"My lord, please drink this."
"...Thank you."
Azriel accepted the glass of water Mio handed him, but instead of drinking, he merely stared at the clear liquid. His fingers trembled faintly, his face devoid of any emotion as he sat at the edge of Mio's bed.
Mio watched him closely, the concern etched across her face appearing genuine—so genuine that Azriel almost allowed himself to believe it was real. After several heavy seconds, he finally broke the silence, his voice soft and almost a whisper.
"...I don't think I can go to the village."
"Y-you don't have to worry about that, my lord! Your health is what's most important!"
Azriel said nothing in response. After a hesitant moment, he lifted the glass and drained it in one swift motion. Ignoring Mio's gaze—a gaze that secretly frightened him—he closed his eyes tightly and gritted his teeth.
He didn't want to do it. He didn't want to take the next step... didn't want to confirm it.
