Chapter 226
After abruptly ending the conversation with Marcilio, I stood up. Of course, it wasn’t the most appropriate action. In public, the Executive Manager had been rude to the Duke, and personally, I had ignored the feelings of the woman who loves me.
Still, this was the best method. Staying there any longer would have had me lost in my emotions, and I would have likely said all sorts of things I didn’t mean.
“I will never dare to show my face to Your Grace again.”
Hadn’t I just said something spectacularly rash? Even as I got up to walk away, my mouth had already gone into overdrive, spewing out nonsense.
How was I supposed to act if I actually encountered her again after saying that? Wouldn’t it be so awkward?
‘Calm down.’
As I quickly walked away, I took deep breaths to collect myself. Of course, it didn’t have much effect.
It would be a lie to say I didn’t feel betrayed. If I wasn’t angry, then I must have been emotionless. Marcilio’s actions were nothing short of shocking.
Yet, the reason I had managed to escape without declaring complete disaster was due to the faint glimmer of reason still lingering in my mind.
‘He meant no harm.’
Right, while Marcilio did mess up, it wasn’t an unintentional mistake; it was deliberate.
But there was definitely no malice behind it. This wasn’t done to hurt me or for some cunning scheme. So, no matter how angry I was, it was better to think things through calmly and reach a conclusion.
“Ah, my dear. I, I…”
“Damn it.”
As I recalled Marcilio’s pitiful expression while calling my name, I couldn’t help but curse quietly.
Reason? No malice? Nonsense. That was just an excuse I was telling myself. Seeing Marcilio tremble in fear was enough to weaken my heart.
This was frustrating. The person in front of me was both pitiful and blameworthy. I felt sympathy but didn’t want to understand her.
So, I ran away. Just to take some time to gather my thoughts. Continuing a conversation with Marcilio in such a confused state would yield absolutely no good results.
‘…You could have at least said something earlier.’
A sigh escaped my lips. If only Marcilio had said something before giving me the potion, even if it had made things awkward, I wouldn’t be so angry. At least that would have respected my will. Giving me a choice would have meant I had a reason to be mad.
The problem was, Marcilio handed me the potion without a single word. Fortunately, it would take a while to take effect, but if Marcilio hadn’t spoken up, I would have transformed into something beyond human without even realizing it.
“Don’t worry about that. Your timeline will align with mine. In just 40 years, you too will be able to live for hundreds of years.”
And then I remembered how Marcilio had beamed with pride, blushing as if expecting praise.
Complicated. From the start, she should have said something instead of hiding it—or if she did hide it, she should have kept her mouth shut forever.
‘Is it a difference in species?’
If Marcilio thought she was doing something wrong to me, she would have kept it a complete secret.
In her eyes, extending my lifespan was likely a good intention. She might have believed I’d appreciate it.
…Of course, even if it was well-intentioned, I couldn’t just let it slide. It was a concern that warranted further thought.
Before long, I arrived at a space where I could think alone.
“Master?”
“It’s been a while, Butler.”
At my mansion located in the capital.
No matter how I thought about it, this was the only place. Returning to the academy in my current state would only worry others, and heading to the Information Department might lead to venting my frustrations on the Second Manager.
So, the mansion it is. If I lock myself in a room and catch a nap, it would surely cool my head. Since it was already evening, it would be fine to return to the academy tomorrow morning.
“Today seems to be a happy day, indeed. I thought I wouldn’t get to serve you until the year-end.”
The Butler, surprised by my sudden appearance, quickly composed himself and greeted me.
“I’ll prepare dinner right away.”
“Oh, no. I had a quick bite.”
Honestly, I was hungry, but right now, I wasn’t in the mood to eat anything.
“I understand.”
The Butler, briefly showing a sad expression, nodded in agreement. It wasn’t his duty to force food upon someone who didn’t want it.
Just as I was about to head to my room, I added a word in case someone came looking for me.
“If anyone asks for me, turn them away. I’ll be leaving soon anyway.”
“Yes, I will do that.”
Hearing the Butler’s response, I resumed walking. I just needed a moment to close my eyes and decide what to do next.
—Or so I thought.
“Master, Master.”
“You should be getting some sleep, Master.”
On my way to my room, I encountered Yuris, who turned out to be an unexpected hurdle. Sophia, who normally stuck by her side, was nowhere to be seen.
Anyway, Yuris, dusting the windows with a duster, rushed over to me as soon as she saw me, chattering about all sorts of things. She asked why I was here, how today there had been two egg yolks in one egg, which was an omen of my arrival, and that if I had mentioned it earlier, she would have prepared a cake.
Normally, I would have engaged a bit and played along, but I was too tired, so I merely nodded along.
Usually, that would prompt Yuris to take the hint to back off. Although she was young, she was quick on the uptake.
“But you haven’t even changed your clothes.”
Today, however, she clung stubbornly and didn’t seem to want to let go.
‘What’s up with that?’
I slyly glanced at Yuris.
Her bright, curious eyes looked up at me. On the outside, she seemed just as usual, but her actions were different. Did she want to say something?
“Do you have something you want to ask me?”
I gently ruffled Yuris’ hair. It must be tough for a maid dealing with a master. Despite me not being the type to torment my employees, the inherent class difference could be daunting.
Still, with her hovering around me like this, it seemed she had a favor to ask. Unless it was an outrageous request, I wouldn’t mind indulging her.
“Master, do you happen to have any worries?”
“Hmm?”
I didn’t expect a reverse question.
Yuris, looking at me with shining eyes, seemed genuinely curious. There was no reason for her to probe into my feelings.
Anyway, I was taken aback by the sudden question.
“…Did it show?”
“Absolutely.”
Her firm reply made me smile wryly. Even a young child could tell I wasn’t well.
If Yuris noticed, then the Butler must have picked up on it long before. He probably didn’t say anything to give me space to sort my feelings, but Yuris was still a child, and she spoke her mind.
I continued to ruffle Yuris’ hair as I organized my thoughts. Should I brush it off as nothing or share a little?
‘She already seems curious enough.’
As my fingers played with her hair, Yuris continued to gaze intently at me. When a child gets fixated on something, it lingers for a while. There wouldn’t be much point in dodging the question.
“There’s someone who made a mistake with me. I was thinking about how to deal with it.”
Eventually, I decided to say something. As long as I didn’t go into detail, I figured it might be okay, and honestly, I felt like sharing it with someone at this point.
Plus, if I told an ordinary maid, it wouldn’t leak to any strange places.
“Was it a big mistake?”
“Pretty considerable.”
“Was it intentional?”
“Seems like it.”
“How awful.”
“Right?”
Yuris’ words drew a faint smile from me.
Yeah, it really was awful. It’s shocking that they did it knowing what I had been through.
“But since you’re in deep thought, maybe you want to forgive that person?”
Her words made my hand pause for just a moment. It was so brief that it was barely noticeable as I resumed stroking her head.
Honestly, it stung a bit. Taking time to calm down and decide also meant I didn’t want to throw away my relationship with Marcilio.
If I were truly furious, if I genuinely hated Marcilio, I would have flipped the table right then and there instead of taking my time right now.
“Do you really think so?”
“You said it yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. If there’s a reason for it, and if they sincerely apologize, there’s no reason not to forgive.”
“…Me?”
“Yes!”
Seeing Yuris cheerfully exclaim this made it feel more genuine.
What was that? I was sitting here talking about my feelings with a kid who hasn’t even come of age yet? No, I couldn’t quite remember what happened that day.
As if she could read my confused expression, Yuris awkwardly continued, “Um, when you brought me and Sophia with you…”
“Oh.”
Now I recalled.
“G-Give it back…! Or I’ll stab you with this!”
I couldn’t remember the exact moment, but it was after I’d casually wandered into the ruins when I ran into Yuris.
I was starving, and Sophia was on the verge of starvation when I appeared in the alley with a loaf of bread. Seeing me, Yuris attempted to “rob” me with what seemed like a giant stone that could barely be described as an axe.
At first, I thought, “What on Earth?” Briefly, I suspected it was an assassination attempt, but seeing this girl with an embarrassment-inducing rock weapon, there was no way it was an assassination.
After that, well, I allowed the poor child to rob me. Watching her share her food with Sophia broke my heart. Seeing such a kind girl driven to desperation by the war was a heavy blow.
“I-I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry! I must have lost my mind! Sophia didn’t do anything wrong!”
Then after filling her belly, the dazed Yuris broke down in tears.
“Being remorseful is enough. Mistakes happen to everyone.”
That’s what I told Yuris back then. I assured her I didn’t hold a grudge.
“Did you remember that?”
“That saying became a turning point in my life.”
She spoke with a grin, and I felt a little awkward.
Hadn’t it been my duty to look after someone stuck in such a tragic situation?
“Thanks for the advice.”
After thinking for a moment, I patted Yuris on the head.
Yeah, forgiveness is one method. I might consider it.
Of course, forgiving someone right away was asking too much. For now, the best I could do was suppress my anger.
*
While the master stated that he wouldn’t be having dinner, I informed the kitchen to prepare something light in case he changed his mind later on. It was best to have something ready for a simple meal if he decided he wanted to eat.
Besides that, I also checked the garden visible from the master’s room and ensured that the other amenities were in order. Whether my master returned to the academy tomorrow was not a consideration; my sole duty as a servant was to give my best for him.
As I was checking the mansion, unbelievable news reached me from the guard stationed at the entrance.
“Who’s here?”
“The Duke has arrived.”
An unexpected guest. This mansion often goes without visitors since my master is seldom home. Even though he was here today, who would notice that he’d be staying just a day?
And to top it off, that guest was the Duke—the one who had stirred quite the commotion lately. The woman who held feelings for my master.
“…Since the master has dismissed visitors, please kindly send her away.”
Instinctively, I pondered how to receive her, but my master had already ordered that guests be turned away. Then, sending her back was the only option.
“Uh, Butler?”
The guard hesitated even at my words.
“I’m sorry, but… I really think you should see this in person.”
Upon hearing that, a wave of unease washed over me.
I couldn’t believe the sight before my eyes.
‘What in the world…’
I finally understood the reason for the guard’s shock. It was surprising enough that he had come all the way to report.
The closer I got to the entrance, the clearer a white figure became. The clearer she got, the more unbelievable her appearance looked.
“B-Butler!?”
As soon as she spotted me approaching, the guard exclaimed hurriedly. Following his gaze, I turned to see Marcilio.
And just as our eyes met, I nearly closed mine in shock.
‘What is going on?’
Marcilio looked dreadful. Her eyes were rimmed with red, tears streaming without end, and her face was scarlet, likely from the cold.
Moreover, her long hair hung down, matted with dirt and dust, and her clothes looked like she’d stumbled or fell, in a rather terrible state.
‘…Barefoot.’
In that mess, there she was, barefoot. Had she lost her shoes by falling?
It was heartbreaking. Had I not heard the report of her arrival, I would never have guessed this was Marcilio.
“B-Butler…?”
“Y-Yes. I’m Wallace, the Butler managing this mansion.”
In an instinctive reaction, I lowered my head as I spoke.
While bowing, I caught a glimpse of something Marcilio was clutching tightly.
Despite being covered in filth, she held onto the comb like it was the one clean thing she had left, almost with the determination that it could never be sullied.
“Butler…”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Is my dear… is my dear here…?”
Seeing her miserable condition, I could not muster the nerve to declare that guests were dismissed.
What on earth had my master done out there?
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