who’ve had chickenpox can catch it again, although the chances are low. I don’t want to infect you both. I’ll stay alone.”

With that, Iva revealed her face, covered in red spots. To her parents, those spots seemed even more vivid.

“But you have nowhere to go on your own.”

“That’s not true. I recently acquired a small studio near our mansion.”

“Huh? You’ve been grounded. When did you get this studio?”

“Actually, a few months ago. I planned to gift you both a portrait for your anniversary. I’ve been painting it there.”

The place had once been a true studio, but in reality, it was a hideout where she collected books on magic. So, it wasn’t entirely a lie.

“I can stay there by myself.”

“How can we let you go alone when you’re sick?”

“I will accompany Miss Iva.”

Jane raised her hand.

“I’ve been with her all along. I might already have caught the illness, so I’ll take care of her.”

With the dependable Jane offering to go, the parents’ worries were alleviated, and they finally gave their permission.

“If Jane’s going with you, that eases our minds. But if anything happens, you must inform us immediately.”

“Yes, of course.”

“So, how many days will it take for the rash to disappear?”

Oh right! Everything was going as Iva had planned, and the doctor chimed in as if he had been waiting for the cue.

“Unfortunately, she’ll need to be isolated for about five days.”

* * *

“Coachman! Drive faster… No! Gallop quicker!”

“Yes, understood!”

With their parents’ permission, Iva and Jane grabbed their pre-packed bags. The waiting coachman began their journey to the Castello mansion as soon as they boarded.

Ray had said he would depart at 3 o’clock.

The current time was 2:38.

The bribed doctor had been so engrossed in his performance that his lengthy explanation made their timing tight.

“Miss, I brought a damp handkerchief. Quickly, wipe off those spots.”

“Thanks, Jane.”

Iva used the wet cloth to wipe the red marks from her face, while Jane busily helped her dress. After what felt like a whirlwind journey, the carriage stopped.

“We’ve arrived, Miss.”

They had reached their destination in 15 minutes, a journey that should have taken 30 minutes. But the spot where the coachman opened the door wasn’t behind the Castello mansion.

To avoid anyone seeing the Blanche’s carriage, she had to park it a bit away.

“Jane, I’ll be right bac…”

“Miss, wait!”

Just before they descended, Jane carefully placed a wide-brimmed hat on her head to obscure her identity.

“Be careful out there.”

“Don’t worry! You just relax at the hideout.”

No matter how hurried she was, she never missed giving Jane a cheery wave goodbye.

“Ha, ha…”

Holding up her dress, she dashed straight to the back of the Castello mansion.

“He’s so punctual, heuk, he’ll leave if I’m late.”

After an exhausting sprint, she turned toward the back entrance of the mansion and spotted the distant sight of the Castello’s carriage.

And right there, about to board the carriage, was the silhouette of Ray.

“Ra…!”

Just as she was about to call out his name in desperation.

Ray turned around first, having heard her footsteps. Although they were far apart, their eyes met unmistakably.

Seeing Iva, he was momentarily stunned, not believing his eyes. But realizing she wasn’t an apparition, joy broke across his face.

Their distance closed rapidly, and with a choked voice, Ray called out, 

“…Miss Iva.”

“Ha, Ugh, this dress is so uncomfortable.”

Arriving in front of him, Iva, out of breath, leaned on her knees, panting. 

“Am I… ha… still on time? Huh? Why are you in your uniform? Don’t tell me you’re not going to the Grace—”

But before she could complete her sentence, she was pulled into Ray’s embrace. Startled, Iva froze.

Yet even though she’d been the one running, his heartbeat was even more frantic.