Translator: Nox

Chapter 29

Episode 29

"Marquis, I have urgent news."

Arjen had gone out for business this morning and returned to the mansion late in the afternoon.

Thus, he heard about the commotion in the mansion belatedly.

Rihart, whom he had personally confined in the basement, had broken the Mana Shackles and escaped.

Arjen's expression crumpled upon hearing that.

"So what happened?"

A smile formed on the butler's face as he continued explaining in response to Arjen's irritated question.

"No need to worry, Marquis."

"Why?"

"We've recaptured him."

Arjen felt doubtful at the butler's succinct answer.

Was there someone in this mansion capable of subduing Rihart, who had broken the Mana Shackles and escaped?

As if reading his doubt, the butler spoke again.

"Heir Yurta Herthas visited the mansion today."

"And?"

"Heir Yurta actively cooperated in subduing and recapturing 'him'."

"Why would Heir Yurta do that?"

Thinking back now, he didn't understand why Yurta Herthas had gotten so heated about the monster's escape, but the butler decided to think it was a good thing.

He inferred it was to curry favor with Arjen.

It was well-known that Dillon, the first son of Hertas, and Yurta, the second son, were fiercely competing for the family head position.

Thus, aligning with Arjen would benefit Yurta Herthas.

"Who knows. I don't know his exact intentions, but isn't it out of regard for you, Marquis?"

Strangely, his master looked displeased.

After a long silence, a peculiar smile formed on Arjen's lips.

"Right. Since he helped us, we should repay him accordingly."

A strange glint appeared in Arjen's green eyes.

"Prepare a banquet."

"Understood."

* * *

"...Rosie, are you okay?"

Emily cautiously spoke as she watched me remain burrowed under the blankets, refusing to come out for a long time.

But I was still lost in deep thought.

She had no idea how terrified I was, left alone in the Maze Garden.

An obsessive main lead followed by a sub-lead...

Recalling that moment sent shivers down my entire body.

<Got you.>

The moment Rihart grabbed my shoulder, his other arm wrapped around my waist.

Startled, I squeezed my eyes shut reflexively and waited tremblingly for what would happen next.

However, contrary to my expectations, nothing followed.

When I slightly lifted my eyelids, his hand slipped down futilely.

'Huh?'

Rihart's face, always relaxed with a smile, was contorted.

His pure white eyelashes trembled faintly.

Like someone in shock, he backed away from me a few steps. His hurried gesture of covering his mouth as he retreated was bizarre.

<You...>

Finally, Rihart spoke.

I stood frozen like a nail had been driven into me, staring blankly at Rihart.

<What have you done to me...>

What did I do?

If anything, you're the one who tried to do something to me?

With those words, Rihart collapsed.

He bent one knee and fell to the ground.

As if trying to cling to his fading consciousness, he blinked rapidly and gripped the grass like he was tearing it out.

<Sister.>

Yurta didn't miss that moment and approached Rihart with his sword at his throat.

But inexplicably, Yurta's condition was also poor.

His flushed face was covered by his large hand over his nose and mouth.

Looking down, I saw his sword-holding arm trembling.

<Sister.>

<...Why are you calling me?>

I had no idea how to explain this situation.

So I just stood there blankly.

<It would be best if you returned with me.>

<I said before that I like it here.>

<No.>

Yurta smiled with an incomprehensible expression and spoke confidently.

<You'll hate this place soon.>

<What?>

<You'll want to go back with me.>

Very, very desperately.

I scoffed at his words. I had no reason to wish for that, and the real Rosie seemed to dislike Yurta too.

<No one can protect you but me.>

<I'll protect myself.>

<You said that before too, sister, but you always struggled to even take care of yourself.>

Was there some issue between Rosie and Yurta?

Not being the original Rosie, I couldn't follow the flow of Yurta's words at all.

I just coldly responded, pretending to be Rosie to avoid being exposed as an imposter.

<You'll regret that choice.>

<...>

<Definitely.>

I listened quietly to his warning, not even knowing what it was about.

The moment a bright smile appeared on Yurta's shadowed face.

<The monster is here!>

With a knight's shout, the clanking sound of metal armor rubbing together rang out.

It was knights in armor.

They widened their eyes at the collapsed Rihart, then looked at Yurta.

<...Did you do it, Heir?>

What should we do, sister?

Yurta looked at me as if asking my opinion, and I signaled with my eyes.

Say you did it.

<Yes, I did.>

Fortunately, unlike Emily, Yurta perfectly understood 'talk with your eyes'.

Thus, the commotion ended.

'One thing is certain...'

The moment I left the Evantes Mansion, my future became utterly unpredictable.

Would Yurta leave me alone?

The reason Rosie had survived unscathed until now might be because she stayed in the Evantes Mansion.

"Rosie, by any chance, are you shocked because of what happened today..."

Before Emily could finish, a knock sounded.

"Rosie, the butler is calling for you."

...I knew he'd call me eventually.

Hiding my despair, I staggered out of bed.

I left the room under Emily's worried gaze and followed the maid who had guided me.

"Rosie."

As Butler Fram approached me, the maid who had brought me here quietly left.

"...Yes."

"I heard 'he' was looking for you."

"Ah..."

I immediately realized 'he' referred to Rihart.

I hoped I wouldn't get implicated in Rihart's escape and cause problems.

As I grew anxious, the butler placed a hand on my shoulder.

"What happened between you two?"

"...I-I just served his meals."

"How do you serve meals and have that monster hunt you down to kill you?"

...Huh?

Was the story distorted? That Rihart was trying to kill me?

Well, I thought that at first too.

"I'm not calling you to reprimand you for today's incident."

I bowed my head quick-wittedly.

"Your resignation date is approaching soon, so I called you about that."

Ah, right.

I need to tell him I'll work a bit longer.

"Um..."

"I've spoken to the Head Maid about your severance pay. You've already worked here for over a year."

"I, um..."

"It's not that long, but considering your diligent work so far, I've prepared a generous amount."

"Th-that is..."

"If you want, I'll write you a letter of recommendation for future opportunities."

I needed to say I'd continue working, but the butler had prepared everything, making it hard to speak up.

"So, what were you going to say?"

"I'll keep working..."

"Your voice is so quiet. What?"

Embarrassed, my voice lost momentum automatically.

"Are you refusing the letter of recommendation?"

No, no.

Please let me finish, Butler.

"Take the letter just in case. Even though you're leaving the mansion now..."

"I'm resigning?"

A voice interrupted the butler's words.

At that moment, my body stiffened. My bones felt frozen, unable to move freely.

Lifting my head at the chilling sensation, I met ecstatic red eyes.

...Yurta.