A Hawk Flies Alone
I received a letter first thing in the morning.
On the elegant stationery, it was written that Epindel would be absent today.
The reason stated was for personal matters.
Yes, I received a similar letter...
But as of this morning, nobody has left their quarters.
Thanks for the info.
Actually...
While I was cleaning this morning, I passed by Ms. Epindel's room.
I thought I heard... coughing.
Coughing?
Yes, but when I knocked, there was no answer.
I might've been mistaken, but I thought I should tell you anyway.
Got it.
I headed to Epindel's room.
I didn't hear anything inside, but as I stood quietly at the door...
...*Cough*
Just as I thought.
Epindel, you're in there, right?
I know you're inside. I'm coming in.
W-wait! Don't just barge in like that...!
...
This really won't do, Captain.
Do I need to remind you that silence doesn't equal consent?
Are you feeling okay?
As you can see, I'm perfectly fine.
Your face is bright red.
...
And the bed sheets are soaked.
That's... because of the room temperature—
...*Cough*
I placed a hand on her forehead.
You're burning up.
...
*Sigh* Fine. I admit it. I've failed to maintain proper self-care.
Didn't expect to be found out by you, of all people. This is a disgrace to the title of Falconet.
Why's it such a big deal if I find out?
...
I looked around her room.
It was spotless and sterile.
You wrote the letter, packed things away. You did it all yourself, didn't you?
And what of it?
You're a noble. From a prestigious house.
Why handle everything alone, even when you're sick?
...
A hawk always flies alone.
Whether it's hunting or flying through a storm.
As the king of the skies, it has no need to flock with others.
That's all.
It didn't feel like that was all.
But now wasn't the time to press a sick girl for answers.
Have you eaten?
Hmm?
No, I haven't felt hungry...
Wait, pottage? But how will you even...
...You'll make it yourself?
Lie back down.
Huh? W-wait! Don't push—
Ngh!
This is outrageous...!
I once saw hawks hunt together.
...What?
It was a long time ago.
They weren't fighting—just circling the sky together.
...
It didn't make them look weak or pitiful, either.
Isn't that enough of a reason?
...
Of course not.
What you saw was...
Hmm?
...Never mind. Forget it.
Epindel said nothing more and quietly lay down.
I spent the rest of the day tending to her.
What you saw was...
a hawk that had finally found its mate.