The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 86: What Can Someone Like Me Even Do?

Chapter 86: What Can Someone Like Me Even Do?

Rosalie slowly opened her eyes and lazily shifted her body, only to be met with a sudden, throbbing ache in her lower back, as though an invisible force clenched her insides with formidable strength. Initially attributing this discomfort to an awkward sleeping position from the previous night, she gradually awakened and sat upright in bed, her realization dawning.

"My period has begun!"

With a brisk movement, she attempted to rise, only to be instantly thwarted by an unexpectedly intense surge of pain that seized her lower back, nearly causing her to lose consciousness. Rosalie retreated onto her bed, curling her body into a protective ball, her arms wrapped around her knees. She then closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, endeavoring to endure the relentless waves of discomfort.

’Wow, Rosalie’s body is grappling with the most severe cramps I have ever experienced. It strikes me that this is the first time I have menstruated since I woke up in this body. Could malnourishment be a factor? I noticed that I have gained some weight recently... Nevertheless, I guess this is good news. After all, that talk about giving up my child was rather depressing, it’s good that I am at least not pregnant after exchanging Acme with Damien.’

Having endured an additional half an hour in bed, wrestling with excruciating, mind-numbing cramps and silently mourning the absence of such a vital necessity as sanitary pads, Lady Ashter eventually resolved to get up. She hoped that a nice warm bath might alleviate the torment her body was experiencing.

’I wonder if Altair can relieve me from menstrual cramps too... Maybe they at least have some painkillers, I don’t think I will be able to last long if this continues with the same level of intensity.’

Her desperate conjectures, however, veered far from the mark – the bath did not help her in the slightest, while constantly moving her body around only seemed to have worsened the pain which now doubled and located itself in both her lower back and lower abdomen.

"Good morning, My Lady! Since you did not summon me, I have taken the liberty of approaching you instead. His Grace has been eagerly anticipating your presence at the breakfast table for... quite some time now..."

Although Aurora entered the room with the grace of a refreshing spring breeze, her initial cheerfulness swiftly dissipated upon beholding her lady, who was now huddled into a wretched, pallid ball, emitting faint groans akin to those of a dying creature.

"My goodness! Lady Rosalie, are you in pain?!"

The maid hastened toward her mistress, sinking to her knees before the bedside, where she tenderly caressed the girl’s pale, perspiring face. Her own face bore a complex blend of anxiety and distress. From within her blanket cocoon, Rosalie cast a playful pout – she yearned for sympathy and care, recognizing that another woman was her prime target for solace.

"Aurora... My period has begun... Might I trouble you for some relief from this pain?"

"Oh, my..."

***

Damien found himself losing count of the numerous times he had painstakingly readjusted both his hair and attire. His nerves were on edge as he impatiently awaited Rosalie’s arrival. Yet, it appeared that the lady had no intention of joining him for a meal.

Anxiously, he directed his cold, golden gaze toward the round clock adorning the opposite wall. His brows furrowed in a blend of disappointment and vexation, his restless mind meandering down yet another distressing path.

’Is her absence a result of lingering resentment? Is she contemplating avoiding me altogether from now on?’

Such a disheartening conclusion served only to intensify his inner turmoil. The prospect of Lady Ashter distancing herself from him was a scenario he wished to avoid at all costs. Yet, he found himself grappling with the conundrum of how to engage her sensibilities without actually engaging in a conversation. His predicament appeared increasingly dire, bordering on hopelessness.

Finally, the dining hall door swung open with a faint creak, causing the duke to startle from his chair. However, his anticipation quickly transformed into a subdued disappointment as his gaze fell upon the unexpected guest.

"Oh, Miss Aurora..."

The maid greeted her master with an awkward bow, her voice tinged with a touch of timidity.

"I apologize, Your Grace, but Lady Rosalie has requested that I convey her intention to dine within her chambers for the next few days. Her condition restricts her mobility more than she would prefer."

Damien’s eyes widened, his expressions clouded with concern.

"What has occurred? Is she unwell? Does she require medical attention, or perhaps the guidance of a Priest?"

Remarkably heartened by the duke’s evident concern, Aurora released a brief sigh and gently shook her head.

"No, it is not that serious, Your Grace. It is a... female issue if you know what I mean."

"I beg your pardon?"

For a brief moment, Damien’s mind went completely blank. What exactly could that possibly mean? What kind of feminine issue would prevent a woman from freely moving around and confine her to her chambers? His anxious thoughts played out across his shifting gaze, prompting the compassionate maid to come to his aid.

"I speak of the female issue that afflicts women once a month, Your Grace."

"Ah..."

As the awkward realization finally dawned upon him, the man came perilously close to collapsing into his chair, his face aflame with embarrassment. Seeking to preserve his dignity, he shielded his crimson skin with both hands, carelessly looking away.

In a display of remarkable decorum, Aurora chose to gracefully overlook the duke’s rather comical discomfiture. She was on the verge of departing the room when she paused, pivoting to address Damien once more. With tact and benevolence, she offered him a piece of invaluable counsel.

"I do apologize if I am overstepping, Your Grace, but I believe Lady Rosalie would greatly appreciate your extra attention during these times. She grapples with considerable discomfort and pain. Having someone who cares for her close by might offer her much-needed solace."

Offering the duke a friendly smile and an encouraging nod, the maid left the room, closing the door behind her. Damien, utterly perplexed by the woman’s comment, stared blankly at the closed door for a good few minutes before finally rising to his feet, his face still covered with a shade of genuine bewilderment.

"But what can someone like me even do?"