Leon went back to Eli's bedroom with a light dinner at hand and a bowl of medicinal concoction probably prescribed by Kayden for her recovery.
Leon carefully positioned Eli to sit up and dutifully helped her eat spoon by spoon.
At first, Eli was embarrassed and uneasy because it was the first time that she would be spoon-fed by Leon.
Not even when she gave birth to Little Han that Leon did this.
Well, probably because Azayn and Queen Tehila were there during her weakest moments.
Nevertheless, it was quite awkward for her to be treated like this by Leon. She felt like a little child in need of Leon's spoon-feeding.
Leon observed Eli's rigid face and instantly knew what was on her mind. He let out a light snort, trying to conceal the chuckle threatening to come out of his mouth.
Eli looked at her vindictively as if she was saying, "You're laughing at me now?"
It was only at rare times like this that Eli would show some kind of childishness and naivety in her usual self-reliant demeanor.
Nonetheless, he loved Eli no matter what kind of personality she would show for him.
"C'mon, don't think about anything but recover your strength." Seeing Eli's accusing face Leon tried to appease her mood.
But in his mind, he was thinking that on these days and even when they would welcome their future children, he would not get tired of doing the same thing for her.
Things as simple as spoon-feeding and carrying her injured body from here and there, he would only do that for her.
Even as he coaxed her to finish the bitter medicine, he would patiently do so.
Time passed by, and Eli finally felt the medicine kick in and felt drowsy.
The only thing she heard was Leon's calm voice as he tucked her in beside Little Han, "Sleep well, tomorrow your body will significantly recover.."
–
The morning came and Eli felt lighter, just as Leon said.
"Mommi!!!" Little Han squealed on the side as his little head looked at her mommy's sleeping figure for who knows when.
"My baby…" When Eli realized that Little Han had been anxiously watching her until she woke up, her heart melted. She slowly got up and caressed her son's face.
"Aye!" Little Han happily lay sidewards on her mother's lap, enjoying his mommy's warmth.
Eli took her in her arms and played with him with tickles and hugs.
"Jiheeeheee!" Little Han flashed his milk teeth adorably while his chubby hands touched Eli's face in delight.
"You too are finally awake." After some time, Leon knocked on the door and saw that the mother and son were having a fun time.
He smiled as he sat beside the bed and greeted the two.
"Breakfast is ready, I'll take Little Han. The maids will assist you to dress up." Leon told Eli, knowing that today will be a crucial day for her and Lainie.
Eli nodded and replied, "Alright, I'll follow you too soon."
She did not mind Leon asking the maids to take care of her. After all, it would cause rumors if she refused to be served appropriately in the Third Prince's palace where they were at the moment.
Soon she was dressed and ready for breakfast.
She was shocked to see Queen Tehila and Emperor Valentin at the breakfast table.
"Good morning, Your Majesty, Your Highness!" Eli greeted the two respectfully.
"Aiyyaa! You do not need to greet us like this! Come eat up, your body needs to recover!" Queen Tehila worriedly gestured for Eli to sit down while Emperor Valentin echoed his wife's worry while feeding Little Han on his lap.
The family of five shared their breakfast warmly, making sure not to discuss anything connected to the attack with Little Han around.
After that, Little Han was sent to his playground for today, the Farauld estate with Estelle and the rest of his adopted cousins eagerly waiting for him.
As for Leon and Eli, they quickly met with Emperor Valentin and the rest to discuss what happened.
Eli explained the events happening in detail, she also summoned Baobao who was now looking well after being reversed summoned by Eli when he was weakened by the smell of the dark purple blood.
"I could only conclude that they were trying to test the waters. However… It was quite unusual that they chose to test me all of a sudden." Eli commented.
"It was pretty obvious that they were trying to figure out if you have the ability to threaten the progress of their plans," Mishael replied and quickly gave everyone his own analysis of the matter.
From Eli's narration, it was clear that the culprit had investigated Eli beforehand.
Although most of Eli's information, especially her abilities other than what was shown in public, there are still many things that the enemy could unravel by the mere impact Eli has created within and outside the Empire.
It was not hard for the enemy to deduce that Eli might be the proponent of the tight security procedures and regulations governing the entry and exit of the visitors of the Empire.
Adding to the fact that she was able to halt the entire tournament by her mere words and successfully let the Anti-Curse committee meddle in the proceedings of the tournament, the enemy decided to be wary of Eli.
The attack was merely for the purpose of pressuring Eli to see if she had any more ability other than what was known to the public.
As to whether the enemy was satisfied or not, they did not know.
But one thing they are sure of is that the enemy is starting to move with their plans now that they have tested the waters.
"How about the results of the preliminary investigation?" Emperor Valentin looked at Nathan, who did the investigations about how the beasts entered the Empire's premises.
Nathan could only shake his head and explain the matter. "There were no other clues in the area other than the carcass of the beasts and the destroyed eye of the barrier several meters away from the location of the battle.
But we saw to it preserving the specimens for further investigation. We have also cordoned off a large part of the forest to ensure that no one would stumble there before the investigation finishes."
"It's alright. Just continue to conduct the investigation first and keep the matter off from the public ears. The finals will finish this week and we have to commence the exit of the people. We can't cause any more delays on our side."
Emperor Valentin understood Nathan's report.
It is understandable for them not to have a concrete result overnight and so they could only wait for a few days to gain something about the investigation.
The meeting ended shortly after and everyone went on their way.
Randel, Kayden, and Eli went back together for the tournament while Leon and the rest went to the forest to investigate.
Randel and Eli had to check the rehearsals of the Orchestra, while Kayden had to meet up with Sophia who was now coaching the finalist of the research category with Zeke.
"Eli, take this. Although the strength of your body is already back, your muscles are still battered by exhaustion. Drink this concoction for today."
Before they go their separate ways, Kayden gave a canister of concoction for Eli to consume.
"Thank you, big brother… But can you not make a way for my medicines to taste less bitter? At least?" Eli scratched her head as she remembered the horrifying taste of Kayden's medicine.
Even now she still felt goosebumps after remembering how it tasted.
"No no! It has to taste like this! If not, the efficiency will be reduced! Anyways I also do not have time to research a better-tasting medicine in your case!" Kayden shook his head and firmly declined her request.
Eli could not help but mumble aggrievedly, "But you can do so if it was Little Han's medicine."
"Well of course! I can do everything for my cute little boy!" He exclaimed proudly. "Alright, we are both busy! Don't whine and consume all of that."
Not waiting for Eli's answer, Kayden waved his hands and turned around. He walked hastily afraid that Eli would refuse the drink once again.
"I'll check your condition later when I go home!" He shouted at Eli once more, before continuing on his way.
But they did not know that the same pair of Amethyst eyes had already seen the two of them bickering with each other.
Arabella was now in disguise, as a normal spectator around the Institute, and managed to hear the last sentence Kayden said to Eli.
Her eyes widened in shock and disbelief. However, she did not show any sense of hostility, not letting a drop of her power leak, lest the people monitoring Eli would detect her presence.
'This b*tch lives with my Dr. Einz?!' She cursed Eli a million times in her heart.
