Everything in life had to be maintained once in a while, just like Herta’s puppets. This includes people too, though; however, Herta had forgotten this fact due to how deep her nose was in her studies.

She had always assumed that you would be fine with one of her puppets by your side to help protect you and do certain actions; it was her job as your significant other to do so anyway. She had maintained the doll so much that she forgot you needed maintenance too.

She was so busy that she didn’t have much time for you, so you could imagine her surprise when Screwllum informed her that the Antimatter Legion struck and you got locked in the crossfire.

She had inquired more from Screwllum but learned that the doll wasn’t strong enough to protect you. So what happened to you? There was only one way to find out: heading there herself.

All just to find Asta and Arlan sending scientists away to the infirmary, pushing a medical bed with your unconscious body on it. Cuts and bruises. If only she had spent more time with you, she wouldn’t have felt so guilty.

Did she ever really care if she wasn’t there to help you herself?… She was starting to doubt herself. If she was Nous’ Emanator, why couldn’t she anticipate her doll losing the battle? That... her doll wasn’t enough...

That you were hurting.

It was never the puppets that needed maintenance; it was you, and she was negligent of that. But now she was aware of what she did wrong. She should’ve spent more time with you. She should’ve been there to help you.

So now, that’s why she was here in the infirmary, refusing to leave your side until you awoke from your coma. Her hands gently gripping the hem of her dress, her hat covering her face. She wasn’t leaving, no matter what. She would even sleep here if she had to.

She didn’t want to leave you alone anymore; what if you got hurt again? It had been a few weeks since then, and she hasn’t left the room once other than for the bathroom or food. “I hope you’re okay,” she murmured, sitting by your side.