Volume 7, Chapter 67 – The Sleeping and Awakening Beauty

As it turned out, after Fia placed Anastasia back on the bed, Anastasia slept the entire night.

Perhaps it was due to the fever—Fia thought the more likely reason was physical decline—but Anastasia didn’t wake up even after the sun rose the next day.

After removing the towel used for cold compress from Anastasia’s forehead and tossing it into the water basin, Fia replaced it with a fresh towel. She gazed at Anastasia’s face for a long while without speaking.

The tranquil, deep sleep was just like the sleeping beauty from stories.

Golden hair spread freely over the white pillow and sheets. Eyes gently closed. Though her form was covered by a cool, thin blanket, because the silk coverlet was so sheer and Anastasia’s figure was so perfectly proportioned, her body, almost like a work of art, was also presented before her eyes. From delicate shoulders to ample bosom, then from the waist to hips tracing a stunning S-curve, down to rounded, slender thighs, her gaze followed all the way to lovely ankles that invited daydreams. Even lying here quietly, she was like a witch luring one into the abyss.

But Fia had no desire to appreciate it.

She’s been asleep for twenty hours now.

Fia calculated silently. Throughout, Anastasia showed no sign of waking, and Fia, worried about a swap occurring, had stayed by her side the whole time. During this period, Claire, Liti, Milu, and Friede came to check, offering to take shifts, but Fia declined.

Now, the only small consolation was Claire saying that, thanks to Anastasia’s weak strength, crafting a body was proceeding much faster than imagined. However, exactly how long it would take remained unknown, as Claire had never used this magic before.

It had become the last hope.

Realizing this, Fia sighed. Anastasia not waking meant the swap hadn’t happened yet, which differed from when this world’s Anastasia fell into deep sleep. Back then, the swap occurred unexpectedly the same night as this world Anastasia lost her memory. Now, nearly a full day had passed since Anastasia lost her memory, yet the swap still hadn’t begun. Their situations might need to be considered separately.

Could it be that because I’ve been observing Anastasia constantly, the swap hasn’t started? That would be too bizarre. I must have blinked or left temporarily at some point.

In any case, no swap occurring was good. If she could just keep sleeping like this until Claire prepares the vessel and transfers Anastasia to the new body, then both Anastasias could exist simultaneously, and everyone could be happily together.

Fia thought optimistically.

A maid would come in later to take the water basin. Fia wasn’t in a hurry. She sat down on the chair placed by the bedside. This chair with a backrest used to serve only for her to sit on while Anastasia helped her dress. She never expected it could now serve the reverse purpose of caring for Anastasia.

Subconsciously, Fia leaned forward, reached her hands under the thin blanket covering Anastasia, and gently took hold of her hands.

Still feverish, but not as hot as before.

Anastasia helping me get dressed…

It happened just a few days ago, and Fia even remembered Anastasia jealously, angrily shooing away those twin maids. Yet now, it felt like a distant past, hard to reclaim.

It must be the same for Anastasia regarding these feelings. Afraid of returning to that other world, knowing that once gone, she might never return. Then, whenever she recalls the little moments spent here, even the most mundane, trivial daily routines that seemed insignificant at the time, they would become cherished, painfully suffocating memories.

Because she feared the pain of recollection, that’s why she went crazy in that house, pushing Fia down, wanting Fia to hate her, to make the beautiful memories ugly, so both would seal those memories deep away due to their unbearable nature.

But that was an extremely naive notion. Anastasia was too impulsive then, not realizing that even if parts of the memory became tainted, the beautiful parts would still remain. Then, contrasting the two, she would only feel more remorse for her actions.

Holding Anastasia’s hands wasn’t enough. Fia gently moved her thumbs, feeling the delicate touch of Anastasia’s skin under her fingertips.

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There’s still so much left unsaid. How can you just keep sleeping like this? Fia couldn’t help but regret. Back in the magic testing ground, why hadn’t she been more forceful, just kissed Anastasia then?

“What a fool.”

She couldn’t help but utter words unclear about whom they were directed.

“Mmm…”

Suddenly, another voice sounded in the room. Anastasia’s hand twitched in response. Fia hurriedly let go and stood up abruptly from the chair.

“Anastasia?!”

Seeming not fully awake yet, Anastasia opened her half-drowsy eyes. She turned her head towards Fia, revealing a weak, sickly pale smile.

“Your… Your Highness…”

She’s finally awake.

And the swap hasn’t happened.

The stone hanging in her heart finally dropped. Fia let out a long sigh of relief. As Anastasia tried to sit up, she quickly brought a new pillow to prop Anastasia up higher. Anastasia was thus sitting halfway up on the bed, her originally pale complexion gradually regaining a normal rosy hue during the process.

Anastasia reached up, touched her forehead, and removed the towel placed there, asking curiously.

“…Did I have a fever?”

“Mhm, but much better than yesterday.”

“Yesterday?”

Anastasia was momentarily stunned, then turned to look out the window. Rain was pattering down outside, branches swaying left and right in the wind. No one else was in the room.

Her expression turned bitter. She pinched the damp towel with one hand.

“It’s already morning… I slept so long. Was Your Highness waiting for me to wake up the whole time?”

“Pretty much. You slept a whole day.”

“To have you take care of me like this… this should be my job.”

Saying this, Anastasia’s expression held more wry amusement than guilt. She also understood that given her current physical state, demanding such things was just making things difficult for herself.

Sensing the impending silence, Anastasia glanced at Fia’s hand resting on the bed.

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“You were holding my hand just now, calling someone a fool.”

“Wasn’t calling you. I was calling myself.”

“So it’s true you were holding my hand and stroking it constantly.”

A knowing, leisurely smile appeared in Anastasia’s clear blue eyes, like an older sister gently teasing Fia for secretly harassing her while she slept.

In response, Fia openly took hold of Anastasia’s hand resting outside the blanket again right in front of her. Though Fia was also embarrassed, she felt this was the right thing to do now.

“What’s wrong? We’re lovers, after all. Just holding hands is no big deal.”

“Ah…”

For a moment, Anastasia wanted to pull her hand back, but soon gave up. She let Fia hold her hand, looking into Fia’s eyes with a smile.

“You didn’t do anything indescribable to me while I was asleep, did you?”

“You guess.”

“I guess not.”

“Why? I reached under the blanket, kept touching you. Besides, even through a blanket, your body makes my heart race. A normal person would be tempted to take some advantage, right? Like sneak a kiss, or touch places not meant to be touched…”

“Because you are Your Highness, so you wouldn’t do such things.”

Anastasia stated without a hint of shyness or panic.

“Despite being surrounded by so many outstanding girls, you haven’t chosen anyone except Miss Claire. Even the Holy Son and Beastman Queen who practically offered themselves were turned away. I’m just a mere maid; how could you lay hands on me?”

“A ‘mere maid’ who proposed becoming my lover and succeeded?”

“Well…” Anastasia looked away sheepishly. She finally yielded, blushing, smiling helplessly. “If that’s what Your Highness wished, I certainly wouldn’t refuse. Sneaking a kiss while I’m unaware, or touching places not usually allowed… Rather than saying Your Highness took advantage, it would be me taking advantage of you. I would be even happier and more expectant than you…”

Here, Anastasia’s other free hand also reached over. She clasped the hand Fia was holding, her face still smiling, but her lively blue eyes held more seriousness.

“Besides, I can’t do anything in my current state. If that would make Your Highness happy, I would be happy too.”

But that would just be treating Anastasia as a tool.

Fia pouted.

“I don’t like using someone who can’t move or respond as an object. Tell me these things when Anastasia can move on her own. You’re an adult elf over a hundred and twenty years old, yet you have less experience than me.”

“Isn’t that also because of you? The owner of this body maintained the resolve to never marry anyone but you for a lifetime.”

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“Such a resolve?”

“Guaranteed genuine.”

So I won’t have to worry about Anastasia marrying someone else in the future.

Unexpectedly gained significant information.

Though knowing it didn’t make her happy.

“This topic ends here. You, as both a maid and an older sister, what kind of knowledge are you imparting to your master? If Mother Yulisha found out, she’d surely make you regret it—Anastasia must be hungry, right? What would you like to eat? Anything is fine.”

Releasing Anastasia’s hand, Fia stood up. That Anastasia could joke with her now meant her physical condition wasn’t too bad. Even just talking like this was better than lying asleep and silent earlier.

Her mood brightened.

“Anything? Then I’d like to eat food made by Your Highness.”

“That’s a no.” Fia denied without hesitation. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to cook for Anastasia, but that she couldn’t. Cooking was a far more profound art than magic. “I can only produce charcoal. Would Anastasia like it grilled by [Fairy Fire] or by [Flame Storm]? I must state upfront, the latter would turn it into charcoal powder.”

“Pfft.”

Amused by Fia’s remark, Anastasia struggled to sit up fully, seemingly intending to get out of bed. Fia quickly pressed down on Anastasia’s shoulders.

“What does Anastasia want to do? You’re still very weak; you shouldn’t get out of bed casually.”

Fia didn’t want to see her not waking up again.

Pushed back onto the bed, Anastasia sighed helplessly.

“I needed to attend to physiological issues. I can’t have Your Highness care for me like a baby. Unless… is Your Highness perverted enough to want to watch me…? Even for you, I wouldn’t allow that. It’s not ladylike at all.”

Embarrassment colored Fia’s cheeks.

“Uh, I understand. I’ll ask Milu to make some breakfast and bring it up. If anything happens, remember to call out loudly. There are maids right outside the door.”

“Am I that fragile…”

Finding Fia’s meticulous care amusing, Anastasia watched Fia hurry out of the room with pattering steps. She then put on her slippers and walked slowly to the bathroom in the partition—passing a mirror, she specially glanced at her attire. She wore only a nightgown, not even undergarments. The faintly revealed outlines and colors made her blush. She didn’t know if it was Her Highness or another maid from the residence who dressed her. Anastasia hoped it was the former.

…

Not long after, breakfast was brought before Anastasia. When Fia returned to the room, Anastasia had already changed into her usual lavender dress, her golden hair neatly combed and tied into a beautiful bun. She sat at the round table with one hand supporting her head, looking rather bored.

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“Here. Thinking Anastasia might fall asleep again anytime, I asked Milu to quickly prepare some simple dishes. Milu learned from you and Claire; her cooking tastes very good.”

Though just sandwiches, fried bacon, and milk—dishes requiring little skill—they were quite delicious for breakfast. Just the smell of the heated milk made Fia’s appetite surge.

“Only for me? What about yours, Your Highness?”

“I’ve already eaten.”

This wasn’t a lie. While Anastasia slept, she had indeed eaten. After all, with Anastasia asleep, she had nothing to do but find ways to pass the time.

Anastasia still hadn’t touched her cutlery. She looked at the food on the plate, seeming at a loss.

“Not to your taste?”

“No. I can see some of the skill comes from me. Even if it’s not made by Your Highness, I’m curious about the taste. It’s just… this round table is where you read and write. You said before that you dislike eating in the bedroom, so…”

It was hesitation over “This is a desk for writing. Her Highness hasn’t even eaten on it; how can I use it as a dining table?” Finding it quite offensive.

Surprisingly, Fia could understand. She had a slight cleanliness obsession too.

But today was an exception.

“At a time like this, still worrying about rules? I’m the one who brought the food to you. Anastasia can eat with peace of mind.”

“Then I’ll be happy to accept…”

Just as her fork touched the bacon, Anastasia’s movements suddenly halted. A mischievous, sly smile appeared on her face.

“May I make a very excessive request of Your Highness?”

“You mean asking me to feed you mouth-to-mouth?”

“Eh?!” This answer clearly exceeded Anastasia’s expectations. Her eyes widened instantly, her face reddening as she waved her hands repeatedly. “N-no, no! No matter what, it wouldn’t go that far. I just wanted to ask Your Highness to brew a cup of flower tea for me.”

Just brewing tea, that’s not excessive, is it?

“…I’ve never brewed tea before. I’m a complete young lady. The taste definitely won’t compare to yours.”

“It’s fine. I’ll teach you how. The tea set… right, it’s still with me.”

Anastasia reached into her storage item and took out the silver tea set Fia had seen before.