Not Used to It

"Milord, you're back! We'll go heat some water for your bath right away!" a maid hurriedly said.

Karl waved his hand, his tone calm but weary. "No need to trouble yourselves. It's too late, so everyone should get some rest. Preparing it tomorrow morning will be fine."

He did not want to disturb the servants' already short sleep because of him.

He removed his heavy cloak, covered in dust, and handed it to the maid before walking up the stone stairs to the second floor alone.

When he reached the washroom, he did not light the lamp. Using the faint moonlight filtering through the window, he walked to the washstand and vigorously rubbed his face with cold water. The bone-chilling cold jolted him awake and slightly suppressed the restlessness in his heart.

He then went to the bedroom. Karl glanced at the adjoining bedroom, but after thinking it over, decided not to disturb his mother. She was getting older, and her sleep was already light.

He pushed open the master bedroom door as gently as possible, afraid of disturbing the person inside.

The bedroom was pitch-black and utterly quiet. Only the sound of even breathing could be heard. Princess Louise had clearly already fallen asleep.

Karl silently removed his outer clothes and boots and was just feeling his way toward the bed.

"You... you're back?" a sleepy, slightly muffled female voice suddenly came from beside the bed.

Louise had been awakened by the faint noise. Supporting herself with one arm, she sat up, and her hazy outline could just barely be seen in the darkness.

Karl turned around and lowered his voice. "Mm, I'm back. Sorry for waking you. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Louise rubbed her eyes and spoke softly. "I had some trouble sleeping. I only managed to