Chapter 669: Longing
Knock, knock.
A knock on the door interrupted Joseph, who had already changed into his nightwear. He frowned slightly and heard a soft voice outside, "Your Highness, may I trouble you for a moment?"
It was Perna.
Edmond Cossard had discreetly "disappeared" the moment Perna appeared at the staircase leading to Joseph's quarters.
Joseph glanced at his nightclothes, then casually threw on his cavalry jacket. "Please, come in," he said.
His attire was somewhat informal, but this was not Versailles, so strict etiquette was unnecessary.
The door opened, and Perna, dressed impeccably in her white medical uniform, entered with her head slightly bowed. She quickly curtsied and stammered, "Y-Your Highness, I… I wanted to ask about something… um…"
She straightened her posture and spoke with more clarity, "Your Highness, the method you used to save Camellia yesterday—is it called 'cardiopulmonary resuscitation' and 'artificial respiration'?"
Joseph nodded. "Yes, they're both part of a broader technique known as 'CPR.' It's not only used to treat drowning victims but also to respond to cardiac arrest or shock.
"The principle behind it is to…"
Before he could finish, Perna interrupted, "Your Highness, could you teach me CPR? I mean… as a doctor, I really want to learn…"
"Of course," Joseph agreed immediately. He had taught Perna medical techniques before, so it was a natural request. He raised his hands, gesturing as he explained. "The first thing you need to remember is the rhythm: '120 compressions, 30:2.'
"That means you should perform 120 chest compressions per minute, press firmly, and alternate 30 compressions with two breaths of artificial respiration."
Perna listened intently and repeated the instructions. "Interlock my hands, place them two fingers above the end of the ribcage, and press down.
"Yes, maintain the rhythm. Like this?"
Joseph observed her movements and shook his head slightly. "Your angle is off. You need to apply your body weight into the compressions. Ideally, you should practice on an actual subject."
He considered calling Edmond in to assist, but before he could act, Perna had stepped closer, her delicate hands hovering near his chest. "Is this the right spot?" she asked.
Joseph nodded, then pulled the mattress onto the floor and lay down on it. "Alright, this is just practice, so please be gentle. Don't go breaking my ribs."
Perna chuckled, her nerves easing a little. She knelt beside him and began practicing chest compressions.
"Oof—ah… yes, that's it," Joseph winced but nodded. "You're picking it up quickly.
"After 30 compressions, you'll need to blow air into the patient's lungs. Like this—pinch the nose with one hand, seal the mouth with yours, and blow firmly."
He started to sit up. "You could practice this part with one of your friends…"
Before he could finish, Perna's slender fingers moved to pinch his nose.
She used her other hand to gently open his mouth.
Then, her soft, smooth lips pressed down on his.
"Phew—"
The breath she exhaled carried a faint, floral fragrance. It was gentle, not forceful, and carried a hint of shyness.
"Ah, this…"
Before Joseph could react, Perna inhaled deeply and leaned down again, her rosy lips meeting his once more.
Joseph's heart raced as warmth flooded his body.
When the kiss broke, Joseph was surprised to find himself feeling a sense of loss.
Perna, her cheeks flushed red, leaned back slightly but kept her emerald-green eyes fixed on his face.
Joseph cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. "Ahem, that was… very well done. Excellent technique. In the future, you…"
Before he could finish, Perna whispered, "Your Highness, I'm so happy."
"Ah?"
"To be honest, all day today, I couldn't stop wishing I had been the one who fell into the river."
Her gaze turned unwavering, and she clutched the pocket of her white coat. "I know my humble origins, but I can't help it—I've fallen in love with you.
"Ever since that day when you suddenly appeared in the kitchen, I've been utterly captivated by you. There's no turning back."
"I, uh…"
"Please, let me finish!" Perna's voice was soft yet firm. "I don't expect anything in return. I only wish to stay by your side forever.
"In that moment earlier, I felt as if my soul was melting. I prayed to God that it would last forever.
"I don't know what I'm saying… my heart's racing… but, Your Highness, I beg you, let me stay by your side until the day God calls me away."
Joseph felt a warmth spread through his chest. Or was it just his imagination?
Memories began to flood his mind—Perna meticulously checking on his health, her gentle voice asking about his well-being. She had been by his side through arduous journeys and battlefields alike, always quietly supporting him. Even when plagued by severe seasickness, she had followed him to sea without hesitation.
It occurred to him that he had grown accustomed to her constant presence in his life.
He looked into her tear-filled eyes and said softly, "Perna… thank you, truly."
Tears glistened in her eyes, but a radiant smile spread across her face. She suddenly leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Joseph's neck.
Her lips, warm and tender, met his in a kiss that was neither rushed nor uncertain. It lingered, trembling slightly, as if unsure of what to do next.
Joseph felt as though he was enveloped in a boundless tenderness. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around her slender figure, tilting his head to deepen the kiss.
Perna clung tightly to him, like a koala hugging a sturdy eucalyptus tree. In a trembling voice, she whispered, "Your Highness, I love you. Like leaves yearning to fall into the earth's embrace…"
Above the Boroscaphe, clouds parted to reveal the moon. Its silvery light spilled onto the Seine, draping the river in a veil of shimmering silk.
The steamship lay quietly on the water, bathed in the moonlight, as if it were part of an oil painting—serene and elegant.
When dawn broke over the Boroscaphe, the gleaming new steamship seemed to radiate a newfound maturity. With a whistle of its steam horn, it set off from the harbor, carrying with it dreams of the future.
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