Some hours later, Gon was deemed well enough to return to the castle.
His mother and a few guards came to escort him back.
The moment she saw him, the Duchess rushed forward, her elegant robes billowing behind her.
Despite her usual composed demeanor, there was no mistaking the worry in her eyes.
She reached for him immediately, her hands cool against his flushed skin as she bent down to check his forehead.
Gon stood still, allowing her touch, though a part of him felt guilty for making her worry.
Her brows knitted together as she pressed her palm lightly against his skin, her gaze searching his face for any lingering signs of fever or distress.
Gon offered a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Mother. Really."
She nodded when she found his temperature satisfactory. "Truly, you're better now," she said, relief evident in her voice.
"Yes, Mother," Gon replied, offering her a small smile. "I told you, I'm fine."
