《I Tried to Avoid The Male Lead, But I Made Harem》 Chapter 1 - Not high-level waste. 1. Not high-level waste. Argh! I¡¯m gonna kill you, Selena! ¡°¡­¡­!¡± As a huge lion roared from a far, I suddenly opened my eyes. ¡®What?¡¯ The ceiling I see for the first time, wallpaper I see for the first time, furniture I see for the first time. ¡®It¡¯s tacky¡­¡­¡¯ It was a time when I was puzzled by the unfamiliar interior of the western vintage style. The door burst open and a Westerner dressed as a maid jumped in. ¡°Lady! Hide in the closet! Come on!¡± Not time to be surprised, the maid pulled me out of bed. ¡°Come on! Come on, hide! Lady Shannon is so angry that she¡¯s coming here now!¡± Shannon? ¡®I think I¡¯ve heard of that name before.¡¯ Where did I hear that? ¡°Commander Crawford hasn¡¯t come back yet! Miss, come on¡­¡­¡­.!¡± Commander Crawford. He was also a familiar name. ¡°Argh!¡± The maid was thrown out. Then suddenly, a gorgeous blonde beauty appeared. ¡®Wow, it¡¯s pretty. She looks like a princess.¡¯ While admiring, the beauty strode up and looked down at me. ¡°You worthless bugger bitch!¡± ¡°¡­¡­What?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the reason I can¡¯t go to the banquet!¡± A beauty, no, blonde scumbag grabbed me by the hair. ¡°Who are you! What are you! Argh!¡± The scumbag grabbed my head and shook it like a tambourine. ¡®What is this? Is it a dream?¡¯ My scalp hurt so much for a dream. Dumbfounded, I came to my senses at the next line of the scumbag. ¡°Why did a stutterer like you get an invitation? What a jerk!¡± Shannon. Count Crawford. And¡­ ¡®Stutterer.¡¯ I realized when I looked up blankly at the blonde ass face. ¡®Oh, my God. So So I am! Seems to be possessed by a 19-rate novel¡­¡­¡­.! *** A fresh graduate of the Department of Theater and Film, I bought a book on impulse ahead of the audition. A very erotic, romantic novel. ¡°Obsessive Man¡± and ¡°The High Commissioner.¡± I like all the keywords. ¡ùThis novel contains a bloody and coercive relationship. I also ignored the word of caution ¡­. Because sometimes I¡¯m attracted to this! A red tag of 19 and a black and reddish cover raised expectations. How. e. ver. ¡°Did you stick your lips? Why aren¡¯t you answering my question? I asked you if The Grand Duke saw you!¡± ¡°Me, me, me, I don¡¯t know. The Grand Duke, who, who, who, I¡¯m not really¡­¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been wagging your tail in front of him and now you dare to lie, hah?¡± ¡°Aah!¡± Selina clasped the beaten cheek and fell flat on the ground. . Was it a problem even with the impoverished title? Even considering that the genre is R-rated, sweet potatoes* were too serious in the novel. The main character was a white writer named Selina Crawford. Selina, who lived without saying anything, forced the ML to marry her, and the two of them began their 19-year-old life. In the end, Selina opens her heart to ML, but the ending leaves Sad or Happy¡­¡­ ¡®I can¡¯t read it because it¡¯s so frustrating!¡¯ As if the author was only bent on harassing FL, she only put in crazy sweet potatoes. ¡®Why did I come into this kind of novel?¡¯ I didn¡¯t even enjoy reading it! Half read it while cursing and half turned it over in annoyance. ¡®It can¡¯t be¡­..¡¯ Because I leave a bad review? I can¡¯t keep reading it because of the sweet potatoes. This was my appreciation. I can¡¯t watch it because it¡¯s so frustrating! I wondered if I was the only one annoyed, but the person below me was even angrier. Shannon or Canyon, I can¡¯t handle it well, and ML is too easygoing, and FLs too tight and frustrating. I bought it since it was a series, but I regret it completely. Even though I bought it knowing it was a waste, I was very suffocating throughout the reading. Stepmother Camilla. Stepsister Shannon. ¡®Because of that wicked mother and daughter.¡¯ Between the two, Selina was slender and skinny among them. And I became Selina? ¡°Lady Shannon is so mean. How did you get this fine hair so¡­..¡± Leaving behind the maid who touched my messy hair, I ran to the front of the mirror right away. ¡°Woah¡­¡± It¡¯s so pretty! Shannon is also a beauty, but I was in a state of great beautyness that would dominate the country. ¡®Crazy. Crazy face.¡¯ Glossy green eyes, like a jewel in a perfect almond-shaped eye! The curving golden hair was like the wings of an angel, and the skin without a blemish was white and soft. The eyelashes were so long that they fluttered whenever I blinked. ¡®That¡¯s why she¡¯s the main character.¡¯ These delicate shoulders! A handful of waist! Looks like the body will blow away by the wind immediately. I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off the mirror because of Selina¡¯s crazy appearance as I see it. ¡®Oh, the main character is different! I was an unknown actor, so my role was always extra. But as the main character! I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m the main character! The main character is this high-level waste that I read every night while cursing, but anyway! ¡°The main character is the best!¡± I burst into laughter. The figure was also adorable. ¡°I¡¯m really pretty today. Right?¡± Unknowingly muttered, the maid dropped her comb. ¡®Oh, Shannon just grabbed my hair and shook it out, didn¡¯t she?¡¯ I was worried if she thought it was strange, but the maid was surprised for a completely different reason. ¡°Lady¡­¡­my lady didn¡¯t stutter.¡± The enchanted maid murmured. Selina was not stuttering from the beginning. When her husband, Count Crawford, died, Camilla disgraced Selina to consolidate her position. Eventually Selina began to stutter out of fear of standing in front of people. She¡¯s never stuttering originally. That¡¯s why she¡¯s so surprised. ¡°My lady, please say it again. Please, one more time.¡± The maid burst into tears. ¡®She looked so thrilled.¡¯ Selina, an aristocrat, was supposed to be served by a maid, but that child was a maid everywhere. ¡®Why the hell am I dressed like this?¡¯ Even I was about to cry seeing myself like this in the mirror. Who would believe such a woman as this is a noble? ¡°Lady! You¡¯re the legitimate daughter of The Count! Why are you still and suffering like this?¡± Selina was so frustrated that she couldn¡¯t talk back or say her rights. Ne. Ver. Once. As I looked at the clothes feeling so dissatisfied, I turned to the very maid. ¡°Penny?¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± A commoner maid, Penny. Penny was so kind as to be beaten to cover up for Selina when she was beaten, but Penny didn¡¯t have much strength. Because of her low status. ¡®But she was the only one who didn¡¯t get buyed for a few bucks.¡¯ All of the servants worked together to help the Countess sell Selina to Nam Joo. The guy who wrapped Selina up. The guy who tied her up and loaded her onto the carriage. The guy who brought her to the grand office that looks like a quick service. ¡®How dare they sell people out?¡¯ Of course the worst was Camilla, stepmother who arranged the forced marriage. ¡°Always be grateful for raising you without a drop of blood and sending you to a good marriage, Selina.¡± ¡°Oh, my God, my mother, me, me, me, I, uh, go get married, that thing.¡± ¡°Shh, do you know how much Grand Duke paid to take you? Go and entertain him. You have to pay for it.¡± My whole body is throbbing and my scalp, which I suffered from Shannon, has been sore. Though I was out of my mind in the sudden situation, I felt sick at the thought of Camilla. ¡°She¡¯s my stepmother now, isn¡¯t she?¡± Penny flinched back, as if my eyes were stinging. ¡°My Lady¡­¡­are, are you okay?¡± Looking back at the door and looking worried, she seems to think like ¡®Should I go out and call a doctor?¡¯ ¡°I¡¯m alright, though I have a bad headache .¡± I stopped Penny and headed to bed calmly. The moment I was about to lie down pretending to have a headache. A small medicine bottle was caught in hand under the pillow. ¡®What is this?¡¯ When I took it out, it was a brown reagent bottle. It was empty without contents. At the moment, the first scene of ¡°Bound of Salvation¡± flashed before my eyes like a video. ¡®Last night ¡­. Selina fell asleep after drinking this.¡¯ a potion drug. This was an expensive potion that Selina had spent all her money on. ¡®I was going to drink this and die.¡¯ But she didn¡¯t die. In the original story, Selina lamented why she didn¡¯t die and even avoided death. Of course I knew the reason. ¡°You changed the drug yesterday. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± ¡°Gasp!¡± The startled Penny¡¯s eyes were wide open. ¡°I, I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry, my lady!¡± Knowing my changed mood, Penny knelt down and bowed her head. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t, for the thought of your dead mother, pretend not to know.¡± Leaving behind the little crying penny, I looked around the shabby bedroom. Mold, rat hole¡­. ¡®Whew.¡¯ The sobbing cries of Penny matched the gloomy atmosphere very well. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, my lady¡­..but you can¡¯t just go in vain¡­¡± ¡°That drug you replaced gives me a headache and I just remember it, what drug was it?¡± ¡°What?! Well, it can¡¯t be¡­..it was just a sleeping pill you used to take! It¡¯s real!¡± Penny gave me back the medicine bottle she had hidden. This was the real potion. Eternal rest potion. I looked with a suspicious eye at a small bottle of liquid. ¡°Didn¡¯t you take money from my mother, and give me a hallucinogen that manipulates my memory?¡± ¡°My Lady!¡± Penny shook her head almost screaming and insisted on her innocence. ¡°No! Not really!¡± ¡°You did get paid.¡± Penny looked as if she had a grudge. ¡°Well, I got it and you gave it all to you¡­¡± It was real. Selina really didn¡¯t take a penny, so she was dumbfounded, but Penny lent me that money. ¡°The lady who uses money from her maid. As expected, this is ridiculous.¡¯ But Penny¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t good either. There were sick brothers starving at her home. I felt sorry for bothering good Penny for a moment, so I decided to give her a reward. ¡°I¡¯ll help you treat your brothers in the future.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You need to help me, too.¡± ¡°What do you want me to help you with? I¡¯ll always¡­..¡± ¡°First of all, how old am I now? I can¡¯t remember well because of the drug you gave me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s weird¡­ It was a real sleeping drug. Was there a lot of capacity?¡± Penny scratched her head in perplexity when she became a big-eyed person. ¡°Me, how old am I?¡± ¡°You¡¯re 18 years old.¡± Penny¡¯s forehead was slightly narrowed. She looked worried about my condition. ¡®This is the beginning of the original.¡¯ A scene in which Selina opens her eyes after failing to commit suicide. ¡®So the invitation is¡­..¡¯ The Queen¡¯s Birthday Party! That¡¯s where the first meeting with a fucking guy called ML takes place. ¡®Yes, ML, get lost.¡¯ I didn¡¯t like it that he was the male lead. If I had to give this analogy, I was short of one hand. The ML spoke informally to Selina from the beginning, and was a fool who lived in his own good taste. In a word, I¡¯m not supposed to be his slave! ¡®But I gotta go to the banquet.¡¯ Is the man the only thing I can get from the Empress¡¯s birthday party? ¡®I know all about this anyway.¡¯ All I have to do is avoid him. ¡°The invitation Shannon mentioned came from the Imperial Family, right?¡± ¡°What? Oh, yes! It¡¯s been half a year since the Capital¡­..¡± At the moment, questions rose around Penny¡¯s eyes. ¡°How did you know that?¡± ¡°I heard Shannon screaming.¡± ¡°Will you ¡­.. be going?¡± ¡°Eung.¡± Penny was astonished at my light answer. ¡°You hate to attend the banquet, My Lady.¡± That¡¯s because the banquet Camilla allowed was a place for her to be a disgrace in front of people. Who would like to wear disgracefully shabby clothes and become a one-sided laughing stock without getting along with others? Besides, Selina was originally timid and didn¡¯t even go out well. ¡°I changed my mind. I¡¯m thinking of enjoying the party now.¡± ¡°What? Oh, my God, someone who hated to go out of the bedroom¡­¡­¡± ¡°Pe, people look, looking at me, I, I hate it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re beautiful. That¡¯s why everyone is looking at you. They are talking to you because they want to be close.¡± ¡°Oh, my mother has said it all. I¡­ I¡¯m, speak, stutter at speak.¡± ¡°My Lady, I think something¡¯s changed.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, something really¡­¡­a lot¡­¡± Because I¡¯m not Selina. ¡®I heard it often though.¡¯ Those who said that to me had lost what they already had. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to live my life hard. You saved my life anyway. Thanks to you.¡± Penny looked at the empty drug bottle, and looked back at me again. I woke up from my determination to die, so I had a chance to change. I thought it was done. ¡°Well¡­ what are you going to wear?¡± ¡°You think there¡¯s clothes in my closet to choose from?¡± Penny shook her head carefully. Selina, who is extremely reluctant to go out, did not even have a banquet dress. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll go to the boutique first. Have the butler wait for the family carriage.¡± The imperial banquet was a long way off, but I had to move. ¡°The butler followed the Countess to the hunting ground.¡± Hunting was Camilla¡¯s main hobby. Almost half a month was on the hunting ground. ¡°Then you can have the servant, or you can bring the horseman.¡± Penny, who nodded doubtfully, hesitated as she left my room. ¡°Lady, you really don¡¯t stutter a bit anymore¡­..?¡± It seemed that she couldn¡¯t get used to it because I had completely changed. ¡°You want me to live a stuffy life like before, unable to look people in the eye, unable to say anything?¡± ¡°Oh, no!¡± ¡°Get me a carriage.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Old curtains fluttered from the spot where Penny ran out and white dust rose. I realized that the world was real. Inevitably, that damned atrocity of ML began to come to mind one by one. ¡°It¡¯s your job to satisfy me, Selina. A girl who doesn¡¯t know her place t is not entertaining.¡± * ??? is ¡®sweet potato¡¯. However, these days ??? is increasingly used as an adjective or a noun to express the speaker¡¯s frustrated or impatient feeling about a situation or a person, the feeling similar to what you may feel when you eat sweet potato without any beverage. Chapter 2 ¡°You¡¯ll have to look for it carefully.¡± The Grand Duke held his wife¡¯s head in one hand and forced her to turn to the stadium. ¡°Because I¡¯ll put the one you like among them as your escort.¡± A martial arts society. Until one winner came out, thousands of Toono players risked their lives, a kind of sport in which aristocrats enjoyed entertainment, and trainees in faded white Toono uniforms were killed or at least injured. Every place where people were dragged out, bright red blood spots were seen. ¡°I, I can¡¯t see, uh.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough time you got used to that?¡± ¡°Urgh.¡± ¡°Everytime you see this, you always vomit.¡± When Selina couldn¡¯t stop her nausea, he clicked his tongue as if he wanted her to hear it. ¡°You¡¯re not even pregnant yet. What¡¯s wrong with you? Do you know that every time you do that, I get excited? You¡¯re not pregnant yet, right?¡± ¡®Oh, no, ah¡­..not yet¡­¡¯ ¡°I¡¯m kidding. Don¡¯t tell me that you really think that I don¡¯t know? You¡¯re cute.¡± He turned round and round the glass of dark red wine, letting go of her jaw, which he had grasped with a thud. ¡°My wife is too soft-hearted.¡± As he turned to the stadium, a gentleman in a blue priest¡¯s uniform rushed to begin his prayers. Then like magic, that Toono player¡¯s blood began to stop. In ¡°The Bound of Salvation,¡± there were many scenes in which ML forced Selina to like what she dislikes. I remembered when I read it, I strongly cursed at him, saying, ¡°This son of a bitch.¡± Selina¡¯s miserable life naturally unfolded before my eyes like a video. Abuse, trade, insult, neglect, confinement, kidnapping, torture¡­.. ¡®Crazy, I can¡¯t live like that!¡¯ Being the main character of the impoverished country, I need a detailed plan to be happy. Looking for an empty paper, I picked up a letter that was rolling around on the table. Then spread out the clean part of the back, and put ink on the pen. ¡°Number one.¡± Not to be seen by the ML Considering what Selina suffered because of her baby with the ML, so the ML was like a villain to her. ¡®If I avoid him, I¡¯ll be half successful.¡¯ I haven¡¯t met him yet, but¡­..My stepmother will try to sell me to the Grand Duke at all costs. Or she¡¯ll sell me to another man who will give her money. So, number two. Chasing out Camilla Camilla could be said to be a sample of a wicked stepmother. Abuse her stepdaughter, isolate her, and eventually sell her! Only when Camilla disappears from this house will I be happy. But it will never be easy to kick out a vicious boss with a background of money, personal connections, and even family. Because she was so closed and passive, Selina had no one to be on her side. At best, it¡¯s Penny. To kick out Camilla, I need a plausible cause and witnesses to be on my side. So, number three. Make My People ¡®Ha, this is the hardest one.¡¯ Create a strong side for me, and at the same time. To undermine Camilla¡¯s reputation and raise my credibility was a task that required a high degree of political quality. Now that I have no connections, it¡¯s like a bare-handed header, but I had an absolute weapon. The heroine¡¯s face! ¡®This face is the only thing I can trust.¡¯ I was planning the details of where and how to start, but suddenly I stopped moving my pen. On a navy blue background, a white cross pattern. When I flipped over the paper I was writing on, I saw a neat handwriting. ¡°From the Monastery of Light.¡± This letter first began in the capital city and is lucky to receive it on a one-wheel-a-year basis¡­¡­ In short, serving in the monastery meant good luck. It seemed to be a ceremonial letter received by the ladies. ¡®Good, it¡¯s here!¡¯ * * * My outing caught everyone¡¯s eyes. Most of them didn¡¯t know Selina¡¯s face. ¡®How many times have you been out?¡¯ Every time the servants glanced at me, I felt like a zoo monkey. ¡°Lady, it¡¯s Sir Spencer.¡± I glanced at Penny¡¯s side. There was a tall man standing beside her. ¡°He¡¯s the youngest person ever to be promoted. The knights told me that he¡¯s a candidate for the next Commander. He looks really worth it, right?¡± Aha, I know who he is from listening to Penny¡¯s explanation. William Spencer. It was a knight of the Count. The one from the family that has become the general of Count Crawford¡¯s knights for generations. There were 5 knight forces within the Imperial household, including the Count¡¯s knight force. It was the ¡°White Knights¡±. ¡°You can¡¯t take your eyes off my lady. Shall I bring you a hat, my lady?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s okay.¡± William didn¡¯t take his eyes off me even though he knew it was a big surprise to me when he saw me for the first time. A bit of curiosity and goodwill, mixed with strange questions. ¡®He looks like a handsome husky.¡¯ His serious face was quite similar. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Smiling and laughing, I pulled my eyes out of him and climbed into the carriage. * * * What I chose in the dressing room was a dark purple dress. ¡°You don¡¯t even need a fitting.¡± The dress I took out of the mannequin fit me perfectly. It was a down setting for the main character of a high-profile romance novel. ¡°Will you take it right away?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡± Nodding her head, the designer packed the dress beautifully and loaded it into the carriage. ¡°Come for the count tomorrow morning to collect the money.¡± The count¡¯s pattern was seen on the carriage, so she quickly nodded when she glanced at the carriage. ¡°Yes, yes. Okay.¡± Usually the aristocrats call the designer to the mansion and order the measurements to be made, but¡­.. ¡®I don¡¯t have time.¡¯ * * * Even after returning to the mansion, the eyes of the servants were glued to me each footstep. Everyone seemed to be wondering and amazed at how the Count¡¯s lady looked. I tried on the dress and checked the accessories that were there. ¡®What¡¯s will suit this dress?¡¯ They were all trivial and there weren¡¯t too many things to choose, so there was not much to do. After roughly choosing a necklace and taking off my dress again, I opened the curtains and looked out the window. ¡®It¡¯s time to come.¡¯ Sure enough, the servants began to gather outside. ¡°Lady, the Commander is back!¡± Penny rushed in and announced. I opened my eyes wide as if I had no idea. ¡°My uncle?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Cedric Crawford. Leader of the White Knights, my uncle, who is still single. The servants stood in a line to greet his safe return. ¡°He¡¯s later than what he told you, my lady. I guess the bandits are still going crazy.¡± ¡°How long has it been since then?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been about three months. The commander will be surprised to see my lady speak so fluently.¡± Penny seemed eager to show him that I was no longer stuttering. ¡°My lady, aren¡¯t you going to say hello to the Commander?¡± The mind is quite imaginary, but I was tired. ¡°I¡¯m going to greet him tomorrow.¡± Selina was not even close to her uncle. ¡°But it¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve seen him. How happy would the commander be if you would go out and greet him?¡± If it were Selina usual self, Penny wouldn¡¯t have said that either. ¡°Shannon will go. I¡¯m going to take a rest now.¡± Penny stared out of the window with regret. ¡®Now that my uncle is here, Shannon will be quiet for a while.¡¯ However, he was a person who is going to leave again for various reasons, including inspection, management of the residents, training, and so on. ¡®Camilla¡¯s would be coming home soon¡­¡¯ I got tired of this and that, so I went to bed early. * * * At the dawn of the morning ¡°Lady! Lady! There¡¯s a big problem!¡± ¡°What¡¯s the fuss?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be too surprised, my lady.¡± Penny¡¯s face had turned white when she said so. ¡°The dress, the dress you bought yesterday¡­¡­.¡± Standing on my feet, I followed Penny, who looked like crying, into the dressing room. ¡°Uh.¡± The surprised breath naturally dissipated among the lips. It was a shocking sight. ¡®I was thinking hard about it..¡¯ My purple dress was torn to shreds and scattered everywhere. It looked like bloodstains at the scene of the gruesome murder. So it was even worse. ¡°How did Lady Shannon do this again? That¡¯s too much!¡± She did. Shannon had done the same thing before. ¡°She must have ordered Emma. Emma must be going in and out of the annex like a rat!¡± The cause was clear. Her vent of anger that has not received an invitation to the imperial banquet ¡°It¡¯s the first dress you¡¯ve ever bought yourself¡­¡­.. How can she tear this up like this?¡± With the resentful penny behind me, I scanned the torn dress. ¡®This is a warning.¡¯ Warning that I¡¯m about to be like this. Selina might have held back her ignorance so far, but I couldn¡¯t bear it. ¡®I¡¯ll never let this go.¡¯ Grabbing the bloody cloth, the me in the mirror was surprisingly calm. ¡°Penny.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°If I scream, run straight to my uncle.¡± ¡°At this dawn? He¡¯s probably asleep now, but¡­¡­ the sun hasn¡¯t come up yet, my lady.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m sure he¡¯s up.¡± Cedric. I know him well. Because he was the supporting character that I hated the most in the original story! Deeply breathing, I screamed dismally as if I had seen the most terrible thing in the world. ¡°Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!¡± * * * Cedric looked quite surprised at the terrible sight of the dressing room. ¡°What¡¯s this¨C¡± As I expected, he woke up early in the morning and had already finished his breakfast. ¡®I thought he¡¯s completely like an adult man.¡¯ In reality, he was a hot-looking adult man who can shake my hatred toward him a little. ¡®Thirty-five? Thirty-four? He¡¯s not that old.¡¯ Cedric Crawford. That fine-looking knight who has been single for 3X years. After a lifetime of knife-cutting, he suddenly returned to the land and had no interest in the secret power struggling that took place in the house. He didn¡¯t know what his niece was going through, and he didn¡¯t care. All Cedric cared about was the knight¡¯s safety and the honor of the white knights he is in charge of. He also applied the Knights¡¯ Code of Fairness at any time, anywhere, to the household. ¡°So that was originally a dress¡­.¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± ¡°It¡¯s what Shannon did, you said.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Cedric coughed in vain as if he was unfamiliar and awkward to even put the word ¡°dress¡± in his mouth. ¡°Do you have any solid evidence?¡± ¡°Sir, there¡¯s no evidence, but it must have been Lady Shannon! She was jealous that only Lady Selina got an invitation to the banquet!¡± ¡°There is no evidence, but only circumstantial. There is no evidence.¡± ¡°Well, they¡¯re all Shannon¡¯s henchmen. Who¡¯s going to testify?¡± ¡°That¡¯s just your assumption.¡± ¡°The same thing happened before, sir¡­¡­!¡± Penny shuddered, but told with all her heart. Cedric sighed and stared at the lieutenant next to him. ¡°Didn¡¯t I order you that there should be no disturbance in the house?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a butler, sir.¡± It was the handsome Husky, Sir Spencer. Coming down the stairs, I made eye contact with him. ¡°My lady¡¯s¡­¡± He, who had been hardened for a while, said, with his eyes fixed on my lips. ¡°There¡¯s no way I could stop what¡¯s happening in the bedroom.¡± Is it because of his slow voice? It sounded like he really wanted to come into my bedroom. Chapter 3 ¡°Lady Selina is here.¡± ¡°Oh, Selina.¡± Slightly bowing to greet him, and sitting facing Cedric, I coughed in vain. ¡°Well, in the meantime¡­.. How have you been?¡± He was like a father of a 10 years old friend. ¡®It¡¯s totally awkward.¡¯ Still, seeing that he talked to his niece first, he felt as much responsibility as an ant poop. ¡®What did she call this man?¡¯ In the original, he was always a bystander watching Selina from afar. There was only a few scenes of conversation. I was thinking about it, and I just¡­ ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m glad you came back healthy.¡± ¡°Uncle,¡± I tried calling him. Then Sir Spencer and Cedric, who were lowering their heads, looked at me at the same time. Was I being too friendly? ¡°Lady?¡± Seeing that even Penny was so surprised that her eyes were protruding, it must have been unusual. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­.. I¡¯m so happy to see you after a long time.¡± As I added it, Cedric¡¯s eyebrows wriggled. He seemed surprised that I didn¡¯t stutter. ¡°And you¡­¡­.. seems to have regained your health.¡± Perhaps because Sir Spencer was next to him, Cedric chose his words. ¡°What a relief. Glad to hear that, Selina.¡± ¡°Penny¡¯s help was great. She listened to my readings and cheered for me.¡± Cedric¡¯s gaze quickly fell on the startled Penny. ¡°I heard Shannon was talking about you yesterday.¡± ¡°Shannon is always interested in me. I¡¯m really grateful for that.¡± I was sarcastic but he seemed didn¡¯t understand it, Cedric nodded solemnly and agreed. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s not your real sister, but she¡¯s a good girl who worries a lot about you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Oh, I hated it because of this bastard. To that ¡®good¡¯ Shannon, Selina loses her parents, position as successor, and even inheritance soon. ¡°Do you think you¡¯re going to be The Grand Duchess? You just go there because we¡¯re selling you. If The Grand Duke gets tired of playing with you, he¡¯ll throw you away. You better pray that your pretty face doesn¡¯t get old soon.¡± And after that Selina was being sold like a cow to the greatest playboy in the Empire. Because of that ¡®good¡¯ Shanon. ¡®This uncle will die soon too.¡¯ Cedric is soon poisoned by Camilla. Because if he got married, Camilla would have to leave her position immediately. ¡°Always be kind and tolerant.¡± Cedric Crawford was ¡®a real sample of honest articles¡¯. That¡¯s why I hated him in the original story. Because he¡¯s too honest. ¡°Don¡¯t you have something you want, Selina?¡± I¡¯m just sighing. How can I survive in this harsh world with such a naive mind? ¡®Is there a training camp that makes villains? Just for a short time.¡¯ Instead of just swinging the knife, Cedric had to learn how heartless this world is! ¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯m always nice to Shannon.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that.¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t want Shannon to come to my annex.¡± I have forgiven her, but made it clear that I have no intention of let this matter go. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Please do that so that the same thing doesn¡¯t happen again.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s just a dress. You can just buy it again. Your taste is so¡­..hmhm, fancy and expensive, too, I¡¯m sure that is right.¡± Cedric seemed to have no doubt that I like wearing something extravagant like that. Of course it must have been Camilla and Shannon¡¯s taste. Surprised by his naivety, I was temporarily speechless. ¡°Buy better clothes. You should also get some fancy clothes like Camilla or Shannon.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about money. Our family is not as poor for you to worry.¡± Cedric looked back at Sir Spencer, with an unkind smile, seemed about to come out and ended the conversation. ¡°What about Countess?¡± If anything bothers him, he usually finds his sister-in-law and the housekeeper, Camilla. ¡°The countess hasn¡¯t come back from the hunting ground yet.¡± ¡°What about the butler?¡± ¡°The Countess took him with her.¡± ¡°She¡¯s doing it again.¡± Cedric touched the corner of his eye and ordered nervously, ¡°Bring Shanon in.¡± ¡°How many days has the countess gone hunting?¡± ¡®I¡¯ll take care of this.¡¯ Cedric murmured. ¡°Today is exactly the fifteenth day, sir,¡± ¡°¡­¡­Fifteen?¡± Cedric, who was holding his head with his fist, raised his eyes in surprise. Is that an illusion? Sir Spencer seemed to have deliberately spoken out to help me. ¡°The Countess has been away for 15 days?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Cedric narrowed the middle of his forehead as if it were unbelievable. Crawford was a territory bordering the country where there was a fierce war a few years ago. So two weeks of absence means Camilla has been neglected of her duties. ¡®What Cedric hates the most.¡¯ Camilla will be back soon. Her right hand would have contacted her upon Cedric¡¯s return. ¡®Then she¡¯d say she went hunting yesterday and came back in a day.¡¯ Camilla has been hiding her deviations in that way so far. ¡°Has this often happened?¡± ¡°Yes. The Countess is usually at the hunting ground for 15 days.¡± ¡°What? Wasn¡¯t it a day or two?¡± In an angry look at why no one told him this earlier, Sir Spencer held up his sword. ¡°I¡¯ve only been ordered to guard the castle, sir.¡± He was the outer guard of the castle, and this was under the butler¡¯s jurisdiction. Cedric had nothing to say because he was completely right. ¡°Ha, really.¡± He pressed down on his temples with great pain. It was then. Shannon, who rushed in, protested with a red face. ¡°Uncle! I feel wronged! I never tore Selina¡¯s dress!¡± ¡°Right! Lady Shannon never did such a thing!¡± That lady-in-law staring at me seemed to be Emma. ¡®So it¡¯s you, pretty girl.¡¯ Shannon was actually nothing compared to Camilla. She knows how to talk, but she was too dependent and very closed. She¡¯ll be quiet without that Emma next to her. ¡°I just told my sister yesterday that she had an invitation to the imperial banquet and encouraged her to have a good trip!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, sir! If she goes to such a place and gets humiliated, it¡¯s the shame of the family!¡± Cedric¡¯s face hardened as Shannon and Emma, who claimed innocence, clapped. It was natural that he had a headache because he didn¡¯t know how to handle this and couldn¡¯t side with one person because of his ¡®fair¡¯ personality. ¡°Okay. Selina¡¯s decided to buy another dress, so stop talking.¡± ¡°What? Only Lady Selina buys a dress?¡± exclaimed Emma, who frowned. Then Shannon stepped out again. ¡°Uncle, I really didn¡¯t do this! But why are you going to buy dresses only for Selina?¡± ¡°Shannon.¡± ¡°You¡¯re discriminating against Lady Selina and our Lady Shannon, aren¡¯t you sir? Because Lady Shannon doesn¡¯t share blood with you!¡± Shannon flamed up as Emma fanned from the side. ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s always been like that! You¡¯ve always discriminated against me!¡± Here we go, that regular repertoire! Cedric, obsessed with fairness, listened to Shannon whenever she insisted like that. ¡°This time, it¡¯s really not what my lady Shannon did, sir!¡± There was a moment of silence. When Emma realized she had made a slip of the tongue, she kept her mouth shut. But it¡¯s already late. Cedric¡¯s eyes were as cold as ever. ¡°Shannon, you are prohibited from entering the annex.¡± Perhaps because he was the leader of the Knights Corps, his voice was quite scary. ¡°You¡¯re so mean! My uncle never acknowledged me as the blood of the Crawford family!¡± ¡°No way.¡± Cedric, who snorted, did not hide his scorn this time. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have listened to this crap if I hadn¡¯t considered you to be my brother¡¯s child.¡± The atmosphere grew increasingly grim. ¡°Do self-reflect. Don¡¯t come out of your bedroom for a while.¡± I opened my mouth with tears like a good child in a difficult situation. ¡°My uncle, I¡¯m the one who made it like this.¡± A word that Cedric, who likes to be fair, would like. ¡°It¡¯s my fault too.¡± ¡°What did you do wrong, Selina?¡± ¡°Shannon didn¡¯t receive an invitation from the imperial family, and as an older sister, I went to buy a dress.¡± It was a performance with all my might. pretending to sincerely reflect on oneself ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why Shannon did that.¡± Shannon stared blankly at me, who was not stuttering at all. Emma was more surprised than hse was, and her eyes were as big as a drop. ¡°Tha, that¡¯s¡­ she speaks¡­ her words?! Emma, ??astonished, was confused and pointed at me and treated me like her habit. Shannon noticed her slip of the tongue first, then turned to Cedric and shouted. ¡°I didn¡¯t tear that dress! No, uncle!¡± But neither I nor Cedric gave them a glance. It was fortunate for Emma. ¡°I¡¯ll be punished, too, Uncle.¡± ¡°You too?¡± ¡°Yes, that will be fair.¡± Cedric didn¡¯t deny the word fairness. If his fairness was born as human, he would have become such a suffocating person. Ugh. ¡°Please send me to the monastery for a month.¡± ¡°Monastery?¡± ¡°Yes, monasteries are always short of hands.¡± After a pitiful glance at Shannon, I said calmly. ¡°Since I broke my sister¡¯s heart, I think I need patience and reflection.¡± Everyone stared at me with confused faces. hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo. I¡¯ll fight hard, everyone! I¡¯ll throw away my fate and leave in search of happiness. Chapter 4 The sudden sound of the monastery made everyone¡¯s eyes wide open. ¡°My lady, what do you mean monastery? You can¡¯t go to such a rough place!¡± Penny dissuaded me in a small way, ¡°A soft girl like you won¡¯t last a day in such a place. If you¡¯re really determined, I¡¯m not gonna stop you.¡­.¡± Cedric seemed to want to test me, ¡°Are you crazy, by any chance?¡± Shannon spat out her insides without filtering. ¡°Shannon, I¡¯m so sorry to upset you.¡± Closer and hugging her shoulders, Shannon stiffened like a straw doll. ¡°I¡¯ll come back with reflection, so please forget all the things you¡¯ve been upset about.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°You¡¯re my only sister. Okay?¡± Let¡¯s pretend we¡¯re the best sisters in the world. Shannon¡¯s looks like she was watching the poop-eating dog. She stared at me. I managed to hold back my laughter because Emma, who was shocked by her side, said, fidgeting with Shannon¡¯s dyed blonde hair. ¡°Go up there, Shannon. Mother will come soon.¡± Shannon¡¯s hair was a mess because she¡¯s being called out early in the morning. ¡°Mother wouldn¡¯t like it if you welcomed her with this hair.¡± ¡°¡­Ah!¡± Shannon, who had been stiff, greeted Cedric hurriedly and went up to her bedroom. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go and pack.¡± ¡°Selina, do you really want to go right away tomorrow?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m going today.¡± ¡°No, but the reason you left so quickly¡­¡­¡± Why did he blur the end of his words? He told me to leave when I was ready, but he seemed embarrassed when I said I was leaving. ¡°The monastery is busy right now because of the martial arts event. I¡¯d better get there as soon as possible.¡± ¡°¡­¡­for such a trifle it takes a month to reflect. You don¡¯t have to stay any longer.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± Cedric looked somewhat disturbed at the answer that I might stay longer. The monastery was a place where educated children of aristocrats and young foals had nowhere to go. A place where devout servants of god¡¯s use as penance to prove their sincerity. It was not unreasonable for him to be worried ¡°Oh, uncle.¡± As I was climbing the stairs, I naturally looked back at him. ¡°I have a favor to ask of you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­favor? You?¡± Cedric hardened for a moment, then hurriedly opened his mouth again. ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s the request? I¡¯ll do whatever I can.¡± ¡°May I put Penny in a maid¡¯s uniform?¡±¡± When Camilla came back, she could have taken Penny and beaten her. Knowing that Cedric or Butler is not a man to care about such a thing, I wanted to make sure that she will be safe. A clever maid who cured the habit of stuttering of the Count¡¯s Successor Although she is a commoner, it was not difficult to let her work as a maid. Cedric looked back at Penny and soon nodded. ¡°Do it that way.¡± At the easy answer, Penny, with her mouth wide open, was in tears at once. ¡°Th¡­ Thank you, lady! Thank you, sir!¡± Penny breathed hard with her chest as if she had been paralyzed. She was so moved that she didn¡¯t know if it was a dream or not. ¡®When she becomes a maid, she¡¯ll get a lot more pay than she does now.¡¯ It¡¯s a special promotion. Even if she leaves the Count¡¯s Castle, it won¡¯t be difficult for her to get a reemployment job because of her career. At that time, Cedric recited it as if it was meant for me to hear it. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re just¡­¡­back to your usual self.¡± I felt strange at the moment. Having hesitated, I came straight up to the bedroom without replying. Somehow I wasn¡¯t happy with the compliment. ¡®Was Selina as a child like me now a brute as I am now?¡¯ Being timid and stuffy is not a crime. The past woman who had only been used by Camilla was like nothing else. ¡°You made me a maid of honor, my lady! I won¡¯t forget this grace even when I die!¡± In the presence of the two of us, Penny tried to hold me in a habitual embrace, and then lowered her head in surprise. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry. How dare I¡­¡± ¡°Penny, how old were you?¡± ¡°This year¡­¡­.I¡¯m 20 years old, my lady.¡± Twenty. It was a cute age. Such a child is the head of the family, and more than that she needs to hear all my problems. She¡¯s as pitiful as Selina. ¡°Congratulations, Penny. Now you¡¯re going to wear a maid¡¯s uniform.¡± ¡°Thanks to you, my lady. I will give my allegiance to you forever!¡± ¡°Can you calm down and sit down for a while?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± I sat down on the chair with my eyes twinkling, and I stroked my head calmly. ¡®It¡¯s bloody.¡¯ The ruddy cheeks were plump like babies, but the skinned hands were rough. Just in time, I remembered the chamomile oil in the drawer, so I put it on. Penny refused in a fit of surprise. ¡°No, lady! You¡¯re saving it!! The maid wouldn¡¯t give you this anymore¡­¡­¡± ¡°Do you think so?¡± Penny shook her head slowly, as if she was nervous, as she had looked into my eyes. ¡°No, the maids won¡¯t be able to treat you like that any more.¡± I could feel her trust from that hard voice. ¡°My mother will call you when she gets back from the hunting ground.¡± ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m going to say I don¡¯t know anything. Whatever she ask!¡± I know. Penny has always said that. So she got hit every time. Although Selina didn¡¯t plan anything, Penny wasn¡¯t usually foolish to see her get hit. ¡°Penny, be honest this time.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Lady Selina has been out of her mind ever since she took some medicine.¡± I lowered my voice. ¡°But when it¡¯s just the two of us, she still stutters and cries like idiots.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°And while I¡¯m at the monastery, there¡¯s something you need to do.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to take me?¡± ¡°Why would I take you away when you¡¯d have a hard time going there?¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°If my mother calls you while I¡¯m away, go to William first. If you think you¡¯re going to be beaten.¡± ¡°To Sir Spencer? When did you get friendly with him, my lady?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t, but I think he¡¯ll help you for some reason.¡± I had a good hunch. Maybe because I had attended too many auditions, my hunch feeling was pretty good. ¡°And when you get a maid¡¯s suit from your bedroom, bring some clothing fabric. Without anyone knowing.¡± ¡°Clothing fabric¡­Why?¡± ¡°My mother might ask you if you saw who tore my dress.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°So you can show her that.¡± Penny¡¯s eyes looking up at me were completely frightened. ¡°So tell her that the cloth was found fallen on the floor.¡± ¡°Lady, I¡­..I can¡¯t lie.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a lie, it¡¯s true. Shannon¡¯s already decided to take the punishment, so it¡¯s true.¡± It¡¯s a miracle logic, but it worked for Penny, who was so scared. ¡°I didn¡¯t think Shannon did it before. So who do you think it is?¡± One of Shannon¡¯s maids. ¡°Emma. I¡¯m sure she is.¡± Usually, they thought Selina was funny and looked down on her, so it made sense enough. ¡°You¡¯re not lying, you¡¯re helping them to get their fair punishment.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do it, my lady.¡± Penny has also been victimized by Shannon¡¯s maids. ¡®More than Selina, not less.¡¯ As expected, Penny, who vowed to avenge, raised her head. ¡°Should I say that I saw Emma?¡± ¡°No, don¡¯t point on her. We don¡¯t know who it is.¡± ¡°No matter how much I look at it, it looks like Emma¡­. Okay, I¡¯ll do what my lady tells me to do!¡± Emma¡¯s got a lot of stuff going on, huh? It was funny inside, but I kept a solemn expression. ¡°And if you ever get a chance to run into my uncle, pretend that you have a cold.¡± ¡°I have a cold¡­¡± ¡°Yes, we can¡¯t stay in this cold annex forever. Only this building looks like Siberia.¡± ¡°What? Sibelle?¡± Penny, who was startled, soon recited as if she was thrilled. ¡°Oh, my God, my lady knows how to curse now¡­¡­ Yes! Yes, I will!¡± Missed the time to correct my slip of the tongue, I just smiled and started packing. * * * ¡°You must have lost your mind, don¡¯t you think? Go to the monastery on your own feet.¡± By the time I left for the monastery, Shannon and Emma came to the annex. ¡°You must have become such a stupid idiot.¡± ¡°I think I remember that you¡¯re prohibited from coming to the annex. Or maybe you find what my uncle said is nonsense.¡± ¡°Uncle? Un-cle? Oh, wow.¡± Shannon burst out laughing as if she were dumbfounded. Without missing that time, Emma whispered to Shannon. ¡°I heard you took some medicine. What kind of medicine did you say? After taking it your stuttering barely got better, you¡¯ve become very happy, huh?¡± I just smiled at Shannon, making eye contact with her. Pull up the lips, bending the eyes. The more that happened, Shannon and Emma froze. ¡°You¡¯ve never seen a smiling face before, have you?¡± I¡¯ve never seen a description of Selina laughing while reading the novel. Maybe that¡¯s why the two of them just stared at me in total firmness. ¡°I know. I¡¯m so pretty, right? But stop staring at me. My face is going to wear out.¡± ¡°Crazy bitch¡­¡± ¡°The designer will be here soon. The price of the dress you ripped, you give it to her.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do it!¡± ¡°I¡¯m busy then, so I¡¯ll get going. I wrote to the monastery that I would arrive today. They¡¯ll be worried if I¡¯m late.¡± I grinned and passed by to go back into the bedroom. ¡°Can¡¯t you stop there?!¡± Shannon shouted back from behind. ¡°Where the fuck is this idiot acting like she¡¯s a brag!¡± My heart has cooled off. It was a remark that could not be tolerated. As I turned around slowly, I could see Penny, who ran out in the uproar, holding her mouth shut and trembling. It was not too much to be so surprised to see me against Shannon. In the original story, Selina was hit or hid by a villain mother and daughter. Until the day before her wedding, she had never talked back. I asked Penny with my eyes fixed. ¡°Do you like the annex, Shannon?¡± ¡°Crazy bitch! You¡¯re a stutter. You know?! Stutter!¡± Shannon was even crazier at my calm reaction. ¡°I don¡¯t like it.¡± A small annex for the attendants when guests come. It was Camilla¡¯s ruse that I was stuck in a place where there was no sun. But I didn¡¯t want to be here even after I went to the monastery. ¡°I have to leave soon, so I¡¯ll go. See you next month, Shannon.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Drink a lot of Herb tea. It¡¯s good for anger management.¡± ¡°Ha! How could she be so different in a day?¡± As I turned around pretending I didn¡¯t hear anything, Shannon, who was muttering to herself, snatched my arm. My body spins like a fish caught in a hook. ¡°What the hell are you up to? Did you suddenly use a demon? Or what¡¯s in the monastery? Yeah?¡± I roughly took Shannon¡¯s hand off. ¡®Her body is like a feather.¡­¡¯ I ignored it and closed the bedroom door and locked it. ¡°Hey! Can¡¯t you answer quickly?!¡± The unbearable Shannon banged on the door and gave a crotch. ¡®Well, what¡¯s in the monastery?¡¯ Maybe¡­¡­ ¡®your husband?¡¯ When I couldn¡¯t hold back the laughter that came out and smiled, Penny glanced at me with a pale face. Chapter 5 Episode 5 * * * ¡°Lady Shannon, you must depart.¡± The soldiers have already arrived at the gate. He carried Shannon as soon as he took his gaze away from the window. ¡°Pardon me¡­¡­ please excuse me.¡± ¡°Let go of me! Who do you think you¡¯re touching?¡± However, no matter how much she struggled, he did not budge. In the first place, she couldn¡¯t defeat a man who was strong enough to win consecutive Toono martial arts competitions. ¡°Where the hell are we going?!?¡± Shannon had never been to the western forest, and their horse was taking them there. ¡°All we have to do is cross the border.¡± ¡°What, what? Do you want to cross the border?¡± The Dukedome there was in a conflict with the Empire. The cease-fire was only declared a few years ago. ¡°I¡¯ll die if I go to the Dukedom!¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to die.¡± His voice has proved worthy to it. The potential to believe in the impossible. ¡°Before becoming a Toono, my lady, I was a man of the Dukedom of Castaques.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Valhail Castaques.¡± A Toono who was bought as an escort from the temple, a man who was simply referred to as a Toono because he had no name. ¡°That¡¯s my name.¡± Shannon looked at his fluttering brown hair blankly. ¡°Nothing from those belonged to you, my lady, no family name, no property, not even the Grand Duke.¡± Shannon returned her gaze to the Countdom of Crawford. Her heart was pounding. That could be the reason. Her heart is as hard as steel, just like the arm that is holding her. ¡°Forget about everything. Just like I did.¡± That was Shannon¡¯s last moment in the original story. Shannon, unlike Camilla, was a persistent villain who tormented Selina until the end. But it¡¯s such a cliffhanger for her! ¡®It¡¯s bitter even if I cursed her.¡¯ In addition, Valhail Castaques was a very capable man. He kidnapped Selina, who had fled, and brought her back to the Grand Duke, after which he infiltrated the Grand Duke¡¯s mansion alone, kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured her. ¡®Valhail Castaques¡­¡¯ An extremely strong man who can do anything at Shannon¡¯s command! I wanted him. Shannon¡¯s meeting with Valhail marked the start of the original plot. Given the passage of time, I believe he is currently sweeping the martial arts competition. Well, it¡¯s just my calculation. I need to do well and show up there as scheduled, or else I¡¯ll be kidnapped and tortured, as in the original storyline. I need to make certain that the plot will not turn out the same way it did before. I did not, however, leave the Countdom solely to meet Valhail. Plan number 2. Chasing out Camilla. I needed a priest to see if the plan was conceivable. A priest in whom I had trust enough to discuss my plan to kick the stepmother out of the house. I need a priest who is loyal enough so he could never speak out about it. ¡®Whoever it is.¡¯ * * * The monastery of light is the place where the priests of the Western Great Hall train. As stated in the letter, the majority of the participants there perform the following tasks: Of course, the priests would never assign me to any field work or structural repairs to the Great Hall. The monastery could not, by rule, give special treatment based on one¡¯s status, but the priests couldn¡¯t risk their jobs to do so. So, as expected, I was assigned to assist with the martial arts competition¡¯s chores. ¡°Uhm, uh¡­¡­ What should I address you as, Lady Count Crawford?¡± The eldest daughter of a Western aristocratic family. The Count¡¯s lady, who was said to be rarely seen outside. Everyone found it difficult to deal with me. The trainees were distributed, yet no one dared to let me work. ¡°Selina.¡± I had to get used to this place so That I could find Valhail and establish a strong bond with a loyal and dedicated priest. ¡°Please address me as Selina.¡± ¡°Lady Selina.¡± When I smiled and reached out my hand, the apprentice priests and trainees immediately became friendly. And a young high-ranking priest who had been staring at me intently vanished after being slapped in the back by an older priest. ¡®Is it because of my face?¡¯ Because this face truly resembles that of an angel! I use this female protagonist¡¯s face more than Selina did previously. ¡°I know how to perform basic first aid, priest.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve learned. So I¡¯d like to assist you in treating the Toonos in prison.¡± ¡°Oh, my God¡­¡­how considerate of you.¡± I put on a big smile and pretended to be an angel. ¡°At long last, I¡¯ll be able to get up close and personal with Lady Selina.¡± Following that, the red-cheeked apprentice priest packed various herbs, bandages, and drugs. We all went down to the prison to see the injured Toonos. The Toonos, who were about to die, groaned horribly all over the place, and blood odors vibrated. The stench made it difficult to breathe. The priest spoke in hushed tones that only I could hear. ¡°People here have been seriously injured and are on the verge of death.¡± Yes, it appears to be the case. ¡°They¡¯ll probably only have a day or two to live.¡± ¡°Then this much medicine¡­¡­¡± ¡°Well, it isn¡¯t really medicine.¡± I expected it, but couldn¡¯t believe it. The priest spoke with a sad expression on his face. ¡°The temple is not wealthy enough to provide medicine to the destitute.¡± I tried the medication, but it tasted oddly sweet. ¡®It tastes like strawberries.¡¯ The potion was nothing more than a strawberry-flavored drink. ¡°However, if we treat them, we can give them the ¡®hope¡¯ that they¡¯re still alive.¡± So, basically, these people pretend to treat people who are about to die by administering fake medicine to them. ¡°Please let them go at ease, Selina.¡± It was the priest¡¯s and my job to hold the dying Toono¡¯s hand and send him off in peace, in a place less than a square foot away. ¡°Ugh, can I live if I¡­ ugh¡­ take medicine?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to pray for your survival.¡± It was a terrifying death, but it wasn¡¯t a lonely one. ¡®Well, it¡¯s nearly impossible to look for Valhail before the winner is announced.¡¯ Because everyone here is called by number, I can¡¯t just call out ¡®Valhail! Valhail!¡¯ and expect him to come out. It¡¯s been about a week since I¡¯ve been assisting the priest in this form while also secretly searching for the brown-haired Toono. And in this prison, where everyone wants to live, I met a strange man who only wanted to die. * * * I discovered four priests whining and moving something while filling the potion. It was a man being carried on a stretcher. I could only see his legs sticking out because he was so tall. At a glance, I recognized who it was. ¡®It¡¯s the man in the containment room.¡¯ Through the small door, only the man¡¯s chest was visible. Normally, I could see his face through this tiny door. ¡°High Priest, he is not yet dead.¡± I hadn¡¯t seen his condition, but I knew he was still alive. Everyone referred to him as The Berserker. ¡°He isn¡¯t going to die.¡± That was an odd tone. I lowered my voice and asked, my brow furrowed. ¡°Will he be going somewhere?¡± When I asked him a follow-up question, he whispered as if he were telling me a secret. ¡°He intends to take part in the competition.¡± He¡¯s going to participate again¡­¡­.. in that condition? The blood dripped from the fingers that had fallen outside the stretcher. Given his current state, the man will be unable to participate again. ¡®I don¡¯t think he can even stand up.¡¯ Contrary to my concerns, a thunderous roar erupted from outside the door through which the man was being carried out. ¡°That man is a monster.¡± I sensed both reluctance and fear in the priest¡¯s low voice. ¡°If we give him a knife, he¡¯ll jump up like a ghost and slaughter his opponent.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯s been playing like that, winning one after the other, then coming back. That¡¯s why he¡¯s known as The Berserker.¡± Berserkers was a term that meant ancient warrior. It was never meant to be a living being. The crowd applauded outside the closed door. I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s going on, but it wasn¡¯t a pleasant sound to hear. ¡°He¡¯ll be the winner if he comes back alive just two more times.¡± That, unfortunately, could not have been the case. Aside from that guy, I know two other preliminary winners. And what a dreadful bunch of winners they were. That man never seemed to stand a chance against them, no matter what kind of magic he used. ¡°He¡¯ll be able to join the Holy Knights if he wins.¡± It is the winner¡¯s privilege.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s a tremendous honor for a Toono.¡± It is said that when Shannon obtained Valhail from the temple, he belonged to the Holy Knights. ¡®Valhail is the winner of this martial arts competition.¡¯ Even if he wins this game, he will still be the runner-up. Is it then better for him? It¡¯s an honor to be listed among the Holy Knights, but he didn¡¯t seem to want it in the first place. ¡°What if he loses in the final?¡± Please allow that poor man to regain his freedom and rights. But the reality was harsh. ¡°He¡¯s going to be executed.¡± It¡¯s then either kill or be killed. That was the only win-loss result I was aware of from this martial arts competition. ¡°Those who did not win but did survive are thought to have received God¡¯s mercy. They have the opportunity to make a wish to the High Priest. But¡­¡­.¡± Even if he survived despite failing to defeat his opponent, his body would be in poor condition. As a result, the martial arts competition only acknowledged the winner. The runner-up is not the winner of the final, but rather the survivor of the final. ¡®How thoughtful of this place.¡¯ It reminded me that I was in the Medieval Era right now. Then a ferocious roar erupted, and the closed door burst open. The man who had been carried away on a stretcher was brought back in. His body was drenched in blood. His strong grip on the broad toothless knife. My heart suddenly ached. ¡°Is he dead?¡± He didn¡¯t appear to be like that. ¡°What¡­¡­¡± ¡°He-he¡¯s alive! He is the winner today.¡± The blue-clad priest pulled an amethyst-like stone from his arms as the other priests placed him down. ¡®Huh¡­¡­?¡¯ The stone turned purple when the priest closed his eyes and muttered something. Something unexpected happened at that precise moment. Chapter 6 Episode 6 The man¡¯s severe wounds started to heal dramatically. ¡®So that¡¯s it, the magical stones.¡¯ There was a scene in the original story where Selina was injured and treated by the priest. ¡®There was a priest exclusively dedicated to the Grand Duke in the capital of the Grand Duke¡¯s territory.¡¯ The speed of healing varies according to the level of the Magical Stone and the priest¡¯s divine power. Perhaps this priest is so powerful that the man¡¯s body, which resembles a corpse, has significantly improved. ¡®Wow, that¡¯s absolutely amazing.¡¯ At that moment of inward admiration, the priest collapsed to the side, sweating profusely like someone who had just stepped out of a sauna. ¡°Gasp¡­¡­¡± ¡°Priest! Priest!¡± The priests rushed to take the potion, but the priest couldn¡¯t handle it and collapsed, and he was eventually carried away. ¡®This is why the priest wasn¡¯t able to cure everyone.¡¯ The Grand Duke was the most wealthy man in the empire, so he could afford an exclusive priest and a huge number of magical stones. Even a minor scratch from Selina¡¯s fall down the stairs was enough to warrant a visit from a priest. The temple, on the other hand, did not show such leniency to Tunoos, who did not know when they would die. Furthermore, the man¡¯s condition appeared to be serious at first glance. I expected that ten more magical stones would be required to heal all of the wounds. Anyway, after being treated by the high priest, only then I could see the man properly for the first time. ¡®¡­¡­ there¡¯s nothing unusual.¡¯ And I could understand the phrase ¡°win one after the other¡± that people used to describe him. Because of his broad shoulders and thick frame, the man appeared to be a little thin, but strong. His blood-soaked hair color was unknown, and his eyes were closed, but his ¡®handsomeness¡¯ could never be hidden. The man¡¯s brows, thick lips, jawline, and even his muddy appearance reminded me of models I¡¯d seen in magazines. ¡°Do you know what his real name is, priest?¡± ¡°Well, everybody just called him the Berserker.¡± That can¡¯t possibly be a name. ¡®How can he win with such a pathetic appearance?¡¯ The other preliminary winners are¡­¡­it wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡®In the end, this man will end up losing.¡¯ With that corpse-like body, the man couldn¡¯t possibly win. ¡°This isn¡¯t going to kill him.¡± ¡°In any case, the Berserker isn¡¯t going to die.¡± The trainees whimpered and carried him back to the quarantine room, believing that the treatment was sufficient. With relaxed expressions, the other trainees who were watching the scene complained. ¡°The martial arts competition is finally coming to a close. We¡¯ve been planning this for a year.¡± ¡°I¡¯m relieved it¡¯s over, but I feel like something was lost.¡± ¡°Will you be returning next year? I don¡¯t want to repeat myself. It¡¯s horrifying, disgusting, and¡­¡­¡± ¡°Come on, let¡¯s stop complaining. There are still two crucial games coming up. Let us rejoice because the Grand High Priest will arrive on that day.¡± When a passing high priest calmed them down, the trainees responded like baby birds. ¡°Yes.¡± The final match of the martial arts championship is now all that remains. It took place three days later. * * * * * For the first time, the ¡®berserker¡¯ man was given a break. ¡®They treat him better because the man is going to play an important match.¡¯ The martial arts championship was coming to an end, so the dungeon was quiet. With plenty of time on my hands, I went to the quarantine room just in case. ¡®Maybe the priest will treat him again because he is the runner-up, right?¡¯ I tried to believe it, but the man¡¯s treatment was still deplorable. He was on the floor, not even away from the stretcher. He still held a knife in his hand. They simply placed him in front of the door as if he were a delivery box and fled. ¡®¡­¡­I knew it.¡¯ I wiped the bloodstains away with warm water and a clean cloth from the infirmary. In hindsight, the bleeding had not stopped. The man licked his lip, oblivious to my touch, which might have hurt him a little. ¡°What did you say?¡± I could barely get my ear close enough to hear what he was saying. ¡°Get¡­out¡­¡± The cracked and muddled voice was pitiful. It sounded like the last growl of a wounded wild dog. Despicable but not frightening, so poor and pitiful¡­ Just by looking at his condition, I couldn¡¯t believe this man had won the match and returned. ¡°First, let¡¯s put the knife down.¡± He clenched the knife tighter in his hand, as if in defiance. That was it, though. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to let it go?¡± The man quickly relaxed his grip on the knife handle as I pushed my finger through his fist. ¡®His fist is twice the size of mine.¡¯ The knife landed on the floor with a thud. I pushed the weapon into a corner, soaked a cloth in warm water, and wiped the man¡¯s bloodstains away. Then he flinched, his calloused fingers flinched. ¡°Is it painful?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± It¡¯s natural that it hurts. His body had been ripped to shreds. It was a ridiculous question. For a brief moment, I considered a drug that could alleviate the man¡¯s suffering. ¡®Poppy juice!¡¯ Because it is quite costly, the dungeon did not provide it. ¡®However, I believe I saw some in the infirmary.¡¯ The man grabbed the hem of my clothes as soon as I tried to stand up. It was truly a beast-like reaction. ¡°I¡¯ll go get you some medication.¡± The man¡¯s unstable breathing then came to a halt for a brief moment. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡± He didn¡¯t, however, let go of his hand. I yanked on the hem of my clothes and exited the quarantine room. * * * * * ¡°Can I get some poppy juice, Sir Franz?¡± In the infirmary, there happened to be a high-ranking priest. ¡°M-Miss Selina!¡± Franz fell while hiding something behind him like a thief got caught. ¡°Argh!¡± A black stone rolled down his leg and landed on his side. The stone landed on my shoe and came to a halt. Franz clenched his fists and closed his eyes tightly. ¡°This.¡± However, the black stone turned purple when I reached out to pick it up. ¡°No! Oh my God¡­¡­!¡± The black stone was actually a magical stone. Franz muttered in surprise and looked perplexed. ¡°Y-you have divine power, Miss Selina!¡± ¡°Oh, really? Me?¡± I opened my eyes wide to the words I had never heard before. There was a scene in the original where Selina used magical stones to heal the injured Grand Duke. It occurred in the second half of all conflicts. It is also confirmed by the capital¡¯s High Priest. But I didn¡¯t know if Selina truly possessed divine power or how much divine power she possessed. I was bored when reading that part, so I skimmed it! Why did you do that, me from the past? I had no idea I¡¯d come across magical stones so quickly. I scanned the amethyst-colored stone and returned it to Franz. However, as soon as Franz touched him, the magical stones turned black. ¡°As expected¡­¡­ I guess I wasn¡¯t cut out to be a priest.¡± Franz cast a bitter look down at the black stone. ¡°A priest without divine power can no longer be promoted.¡± I guess this priest is probably around 20 years old. It was heartbreaking to see the handsome young man depressed. ¡®So one must have divine power to turn the magical stone purple.¡¯ I guess magical stones are usually black stones ¡°I am going to keep this a secret. If the temple finds out, they will send 100 official letters to the Countess every day.¡± ¡°Official letters?¡± ¡°A recommendation letter for Miss Selina to become a priest.¡± The priest was treated as a high-ranking official in this holy empire. It was a respectable profession. If the Count¡¯s daughter became a priest, she would be far excluded from the life of an ordinary lady, but that was not a bad thing. But. ¡°Do you not want me to become a priest, Sir Franz?¡± I gave him a friendly smile. ¡°Every day, you¡¯ll be able to see my face.¡± Franz used to wander around the dungeon to see me. Despite the fact that a high priest is not required to do so. I couldn¡¯t help but notice how obvious he was. ¡°Well, that¡¯s not the case. It¡¯s all for Miss Selina.¡± He spoke as if he had revealed the temple¡¯s great secret. ¡°Miss Selina, the priest must abstain from meat.¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± ¡°Everyone is unquestioning the rule, but it¡¯s the biggest obstacle for the priest.¡± It was a problem that I was aware of but did not consider. ¡°¡­¡­can¡¯t you even have a chicken?¡± Franz, who snorted loudly, solemnly shook his head. ¡°Even eggs are prohibited.¡± I¡¯m screwed. There would be no life if there was no chicken. I¡¯ll be sold to the Grand Duke if Camilla and Shannon aren¡¯t kicked out. So I was planning to become a priest, but I shouldn¡¯t do it if even a priest advised me not to become one. ¡°Let¡¯s keep this a secret that only Miss Selina and I are aware of.¡± Franz cradled the stone in his arms, as if to hide it. ¡°All right, then I¡¯ll leave¡­¡­¡± When he tried to leave the infirmary in a hurry, I called him. ¡°Did you steal it?¡± With his hand on the doorknob, Franz hardened, then turned around and shouted quietly. ¡°Wh-wh- who¡¯s stealing?!?¡± ¡°Wh- wh- why are you stammering?¡± Franz, whose face had turned red, jumped as if he were having a seizure. ¡°It-it-it is a felony to make fun of a high priest!¡± ¡°What do you mean make fun? How could you say that to a decent lady.¡± ¡°Miss Selina!¡± Seeing his trembling face with a shriveled face, he was a quite attractive priest¡­¡­ ¡®Shall I get acquainted with him?¡¯ One of the reasons for entering this monastery was to form a bond with a priest. ¡®I don¡¯t require a high priest.¡¯ Any priest who has been approved by the monastery is acceptable. But¡­ ¡®It doesn¡¯t hurt to have a priest with a high status.¡¯ I¡¯m going to need a priest in the future, and I¡¯m going to need poppy juice right now ¡°Then I¡¯ll make you a proposal.¡± ¡°Wh-wh-what?¡± I approached Franz first, who was wary like a small, shy beast. ¡°Please help me. Then I¡¯ll give you ten times as much as those magical stones.¡± ¡°Miss Selina, do you know how much it¡¯s supposed to cost?¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s worthwhile to call.¡± ¡°How could someone who is aware of this say such a thing¡­¡± ¡°There are only three things that I desire. For the time being, the magic stone and poppy juice.¡± ¡°What about the other one?¡± Franz looked at me with a suspicious look on his face, as if he was seeing a demon testing him. ¡®Cute.¡¯ I took a step closer after looking at his ears and neck, which had turned red. ¡°The other is for you to come to the Countdom of Crawford in a month to see me.¡± I looked up at him ambiguously, as if to ask, ¡°Is it difficult?¡± and blinked like a cat in boots, causing the glum Franz to turn his head in wonder. ¡°So, Miss Selina, what can you do for me? Let¡¯s hear it for what it¡¯s worth.¡± ¡°I have a Mine. A mine where a large number of magical stones were reclaimed.¡± It¡¯s not mine right now, but there¡¯s a chance it will be soon. So it wasn¡¯t a lie after all. ¡°It¡¯s an inheritance that my deceased mother left for me, and my uncle is completely unaware of it.¡± Only then did Franz realize I wasn¡¯t making up my own words. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to buy me with that¡­!¡± Isn¡¯t he insane? How could a priest say such a thing? ¡°Of course not!¡± I shook my head and stiffened my face. ¡°Come with me to the Capital, Knights of White Eagle.¡± My mother once said to me, a senior in high school, that even if you have to poop, poop in Seoul. I had no intention of arguing for my uncle¡¯s favor in this rural place. I was attempting to look at the bigger picture. ¡°If you can¡¯t become a priest in this western monastery, becoming a high priest in the Great Hall of the Capital wouldn¡¯t hurt.¡± ¡°Ca, capital?!¡± Franz, who had been trembling, grabbed my hand and shouted. ¡°Deal!¡± Chapter 7 Episode 7 * * * Squeak¡ª The man¡¯s head turned slightly toward me as I opened the quarantine room door. It surprised me that I was so concerned about a seriously injured patient who couldn¡¯t even open his eyes. Thud¡ª As I placed the bottle next to him, the man¡¯s fingers flinched. ¡°Because the dose is one shot¡­¡± The man¡¯s dark brows creased slightly as my voice rang out in the quiet space. ¡°You¡¯ll need to take three shots of these.¡± This was the poppy juice I obtained through a deal with Franz. Even though he couldn¡¯t afford to lift a finger right away, he was quick to respond to my every move. And the situation of being watched by him with signs and sounds made me nervous. And the fact that he was observing my movements and sounds made me nervous. Because, despite his critical condition, he is the runner-up in the martial arts championship. When the priests discovered that I was going in and out of the quarantine room, they became shocked and surprised and tried to stop me. ¡®By saying that he¡¯s a dangerous individual.¡¯ Despite my nervousness, I pretended nothing was wrong and opened the bottle, observing his movements in the same way he did. He didn¡¯t have a knife in his hand, but he was still wary of intruders. ¡®How could I make him drink this poppy juice?¡¯ This man can¡¯t even get himself up, so he can¡¯t do it on his own. ¡®The Berserker¡­¡­¡¯ I¡¯ve never referred to him as The Berserker like others have, but I was aware of his moniker. He was given that moniker because he looked to be dead before suddenly waking up and slaughtering his opponent. ¡®Perhaps he wants to reach for that knife right now?¡¯ Looking back at the knife on the corner, I put the glass bottle to his lips blindly. It was an impulsive move, but he only frowned and opened his lips. Rather, I was the one who was embarrassed. ¡®How could he have drunk so obediently without knowing what kind of medicine this was?¡¯ Gulp, gulp, gulp¡ª His thick neck shook violently every time his lips opened. The man remained silent the entire time he drank three shots in a row. His closed eyelids shook slightly, indicating that he was still wary of me. Fortunately, thanks to the effect, the man¡¯s condition after drinking the poppy juice is much better than before. His breathing, which had been erratic due to pain, had become more stable, and his body, which had been wary of me, had relaxed. ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you.¡± I took the magical stone from my pocket. I¡¯m not sure if I can use it, but it was worth a shot. It was the moment when I held the magical stone and closed my eyes like the High Priest. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The man suddenly grabbed my wrist. Thud¡ª Surprisingly, I dropped the magical stone to the floor. His hands were huge, hot, and hard. I tried to shake it off, but it wouldn¡¯t come off. I looked down at his strong palm, which was clasped around my wrist. ¡®How do you know what I¡¯m doing when you have your eyes closed?¡¯ In other words, he was paying close attention to me. He was the runner-up in the martial arts championship, but he didn¡¯t become one for no reason. ¡®Whether he¡¯s a nobleman or a priest, I¡¯m sure he despises everyone here.¡¯ Why did I only notice this now? Thump, thump, thump¡ª My heart beat a little faster. My face became pale because I was afraid I was going to die because of this man here. His lips moved slowly after that. ¡°Kill me¡­¡­¡± But, contrary to my fears, what he desired was not my life. The man begged me in hushed tones. ¡°Please¡­ kill me¡­¡­¡± I assume he¡¯s out of his mind as a result of the drugs, but it feels more sincere. Is this what this man truly desires? My hands were trembling. I was in agony. ¡®After all I had done to obtain the magical stone.¡¯ But I couldn¡¯t think any further when he took my hand to his throat and grabbed my hands to strangle him. As soon as I touched his hard neck, jaw, and bones, my head became cold, as if ice water had been poured on them. ¡°Would you please let go?¡± I was just saying, but isn¡¯t it natural that I couldn¡¯t strangle someone? I don¡¯t know about other people, but it¡¯s impossible for me to kill this strong man, even if he¡¯s badly injured. And even if I could do it without drawing attention to myself, I couldn¡¯t. ¡°Please release my grip on your hand. I¡¯ve never killed anyone. I couldn¡¯t¡­¡­¡± When I begged in a troubled voice, he quickly let go of his hand. To calm down, the man slowly opened his eyes while barely catching his breath. His murky blue eyes were unfocused. He appeared to be distracted by the poppy juice effect. ¡®This man couldn¡¯t even run away.¡¯ Since he has a tattoo on his left forearm that indicates he was Toono, whose fate is either kill or be killed. And he had to play in the following match. ¡®He might be wiser if he knew what I was holding was the magical stones.¡¯ That just proved how difficult his life is for him. How can a man wish to die? ¡°You can¡¯t die this way.¡± I decided to do what I could with the reality he was trying to escape. ¡°Just keep going for a second time. In any case, the winner has already been determined, so do your best to survive.¡± He only needs to survive twice more. It¡¯s certainly possible with this tenacious life. ¡°If you come in second and survive, you can make a wish.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Then wish for your freedom. Then you¡¯ll be able to live again. Freely.¡± He remained silent. Well, it wouldn¡¯t have been weird if he had died of excessive bleeding. As the High Priest did, I held the magical stone and prayed impulsively. I¡¯m praying for this man¡¯s healing. My clumsy prayer was answered by the stone, most likely because the level of the stolen Magical Stone was high. The man¡¯s body started to heal. It was a huge improvement once the blood stopped flowing. When the sound of a man¡¯s breathing seemed to be calming down, I was dizzy. ¡®What is going on?¡¯ I was on the verge of collapsing and barely leaned on my side. My mouth was parched, as if I¡¯d worked out in the hot sun. I needed to drink some water. I could drink a liter at this point. ¡°Miss Selina?¡± Someone found me just in time. Franz¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°Are you here?¡± I dashed into the corner, jumped out of my seat, and hid the poppy juice there. ¡°Do not leave.¡± A gentle hand grasped the hem of my clothes. It¡¯s not as strong as it used to be, but he begged. ¡°Please¡­don¡¯t leave.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I managed to get out of the quarantine room with my dizzy head after shaking him off. * * * ¡°What the hell are you thinking, Countess?¡± ¡°Listen carefully, Cedric. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a misunderstanding¡­¡± ¡°Misunderstanding? What kind of misunderstanding is this? It¡¯s not acceptable for you to be gone for 15 days just to go hunting!¡± Cedric, who was shouting loudly, frustratedly pointed to the map. ¡°As I previously stated, Crawford is located on the border of the enemy state. We¡¯re the Empire¡¯s front-line emergency guards!¡± ¡°I understand. But the war is way overdue¡­¡± ¡°The war can be revived at any time.¡± There we go again with that dreadful war story! Camilla shook her head gently, as if she was bored. ¡°If you defend the Countdom with such arrogance, Crawford will be the first to vanish from the Empire.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be too concerned, Cedric; my family will never allow that to happen.¡± Camilla¡¯s father held the title of Duke of Maple. He belonged to the current empress¡¯s family and had the second-highest authority in the capital after the Grand Duke. Crawford was able to withstand the war against the border Dukedom due to the wealth of the Duke of Maple. This was the reason Count Crawford remarried Camilla. Cedric¡¯s prestige plummeted even further when Camilla mentioned her parents¡¯ family. Camilla crept up to Cedric, her hair fluttering as if to soothe his rage. ¡°By the way, Cedric, this beautiful face is badly impacted.¡± Cedric winced and took a step back when she put her hand to his face. Camilla, on the other hand, reached out with confidence. ¡°You must have had a difficult time dealing with those bandits. I¡¯m sorry for what happened to you.¡± Cedric shifted uncomfortably and avoided her touch. ¡°¡­Please address me as Lord Crawford.¡± ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t it be misinterpreted? Since everyone refers to me as Madam Crawford.¡± Camilla whispered with a seductive smile. ¡°If their husband dies in the war, the women of the capital vow to marry their husband¡¯s brother.¡± Cedric¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°It is disgraceful and shameful.¡± ¡°Is that the reason you don¡¯t want to marry me?¡± Cedric looked at Camilla this time, unable to conceal his disdain. She had become a very consistent woman from his first impression until now. ¡®Perhaps that¡¯s why she married someone like my brother.¡¯ He felt sorry since his brother had already passed to heaven, but the dead Count Crawford was an opportunist. ¡®Joanna.¡¯ She was the most beautiful lady in the empire. And Cedric, who grew up in the capital, was friends with Joanna. Joanna, who had traveled to the West to support her father¡¯s campaign, happened to run into the Count by chance. And the Count married her before he did. The Duke of Chester, who came to the west instead of the Emperor, had no reason to oppose his youngest daughter¡¯s marriage to the Count. However, after the Count returned from the war, he remarried to Camilla, Duke of Maple¡¯s daughter. While Joanna, who had a daughter who looked exactly like her, had died in a carriage accident. That¡¯s why, whenever Cedric saw Selina, who resembled her mother, he was heartbroken to remember Joanna, who had died in vain. ¡®If only I could turn back the time.¡¯ Cedric returned to the countdom on behalf of his brother, regretting not being able to get Camilla out of the countdom. He wished he could go back 20 years and propose to Joanna so he won¡¯t be afraid of her being a widow.. ¡®If I had, Selina would have been my child¡­¡¯ Chapter 8 Chapter 8 ¡°Think very carefully. Selina is just too young to know, so it¡¯s understandable if she didn¡¯t know, but if Selina tries to kick me out and take over the Countdom, Cedric, you will¡­¡­¡± ¡°In any case, you must behave properly from now on.¡± Cedric turned violently and left the parlour room after taking Camilla¡¯s hand, which tickled his ear. Camilla¡¯s face creased as she saw Cedric¡¯s red cape hem fluttering by the doorway. Cedric Crawford was a man who never seemed to get out of her way. Only married men and women were permitted to hold titles under Imperial law. As a result, Cedric, who is single, was unable to receive the title of Count Crawford. ¡®I need to marry that frozen wooden man before he meets another woman.¡¯ But she couldn¡¯t see any opportunities. As the head of the Crawford family, she is still rubbing his buttocks, but if Cedric changes his mind and marries someone, she must leave the mansion. ¡®If only I could have made that Commander of White Knights mine, these miserable concerns would have been alleviated.¡¯ His son, on the other hand, was not to be trusted. He, unlike her, was a child with no greed or knowledge of power. ¡°Where is Shannon?¡± Camilla yelled as she tied her hair, and the maids bowed their heads in fear. ¡°That brat really! Her mother has returned home, but what the hell is she doing?¡± Shannon, who was grooming herself, came in just in time with a smile on her face. ¡°How was your hunt, Mother?¡± Camilla frowned as she looked at Shannon. ¡°What¡¯s the matter with your hair? It¡¯s nearly identical to a broom.¡± ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t have time to dress up because my uncle called me at the crack of dawn.¡± ¡°Did Cedric call for you? What¡¯s the issue? ¡°In fact, Mother, it is¡­¡± In the meantime, Shannon elaborated on what was going on with Selina. ¡°She¡¯s completely changed. She opened her eyes wide and smiled like a yobu.¡± (T/N: Yobu refers as temptress, femme fatale, or a wicked man who seduces men.) Camilla gave a snort. ¡°Are you drunk?¡± ¡°You may not believe it, but it¡¯s true, Mother. I genuinely think Selina is being possessed by ghosts.¡± ¡°Do you mean that the stutterer is suddenly speaking fluently and smiling at people?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s as if she¡¯s a completely different person. Do you think she plans to displace us, Mother?¡± ¡°Forget it.¡± Camilla shook her hand angrily. She¡¯s already busy thinking about the future, and she¡¯s not in the mood to listen to her daughter¡¯s nonsense. More than that. ¡°¡­ Why did you rip her dress? Didn¡¯t you know Cedric was coming back? I¡¯ve been telling you to watch your behavior when he¡¯s around!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, Mother!¡± ¡°If it isn¡¯t you, it has to be one of your maids! Can¡¯t you keep a check on things like that?¡± ¡°¡±I asked, but they all said no¡­¡± ¡°Stupid b*tch.¡± Shannon remained silent in the face of Camila¡¯s cold remarks. ¡°It is true, Madam, Lady Selina has changed as if she is a different person.¡± Shannon was defended by Emma. ¡°Well, I mean, how she behaves, flattering Commander and even putting that lowly Penny in maid uniforms?¡± ¡°¡­ Did Selina do that?¡± ¡°Everyone would question the Crawford family¡¯s reputation if they knew the daughter of the house had a lowly farmer daughter as her maid.¡± Emma shivered her shoulder, pretending to be concerned. It must have upset her as the Baron¡¯s daughter to be treated the same as a lowly farmer¡¯s daughter. ¡°Madam, I¡¯m afraid a rumor will spread. You know how light-mouth everyone is¡­¡± It was both a threat and a strong piece of advice. As if she was saying, ¡®Get Penny out of here or take off her maid¡¯s uniform.¡¯ Camilla¡¯s eyes were gloomy as she looked at Emma. ¡°That¡¯s correct, Mother. That is extremely embarrassing. If that happens, I won¡¯t even be able to attend the banquet.¡± She became enraged after hearing her ignorant daughter say such things. Selina¡¯s decision to leave the Countdom alone was obviously strange. Selina, the cowardly and timid girl, would never leave the annex on her own, no matter how hard Camila pushed her. ¡®But how come that timid girl went to the monastery on her own?¡¯ Camilla crossed her legs and beckoned. ¡°Bring Penny over here.¡± * * * * * Terrified, Franz rushed me out of the quarantine room. ¡°Do not enter the quarantine room carelessly, Miss Selina. That man is a dang-dang-dangerous person.¡± He begged me, but I ignored him. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡± When I asked why he was looking for me, he said it was because he had a letter addressed to me. ¡°Miss Selina, there must be an urgent matter in the house.¡± They would have sent someone if it was truly an emergency. The Countdom was not far from the Toono Match Venue. ¡°Did you come looking for me to tell me that? Simply because of that?¡± When I asked, Franz¡¯s face flushed once more. ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± When I smiled and thanked him, he coughed in vain and turned to the side. ¡°Is it because of the magical stone? Because that magical stone is in my possession, you¡¯ve come here to keep an eye on¡­¡± ¡°Wha-what do you mean, keep an eye on you!? That is not the case, Miss Selina. Really!!! Besides, I¡¯m already¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m kidding, we already have a strategic alliance. As a result, it¡¯s natural for us to be interested in each other¡¯s situations.¡± ¡°¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡± In any case, we made it to the top of the tower. Because all of the pigeons that delivered the letters were kept there. ¡°I had a question I wanted to ask you.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°You know, the semi-final match. Do you know anything about the four remaining Toonos?¡± ¡°Not every player that left is Toonos. One of them is a gladiator.¡± ¡°Aha.¡± That is why one is not in prison. Despite the fact that I was rushing back and forth in the quarantine room, I will never forget my mission to find Valhail. ¡°You¡¯re not a high priest, are you? So, what brought you here¡­¡± ¡°Miss Selina stated that this was her first time in the mailroom, so I escorted her here. Then I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Franz gave me a light bow and then walked away. The person in charge of the letter quickly wiped his feathered hands and located my letter. His hand trembled as he untied the paper. ¡°He-here you go, Miss Crawford.¡± The unfamiliar name, which didn¡¯t seem to belong to me at first, is now quite familiar. ¡°I appreciate it.¡± ¡°Oh, as the rumor goes¡­really¡­¡± I kept my gaze fixed on the letter and turned to face myself as the letter officer mumbled something. The sender¡¯s name was not ¡°the Count,¡± but rather ¡°Eddie.¡± Who is it? The Crowfords were the only ones who knew I was here. That¡¯s right. Then I¡¯m certain the sender is a Crowford family member. ¡®Eddy, a member of the Count of Crawford?¡¯ Is there a character like this in the original story? Looking back on my memories, I only recognized a similar person. ¡®Perhaps¡­¡­ Adrian?¡¯ He was my stepmother¡¯s son. Adrian, Shannon¡¯s twin, grew up with Selina at the Countdom only a few years ago. ¡°How dare you seduce my son?¡± ¡°Uh-uh, m-mother, uh-he-uh, no, uh-uh, r-read him a book, Eddie¡­Argh!¡± ¡°What, you¡¯re a stutterer, can you even read well!? Ha! Someone like you!?¡± Camilla, who could be a little self-conscious and self-controlled, explodes when Adrian gets involved. She¡¯s a little more worked up than usual. ¡°Where did you learn to do dirty things and summon your little brother to the bedroom, like a whore?¡± Adrian was the only child Camilla relied on and adored. Her depth of affection for Adrian was different from Shannon¡¯s. Selina was aware of this, so she avoided getting too close to him, but she couldn¡¯t stop a child who considered herself to be his own sister from approaching her and asking her to read a book. ¡°Mother, oh Mother! I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry! I was wrong! Argh!¡± The brutal beating didn¡¯t stop once it began. And eventually, the harsh whipping quickly knocked Selina out. Adrian adored Selina so much that he became more obedient to her than to his biological sister. As a result, Camilla always beats Selina whenever she gets entangled with Adrian. ¡®Adrian Berry.¡¯ The surname ¡°Berry¡± was given to children born in the west. Shannon¡¯s full name, like Adrina¡¯s, was Shannon Berry. Camilla had no choice but to raise her son as an illegitimate child. For Camila, Adrian was her biggest traitor. ¡®That¡¯s why Camilla despised Selina so much more.¡¯ Perhaps she was afraid that his son would die while attempting to protect Selina. In the original story, Adrian died in a tragic accident when Selina¡¯s carriage was attacked while she was selling to the Grand Duke. Camilla blamed Selina for her son¡¯s death as a result. ¡®Does Adrian have a reason to write me a letter?¡¯ Curiosity got the better of me, and I quickly unsealed the seal and opened the letter. The content was brief and to the point. [I miss you. Forgive me.] ¡®What exactly is this?¡¯ I looked at the back and forth of the letter, but that was all there was to it. I got a chill for no apparent reason, so I burned the letter right away. I was able to escape the rooftop full of cages only after I double-checked that the paper was completely gone and the black ash was flying away. I went down the tower, feeling uneasy, and clicked my tongue inside. ¡®As one would expect, Camilla has a good hunch.¡¯ Is it normal for a younger brother to write such a letter to his older sister? Did he feel relieved when he realized I was still alive? Even more so when we don¡¯t share a single drop of blood? ¡®So, why are you so beautiful that you¡¯re causing all of this havoc?¡¯ While admiring a slight reflection of my face with the silver candle, I remembered Adrian¡¯s final line from the original story. ¡®I¡¯ve always loved you, sister.¡¯ And the Grand Duke slain Adrian to death. Because of this, Selina becomes even more shocked and disgusted by the Grand Duke. That¡¯s how the love-hate relationship, the main content of the 19-year-old novel , started. ¡®I thought romance occurred only with the Grand Duke.¡¯ I thought he was the only one I needed to avoid. But, unexpectedly, receiving such a letter from Adrian made me feel uneasy. ¡®If I get involved with him, I¡¯ll be dead.¡¯ I haven¡¯t even met the original male protagonist. Of course, I had no intention of getting along with him. Although I was compelled to purchase the book because of the keywords ¡®Regretful, Obsessed, Bad Guy,¡¯ such a man is a no-no in reality. And this is now my reality. The genre is a waste on its own. ¡®I shouldn¡¯t even look him in the eyes.¡¯ I couldn¡¯t support a character who gave up his life for me. There¡¯s no way such a kid could ever be a normal kid. Chapter 9 Chapter 009 * * * ¡°Listen closely, Sir. If I don¡¯t come back in an hour, it means I¡¯m being cursed at, so don¡¯t worry.¡± William Spencer, commander of Count Crawford¡¯s outer guard. He was in the warehouse at the maid¡¯s request. ¡°However, if I don¡¯t return in two hours, it means I¡¯m being beaten.¡± I just need to scream loud enough for them to only hit me mildly. That is why you are not required to come, Sir.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I get it.¡± It had nothing to do with his job or duty, but he nodded solemnly. Penny, who was looking for food in the warehouse, turned around and went on. ¡°But what if I don¡¯t return in three hours and there isn¡¯t a scream?¡± Penny shivered just thinking about it, as if it were terrifying. ¡°Then it means I was beaten until I was unconscious and imprisoned. So you must come and find me as soon as possible. Do you understand, Sir?¡± ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°Madam usually locks me up in the annex¡¯s closet on the first floor.¡± Penny expertly tucks jerky and dry fruit between her clothes at the same time. ¡°If she¡¯s in a bad mood, she might lock me up in the basement, and if she¡¯s in an even worse mood, she¡¯ll have to lock me up in a hound cage.¡± William remained silent and calm in the face of Penny¡¯s words. He didn¡¯t even laugh at Madam Crawford¡¯s abuse stories as if they were normal. ¡°The annex is so cold that a person could die without the heater, so please come as soon as possible.¡± ¡°Lady Crawford¡­. Does she enjoy being cold?¡± ¡°Of course not.¡± ¡°Then, why was she staying at the annex?¡± ¡°Then, if it¡¯s you, would you like to stay there? At that frigid annex?¡± ¡°Then why?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It appears that you, too, are unaware of it.¡± ¡°Sigh, Sir, why are you so infuriating to me? It¡¯s better to hold a conversation with the firewood than with you, Sir.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± William Spencer didn¡¯t get it. Isn¡¯t it true that her Lady was staying in the annex to avoid interacting with people? Perhaps, the angelic face he had always seen from afar under the guise of a coincidence had a sorrowful side. William was dumbfounded. He had a hunch Selina wouldn¡¯t get along with her stepmother, but¡­ ¡°The thought of being beaten by myself makes me feel a little lonely.¡± He had no idea it was this much. No one in the countdom must have known. Contrary to rumors, Selina is good at speaking, her smile is inseparably lovely that he can¡¯t take his eyes off her, and she speaks as if a bellbird sings. He is most likely the only White Knight who has seen her face and heard her voice. ¡°Oh, that doesn¡¯t mean I want my Lady beaten along with me.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°My Lady has frail skin, so once she gets smacked, the wound lasts for two months. She even fainted the last time she was hit. Sigh¡­¡± William¡¯s complexion darkened as he calmly listened to the maid¡¯s story. Today, the maid came to see him and requested assistance. But, if Camilla abuses the Lady again, how will she be able to stop it? Unless specifically requested, an unmarried man is not permitted to enter or exit the annex where an unmarried lady lives alone. William is thinking that he should pay Cedric a visit when he isn¡¯t too busy and talk to him. Lady Crawford requires an escort. * * * * ***** ¡°Kyaaaaaa!¡± ¡°Why are you screaming, huh!? Do you think someone will come to your aid if you scream like that, huh!?¡± ¡°M-Madam! Please, Madam, spare me!¡± ¡°Shut up, or I¡¯ll gag you!¡± Emma frowned as she pinched her thigh. Normally, she would remain silent, but she was irritated that Penny squealed like a goose today. ¡°Do you feel like a maid now that you¡¯re wearing the Count¡¯s maid uniform?¡± Emma sarcastically said as she grabbed Penny¡¯s hair and raised her chin. ¡°Your father should be aware of your pomposity.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°I need to inform my family that I will no longer be purchasing your beverages. You know, every time I saw your father, I felt uneasy. He¡¯s filthy and stinks.¡± Penny, who had been looking down the entire time, raised her eyes and looked Emma in the eyes. Then at the moment. Slap! Emma slapped Penny across the face. ¡°You, commoner! How dare you look at me that way!¡± ¡°Stop.¡± Emma stopped pinching Penny at Camilla¡¯s command. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what, Penny. All I wanted to know was how my daughter was doing while I was gone.¡± ¡°M-Madam¡­¡± ¡°Was that a hard question?¡± ¡°It¡¯s exactly what I¡¯ve been saying, Madam. She was the same as usual¡­ Madam, I¡¯m telling you the truth. Please trust me.¡± ¡°Really? But I heard that she suddenly changed, as if she were someone else. I¡¯ve heard she speaks fluently.¡± Camilla smiled, raising only one corner of her mouth as she touched Penny¡¯s maid uniform. ¡°Wait, what did that girl say? Did she say she wanted to go to the monastery to avoid seeing me? Or if she has a plan¡­¡± Penny quickly shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s not! She took a lot of sleeping medication that made her out of her mind for a moment.¡± Selina was well-known for taking sleeping pills on a regular basis. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been much change. Even when there are only the two of us, she stutters and cries a lot. Like a fool!¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°She even cried because she regretted saying she was going to the monastery.¡± Camilla made a grumpy face at Shannon, as if to say, ¡®Look, I told you!¡¯ Shannon¡¯s face was flushed with embarrassment. She wasn¡¯t embarrassed because her mother suspected her of lying to her. ¡®With such a bluff in front of me!¡¯ But when she realized she had been duped by Selina¡¯s behavior while in the back, she sobbed uncontrollably, clutching her maid¡­¡­ That sounds more like Selina. But the way Selina spoke and looked at the time couldn¡¯t be made up through acting. It¡¯s as if Selina is changing into someone who isn¡¯t the Selina she used to know. ¡°All right, then, take this and go.¡± Camilla threw two silver coins while kicking her tongue. Clank- Clank- Penny was about to leave Camilla¡¯s bedroom when she hurriedly took the money. ¡°By the way, about the dress.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ yes?¡± ¡°The dress Selina bought.¡± Penny¡¯s heartbeat was racing. Selina had told her that she had brought the pieces of cloth with her, but¡­¡­ ¡°Was it you who did that?¡± ¡°Wh-What!?¡± Penny jumped from her seat. Because she never imagined Camilla thinking she was the one who did it. ¡°No way, Madam! That is not something I could do! Why would I rip up my lady¡¯s dress, Madam?¡± Penny, taken aback, quickly rummaged through her pockets. ¡°I found this on the floor that day.¡± It would have turned things upside down if Penny hadn¡¯t been told ahead of time to keep it. ¡°I picked this up because I couldn¡¯t stand the sight of my lady crying.¡± Camilla took up the purple fabric that Penny had handed her. The silk cloth has a subtle sheen to it. This was unmistakably the fabric used in the countdom¡¯s maid attire. The skirt part of the maid¡¯s uniform frequently ripped off. And since Selina didn¡¯t have a maid nearby, it was obvious that Shannon¡¯s maids were the ones who did it. Camilla¡¯s fine eyes were wrinkled gently. ¡°Did you inform Cedric of this?¡± ¡°No. I didn¡¯t tell anyone because I was afraid of causing a commotion.¡± ¡°All right. Then you¡¯re free to go.¡± ¡°Yes, then¡­¡± Penny, who nodded silently, dashed out of Camilla¡¯s room, as if escaping. Camilla tossed the cloth into the fire. ¡°Mother, she could be lying. In front of me, Selina is like a completely different person¡­ Argh!¡± Slap! Shannon, who was slapped on the cheek, fell down. ¡°How many times didn¡¯t I tell you to take proper care of your underlings!? How many times?¡± When their Madam¡¯s angry voice was heard, Emma and the other maids rushed out of their positions. ¡°Do you realize how much I¡¯ve been humiliated in front of Cedric for the past four years?¡± ¡°B-but I asked everyone, and no one had gone to the annex¡­!¡± ¡°You moron! You¡¯re completely useless!¡± Camila¡¯s face was ice cold as she looked down at her daughter, who had fallen to the floor. ¡°Sigh, I¡¯ll have to get you married soon before you get too old. This will benefit your brother.¡± Shannon secretly averted her gaze from her twin brother, Adrian. It was always Adrian who received the affection of her mother even when he did nothing. How much effort has she put in in comparison to him? She couldn¡¯t believe that all of her hard work had gone to waste. ¡®How dare you lie to me, Emma?¡¯ Shannon¡¯s teeth clenched. Shannon swears she will never leave Emma alone because she did something pompous that she did not ask her to do. * * * * * In my spare time, I went to see the three preliminary winners, Toonos. I tried hard to figure out which of the three was Valhail, but I couldn¡¯t. The only information I have is that Valhail had brown hair, but sadly, all three of them did. ¡®Light brown hair, just brown hair, and close-to-black brown hair.¡¯ The Toonos who competed in the martial arts competition were only identified by their numbers, not by their names. And if there were any oddities, like the man in the quarantine room, they were given nicknames. And each of the three preliminary winners was given a nickname. The Berserkers, The Raven, and The Fire-Moth. The Berserkers were named after the man in the quarantine room who appeared to be dead but jumped up as soon as he grabbed a knife. The Raven guy is called The Raven because he destroys his opponent¡¯s body even after his opponent has died¡­¡­ ugh, I mean, he acts like a raven. And The Fire-Moth was so named because he always rushed forward unconditionally to his opponents even before the match began, regardless of who he was up against. With the exception of the man in the quarantine room in the worst condition, either the Raven or the Fire-Moth had a better chance of winning. ¡°Who do you think will win?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s neck-and-neck right now.¡± I asked the priests who had watched all three matches, but they all gave me different answers. ¡°But fire moths are the most likely to win. He looks desperate to stay alive.¡± The Fire-Moth is skinny, but he is the healthiest. Whenever I brought him a strawberry-flavored potion, he would always drink it up to the last drop. The Raven¡­ was a cannibal, and his eyes twinkled like crazy, so I was afraid to talk to him. Only when the winner is determined quickly will I be able to determine who Valhail is. Is it The Raven or The Fire-Moth? I assumed it was one of the two, but I spent the majority of my time in the quarantine room. I was worried because the man¡¯s physical condition was serious, and his demeanor was gentle, and he listened to me well. Actually, no¡­ Perhaps one of the reasons is his face. ¡®There¡¯s no way such a handsome man as him could be an extra.¡¯ Just like me, the main character has a beautiful face. Chapter 10 It¡¯s been two days since I started to treat the man in the quarantine room. I went late at night on purpose because I was afraid he¡¯d be wary of me again like yesterday. Aside from that, I wanted to avoid the gaze of priests. I entered the quarantine room and opened the door, but there was no response. ¡®I guess he¡¯s sleeping.¡¯ Squeak! When the iron door was closed, the quarantine room was engulfed in pitch darkness. ¡®Was it always this dark?¡¯ Oh, I didn¡¯t bring a lantern today. I couldn¡¯t see him well this way. I didn¡¯t even know where the man was. I assumed it was because it was late at night, but the quarantine room had only a small door that was usually closed. So, whether it¡¯s day or night, it was the same for this man. He is always surrounded by darkness, and there is never any light. ¡®I should remember to bring the lantern next time.¡¯ To see how much the man¡¯s wounds have improved as a result of my treatment, as well as to see his face. Even if I bring a lantern into this room, the priests will not be able to see it from outside due to the small door. Perhaps because his bleeding had stopped, the fishy odor of blood had faded, and I could smell the scent of grass wafting through the air. It was the smell of herb ointment applied to wounds such as centella sage, lavender and rosemary. It was the point at which I sniffed and moved my feet cautiously toward the man¡¯s presence. I could feel his presence as he slept, and then something caught in my leg and leaned my body. ¡°Ah¡­¡± When I saw the man¡¯s next move, I realized what he did was deliberate. Because a knife was stabbed to the wall right next to my head in an instant. The shards of the wall bounced off my face with a crack. That¡¯s when I realized. He wasn¡¯t asleep at all. It was such a short moment, less than a second, that he knocked me over, pushed my body against the wall, and stabbed the knife into the wall. I was stunned, as if my heart was about to burst, but the man who was clutching my collar was also embarrassed. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ my chest¡­¡± Of course, his palms were touching my chest, so there¡¯s no way he couldn¡¯t have realized. Furthermore, as the protagonist of the high-ranking novel, Selina had a very sensuous body. The man¡¯s hand, which was holding my chest h in surprise, fell sharply. I could hear him stomping back after pulling a knife from the wall. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve gotten a lot better. I¡¯m relieved.¡± I said to the man, but he didn¡¯t respond. His wound was not completely healed because I could still smell the fishy odor of blood vibrating. ¡®I guess he can see me.¡¯ But I don¡¯t think he can see my face in great detail. Perhaps as a result of my movement? ¡°Please sit down.¡± I pretended to be calm, but my heart was still racing. He is extremely dangerous in his sane state. I had to feed him poppy juice right away. No, more than that¡­ ¡°Could you please put down the knife?¡± I tried to appease him as gently as I could, but he refused to budge. I didn¡¯t have the guts to feed him poppy juice while he was holding a knife, so I had to reach out to him. I couldn¡¯t see more than an inch ahead, so I brushed up against the blunt blade with the back of my hand. He drew the knife behind him, perplexed. ¡°¡­ You¡­ Who are you?¡± It was nice to hear the man¡¯s low voice ringing in the quarantine room. I can¡¯t believe I think hearing a clear voice is good when he¡¯s so wary of me. ¡­That¡¯s why the face is a scary thing. Dealing with a gorgeous face is the worst. ¡°I asked, who are you?¡± The man, as if out of patience, couldn¡¯t wait any longer and demanded an answer. ¡®Wait, what should I say?¡¯ If I said honestly that I¡¯m a Count daughter that has probation on the monastery, it would get my throat cut off. Since only nobles ever played and bet their money in a match that put Toono¡¯s lives at risk, although I never did. ¡°A trainee.¡± I respond by waving my hand at him. I gave a half-right, half-wrong response. Simultaneously, I touched the back of the man¡¯s right hand. I slid my fingers fearlessly into his knife-wielding fist. Then I put down the knife he¡¯s clutching tightly. Clank! The fallen knife rolled on the floor. I pushed the knife far away. ¡°What¡¯s your purpose?¡± Meanwhile, he asked the second question. ¡°Did you come at the request of the High Priest?¡± A series of embarrassing questions were posed. I looked around with eyes that had grown accustomed to the darkness. ¡®Where¡¯s the poppy juice? Poppy juice!¡¯ I traced my fingers along the wall until I found the corner. ¡°Tell them. I¡¯m not going to join that fanatic group.¡± The fanatical group mentioned by the man had to be the Holy Knights. ¡®He¡¯s talking as if he¡¯s going to win if he put his mind to it¡¯ Because he was in the quarantine room, I¡¯m guessing he hasn¡¯t heard the matches of The Raven and The Fire-Moth yet. When his opponents die, the Raven eats their arms first. I can tell he¡¯s a psycho cannibal by looking at his eyes, which have turned around, leaving only the white part. The initial goal of this martial arts competition was to empty the prison. Perhaps because the majority of Tonoo¡¯s inhabitants were violent criminals with no morals or ethics. I had to tell this man to stop talking so hopelessly and prepare to live with all of his limbs and body intact. ¡°Then you¡¯ll just have to be the runner-up.¡± My hand came into contact with a cold bottle while I was waddling on the ground. It was a poppy juice bottle. I exhaled the breath I had been holding back, relieved. ¡°Fortunately for you, your opponent has the best chance of winning.¡± The semifinal matches had already been scheduled. Berserker VS Fire Moth Raven VS Gladiator The matches were planned this way because they thought the match between The Fire-Moth and The Raven would be so important. When the priests gather these days, they predict who will win the Martial Arts Competition. Although priests did not bet money like nobles, it was a topic of great interest to them. The neck-and-neck race was definitely between The Fire-Moth and The Raven. The Gladiator was said to be very talented, but as a mercenary, he was only there to make a name for himself, and he stated that he would not compete in the semifinals. Because he is up against The Raven. If The Raven was really Valhail, I was going to pay him to get him to leave. As a result, he will never meet Shannon. ¡®If I hired someone like that as an escort. ¡®I can never sleep soundly.¡¯ Valhail was an attractive supporting character in who was cold to others but warm to his woman. But The Raven was not that kind of person. Maybe if he joins the Holy Knight, the demon will be the one who prayed and exorcised on a daily basis so they don¡¯t meet him. Anyway, if this man beat The Fire-Moth in the semifinals and miraculously survived even if he had to face The Raven in the final¡­ Then¡­ There¡¯s hope. ¡°If you survive, you may be forgiven and freed. Because you¡¯re the last four.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± The man reacted as if he had just heard it for the first time. ¡®I¡¯ve already told him this.¡¯ But it¡¯s possible he couldn¡¯t remember because he was high on painkillers at the time. In fact, when I saw this man, who was being calm to me at the time, suddenly doing this to me indicates that his memory of that time did not remain intact. ¡°Please survive and stay alive. Then you will be able to live your life freely.¡± The man then slumped. The man, who had no interaction with anyone, was unaware of the runner-ups¡¯ special rights. He appeared to be embarrassed by the fact that he had heard it for the first time. He seemed quite embarrassed by the fact that he heard it for the first time. ¡°Why¡­¡± Because I expected the conversation to continue, I grabbed his clothes and yanked him away. I couldn¡¯t give him medicine while he was standing up because he was so tall. After hesitating, he gently let himself be dragged by my hands and sat down. ¡°Drink it.¡± Since I had a hard time dealing with this man in his sane state, I pushed the bottle of the poppy juice near his lips. He did, however, turn his head to the side, as if he could tell the identity of the poppy juice by its smell. ¡®What the¡­?¡¯ I clung to his hard jaw like a metal ball and brought the bottle back up to his lips. He let out a low sigh after I held his jaw like that for a while. Simultaneously, his jaw, which had been clenched, loosened. ¡®It takes a lot of effort.¡¯ He flinched as I fumbled his chapped lips with my thumb, ensuring that he opened his lips fully. But he¡¯s quieter than Tori, an abandoned maltese dog I cared for from my previous life. I couldn¡¯t even put a finger on the dog¡¯s body because he was so ferocious. ¡®This man is a gentleman in comparison to him.¡¯ Large dogs, as expected, are gentler. ¡®I¡¯m a little bit sorry to compare this man to the dog.¡¯ I tipped the bottle to the side and poured poppy juice into the man¡¯s mouth. I heard liquid being gulped down, but I couldn¡¯t tell if the man was faking it or how much medicine was left in the bottle. A small amount of poppy juice was dripping onto my finger, which was holding the man¡¯s head. When I put my hand on the man¡¯s thick neck pole to see how much he¡¯d drank, the man¡¯s thick neck pole stopped moving. ¡®Drink more, drink some more.¡¯ Even if his body is ripped to shreds, this man will not die as a result of taking too much painkiller. As I pushed and tilted the bottle further, he came to a halt and resumed drinking poppy juice. My palm vividly conveyed the sensation of the man¡¯s neck mass moving up and down. I felt strange for some reason, and when I tilted the bottle halfway, I let go of my hand. It looked like he drank quite a bit. Because he was relaxed, his exhaling and inhaling were long and slow. The aroma of cherry suddenly enveloped me. ¡°You¡­¡± The man was unable to continue speaking and leaned against the wall. He let out a long sigh. When he¡¯s calm, I have to treat him quickly and get him out of there. I quickly took out the Magic Stone and began praying. ¡°Dear generous God. I pray for the healing of his wound. Please allow his wound to heal and stop the bleeding.¡± It was upsetting because I couldn¡¯t see how much of the wound had healed or how far it had progressed. By the time I felt dizzy again, I had to stop praying. My legs shook so badly that I couldn¡¯t even get out of my seat. ¡®I¡¯m thirsty.¡¯ I felt like my body was shrinking due to severe thirst. I had to go out and drink water right away. ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­ Please stay with me.¡± The man grabbed my sleeve and pleaded, but¡­ ¡®Please let me survive as well, okay?¡¯ I was also out of my mind, so I ignored his pitiful puppy-like gaze that followed me from behind. Squeak! When the iron door was shut, he was once again alone in complete darkness. Chapter 11 - v2c2p1 * * I was forced to lay down for two days. It was the price of ignorantly flattening out my own powers. Drinking water alone did not restore my body strength. I heard that the priest, who had previously treated the man, has not yet come to his senses. My fingertips were still trembling, but I forced myself to wake up because tomorrow is the semifinals. ¡°The Fire Moths will win, right? Last time I saw The Berserker, he was already like a corpse with a red flag hanging on his neck.¡± ¡°I think The Berserker will win tomorrow. I heard that his body has recovered.¡± ¡°How can that be?¡± There was astonishment in the muffled voice, as if it was unbelievable. ¡®Of course, it¡¯s because I treated that guy¡¯s body everyday.¡¯ I don¡¯t know if the final victor would change because of me. It wasn¡¯t that I didn¡¯t take that into account. I just couldn¡¯t pretend not to know the man who was dying. ¡®Maybe there¡¯s a possibility that the guy is Valhail, isn¡¯t it?¡¯ People naturally predicted the victory or defeat of The Fire Moths and The Berserker. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s really not a human¡­?¡± Same goes for The Fire Moths, there have been much such as rumours followed. Especially regarding the man in the quarantine room. ¡°I heard that he uses black magic.¡± The muffled voice suddenly lowered even more. ¡°Because he doesn¡¯t die and he doesn¡¯t get old.¡± ¡°Is it okay for such a person to join the Holy Knights? We don¡¯t even know where he¡¯s from.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that the reason why everyone in the Holy Knights is scary?¡± It was not an exaggeration for the man to call the Holy Knights a ¡°fanatic group.¡± Because the Holy Knights were never holy. Everyone in the Holy Knights were close to executioners specialized in torture, intimidation, and killing. ¡®How did Shanon bring Valhail from there? It was said that he was bought with money.¡¯ The process was not described, so it was unknown. Selina, who is about to get married, was given an escort (more like a watchman). Jealous of this, Shanon brought Valhail from the temple one day. Until then, Valhail had no name. He was just called as an escort. Shannon used to call him ¡°Lowly Toono¡± as if it was her habit. How much did Valhail love Shannon to endure such insults and stay by her side? ¡®Is Shanon¡¯s face his type? Because I couldn¡¯t imagine him falling for her because of her personality.¡¯ Whether it was The Fire Moth, The Raven, or even the man in the quarantine room, all three of them did not seem to be able match her personality. ¡®Hmm, I wonder who will win?¡¯ While I was measuring who Valhail was, I reached the door of the quarantine room. I brought my lantern well today. Squeak! When I opened the door carefully, I saw the man sitting with his knees bent and leaning his back against the wall. He turned his head toward me, but there was no other reaction. He just stayed still. Whether he knew that the intruders did not mean any harm, he did not show extreme vigilance today as before. But I didn¡¯t move one more step at the entrance and only reflected the lantern here and there. ¡®Where¡¯s the knife?¡¯ Ah, it was in the corner. In half. The knife split in half. ¡®What the?¡¯ Judging from the bloodstains on the blade, the man must have held it with his hand and broken it. Furthermore, broken glass was scattered nearby. It was a medicine bottle with poppy juices. ¡®Is he protesting? Saying that he didn¡¯t want to take the medicine?¡¯ Was he angry because I forced him to take the medicine when he didn¡¯t want to? Well, in the first place, it was said that he was put in the quarantine room because of his temper. ¡®But he was gentle to me¡­¡¯ Did his pride get torn late? While I was thinking what the man thought, the man did not move at all. After swallowing my saliva, I put the lantern down by the door. This could also be a weapon. As I moved carefully, I felt his gaze catching up with me. ¡°I guess you¡¯re not in pain anymore.¡± It was a stinging question of why he did such a mean thing, like breaking the knife and the medicine bottle. ¡°¡­ Thanks to someone.¡± The quiet answer seemed to ring the quarantine room. The man¡¯s voice was small but deep. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you know tomorrow is your match. It¡¯s the semifinals.¡± There was no answer back. Most of the Toono, which goes back and forth between life and death, cannot count the dates. Even if they slept and woke up all day, they have no way to know if it¡¯s day or night. Furthermore, if they were put in the quarantine room like this man, there was no one to tell them the date of the game. ¡°Your opponent is¡­ Everyone calls him The Fire Moths. Have you heard of him?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°He always rushed to his opponents even before the whistle rings. So, you¡¯ll have to be careful.¡± The man was silent until I took a step forward. The lantern was on the floor so he could only see up to my waist. While I could see him clearly sitting there. ¡®Does he need more treatment?¡¯ I couldn¡¯t believe that his torn body recovered so quickly that he could sit down without difficulty. ¡®He was like a living corpse just a few days ago.¡¯ Didn¡¯t his shoulder and abdomen get pierced with a knife? In particular, I remember that blood did not stop from his abdomen. As I was looking around his shoulders and chest which looked as hard as iron, I paused at the moment. His brown hair looked quite soft. While still looking down at him from above, my hand reached out on its own. The texture between my fingers was so fine that it didn¡¯t look like hair from a person who was just lying down like a corpse. Even so¡­ ¡®It¡¯s softer than Tori. Why?¡¯ It was amazing to me that it was soft to the touch, it was not dry or greasy at all. The moment when I was relieved by the smell of fragrant herbal ointment from the man. He gently moved his head. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± I raised my hand. It was because of the experience of being bitten while touching Tori because I thought we became close. ¡®I must be crazy.¡¯ Chapter 11.2 - Vol. 2 Chapter 2.2 Chapter 11 part 2 What a crazy thing to do. Of course, that man won¡¯t bite me, but something more could have happened. My heart fluttered at the fact that I had committed a dangerous act. ¡°In the match tomorrow¡­ You¡¯d better drop out.¡± If this man wins the game, he would meet up against The Raven in the final match. Everyone guessed that The Gladiator would not appear, and The Raven would go up by default. ¡°When you go to the finals, you¡¯ll go up against a cannibal. Then you could die without your body intact¡­¡± ¡°You.¡± The man asked something completely different. ¡°Is it the priest of the western temple?¡± In his sharp tone, there was still a boundary toward strangers. ¡®Have you ever listened to me?¡¯ I sighed. ¡°I told you. I¡¯m a trainee.¡± ¡°The trainee treated me with a magic stone.¡± ¡°¡­¡­..¡± ¡°You wanted me to believe that¡± Did he think that he could interrogate me now that he¡¯d let me touch his hair as much as I want? On the other hand, I could understand his mind. Of course, it is suspicious that a stranger, who is not a priest, treats him and tells him how to live and survive. ¡°Did the Holy Knights send you?¡± As expected, he thought the Holy Knights sent me to treat him. It seemed that he¡¯d ever come in contact with someone from the Holy Knights. ¡°I don¡¯t belong to the temple.¡± ¡°Then do you belong to a noble who bets money on me?¡± Yeah, it might look like that. Because this Martial Arts Tournament itself is a big gambling game. ¡°Well, if I was sent by a noble who bet his money on you, I wouldn¡¯t have told you to be dropped from the match this time, would I?¡± It was a time when we continued to play with our words like a riddle. The man raised his body. I faltered at his strong shadow that looked like a giant. Exactly as much as I stepped down, he came up. ¡°Then, who are you?¡± An alarm rang in my ear. It was a danger sign that I had to leave the quarantine room before he asked me more questions. ¡°You even treated me? Why¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, this is the only chance you have to save your own life. In the final, only the winner will survive.¡± As soon as he approached me, I stepped backwards, but before I knew it, my back already leaned against the door ¡°You were lying when you said you¡¯re a trainee.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s true, I¡¯m a trainee¡±. ¡°And you¡¯re not belong to the temple, so¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no law that says that a trainee belongs to the temple.¡± As I leaned down, I quickly lifted the lantern to my face. Between him and me, there was a strife of light. The man frowned as if he were blinded and covered his eyes with his big hands. ¡°Don¡¯t you think so?¡± My eyes met with his through the gap between his fingers. His eyes widened as he met mine. He had beautiful blue eyes reminiscent of the blue sea. His eyes were staring straight into my eyes and his thick lips that were slightly opened were engulfed in surprise. ¡®Wow, look at his face. Should I just kidnap him?¡¯¡¯ It¡¯s a waste for that face to be rotten in a place like this. I quickly swept through his body. His skin, which was torn and seen through the ragged top, was smooth. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to need any more treatment. Fortunately.¡± I had no intention to treat him without poppy juice anyway. There¡¯s no way I could handle him when he¡¯s in his sane state. ¡°Keep in mind. It¡¯s better to lose this game. So you could survive.¡± I reached back and eagerly found the doorknob. Until then, he looked at me with a blank face. He only approached me hurriedly as I opened the door and turned around. ¡°If you remain in the temple, you¡­¡± He seemed to have something he wanted to tell me. I was curious, but a little scared, so I quickly closed the door because I was afraid that the man wouldn¡¯t let me go. * * * * * Finally, it was the semifinals. ¡°Who do you think will win? The Berserker? The Fire Moth? I vote for Fire Moth!¡± ¡°The Berserker¡¯s condition looked really good today.¡± ¡°He was really handsome. I was so surprised that I looked at him for a long time. What crime did he commit?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Some say he was sold to a slave trader, and what¡¯s certain is that he wasn¡¯t originally in prison.¡± ¡°As expected! His face doesn¡¯t look like he could commit a crime.¡± Some trainees secretly went up to the stadium and watched the match. I didn¡¯t watch it. My heart was heavy when I witnessed a person called The Fire Moth praying several times before going up to the match. He was a person who wanted to survive so badly. ¡®I hope the man in the quarantine room loses and comes down safely.¡¯ When I felt sorry for The Fire Moth, a trainee told me. He was in prison for killing a farmer¡¯s family and stealing their money. Hearing those words, I could lessen my sympathy. Like the audience outside. ¡®I¡¯m not sure about The Raven though.¡¯ Confused by what if the man in the quarantine room died, I filled the empty potion tray. It was then. ¡°Woooooooooooo!¡± There were so many boos that the ceiling rang. ¡®What happened?¡¯ The trainees hurriedly brought the man in the quarantine room on a stretcher. ¡°I guess The Berserker won. But why were they booing?¡± The apprentice priest closed his ears and asked. ¡°It¡¯s because the game is not fun.¡± The trainee who came from watching the match replied. ¡°The Berserker didn¡¯t fight back and was stabbed, but at the end, he took the Fire Moth¡¯s head at once.¡± What? On purpose¡­ He let his body be stabbed like that? As soon as I turned my head, I saw the man with bloody packs all over his body. At that moment, I put a lot of strength into my hand holding the medicine bottle. ¡®Is he crazy? How did I heal that body?¡¯ Chapter 12.1 Chapter 12 part 1 * * * * * Another semi-final was soon followed. It was The Raven vs The Gladiator. However, the mercenary gladiator did not show up. ¡°Boooooooooooo!¡± The stadium where The Raven was left alone was again booed by the crowd. The Raven, left alone, heated up the audience with his crazy performance of shouting and screaming his fighting spirit. Thanks to that, most of the nobles said they would bet on The Raven. The Berserker vs The Raven. Everyone said The Raven would win. That¡¯s how serious The Berserker¡¯s physical condition was. I was told that the knife had pierced his body twice. ¡®I¡¯m not going to treat him this time.¡¯ That man originally wanted to die anyway. ¡®He even asked me to kill him.¡¯ However, I couldn¡¯t accept him deliberately overusing his body, as if he was testing how many stabs could make a person to die. I feel bad for him to endure the pain alone in the darkness with his injured body but¡­ ¡°Miss Selina, will you go back to Countdom after the Martial Arts Competition ends?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Franz did not openly say he was disappointed, but his expression looked like that. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to come and see me, don¡¯t you? To the Countdom.¡± He was cute as he blushed when he smiled. ¡°You¡¯re not in a difficult situation because the Magic Stone is gone, are you?¡± ¡°Oh, no. That¡¯s definitely not the case. It has already been reported as obsolete.¡± Aha. Well, that¡¯s how Franz was able to steal it. Well, it wasn¡¯t his first time stealing it. ¡°Because The Magic Stone also has its lifetime.¡± As I was being handed over poppy juices from him, I stopped working at the moment. ¡°Even if it was discarded and siphoned off to the private sector, it would have only been used by mercenaries to read the divine power.¡± ¡°Then¡­ Does that mean that the Magic Stone couldn¡¯t be used to heal a person?¡¯ ¡°Yes, that Magic Stones couldn¡¯t be used for healing purposes.¡± I stared straight into Franz¡¯s eyes, who affirmed the fact. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that¡­ Miss Selina? ¡°What if there¡¯s a person who can use those Magic Stones for healing purposes? There must be exceptions.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know. Can you treat people with a Magic Stone that has already reached its end of life¡­ No way!¡± Franz winked at the quarantine room with a surprised face. ¡°I was wondering why you were always going back and forth to the quarantine room. Did you go to treat the man, Miss Selina?¡± I responded with silence. ¡°Oh, my. Why did you do that to me?¡± Franz was shocked and put his hand on his forehead. ¡°Did Lord Cedric Crawford bet on that guy? Miss Selina, are you being threatened by your uncle? ¡°Did you think my uncle would watch a Martial Arts Competition?¡± Franz shook his head. I also didn¡¯t think Cedric was going to participate in the Martial Arts Gambling. ¡°Miss Selina, please promise me that you will not go near that quarantine room in the future.¡± I nodded slowly to Franz¡¯s solemn face. Only then did he lower his voice and explain as if relieved. ¡°Miss Selina didn¡¯t heal that man.¡± I frowned gently in the middle of my forehead. I¡¯m sure I saw the wound get better in my prayer clearly, but what did he mean by that? As if reading my thoughts, Franz spoke quickly. ¡°Of course it would have looked like that. But that man has the ability to heal himself.¡± The words that the apprenticeship priests were talking about crossed my mind. So it wasn¡¯t all groundless rumors? ¡°Only priests know this fact. That man never dies.¡± ¡°Even if his head is cut off?¡± ¡°Well, then he might die¡­ But he¡¯s not the kind of person who¡¯ll be like that in the first place.¡± ¡°Then that person will win.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know either. There are always variables.¡± In the meantime, Franz led me to the infirmary. It was near the quarantine room. ¡°In fact, the temples bet on that man under the name of Viscount Harold.¡± What? But that¡¯s prohibited. Of course, it is illegal for the temple to participate in gambling. ¡°How great would it be if everyone lived just by obeying the rules? The world looks like this because they¡¯re telling us not to do it.¡± ¡°¡­ Is it okay for you to say this?¡± ¡°Of course not!¡± Franz peeked his head and looked outside the infirmary. His dignity as a high priest was nowhere to be seen. ¡°But it¡¯s Miss Selina who complied and persuaded me to take me to the capital city, who was quietly living in this countryside!¡± Looking back at me, he scolded me while lowering the volume. ¡°My body and mind are already in sync with Miss Selina! Do you get it?¡± ¡°Why body¡­¡± ¡°Shh, look.¡± The moment he winked, the door to the quarantine room opened. ¡°Argh!¡± At the same time, one person was pushed out as if he was being bounced. He was a priest. He groaned, grabbing his face, as if he had been beaten. ¡°It¡¯s a priest from another temple. Because there are no more healing priests in the west monastery.¡± But why suddenly? He had never been treated properly all this time. Ah, maybe because tomorrow was the final, so the temple seemed to have secretly called in a healing priest. ¡°shackles! Come on, bring me more shackles!¡± When the priest shouted urgently, the temple¡¯s knight entered the quarantine room with a chain. Then a high scream rang. The eyes of the priest, who witnessed what was happening inside the quarantine room, grew as if they were about to pop out. Eventually, he crawled and ran away. The knight who had taken the chain and several people who had already been inside also ran away bleeding. They hurriedly closed the quarantine room. Boom, boom! The iron door began to ring as if the wall was about to break. I was secretly watching the scene in the infirmary, and I was speechless. ¡°It¡¯s okay because he was anesthetized, otherwise no one would have survived.¡± According to Franz, that man also killed all the prisoners in the cell he was with. That¡¯s why he entered the quarantine room alone. ¡®So, I really did something dangerous, huh?¡¯ For a moment, my head went blank and I had forgotten what to say. The surroundings calmed down, and I barely removed my lips again. ¡°How did that person become a Toono?¡± ¡°I heard he was a prisoner of war.¡± My heart dropped suddenly. ¡°Then¡­ Are you saying that the man was originally from the Dukedom that was in conflict with the Empire?¡± Chapter 12.2 - Vol. 2 Chapter 3.2 Chapter 12 part 2 ¡°Yes. I heard that he already was in this prison even before the truce was even signed.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s already been a few years.¡± ¡°Well, around five years ago.¡± There was also a little compassion in Franz¡¯s voice. ¡°He¡¯s been alone in this prison for more than five years, so that man must be out of his mind.¡± ¡°Why 5 years?¡± ¡°Because the stakes weren¡¯t that big before. There was no one who could be his opponent.¡± That¡¯s right. Thanks to the Raven, this martial arts session was booming. I heard that the nobles of the southern part of the country also came to bet on him. ¡°In addition, since he¡¯s been experimented on, even a sane person can¡¯t be fine after all of that.¡± I stared blankly at Franz. ¡®Experimented on?¡¯ It was a terrible thing to hear. ¡°I don¡¯t know what experiment he¡¯s been through. I was just told that no matter what they did, the man wouldn¡¯t die.¡± ¡°I¡­ get it.¡± I didn¡¯t want to hear more. Somehow the part of me began to understand why he begged me to kill him. ¡°The temple is completely rotten¡­¡± The word that I was thinking inside was coming out through the lip. But Franz nodded his head cautiously, as if empathizing. ¡°Do you understand why I want to leave here and go to the capital now?¡± The capital will be different. It looks like this because it is in the countryside. ¡°Sigh, it wasn¡¯t like this before. When the person of Duke Maple became the head priest of the West, everything went into a mess.¡± Duke Maple? Why was Camilla¡¯s family mentioned here? At that moment, I remembered Camilla¡¯s end in the original story. Duke Maple, who enjoyed tremendous power in the capital, was accused of having an affair with paganism and was burned at the stake. ¡®The Archduke took care of him.¡¯ Originally, the Archduke and the Duke Maple had a relationship like a crocodile and crocodile bird. (T/N: ¡®crocodile and crocodile bird¡¯ used as an expression of the inappropriate symbiotic relationship between the politicians and the media where conspiracies and betrayals are prevalent) However, when he learned that his wife, Selina, was abused by Camilla, he destroyed Duke Maple. That means. ¡®Duke Maple won¡¯t be destroyed this time.¡¯ Because I don¡¯t have any intention to marry him! ¡®That¡¯s ridiculous.¡¯ Listening to Franz¡¯s explanation, I really think that the man is Valhail Castaques. Along with the fact that he¡¯s a war prisoner from Dukedom. I asked more to confirm. ¡°Then, The Raven¡­ Was that person also originally a prisoner?¡± Franz¡¯s eyebrows were crumpled mercilessly, perhaps disgusting just to think of . ¡°He¡¯s a man of the Dukedom.¡± My heart sank. ¡°Was he also a prisoner of war?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. From what I heard, he was the only survivor of the armed forces that invaded the Empire last year.¡± I sighed automatically. ¡®Which one of them is Valhail Castaques?¡¯ Of all things, they are both from the Dukedom. In the end, it was only known when the winner came out. ¡°Ha, how much money do I have to pay to buy a knight from the Holy Knights?¡± When I muttered to myself, Franz looked back at me. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±¡± His eyes were filled with contempt and a little fear. ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him?¡¯ ¡°I¡¯ve heard that wealthy ladies sometimes take some men of the Holy Knights like slaves for one night¡­¡± Franz¡¯s behavior of covering his chest by crossing his arms in an X shape heated my ears. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡± ¡°Miss Selina¡­ Were you such a person?¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± When I slapped his forearm, Franz smiled and told me the truth. ¡°Of course you can¡¯t. No matter how big a donation was made, how can you take the knight of the Holy Knights to spend a night with? They¡¯re not some kind of mercenaries.¡± After urging me not to come close to his quarantine room, Franz went back to the temple for an evening prayer. * * * * * ¡®How on earth did Shannon bring Valhail?¡¯ Left alone in the infirmary, I stared at the closed iron door. ¡®It¡¯s quiet right now¡­¡¯ He must have become infinitely sharper because of the priest who went in before. After hesitating, it was not until dawn that I picked up a poppy juice bottle and walked back to the quarantine room. It was impossible for him to win with his body injured as I saw during the day. He couldn¡¯t even stand properly. What if his arm ripped off? Then he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold the knife. ¡®Maybe that¡¯s why the temple sent him a priest.¡¯ Franz said that no matter how injured his body was, he wouldn¡¯t die. But, that doesn¡¯t mean that his victory is guaranteed. ¡®Let¡¯s just check if he¡¯s been treated.¡¯ Krieeekkk. I opened a small palm-sized door in the middle of the iron door. I couldn¡¯t see anything inside. It¡¯s just dark. When I carefully lit the lantern, I could see the broken chain and the surroundings messed up with blood and flesh. He was sitting against the wall, but from the chains held in his hand, the flesh did not seem to belong to him. However, the blood from his body was flowing to the iron door, so he was also in a serious condition. ¡®He¡¯s going to die of excessive bleeding.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t open his eyes even though a bright light was shining on his face. He must have been completely unconscious. I made sure no one was passing by, so I cautiously entered and closed the door. I crept because I was afraid of waking him up from his deep sleep. Fortunately, he did not notice the intruder who approached him. When I put down the lantern next to me and lifted his tattered top, I could see a terrible wound. ¡®It¡¯s fascinating that he¡¯s still alive.¡¯ Something was strange as his presence was so lacking, so I put my hand under his nose just in case. ¡®I can¡¯t feel his breath.¡¯ Surprised, I put my ear on his left chest this time. Thump. Thump. Thump. I could feel a clear heartbeat. ¡®His heart is beating even though he¡¯s not breathing? And his heart is beating so fast?¡¯ How can this be? It¡¯s completely out of the laws of nature! It was the moment I glanced up thinking it was strange. From some point on, I met his eyes looking down at me. ¡°Why are you late?¡± Chapter 13.1 - Vol. 2 Chapter 4.1 Chapter 13 part 1 It was his own will that he got hurt like this. He didn¡¯t even counterattack, enough to get booed, just get stabbed! And also, intentionally! ¡®How did I heal this body?¡¯ That¡¯s a little upsetting, but¡­ in fact, listening to Franz¡¯s story about him, I threw away my resentment. ¡°When did I promise to treat you if you got hurt?¡± ¡°Then why did you come?¡± Perhaps because of the extreme pain, his eyes and voice were drowsy. ¡°Why did you come?¡± ¡°I¡­ thought it¡¯d be better if you get treatment.¡± My ears were hot at the thought that my words before and now didn¡¯t match. ¡®It¡¯s hot, it¡¯s hot¡¯ Was it because of the man¡¯s body temperature? Recognizing that I was too close to him at the moment, I quickly leaned back. At the same time, the man removed the chain and moved it aside. As I flinched at the heavy noise of moving iron, he confirmed to me that he was empty-handed. As if he was trying to say that I¡¯m not in danger. Having gained courage, I opened the cap of the poppy juice bottle. Phong, a light sound echoed between him and me. When I brought the poppy juice to him, who looked at the bottle, he turned his head and said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to drink it.¡± Did he think it¡¯s a weird potion? Yeah, that¡¯s possible. I heard he was experimented on for 5 years. ¡°This is a painkiller, poppy juice.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It tastes like cherries.¡± However, the man stubbornly closed his lips and did not move. ¡°This will not harm you.¡± I took a sip of the potion first. Well, the scent and the taste was sweet and sour. I put the bottle back in, but he still refused to take the painkillers. I could force him to drink like last time, but I decided not to. ¡°Did you wait for me?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± It was a question I courageously asked, but this time again, the man did not give any responses. Instead, his neck rumbled loudly. Somehow I felt like I got an answer, so I took out the magic stone without bothering him any more. ¡°If I survive¡­¡± I tried to start praying with my eyes closed, but a low echo occurred above my head. ¡°¡­ what¡¯s the benefit to you?¡± ¡°Well, what do you think?¡± ¡°Is it advantageous for you if I win? Or is it more important for you if I make the match worth watching?¡± I suddenly opened my eyes to his absurd words. Then, my gaze collided with his, who kept looking down at me. His serious blue eyes moved as if looking at me. ¡°If you tell me¡­ I¡¯ll do whatever you want.¡± The pathetic and desperate feelings in those eyes hung heavily and shook me. Quickly avoiding my gaze, I grabbed the magic stone and asked playfully. ¡°What if I say it¡¯s a benefit for me if you die?¡± ¡°I can do it for you.¡± His answer, which came out without any hesitation, reminded me of my first meeting with him. ¡°Well, you did say that you want to die.¡± ¡°¡­I don¡¯t want to die anymore.¡± ¡®But you just told me that you could die for me.¡¯ Instead of pointing out the man¡¯s contradiction, I raised my eyebrows mischievously. ¡°Then why did you make your body become such a mess like this?¡± Tsk, I kicked my tongue and caught his wound in my eyes as if engraved in my memory. I was going to compare it with after treatment. Franz said this Magic Stone life time was over, but I knew better that it wasn¡¯t. If treatment was successful again, either this Magic Stone was special or my divine power was special, or maybe both. ¡°I¡¯d be glad if you survive.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°So, please survive.¡± After saying that, I started praying. However, even though the Magic Stone had already turned purple, it was strangely difficult to concentrate. What¡¯s wrong? Is it because of the painkillers I took before? ¡®Let¡¯s focus.¡¯ I fixed my gaze only on the wounds that were slowly healing. The wound, which was so deep that the bone was visible, looked terribly painful. But the flesh that had been opened was slowly closing as if it had a will of its own. The excavated skin was filled with new flesh, and the flowing blood gradually decreased. ¡®It¡¯s fascinating every time I see it¡­¡¯ By the time I felt that the wound had been treated to some extent, I stopped because I didn¡¯t want to overdo it and laid the Magic Stone. It would have looked strange if I kept getting dizzy. The man¡¯s abdominal wound was definitely better than before. When I wiped the blood with my sleeve, it was confirmed that there was no more bleeding. ¡®It¡¯s been treated.¡¯ I guess this Magic Stone was special. There was a clear limit to believing that my credibility was special. ¡®Let¡¯s go out now.¡¯ As soon as I was about to get up, my eyes were blurred. My stomach felt nauseous. ¡°Eugh.¡± The poppy juice that I drank earlier came up suddenly. The cherry scent spread from the throat to the tip of the nose. Surprised, I covered my mouth. ¡®Was this such a strong medicine?¡¯ I only had a sip, but my eyes were spinning. How much did I give this strong medicine to him? ¡®It¡¯s understandable that he didn¡¯t want to take it anymore.¡¯¡® I was just relying on a lantern in a dark secret room, and I felt like my feet were shaking. At the same time as my eyes met him, as if I were drunk, the words in me were uttered without filtering. ¡°You¡­ What¡¯s your name?¡± I could see his beautiful blue eyes stare straight at me through my blurry vision. The moment I leaned against the wall as if I were almost collapsing, a large hand supported my head. I avoided hitting my head¡­ But my eyelids were heavy. I tripped over my leg, and the poppy juice bottle fell down. Rolling¡­ The sound of the bottle rolling sounded like thunder, and the quarantine room was full of cherry scent. My lips moved completely regardless of my will. ¡°I¡¯m curious about your name.¡± Chapter 13.2 - Vol. 2 Chapter 4.2 Chapter 13 part 2 ¡°I don¡¯t have a name.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no one without a name¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ no way. Your family or friends¡­¡­ they would have called you by your name.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ too¡­ I feel bad for you.¡± The man just laughed. I slowly took my hands near his tough chin and cheeks. He closed his eyes without saying a word, as if he allowed my somewhat rude touch. The skin on the back of my hand was cold, but I didn¡¯t hate it. ¡°If you win, I¡¯ll name you¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t finish talking and exhaled. He slowly opened his eyes, and his intense gaze reached out to me. It seemed like I was eagerly waiting for the last words, but I couldn¡¯t overcome the drowsiness and closed my eyes. Instead of waking me up or urging me to get up, the man just whispered quietly. ¡°I want to know your name.¡± ¡­ was what he said. * * * * * Clank clank. I opened my eyes wide to the sound of a metal falling down. ¡®Oh, my back hurts.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t a bed. I wasn¡¯t even lying down. I was half leaning on a hard cushion. ¡®Why is it so dark?¡¯ I couldn¡¯t see anything. It won¡¯t be this dark even at late night. I feel like I¡¯m trapped in a box without a single light. ¡°It¡¯s daytime.¡± I groaned at the voice that reached my ear. Only then did I think of what happened at dawn. The memory of treating the man in the quarantine room and falling asleep. ¡°The priests will come soon.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± That¡¯s a big problem. I didn¡¯t know what rumors would spread if people found out that I fell asleep here. A Count Daughter! ¡°I have to go.¡± My voice cracked badly. I tried hard to raise my body, but I had no strength in my legs. I was thirsty belatedly. ¡®But I didn¡¯t overdo it last night.¡¯ But, more than that, the cause of this might be because I took a sip of the poppy juice. As soon as I took a rough breath leaning against the cushion, the cushion wrapped around my arm, and I raised myself at once. ¡°¡­ You were the cushion.¡± No wonder it was hard. Awkward by the smell of herbs hovering around the tip of my nose, I barely took a step with my legs shaking like a newborn calf. It was then. Something was stuck in my foot and rolled around. Clank. I was startled by the loud noise, and when I stiffened, he explained it to me first. ¡°Lantern. That¡¯s what you brought.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± It was this dark because the wick was burnt out because it was on all night. ¡®I¡¯m thirsty. And my head hurt!¡¯ Even though it was only a few steps to the door, it was hard. When I touched the cold iron door, I naturally burst into relief. ¡®First of all, I should go to the infirmary and drink water first.¡¯ That¡¯s what I thought and pushed the door¡­ Strangely, the door was stuck. ¡®What? Why is this like this?¡¯ My head went blank. ¡®Is it locked?¡¯ Was that the clinking sound I heard earlier? This makes me crazy. ¡°But I have to go out¡­¡± I put my ears on the iron door, but I couldn¡¯t hear anything outside. As soon as I was in a hurry and tried to hit the iron door with my fist, the man gently stopped my hand. ¡°Backwards.¡± When I stepped back as he asked, he pushed the door slowly and little by little light began to enter through the gap of the door. The iron door was opening. He opened the door in a formidable thickness. Soon enough, the gap widened enough for me to go out. ¡®What is this?¡¯ I was shocked at the fact that he opened the door with his bare hands. Even though I already could escape, I still had not left. ¡®Why?¡¯ I didn¡¯t understand. But I couldn¡¯t afford to think long. Because I heard someone walking down the stairs. When I left the quarantine room in a hurry, he closed the door again. Somehow I felt sorry that I had to leave him behind that closed door. However, he did not move a step inside the quarantine room. It was cowardly, but fortunate for me to avoid difficult situations. Before closing the door, I said thank you before leaving him. ¡°Thank you.¡± We, who couldn¡¯t see each other even though we were together all night, barely faced each other through the gap of the door. He narrowed his eyes as if he was stinging at the sunlight from behind my back. He added, asking to hang a latch when the door is closed. ¡°If I survive, give me a name.¡± I nodded heavily. ¡°¡­ I promise.¡± Before closing the door, I felt like I saw his sincere smile for the first time. Chapter 14.1 - Vol. 2 Chapter 5.1 Chapter 14 part 2 The trainees and apprentice priests were busy working preparing for the final. ¡°The high priests have arrived!¡± Everyone¡¯s gaze was fixed on one point. There was Franz and another man beside him. When I looked at them, they resembled each other as if they were siblings. ¡®Does that person also serve as a high priest?¡¯ Did the monastery select their priests based on his or her appearance? If Franz was a pure beautiful boy like a nettle on a hill, the other high priest was a lovely young man like a lily in a well-kept garden. ¡®Are they really siblings?¡¯ The age difference between the two appears to be about ten years, but they both had silver hair. While appreciating their appearance, a young boy servant approached me and secretly gave me a note. [To the east entrance.] The east entrance was close to the nobility¡¯s grandstand. It was a quiet area with a small number of people. ¡®Who sent this?¡¯ The servant whispered quietly when I gave him a strange look. ¡°Lord Crawford sent it.¡± My uncle is here? I stroked the bright boy¡¯s head once as he had finished running his errands. Then I proceeded to the east entrance. ¡®It¡¯s really Cedric.¡¯ He had his back to me and his arms were folded. Nonetheless, it was nice to see him from behind because he was someone I recognized. ¡°Uncle.¡± As he turned around, Cedric¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Selina.¡± He also took a step closer, as if he was relieved to see me after such a long time. ¡°I came by to see your face after the border reconnaissance.¡± His gaze was sharp as he grabbed my shoulder and looked around my body. ¡°Have you been doing well and staying healthy? Didn¡¯t the priests make you do anything rough?¡± I shook my head and smiled. ¡°That can¡¯t be right, uncle.¡± Cedric¡¯s hardened face, on the other hand, did not loosen. ¡°I was astounded to learn that you had been assigned a task to support the martial arts¡­¡± He furrowed his brows, as if he was concerned about me. Cedric, on the other hand, hasn¡¯t written me a letter in over a month. ¡®The illiterate Penny even sent me dozens of picture letters.¡¯ Of course, as Commander of the White Knight, he must be busy guarding the territories. In the end, Cedric Crawford¡¯s interest in his one and only nephew was only that much. I knew so well that he was such a character, so I didn¡¯t expect much in the first place. ¡°I¡¯m doing fine. The priests taught me a lot. I believe it was a good thing that I came to the monastery.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say anything like that. I complained to the monastery because they were sending you back and forth to the prison, where the prisoners were.¡± ¡°This is a monastery. Regardless of my status, I am expected to perform fairly in the same manner as everyone else.¡± Cedric¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile as he heard the satisfactory response. ¡°Yes. You do the same thing as other trainees¡­ There are even numerous compliments that you are setting a good example for others.¡± Ah, I see. He came here after hearing from the priest that I was settling in well at the monastery. ¡®Is that why he seemed so happy?¡¯ He didn¡¯t stop me from going to the monastery from the beginning. Rather, he wanted to test me. ¡°When are you going to return home? I¡¯ll send a carriage to pick you up if you tell me the date.¡± I answered Cedric with a smile, as if I had a lot to say but couldn¡¯t. ¡°Selina, what¡¯s wrong¡­?¡± ¡°If I said I was going home¡­would Mother like it?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Cedric blinked for a moment, as if perplexed. When he saw my glum expression, he quickly put on an awkward smile. ¡°No¡­ Of course, the Countess will welcome you with a hug.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°The Countess has taken such good care of you since you were a child. She cared more about you than her biological daughter Shannon.¡± Cedric seemed eager to believe that everything between me and Camilla was fine. ¡®But, no matter how much he hates conflict, that¡¯s the truth.¡¯ Is he desperate to deny that his only nephew is abused? ¡°When you got a cold, she stayed up all night for three days and looked after you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Everyone referred to the Countess as a capital scoundrel, but no one expected to see her weaving a wet towel herself.¡± Cedric has never been so talkative. I mean, everything he said was upsetting to me. ¡°Camilla loves and cherishes you as much as she loves and cherishes her biological daughter, Selina. Me too¡­ Of course.¡± ¡°Yes. Uncle, I see.¡± How troubling would it be for him to admit that he and Camilla are at conflict? ¡°On the day you return, it would be nice to have dinner together. When are you going to return? Tomorrow?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Selina.¡± When I didn¡¯t respond, a look of disappointment flashed across his face. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re staying here any longer.¡± ¡°For me, this Monastery is more comfortable than home.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Perhaps it worked this time, because his awkward smile had been shattered by shock. ¡°If I go back to Mother¡¯s house, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll stutter again.¡± Cedric covered his mouth with one hand, unable to say anything. If I told him this much, he couldn¡¯t pretend he didn¡¯t know anymore. ¡®It¡¯s not like he had no idea what had happened.¡¯ He is the White Knights¡¯ Commander. Is he that tactless? No way. He raised his head after a while. ¡°Perhaps Selina¡­ Is it possible that the Countess is¡­no, there¡¯s no way.¡± Cedric couldn¡¯t keep his hand still like an anxious man. He touched his chin, putting it on his waist and repeating the process. After a while, he opened his mouth. ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll wait for you at home.¡± Cedric patted my shoulder and quickly turned around after saying that. He was always calm and serious in the original story. However, his demeanor as he walked away proposed that he was a fiery angry man His fists were also trembling¡­ For a while, I couldn¡¯t take my gaze away from Cedric. * * * * * A long whistle sounded. It was a sound that signaled the start of the final match. Everyone went outside to witness The Berserker¡¯s and The Raven¡¯s bloody battle. I was the only one who remained in the dungeon. The game will last 30 minutes at the most and 10 minutes at the least. Meanwhile, the fate of the man in the containment room is being decided. It was a time when I was wiping the vials and pondering which side would win and how I would deal with it. Someone hugged me from behind, as if they were sneaking up on me. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The musk scent that came out like a bomb was unfamiliar. The large hand that hugged me protruded like a rag. Despite the scent of his luxurious perfume, the man hugging me appeared to be doing hard labor just by looking at his hands. ¡®Who is it?¡¯ At that moment, the man placed his face on the back of my neck, took a deep breath, and rubbed his face. It was a gentle gesture, as if a large pet was cuddling, but I froze and couldn¡¯t move. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± I got goosebumps from the low whispering voice. ¡®Who are you?¡¯ I grabbed his forearm, gently swallowing the question stuck in my throat, so I could get out of his arms. Then he hugged me even tighter, as if he couldn¡¯t let go, and buried his head deeper into my shoulder. At the same time, as if relieved for my existence, a mournful voice that seemed to crumble could be heard. ¡°Noona¡­¡± Chapter 14.2 - Vol. 2 Chapter 5.2 Chapter 14 part 1 * * * ¡°I fell asleep while organizing the infirmary.¡± Throughout my excuse, the trainees looked at me as if I were an angel who had just fallen to the ground. ¡°I¡¯ll reflect on my mistake¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll also¡­ reflect on my mistake.¡± It¡¯s no surprise. It was the end of the martial arts meeting, so everyone was gathering together. ¡°Actually, I misunderstood Miss Selina because of that rumor.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I would have believed the rumor if I hadn¡¯t met you in person like this.¡± The rumor that the trainees were talking about was that I stuttered and never wanted to come out to meet people. Among the trainees, there were also some nobles who were really on probation. Jenna, the Count Gransen¡¯s daughter, for example. ¡°Because the Countess only brought her own daughter to the banquet and never mentioned Miss Selina.¡± ¡°Yes, I suppose so¡­¡± I responded back with a sad smile. As if I couldn¡¯t say it with my own mouth, I looked away and pretended to shed tears. Everyone knew I wasn¡¯t Camilla¡¯s biological daughter. It was also self-evident that she, who had already received the title of Count Crowford family head, had no reason to be nice to me any longer. ¡°Oh my goodness.¡± ¡°Then the rumor means¡­¡± I smiled and pointed to the potion tray, continuing to act as if I were a noble lady who works hard despite her pitiful circumstances. ¡°Should we then finish what we were doing? There are still people in prison who needs our additional help!¡± ¡°Yes, of course!¡± A smile I saw through the closing door came to mind as I made my way to prison with the other trainees. ¡®Why hasn¡¯t the man escaped yet?¡¯ He is totally capable of doing so. * * * * * ¡°Because he doesn¡¯t have anywhere else to go.¡± The question was easily resolved when I asked Franz. ¡°Who, by the way, would accept a Toono from a martial arts competition? Except for the Holy Knights.¡± His oily lips glistened with greed. It was because of the pork sausage I had secretly obtained. After seeing that, Franz hardened for five minutes as if in agony, raised a long prayer once, and then went to eat in the closet under the stairs. ¡®Such a cute guy.¡¯ Franz accepted the freshly prepared sausage. I wasn¡¯t going to force him to take it if he refused. Well, I could understand him a bit as I was unable to eat meat for a month here. However, I will be returning to the countdom soon, so the exhausting vegetarian diet will be over. I also gave him the sausage I was going to eat. ¡°Eat this as well.¡± ¡°A-are you sure?¡± Franz accepted the sausage quickly, fearing that I would change my mind. ¡°How did you get this, Miss Selina? You¡¯ll be in big trouble if you get caught.¡± It was given by a male servant. The sausage offered by the servant was filled with the unspeakable innocence of an adolescent boy. But I was afraid he¡¯d get in trouble, so I quickly said, ¡°I just got it somehow,¡± and changed the topic. ¡°But wouldn¡¯t a Toono who did well in the martial arts competition receive offers from everywhere? First and foremost, he is strong.¡± ¡°Would you, Miss Selina, hire such a person to the countdom?¡± It¡¯s fine if it¡¯s the guy in the quarantine room. But it¡¯s a different story if it¡¯s The Raven. That¡¯s exactly what Franz said. Because Toono is a dishonorable title, no nobleman will sign a Toono as a knight in their name. As a result, it was impossible for a Toono to join the Knights or Private Corps, even as a servant. ¡°Neither will the mercenaries accept one. Who would put their trust in such a person and entrust the quest to them?¡± Prisoner of war. The armed forces. Criminals. When I remembered Toonos¡¯s origin, I felt suffocated, as if a stone had been placed on my chest. I assumed the mercenaries would gladly accept those people. Even if they accept them, they¡¯ll just ask them to do dirty things. ¡°Toonos has no morality, no loyalty to the empire, and a very fierce personality.¡± It¡¯s an undeniable fact. ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll always cause trouble wherever they go.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± I know the man in the quarantine room is not a vicious person, but when it comes to Toono¡­ he has no choice but to be prejudiced. ¡®That man, he¡¯s even harmed a priest before.¡¯ Why was he imprisoned in the quarantine room in the first place? ¡®I keep sympathizing with him because of his face. Selina, get a hold on yourself.¡¯ Looking at Franz eating sausages next to me, it appeared that this was not a particularly vicious world. But there¡¯s something I¡¯ll never forget. That this world is a lawless haven for those rogues, and that I am their living prey. * * * * * I¡¯ve avoided the quarantine room on purpose since then. It was an unavoidable situation, but I regretted leaving the man in prison and walking out alone. But I¡¯m afraid the man who¡¯s surviving alone in the dark won¡¯t make it to the end¡­ It was frightening. ¡°It¡¯s not long before I go back to Crawford¡¯s countdom.¡¯ That¡¯s how I endured until the day of the final. Not only did I confirm that I possessed divine power, but I also obtained a Magic Stone with an infinite lifespan. I even made connections with a high priest. My original goal was achieved after a lot of hard work. ¡°It¡¯s dinner time.¡± I pushed the meal into The Raven. This has been my duty for the past few days. I volunteered because none of the trainees wanted to run to him. ¡°Enjoy your meal.¡± Because this could be your last meal. I didn¡¯t have to say it, but it was something The Raven and I both knew. Tomorrow is the final day. In his seated position, however, he showed no signs of fear. He appeared relieved, perhaps because of the deep smile on his face, as if he was completely devoid of victory, defeat, and life and death. I was so taken aback that I spoke impulsively. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± The other prisoners glanced in this direction. Because of some situation, I haven¡¯t asked his name. ¡®Since today is the last day.¡¯ Regardless of how long I waited, The Raven did not respond, instead he just laughed. I could see all of his molars because he was laughing so hard. ¡®Only his mouth laughs.¡¯ With his fierce gaze at the air, he appeared unwilling to respond, so I handed over the potion without further questioning. ¡®It¡¯s creepy.¡¯ If he was Valhail, I vowed not to meet him until he was released from prison, joined the Holy Knights, and completely exorcised the demons. * * * * * Chapter 15 - Vol. 2 Chapter 6 My lips became parched all of a sudden. Outside, the sound of the crowd has become as distant as if from another world. ¡®This guy.¡¯ Adrian Berry. Camilla¡¯s only son. Shannon¡¯s twin brother and a family member who does not share a single drop of blood with me. ¡°I thought I was going to die. Because I was missing you so much, Noona¡­¡± After being hardened, I slowly turned around and moved away from him. Adrian was such a wonderful young man that I could see why Camilla adored him right away. His blonde hair is more vibrant than Shannon¡¯s, and he has green eyes. Adrian and I resembled each other so much that everyone would believe we were real siblings. ¡®He was described in the book as a young innocent little boy.¡¯ Despite the fact that his demeanor certainly doesn¡¯t appear innocent. ¡®There¡¯s no way a grown-up man like him, who came into a girl¡¯s bedroom just to read a book, could be innocent!¡¯ Camilla was enraged when Adrian became close to Selina for a reason. Adrian, who was a little too bulky, was astounding and burdensome. ¡°Noona, you didn¡¯t miss me, did you?¡± No. No, not at all. He looked me in the eyes, as if he was trying to read my mind. He stroked my head affectionately while looking me in the eyes. I eventually forced myself to nod. ¡°I-I missed you¡­¡± Adrian¡¯s hand came to a halt for a brief moment. He smiled and ran his thumb over my lips while staring at me obscurely. ¡°You¡¯re still stuttering, huh? Lord Crawford stated that you no longer do.¡± Adrian never addressed Cedric as uncle in the original story. It was unclear whether this was because they belonged to the same knight¡¯s order or because he simply refused to acknowledge that they were a family. ¡°Do you know how long we haven¡¯t seen each other, Noona?¡± His thumb stroking my lips came to a halt as I pointed to the chair. ¡°Fi-first, take a seat over here.¡± Adrian, on the other hand, didn¡¯t notice my hand pointing to a chair and kept talking. ¡°It¡¯s been six months.¡± ¡°It¡¯s already been that long.¡± ¡®It¡¯s only been six months, but why do you look so miserable?¡¯ Anyone who sees him in this state would think we¡¯d been apart for years. I groaned inwardly, attempting to control my expression. ¡°You have no idea what I was thinking all this time, Noona. How lonely I was.¡± A stepbrother who had a long-held crush on Selina. I had no idea I¡¯d meet such a dangerous person so immediately. I didn¡¯t know how the original Selina would react to him. I was annoyed because I had no idea what had happened between the two in the past. Selina¡¯s feelings for Adrian were all described in one line in the original story. [I didn¡¯t want to be close to him.] With only one line. And I could only guess that his previous letter was about their last conversation. ¡°I can¡¯t stand being apart from you any longer. When this training is over, I¡¯m heading back home.¡± ¡°You¡­ you can¡¯t do that.¡± ¡°Why do you always say no?¡± He nervously raised his voice. I crouched like a turtle, pretending to be surprised. Adrian, whose momentum had switched in an instant, clinched to me with an impatient expression. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Noona. I didn¡¯t mean to be angry with you. I just miss you so much¡­¡± He immediately apologized, looked at me, and continued speaking quickly. ¡°We used to have a lot of fun together when we were younger, just you and me, Noona. We always read books together, play tag, and hide-and-seek.¡± ¡°That-that¡¯s what happened when we were young.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice to be that way? Just the two of us, huh?¡± I pushed him away with a shake of my head. ¡°Sa-saying you miss me¡­ d-don¡¯t say things like that.¡± Adrian was far more aggressive than I had expected. The original Selina must have been embarrassed to push him away the way I am now. ¡°M-mother will not forgive me if she finds out we met. O-only two of us.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine if she doesn¡¯t forgive you.¡± Ah, look at those eyes, how can the book describe him as an innocent young boy? ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I go to hell when I die. But right now, Noona, I just wanted to be with you.¡± He appeared to be the type who became more eager the more he was refused. When I pushed him away, he clung to me even more. ¡°You, me, w-we¡­ w-we¡¯re no longer kids, Adrian.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t call me that. As if I am someone unfamiliar to you¡­ Noona.¡± Adrian¡¯s voice, which began as a plea, gradually became colder. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in a long time. Are you going to nag me like that?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± How did he appear out of nowhere, like a ghost, at a time when no one was around? The appearance of the original sub male lead made me feel quite embarrassed. He turned my head back to him when I tried to avoid his gaze completely. ¡°Please call me Eddy, Noona. Affectionately.¡± His cool green eyes were fixed on me. ¡®He speaks a request as if he were authorizing a command.¡¯ I didn¡¯t like his demeanor, so I kept my mouth shut. Then, out of nowhere, Adrian said something that made me want to slap him. ¡°If not, I¡¯m going to kiss you.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You¡¯re still easily frightened.¡± Then he smirked and whispered something in my ear, as if teasing me. ¡°Noona, you did it for me last time. A kiss.¡± ¡­¡­ No, Selina kissed him because she thought this guy was cute, right? ¡°Back then¡­ Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± At that point, I heard a long loud boos from the stadium. I looked outside, thinking it was the right time to divert my attention. I¡¯m not sure what happened, but it was a good excuse to get out of this sticky situation. ¡°H-how did you get here? D-don¡¯t you have to go?¡± ¡°I went with Lord Crawford. How do you think I¡¯d have come here if it hadn¡¯t been for that?¡± ¡°Tha-tha-right. that¡¯s The-then see you at home. I-I¡¯m going to get going. ¡­.¡± I pretended to be preoccupied, grabbed a vial and a clean towel, and then turned around. The back of my head is stinging for no apparent reason. Let¡¯s get away from him. Camilla would look after him anyway, but the more I talked to him, the more convinced I became that I shouldn¡¯t be involved with him. Just in time, an apprentice priest who was watching the final came down the stairs with his mouth covered. ¡°¡±Blergh, ugh¡­¡± The priest, taken aback, leaned against the wall and began to vomit. I had a bad feeling about it. Who was killed? The Raven? Or is it the man in the quarantine room¡­ ¡°Noona.¡± Adrian called to me calmly from behind. ¡°You¡¯ve never regarded to countdom as ¡°home.¡± His next words made my heart sink. My legs grew heavy, as if they were tethered to the ground. I didn¡¯t dare to look back because I could feel his gaze piercing the back of my head. ¡°And us.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s been five years since we last met.¡± Outside, I could hear roars. I clenched my tight fists and looked back. Adrian looked at me with cold eyes, as if he¡¯d never smiled o laughed rbefore. Fortunately or unfortunately, his lips were tightly closed and didn¡¯t say anything. Adrian was just staring at me, his eyes indifferent. Then he turned around and vanished like a shadow. * * * * * ¡°It was dreadful. This will go down in history as the worst martial arts event ever.¡± The apprentice priest spoke in a gloomy tone as he watched the final match between The Raven and The Berserker. That¡¯s what the priest explained. The Raven and The Berserker who went up to the arena did not fight. ¡°They seemed to be having a conversation facing each other.¡± The Raven¡¯s trademark was the so-called ¡°death smile.¡± I also saw him smile like a crazy person. ¡°The smiling Raven suddenly knelt down¡­ shedding tears. Then there was that.¡± ¡°Kingdom of Castaques! Forever!¡± Then he shouted loudly and committed suicide. Something unexpected happened, and the crowd fell silent as if they were sleeping. They only booed later, but the winner had already been determined. In a way they didn¡¯t expect, in vain. The priest wrinkled his brows as if he was trying to remember something. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have watched it. I was intrigued because everyone was buzzing about the finals¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s something that could happen, Aaron.¡± I gave the apprentice priest a stabilizer pill. He quickly took and swallowed it. ¡®You must have earned the money as you wish, huh.¡¯ However, it will not end as the temple had hoped. Although the Empire and the Kingdom of Castaques have reached a truce, a fierce war between the two flared up only a few years ago. Count Crawford was also in charge of guarding the border with the Kingdom. People didn¡¯t want to hear the name Kingdom Castaques because of the war¡¯s aftereffects. Furthermore, the West Monastery¡¯s most important event, the martial arts competition, was ruined in this circumstance. Serves them right! Furthermore, the temple¡¯s humility did not end there. Because The Berserker was declared the winner, he has been assigned to the Holy Knights. ¡°Did he say he¡¯d joined the Holy Knights?¡± ¡°Without a doubt. In any case, it¡¯s a great honor for a Toono.¡± The Vice-Commander of the Holy Knights, on the other hand, objected. He stated that the final match was not properly dealt with. ¡°I¡¯ll test your skills and talents!¡± As a result, he drew his swords and marched to the arena. ¡°Someone may have pushed him back. Because the finals were so mediocre.¡± In the end, the audience benefited from the fight between the two. However. ¡°That person¡­ He¡¯s completely insane. He really toyed that knight during the battle.¡± The knight was humiliated in front of a large crowd, but he managed to save his life by fleeing to the grandstands. The crowd erupted in celebration of The Berserker¡¯s victory. That was the whole summary of the final I heard. ¡®Is that man really obediently joined the Holy Knights?¡¯ It¡¯s going to be an issue. Since that man despised the Holy Knights Order, accusing them of being a bunch of fanatics. ¡°But why would The Raven do such a thing? Did he know how powerful his opponent was?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure. That was completely unknown to me.¡± ¡°Oh, Miss Selina has never seen the match, has she?¡± The apprentice priest smiled awkwardly and followed me into the prison to clean it. My hands were occupied, but other thoughts raced through my mind. ¡®After all, Valhail Castaques is the man in the containment room.¡¯ It was too obvious to me why The Raven, a member of the kingdom¡¯s armed forces, knelt in front of him and shouted hurrah. ¡®Valhail Castaques.¡¯ This was due to his status as a member of the Kingdom of Castaques¡¯ royal family. The so-called Royal Blood! * * * * * Valhail and the Holy Knights set out for the temple. I didn¡¯t see him leave, but I was told he went on his feet without shackles. After thinking about spending more time in the monastery, I decided to return to the countdom. ¡®If it hadn¡¯t been for that guy, Adrian¡­¡¯ Adrian, who joined the White Knights Order on Camilla¡¯s strong recommendation a few years ago, is now undergoing rigorous training. He was training in a place close to the monastery. The fact that I had no idea when Adrian would come back to see me was terrifying. I¡¯d prefer to return to the countdom. Because even if I¡¯m within a 100-meter radius of Adrian in the countdom, Camilla will despise it and take care of it on her own. The goal of visiting the monastery for the first time had been fulfilled, so there was no reason not to return. Valhail, on the other hand, could be picked up from the Holy Knights later, as Shannon did. Adrian was the issue. ¡®Did he realize I wasn¡¯t the original Selina?¡¯ Adrian, on the other hand, remained silent. He was simply being trained quietly. ¡®That makes me even more nervous.¡¯ Penny, Camilla, Shannon, and Cedric all believe I¡¯ve changed, but they have no idea I was a completely different person. But Adrian¡¯s strange gaze, which was staring at me, was clearly doubtful. ¡®I¡¯d better not run into him as much as possible.¡¯ Even if I were an acting genius, it would never be easy to deceive someone who has a long history of liking one person. Chapter 16 - Vol. 2 Chapter 7 Chapter 16 * * * * * ¡°Now, what did you just say?¡± Camilla, who had gracefully lifted the teacup, sprung to her feet with a clang. Clang! Her hand was fairly harsh when she dropped the tea cup down. ¡°Did you just assume I¡¯d neglected Selina?¡± Camilla trembled, as though she couldn¡¯t believe she¡¯d been asked this. ¡°I spent my entire youth raising her¡­ but this is all I get.¡± Tears welled up in her big eyes in an instant. ¡°If only raising my dead husband¡¯s child made me hear this¡­¡­ I should have left before her father dried up. Sob¡­sob¡­ ¡° When Camilla couldn¡¯t say anything else, Emma, who was standing next to her, chimed in. ¡°What do you mean discrimination? It doesn¡¯t make sense, Commander. Do you have any idea how much Lady Selina means to our Madam?¡± ¡°Sob, sob¡­ Enough. You don¡¯t need to say anything else ¡± ¡°I was there as a living witness, right next to Madam and Lady Selina, and I saw everything.¡± Camilla¡¯s tears were brushed away by Emma, who brought out her handkerchief. Camilla, on the other hand, felt agitated and slapped Emma¡¯s hand and spoke angrily. ¡°What good are all the witnesses? To a man who has no faith in me!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°When Selina arrives tomorrow, be sure to ask her! You¡¯re not going to believe a word I say anyway!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Do you think I¡¯m clueless that you don¡¯t want me to marry your brother? I knew you despised me from the start! Sob¡­¡± Cedric turned away, embarrassed by Camilla¡¯s shrill cry. He simply questioned cautiously if she had done something that would disappoint Selina. ¡°Commander, Madam has always treated Lady Selina like her own daughter, like if she were her own daughter.¡± Cedric was addressed by Emma, who had a kind expression on her face. ¡°Although Madam is not her biological mother, I know better than anyone that Madam did her best. Even more so than Lady Shanon¡­¡­¡± ¡°Get out! Get out now!¡± Camilla threw a teacup to the ground. Emma bolted out the study, as if she were fleeing. There are only two of them remaining. Camilla cried for a long time, and Cedric waited for her to finish sobbing by staring out the window. Camilla, bored of her opponent¡¯s disinterest, was the first to raise the white flag. ¡°Such a stone like man.¡± (T/N: ?? ?? ?? a man who like a stone, used to describe a person who rarely, almost never, show her/his feelings.) ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°A woman is crying in front of you, but you don¡¯t even want to soothe her.¡± Cedric then switched his gaze to Camila and opened his mouth with an uninterested expression. ¡°Is this something to make a fuss about?¡± ¡°Make a fuss you said!?¡± ¡°I just¡­ asked once. Because you¡¯re the parent of that child, and my niece has a worried expression on her face!¡± Cedric¡¯s voice sank, as if he was irritated. ¡°When my brother died, I declared my decision to adopt Selina.¡± Camilla shifted her attention away from him, her face solemn, as if she already knew what he was going to say. ¡°You! You were the one who opposed it so vehemently, claiming that the child should never be adopted because one of her parents is still alive and well! You were the one who opposed it!¡± Her side face was struck by resentful hostile eyes. ¡°At the time, you were so against¡­¡­!¡± Cedric inhaled deeply to calm his heightened emotions. ¡°Don¡¯t you think I have the right to ask you that much? Even if she isn¡¯t my daughter, she is still my bloodline!¡± ¡°Everything would have been solved if you had married me, Cedric.¡± ¡°Stop talking about crazy things!¡± Cedric, who ultimately got up from his seat, sneered at Camilla and poked his finger at her. ¡°Who wants to marry a girl like you? Who? What kind of man in the world!¡± Camilla remained unfazed by his angry words. ¡°I¡¯m not like my brother, who is obsessed with money and power to the point of selling his honor. Then, excuse me.¡± Bang! Camilla bit her lower lip as she stared at Cedric¡¯s back as he opened the study door as if he¡¯d smash it. It was the first time he had asked her a question like that. He had to have met Selina at some point. ¡®What was she talking about, that stupid bitch?¡¯ There were numerous bad events. Cedric began to watch her after learning that the Countdom had been vacant for a long time. The servants¡¯ eyes were pretty stinging. Furthermore. ¡®How dare she threaten me when she is only a knight¡¯s daughter?¡¯ Emma. Emma was clearly a threat, talking about witnesses and flirting in front of her. Emma paid Camilla almost daily visits and made an appeal because of Penny, who was dressed in a maid¡¯s outfit and freely wandering the Countdom. Even if Penny were a commoner with no backup, she couldn¡¯t send Selina¡¯s maid out because she is Selina¡¯s only maid. No, that¡¯s something possible to do, but¡­¡­ she was trying to save herself for fear of suspicion after doing such a thing in front of Cedric¡¯s nose. Penny was also the one who got Cedric¡¯s permission to work as a maid. ¡®It irritates me. This and that¡¯s also¡­¡¯ Camilla rubbed her temples in response to a sudden headache. She had no doubt that she would one day seduce Cedric and convince him to marry her. She did this because she wanted to bestow the Crawford surname on her son Adrian. ¡®My ex-husband refused, but if it¡¯s Cedric¡­¡¯ Because they¡¯re in the same squad, Cedric will never disregard him, White Eagle Knights Order. Remarriage with Cedric, however, was not easy no matter how many times she tried. Cedric was the most conservative man in the empire. He was apprehensive about marrying his brother¡¯s wife. Cedric also seemed unpleasant and nasty to Camilla, who had been proposing marriage for a long time. Camilla¡¯s heart went cold in response to Cedric¡¯s humiliation. * * * * * ¡°What did you say your name was?¡± ¡°My-my name is¡­Penny, My Lord.¡± Penny, who had been summoned by Cedric, shook like an ash tree. ¡°I called you at this particular time to inquire about Selina.¡± Camilla and Emma shivering in denial, but Cedric couldn¡¯t forget Selina¡¯s gaze when she said the monastery was more comfortable than her own house How could that poor environment be more comfortable than home? Furthermore, her statement that she was frightened of stuttering again because Camilla was at home hinted at abuse. Cedric closed his eyes and rested his forehead on his hand as he breathed deeply. ¡®It¡¯s not possible.¡¯ Because of his principal job as the Knights Order Commander and to preserve the territory, Cedric could not get attached to Countdom. Camilla and Selina, on the other hand, spent ten years in this Countdom together. But Selina had been abused for so long? Is this the reason she¡¯s been stuttering for so long? It was unbelievable. He didn¡¯t even want to believe it. ¡®I truly hope this isn¡¯t the case.¡¯ May Camilla be a wonderful mom, as she is so sure that she did be. In a heartfelt prayer, Cedric summoned Penny. ¡°Just in case.¡± He struggled to open his mouth. ¡°Is Camilla¡­?¡± ¡°Achoo!¡± Penny, who had a harsh cough, coughed on her handkerchief as if she were a lung disease patient. ¡°S-Sorry¡­¡± Cedric scowled and glanced at her purple lips like a sick person. ¡°If you catch a cold, let the others know that you¡¯re sick.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t have a cold.¡± ¡°Then do you have a miscellaneous disease? Since before, I believe you¡¯ve been coughing a lot.¡± Penny wiped her nose and continued. ¡°Well, the annex is so cold at night. The temperature had plummeted to the point where it was perfect for freezing to death¡­ Only at night do I cough.¡± To some extent, what Penny said was correct. Furthermore. ¡°And if you ever have a chance to encounter your uncle, pretend to have a cold.¡± Penny arrived with a blue dye on her lips as soon as Cedric summoned her. ¡°It¡¯s not just me, but Lady Selina was like that too.¡± Cedric looked to be completely perplexed. ¡°We coughed as if we were competing every night, so there were many days when we couldn¡¯t sleep until dawn.¡± Cedric, perplexed, cast an unintentional glance at William Spencer, who stood next to him. He was also listening, his brows furrowed, as though he was puzzled as to why. ¡°How come you and Selina are both so cold?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s because no one brings firewood.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± Cedric was taken aback and licked his lips as if it were second nature to him. ¡°That is the servant who is too indolent to do their job?¡± ¡°All of them.¡± ¡°¡­ All of them? ¡°Yes. All of them.¡± Camilla has been a good mother to Cedric so far, taking care of Selina, who is not her biological daughter. If this is the case, he¡¯s perplexed as to why Camilla was unaware that no one provides firewood to Selina every night. ¡°When you get to the castle, they will act as though they are bringing it to us¡­ But, My Lord, there was a moment when I slept hugging Lady Selina because I was scared she¡¯d freeze to death because you¡¯re not around.¡± ¡°When it¡¯s so cold outside, why does Selina insist on staying in the annex?¡± Penny violently shook her head. ¡°Lady Selina never expressed a desire to remain at the annex. She doesn¡¯t like it at all.¡± Despite Cedric¡¯s repeated recommendations, Selina stated that she did not want to leave the annex. ¡°Cedric, leave her alone. I suppose she prefers the annex since it is cool and quiet. Selina, as you may be aware, is a hothead.¡± There was also a moment when he asked her directly if it was true. Selina would nod her head at that point. Cedric felt like he was lost in a maze. ¡°In Madam¡¯s company, Lady Selina could never reveal the reason.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come to me and tell me the truth?¡± ¡°Because, My Lord, you¡¯ve never been in the Countdom for more than three days in a month.¡± Cedric will do another inspection of the territory tomorrow. He was going to be gone for a week. ¡°What on earth is the butler up to?¡± He¡¯d tell Cedric right away if something like this happened. He had a foolish thought as he tightened his fist. ¡®The butler¡­ is the one Camilla brought.¡¯ * * * * * ¡°Lady Selina requires an escort, Commander.¡± Cedric shook his other hand after sending Penny and stroking his head with his hand. ¡°What exactly do you mean? An escort for a child who never leaves the house?¡± ¡°However, Lady Selina may be in peril not outside, but within the Countdom.¡± Cedric finally opened his eyes and returned his gaze to William. ¡°That maid stated Madam had been treating Lady Selina harshly.¡± ¡°She is, of course. She is even stricter with her biological daughter.¡± Camilla was a conservative nobleman who was born and reared in the capital. As a result, she was well-known for her demeanor and manners in society. Shannon was once booted out of a dinner because her elbow touched the table, and Cedric witnessed her crying. ¡°Seline will not know humility if she does not educated thoroughly.¡± As the eldest daughter, Selina¡¯s words and actions replace the Crawford family¡¯s name in society. On that point, Cedric agreed with Camilla. Because she was from the capital, there were some things he wouldn¡¯t understand, but Cedric had no doubts about Camilla¡¯s personality as the Duke¡¯s second daughter. Do something or abuse the child¡­ ¡°Not only does she smack the Lady till she passes out, but she also locks her in the annex closet all day.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± Cedric was startled, almost leaping from his seat. He looked more surprised than when he was attacked from behind. ¡°Is that true?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve only heard of it, but there¡¯s no clear evidence.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°So, I¡¯ll bring that evidence.¡± William¡¯s eyes shined more than ever. ¡°Please assign me as Lady Selina¡¯s escort, Commander.¡± Chapter 17.1 - Vol. 2 Chapter 8.1 Chapter 17 part 1 * * * * * A month had passed since I had left the Countdom. There were numerous changes when I returned from the monastery. The servants¡¯ glances have changed, and there is a new person standing next to me. ¡°An escort knight?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± At Cedric¡¯s calm answer, I tilted my head as if I had never thought of it. Then I returned my gaze to William Spencer, who stood in the doorway. ¡®Hi Husky?¡¯ With his thick eyebrows standing out, he was a person with a fairly high rank in the White Eagle Knights. Cedric became the next Commander of the White Eagle Knights when Camilla poisoned him. ¡®Alright, I like this a lot.¡¯ He¡¯ll be enough to protect me. Indeed, Adrian¡¯s appearance, which evokes a bulldozer, has made me anxious. Can I say that I came to the realization of the fear of the original story? ¡®The submale lead is to that extent, but the Grand Duke, the main male lead, must be more¡­¡­¡¯ I¡¯m not sure what he¡¯ll do if I¡¯m unlucky enough to run into him. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. ¡°How is my mother? Is she doing well?¡± Camilla was nowhere to be found in the Countdom. Neither Shannon or Emma. ¡°Well.¡± Cedric was uninterested in responding. ¡°My mother must have been very busy.¡± I spoke as if I were a frail filial daughter, but I could tell the moment I arrived in Countdom. The chilly environment. The servants who are really observant. It was clear that there was an argument between Cedric and Camilla. ¡°I wanted to tell her about what happened in the monastery.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you take your time and think about it? You must be exhausted as well.¡± ¡°My mother, too, I believe, will be interested in the Martial Arts Championship. Every year, the apprentice priest who has been actively observing it stated¡­¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s all there is to it.¡± Cedric became icy as I kept discussing Camilla while pretending not to know. ¡°Move your bedroom, Selina.¡± ¡°What? Suddenly?¡± ¡°Yeah. The annex is far too cold and isolated for a frail lady.¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes shone with a fierce determination I¡¯d never seen before. ¡°Of course, there are some who disagree.¡± He groaned and held down his rage as he stated this. ¡°With Camilla, change your room.¡± ¡°What?¡± Camilla¡¯s room is the most opulent in the Countdom. ¡°Do it that way.¡± As though he wasn¡¯t actually listening any more, Cedric left the annex, stating he¡¯d have the servant pack my belongings. ¡®Oh yeah!¡¯ With delight, I returned Penny¡¯s gaze. First and foremost, my aim was to switch rooms with Shannon. ¡®But I managed to hook Camilla?¡¯ A fishing needle tossed to catch a minnow caught a huge fish. It was because Penny did her part nicely while I was in the monastery. ¡°The two of them have a huge argument.¡± Penny explained what had happened earlier in the day as she packed away my few belongings. ¡°My mother and my uncle?¡± ¡°Yes, Lady. Do you want something to eat, my Lady?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m okay.¡± ¡°But, my Lady, you came home without having had your breakfast.¡± ¡°Yes, I know. I¡¯m full despite the fact that I haven¡¯t eaten anything.¡± Ah, I want to see that face. Unfortunately, I haven¡¯t even met Camilla since I possessed this world. ¡®The woman who looks like a snake.¡¯ She¡¯s elegant, but she¡¯s also poisonous. She actually poisoned Cedric¡­¡­ And in the original story, Camilla confessed just before her death. ¡°I am the one who killed Joanna.¡± She was ready to be decapitated since she was on death row. Camilla informs Selina, who went to confirm the end of the Duke Maple family at the Grand Duke¡¯s invitation. ¡°You know, Selina. Your mother. She vomited blood and died without a single scream. Do you know how terrible it was? Well, you couldn¡¯t even see it.¡± Camilla was beheaded as soon as she finished her words, as if she was swearing, and the frail Selina fainted at the same time. As I read that, I remembered how frustrated I was at the time. How could such a disgusting revenge be possible? ¡®It was a total waste.¡¯ There was no winner in the story of the . If I had to choose, I¡¯d go with¡­¡­ Grand Duke? However, he was terribly twisted as well. ¡®I don¡¯t know how she killed Joanna, but I know how she poisoned Cedric.¡¯ I decided to pretend to stutter in front of others until Franz came to visit the castle. ¡°It¡¯s a pity that winter has come to an end. Madam should also be aware of how frigid the annex is in the dead of winter.¡± Penny was torn between happiness and sadness. Cedric, on the other hand, was bound to return to Camilla. Even if Cedric came out like that now, his faith in Camilla could not be shattered in an instant. ¡°Has my mother been deafeningly quiet? Are you hurt?¡± In my pocket is a magical stone that can heal any wound. ¡°I¡¯m fine, my Lady. Madam, couldn¡¯t call me because Commander has been observing her closely.¡± ¡°That¡¯s reassuring.¡± ¡°On top of that, she still doesn¡¯t believe my Lady speaks fluently now. Since she never sees it in person.¡± ¡°Oh, really? That¡¯s great.¡± ¡°The only one who keeps staring at me is Emma. Even though I¡¯m now officially a maid, she warned me not to think we¡¯re on the same level.¡± Penny snorted, as she typically does when she has a resentment towards Emma. ¡°Even so, do you think hitting is the only thing she can do?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be concerned about Emma.¡± ¡°Well, Lady Shannon is the true problem. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s excitedly trying to bully my Lady again¡­¡­¡± Shannon was nothing. I¡¯ve never worried about Shannon. That child was very dependent and ignorant. If she doesn¡¯t have anybody to lean on, she¡¯ll be quiet as a clam. ¡°Don¡¯t be concerned, Penny.¡± When I held my dress and opened the door, William quickly lifted my luggage. I spoke as if for him to hear as I walked by pretending not to see him. ¡°It¡¯s a relief that winter is over. How chilly must it be for my uncle, who spends a lot of time outside?¡± ¡°Commander has been at the Countdom for quite some time. He also dispatched another person to survey the territory.¡± ¡°Really?¡± I instinctively returned my gaze to William as I asked Penny a follow-up question. He reacted with a nod when our gazes met. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ right.¡± William Spencer. He swiftly bowed his head and his ears turned crimson when I glanced at him. I thought he was a knight with strong pride. I had no idea he could bend that easily. In the original story, he confronted Camilla and left the Crawford family with the knights, who wanted to go to the capital together. That¡¯s why I was nervous inside. I was concerned that I would have to confront him, but it didn¡¯t appear to be necessary. ¡®Maybe he didn¡¯t like Camilla originally.¡¯ Is that why he¡¯s trying to get on my line? Everyone would assume that my relationship with Camilla had altered since the bedroom had been changed. Oh, except for my uncle who has no sense in that manner. ¡°Lord Spencer.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Would it bother you if I addressed you by your given name, Lord?¡± Penny, who was standing behind me, gave me a surprised look. ¡°My Lady?¡± Penny shook her head, as if to prevent me. Except for Cedric, the Commander, Camilla and Shannon addressed the knights by their titles, which I understand. In the sense of respect and gratitude. This is because, while the knights are salaried, they are not workers of the Countdom. Salary was a pure expression of gratitude for honorable knights¡¯ loyalty. ¡®And all that salary comes from Camilla¡¯s family.¡¯ But I don¡¯t have the financial means to do so right now. As a result, I desired loyalty at no cost to my knights. ¡®Am I being too brazen?¡¯ It makes no difference. If he doesn¡¯t like it, never mind. ¡°William.¡± The easiest and most successful way of breaking past people¡¯s barriers is to call their names. ¡°Right?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, you¡¯re around my age.¡± Same-age nonsense! He said he was ten years older than me. But William didn¡¯t correct me when I was mistaken. ¡°If it¡¯s an escort, we¡¯ll constantly stick with each other in the future, but it¡¯ll be beneficial if we get to know each other quickly. What do you think?¡± As he bowed his head, I slightly bowed my head to check his expression. ¡°Do you dislike it? If I offended you, please accept my apologies.¡± ¡°Oh, no. That¡¯s not the case.¡± Only then did William¡¯s face, which had been lifted, turn bright red. ¡°Then from now on¡­¡­ Please address me as William.¡± ¡°Oh my god, Lord Spencer!¡± Penny was surprised and pointed her finger at William¡¯s face. ¡°Nosebleed! Your nose is leaking blood!¡± He had not yet seen a steady trickle of blood dripping from his nose. I put my handkerchief over his nose, surprised. He chuckled cheerfully even when he saw the scarlet blood. ¡°My friends usually call me Willy¡­¡­¡± Regardless of his nosebleeds, William grinned shyly as he accepted my handkerchief with both hands. ¡®Here¡¯s one more eolppa!¡¯ (T/N: ?? ¨C eolppa ?? ?? means someone whose falling solely because of appearance/face) Even though I kicked my tongue inside, I smiled awkwardly at him. It was good that I quickly recognized people like William after awakening from Selina¡¯s body. * * * * * Chapter 17.2 - Vol. 2 Chapter 8.2 Chapter 17 part 2 Unlike usual, the hallway of the annex was crowded. ¡®They¡¯ve already changed the bedroom.¡¯ The busy servants looked back on me once in a while. ¡°What do you do without starting a fire in the fireplace? Are you telling me to freeze to death?¡± I heard a hysterical high note from the bedroom at the end of the hallway, which was originally my room. The voice that looked so much like Shannon was clearly Camilla. It seems that my luggage had already been moved by Penny to the Countess¡¯ bedroom. ¡®This is bad. Will the Madam of the house get used to the annex?¡¯ Well, that¡¯s not my business! I grabbed the corner of my mouth that kept going up and headed for a servant. ¡°P-p-please s-s-send th-this letter t-to the m-m-monastery.¡± ¡°Yes, Lady. I understand.¡± It was a time when I handed a letter to the servant, who kept glancing at my face curiously, and turned to my new bedroom. I encountered a welcome person at the corner. ¡°Hi, Emma¡±. Emma, who ignored me like air and passed by, stopped. ¡°Emma, have you seen my maid yet? She said she wanted to hear my story about the martial art competition, but is she too busy for that?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Emma¡¯s fist trembled. I heard from Penny that Emma, a baron¡¯s daughter, was very displeased that Penny, a commoner, became an official maid. That¡¯s why I wanted to scratch her gently. ¡°You¡¯re Shannon¡¯s maid, so I hope you get along with Penny.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Emma, I don¡¯t really hate you.¡± Looking at Emma¡¯s back, I quietly moved my lips. ¡°Even though you tore my dress to pieces.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not me!¡± Emma, who looked back at me, shouted almost as if she was screaming. ¡°I didn¡¯t do that!¡± Emma¡¯s face turned white because she had been reprimanded for it while I was away. ¡°Penny, that crazy girl is trying to put it on me! That girl ripped your dress!¡± The attention of the servants was focused on this side at once. ¡°Penny is the only one who can enter your closet. I really didn¡¯t do that!¡± ¡°Okay, I got it.¡± As I nodded in surprise, Emma turned around as cold as the wind blew. I felt a deep anger at Emma¡¯s step who was walking like running. It was clear what that child would say to Camilla without having to listen. * * * * * ¡°Anything else good happened? You¡¯ve been laughing since earlier, My Lady.¡± ¡°We moved our bedroom. What¡¯s better than that?¡± The Countess¡¯ bedroom was more colorful than expected. It is true that it looks tacky in my eyes, but it was a hundred times better than the gutter-like bedroom in the annex I originally stayed in. Most of all, what I liked was the view of the garden from the window. ¡®All I could see from the annex was the stable only.¡¯ It¡¯s still a wasteland because it¡¯s winter, but I imagined a garden where purple flowers would soon bloom. ¡°My Lady, Madam is such a scary person. She came from the capital city.¡± Penny whispered anxiously behind me, who was almost stuck to the window. ¡°I don¡¯t know what will happen if you don¡¯t listen to her, my Lady.¡± I stared at Penny¡¯s proper young face reflected off the window. ¡°So¡­ Don¡¯t get on her nerves for no reason.¡± Does Penny know Camilla is good at poison? Suddenly, I remembered her confession that she had replaced the poison the original Selina was trying to drink. Come to think of it¡­¡­ ¡®How did she know that?¡¯ Chapter 18 She definitely said that at the time. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t pretend not to know, at the thought of the late Countess, your dead mother.¡± Don¡¯t tell me, Penny knew that Camilla killed Joanna? Even if I heard the answer right now, I couldn¡¯t tell if it was all true. ¡°I would have been punished for destroying your dress if it hadn¡¯t been for your advice, my Lady.¡± I slowly turned away from the window because the sun was so intense. ¡°Did you rip it apart?¡± ¡°No! It¡¯s not my doing! That¡¯s impossible for me to do, my Lady.¡± Penny leapt out of her seat. Well, I simply said it out of the blue¡­¡­ I¡¯m even more eager to tease her if she reacts like this ¡°Madam tried to put the blame on me. And Madam finally found that Emma was the culprit, however¡­¡­¡± ¡°But, according to Emma, you were the one who did it.¡± ¡°Oh, my goodness. How could she be so brazen? It¡¯s a lie! She definitely lied!¡± Penny¡¯s face became flushed. ¡°I know. You weren¡¯t the one who did it.¡± ¡°Thank you¡­¡­ for believing me, my Lady.¡± Her feelings were shown intact, perhaps because she is still young. Only Penny was as pure as white paper in this Countdom, where everyone wears masks. * * * * * In a room that resembles a warehouse. Camila was basking in the fireplace, sitting in a velvet chair that didn¡¯t fit her surroundings at all. ¡°Would you let Selina stay there no matter how much she wanted to if you truly thought of her as your biological daughter?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the problem with the annex? It¡¯s a place where a lady can reside in complete comfort.¡± ¡°What? What are you talking about? Then you should go there and try to stay!¡± Camilla eventually ended up like this as a result of her futile attempt to preserve her pride. Camilla clenched her teeth. ¡®How dare you kick the owner out of the bedroom?¡¯ In any case, the Vassals will not remain silent on this issue. They were first opposed, claiming that they couldn¡¯t trust strangers to lead the house, but after tasting the money, they changed their minds. Camilla planned to stay until the Vassals stepped up. ¡®Cedric will undoubtedly apologize to me.¡¯ He didn¡¯t usually ask, but what great interest he suddenly had in Selina? Camilla, who was full of grudge, vowed revenge as she watched the burning flames. A knock came from outside at that moment. ¡°Madam, it¡¯s me. May I come in?¡± It was Emma. Emma was visiting Camilla more than Shannon these days, begging her to kick Penny out. Camilla refused to let her in since she was irritated by the bedroom problem. Emma sneaked inside the bedroom while the servants were rearranging large pieces of furniture. ¡°I just met Lady Selina, Madam. But do you know what she was saying to me?¡± Emma was overjoyed and attempted to frame Selina in some way, but she forgot to welcome Camilla. ¡°Lady Selina said that she was the one who asked the Commander to change your bedroom. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s trying to screw you, Madam!¡± Camilla¡¯s expression was becoming increasingly icy, and Emma was completely unaware of it. ¡°She must have given Penny orders to report everything you¡¯ve done to her to the Commander all this time¡­¡­¡± ¡°What do you mean by everything I¡¯ve done all this time?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Camilla, who had been staring at the stove the entire time, suddenly returned her gaze to Emma. ¡°I¡¯ve never done anything wrong in my life with Selina. So, what exactly are you referring to? Did I ever treat Selina badly?¡± Emma forgot what she planned to say when she saw Camilla¡¯s gorgeous smile when she asked such a question. ¡°Of-of course, Madam was very nice to Lady Selina, but¡­¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, but?¡± Emma¡¯s brow furrowed in response to Camilla¡¯s brazen retort. ¡°Anyway, Madam, you have to do something.¡± ¡°Do something?¡± ¡°Yes. Madam, if you keep staying like this, you might get caught up in Selina¡¯s scam and be kicked out.¡± Camilla scoffed and laughed openly. ¡®Scheme? What a load of nonsense!¡¯ Even if all things happened, there was no way that timid child would plan any scheme. ¡®What can she do when she can¡¯t even speak properly?¡¯ Penny¡¯s words came to mind as she was thinking. Penny stated that when only the two of them are around, Selina stutters and cries like a fool. ¡®She might be able to fool Shannon or Emma into thinking she¡¯s eloquent.¡¯ However. ¡®I¡¯m confident she¡¯ll stop pretending if I haul her here in front of me. Since Selina is a child who was afraid to make eye contact with me.¡¯ Camilla rested heavily against the sofa, her gaze fixed on Emma. ¡®It was all because of Emma that Cedric started to care about Selina. If only she hadn¡¯t ripped that dress!¡¯ Cedric would not have guessed that there would be any problems between the three, the mother and the daughters. It was Emma who caused the crack. Shannon failed to keep away from the envious Emma, despite her warnings. ¡®Should I kick Emma out?¡¯ Camilla doubts everyone, but Selina. Selina is the world¡¯s ultimate stutterer and coward. Unless she became someone else, there¡¯s no way Selina would change. Camilla reasoned that if there was anyone in the Crawford Family she needed to keep in control, it would be Cedric, not the powerless Selina. ¡°Madam, Lady Selina thought you were a fool. Madam, you should definitely do something about her. You must show your authenticity to her. Starting with Penny¡­¡­¡± ¡°Now¡­ What am I supposed to do with my precious daughter?¡± Camilla, who spoke plainly, smiled at Emma¡¯s poorly crumpled face. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen her face. As her wish.¡± Camilla beckoned to the servant. ¡°Call Selina.¡± * * * * * ¡°Mo-mo-mother¡­ d-d-did you call me¡­¡­¡± A ragged dress. A face incapable of making eye contact. Camilla was relieved to see Selina, who looked exactly the same as previously. She appeared more beggar-like than usual, with a shriveled appearance similar to a shrunken fabric. ¡°Selina, aren¡¯t you going to greet me? I haven¡¯t seen you in over a month and a half.¡± ¡°I was planning to come¡­¡­ but¡­¡± When Camilla hears the servants say Selina has been wandering around the Countdom, she is always sceptical. ¡®All right, then.¡¯ Selina¡¯s decision to go to the monastery on her alone was not unexpected. After all, the monastery would be Selina¡¯s sole visit in the years ahead. Many people were willing to pay a high price for that attractive pretty face. Among them, Camilla liked Count Granson the most. Selina would have a husband that was 70 years older than her, but Selina would never say no. As she always did. After Selina¡¯s birthday, Camilla planned to sell her to Count Granson for a reasonable price. Then, after becoming a widow, Selina will be unable to bear the loneliness of being left alone and will visit the monastery. ¡®By then, Adrian will be leading the White Eagle Knights in the capital.¡¯ Camila could clearly see the bright future ahead of her. ¡°You¡¯re right. What was your experience of the monastery?¡± ¡°Mo-mo-monastery¡­¡­¡± Suddenly, Selina sobbed uncontrollably. Penny, surprised, pulled out her handkerchief and murmured, wiping Selina¡¯s tears with it. ¡°My Lady, don¡¯t cry. You¡¯ve already returned to your home. This is the Countdom, not the monastery.¡± The girl¡¯s slender shoulders trembled, triggering people¡¯s protective instincts to the point where they wanted to hug her. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve had a lot of difficulties. I asked for nothing.¡± ¡°Sob¡­ sob¡­ mo-mo-monastery¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s all right. I didn¡¯t call you to hear about the boring monasteries.¡± Camilla quickly changed the subject as she shook her hand. ¡°I mean this bedroom. Aren¡¯t you the most versed about this place?¡± Selina was unable to respond and simply nodded quietly. ¡°Open the secret door.¡± ¡°Se-secret door?¡± Count Crawford¡¯s castle has secret passageways running out of each of the bedrooms. The Empire is still in a ceasefire, but since Crawford¡¯s territory is a crossing point bordering the Kingdom, it was to prepare for a possible war. Selina, on the other hand, only blinked her red eyes, as if she had no clue. Camilla was genuinely pleased since her figures resembled a handcrafted doll. ¡®How can such a lovely daughter be mine¡­¡­ How much can I get?¡¯ 1 billion? 2 billion? ¡®Count Granson will never think it¡¯s a waste to give me all of his fortune.¡¯ Because he would fall asleep every night embracing his lovely wife, who was as lovely as a fairy. ¡°Since my Lady awoke after taking sleeping pills, Madam¡­¡­ Please forgive her.¡± ¡°Okay. Then go for it.¡± Camilla waved her hand liberally. Penny ran out of the room with Selina, as if she needed to get away as soon as possible. ¡°Do you know where the secret door is, Penny?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I believe it is under the bed. My Lady doesn¡¯t open it very often, so I¡¯m not sure.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± As Camilla watched Selina leaving the room with Penny¡¯s assistance, she slowly stood up. It wasn¡¯t Selina, her lovely but destitute stepdaughter, who she had to look after. It was Emma, who threatened her by claiming to be a witness to what had passed. * * * * * Chapter 19 * * * * * ¡°What brings you to my room, Mother?¡± Shannon, who had just received word from the maid that her mother had arrived, greeted Camilla with a beaming smile. When the postal servant noticed Camilla, he quickly bowed down and walked away. ¡°I was just about to go greet you, Mother.¡± Camilla didn¡¯t respond to Shannon and instead gazed at Emma, who was embroidering herself in front of the stove. ¡°At the monastery, Selina must have seduced a man. That bitch really.¡± Shannon was overjoyed at the good news she had just received. ¡°I think I should pay a visit to the temple. I¡¯d like to investigate the priest named Aaron, whom she seduced, and¡­¡­¡± Shannon, who was trying to impress after receiving the ¡®love letter¡¯ that Selina was going to send to the temple, could not finish her words. It was because of Camilla¡¯s cold expression. ¡°Lock the door and get out.¡± ¡°Yes Madam.¡± The servants promptly locked the bedroom door and left as Camilla gave the order. The sound of the door locking was reflected in Shannon and Emma¡¯s features at the same time. ¡°Arrgghhh!¡± Camilla, who approached Emma at once, grabbed Emma¡¯s hair and whispered. ¡°On the subject of the daughter of a lowly knight¡­¡­ Do you think you have the audacity to threaten me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a misunderstanding, Madam! Argh, it¡¯s a misunderstanding! Arrggghhh!¡± Slap- Emma was slapped in the cheek and collapsed to the floor. ¡°I¡¯m sure you made everything up. Cedric became like that to me because of you, you bitch.¡± Camilla led her to the fireplace, which was ablaze. ¡°Would you like me to rip off your face?¡± Emma burst into tears as she shook her head. ¡°Do you honestly believe I didn¡¯t know you were resentful of Selina? Do you think I wouldn¡¯t know that you live with the pleasure of tormenting her?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, Madam! It¡¯s all Lady Selina¡­¡­¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who was the happiest while watching her get tortured? By the way, did you think you¡¯d be fine after threatening me in this way? It seems that you have huge ambitions.¡± Camilla gazed down at Emma, who had crumpled under her feet, as she let go of her hand as if pushing. ¡°Pack your belongings and leave as soon as possible.¡± Shannon stood in the corner, holding her breath as she watched it. ¡°Please, Ma-madam, have mercy¡­¡­¡± ¡°Did you believe you¡¯d be able to seek forgiveness after such a brazen act? Emma.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°You weren¡¯t such a stupid kid.¡± Tsk- Camilla kicked her tongue and slid the small vial from her neck into Emma¡¯s trembling hands. ¡°If I don¡¯t hear about your body being discovered in the forest by tomorrow morning, your father, who has nothing but honor, will die first, followed by your mother, and finally your siblings.¡± ¡°Sob¡­¡± ¡°Emma, save your family.¡± Emma¡¯s eyes welled up with tears when she felt a gentle tap on her back. * * * * * ¡°How do you manage to act so perfectly, Lady?¡± Penny asked with her big eyes when only the two of us were left in the room. Because that¡¯s my major, it¡¯s no surprise that I act so good. ¡°My Lady, your tears are pouring down like a waterfall!¡± Penny felt both intrigued and soothed by the situation. ¡°Actually, I was taken aback. I genuinely thought you were stuttering once again and¡­¡­¡± Penny must have been embarrassed, even though we had planned the actions ahead of time. ¡°You performed an excellent job as well.¡± ¡°Really?¡± It was then. Outside, there was a lot of noise. Penny, who had gone out to find out what was going on, returned with a broad smile on her face. ¡°This is amazing, lady! Emma was exiled from the Countdom.¡± ¡°Really?¡± As I heard the shocking news, my eyes widened. ¡°Has Emma worked for a long time?¡± ¡°She was said to have been taken as a companion for Lady Shannon when she was still a baby. I heard that Madam only breast-fed Lord Adrian.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a pity¡­¡­ Shannon has to be sad.¡± ¡°What exactly do you mean, Lady? That¡¯s a pity? Don¡¯t you remember what she¡¯s been up to all this time?¡± Penny, who had become contemplative, gave me a weird look. ¡°Emma pushed my Lady into the pond in the dead of winter. Think of how you nearly died back then, my Lady!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°How about the time she brought a ferocious hound into your room and nearly bit you, my Lady? She even fed you some rotten fish!¡± The feeling of pity for Emma vanished as I listened to it. ¡°My Lady, she even ripped your dress! Twice!¡± What happened to Selina when she was a child was not detailed in the original story. However, Selina, who has a good personality, stated that she was delighted from the bottom of her heart when she learned that Emma had died. ¡°Penny, call William.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Penny¡¯s hasty exit from the bedroom was satisfying. It made me feel good to know that someone was following my instructions and that everything was progressing as planned. ¡°It¡¯s not twice, Penny, but once.¡± At that time, Emma wasn¡¯t the one who ripped the dress. Because¡­¡­ It was me. I remembered how much pleasure it was to tear the dress apart and burst out laughing, which I had been holding back. Chapter 20 * * * * * ¡°Are you still awake, my Lady? ¡°I¡¯ll be heading to bed soon. Don¡¯t be worried, sleep first.¡± Penny yawned and walked out of the room, saying she was going to sleep with her feet stretched out today. I gave a secret command to William. I wanted to make sure he took care of it properly. I sat in front of the window, waiting for something. Early in the morning, at dusk. I could see people starting to work at a glance in this wonderfully comfortable bedroom. ¡®I am slowly getting sleepy.¡¯ It was then. I was utterly relieved when I saw someone dressed in a black robe. It wasn¡¯t William, though. Because that person¡¯s figure is much smaller than William¡­¡­ And the fast walking pace was very familiar to me. ¡®Who is that?¡¯ There¡¯s one more suspicious person there. With a lantern in hand, I stormed out of my seat and down the stairs. And. ¡°Stop right there.¡± That woman stopped opening Shannon¡¯s bedroom door and raised her robe at my command. I marched up to the woman, raising the lantern. The identity was quickly exposed when the hood was tilted back. ¡°¡­¡­ Shannon?¡± Shannon¡¯s swollen eyes glowed as she looked at me. She seems to have sobbed a lot. ¡°Where do you go alone at this late hour?¡± I said this, but I already knew the answer to Shannon¡¯s whereabouts. ¡°Did you say your goodbyes to Emma?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Shannon didn¡¯t answer, and bit her lower lip. Instead, her trembling eyes told all. ¡°Hurry up and go in. I¡¯ll pretend as if I never see you. If you¡¯re afraid of being alone,¡­¡­¡± Bang! The door slammed shut in my face. ¡®That jerk.¡¯ I felt like an idiot for being concerned about her for so a while. I¡¯m sure her grief over the loss of her sole friend was severe, but¡­¡­ It was much better for Shannon not to have Emma next to her. ¡®Now she¡¯ll behave like a dead rat.¡¯ Shannon will keep chasing and harassing me if she has Emma by her side like she did before. It would be really troublesome. I¡¯m delighted I was able to take care of her so quickly. On my way back to my room, I came across a man dressed in a black robe on the stairwell. ¡°My Lady.¡± He came to a halt and knelt on one knee as the chilly dawn air blew out of him. It was William. ¡°How did it turn out?¡± ¡°I took care of everything you said.¡± ¡°Did anything else happen?¡± It was a question about Shannon who met Emma. ¡°There wasn¡¯t any.¡± The reassuring voice gave me a sense of relief. ¡°You worked hard. Thank you so much for accepting my request.¡± I delicately placed my hand on William¡¯s one shoulder after saying that. He cautiously raised his head after flinching. ¡°For the time being, I hope you keep this a secret.¡± I added this while maintaining eye contact to examine his inner thoughts. ¡°Even to my uncle¡­¡­¡± It was Cedric who William was originally loyal to. Will he really listen to my ¡°request¡±? It might be difficult for him to turn away from Cedric and concoct a secret that only the two of us are aware of. However. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± Hoo. A knight who has been entrusted with a mission cannot tell lies. ¡°Can you make a promise to me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The knight¡¯s pledge was a life-or-death deal. Instead, I purposefully used the phrase ¡°promise¡± in case he was burdened. However¡­¡­ ¡°I swear, My Lady.¡± Under his robe, William¡¯s gray eyes gleamed with loyalty as he looked up at me. I wondered if I had been underestimating Selina¡¯s face in the past. * * * * * The Countdom grew boisterous as soon as the morning came. It was because of the sad news that Emma¡¯s body was found by the river in the eastern forest. ¡°It was reported that her body was swollen to the point where they couldn¡¯t recognize her.¡± ¡°It was because of the ring that they recognized it. It was the ring she and Lady Shannon had shared.¡± Shannon was stuck in her room and didn¡¯t come out. As a result, the servants began to gossip about Shannon. ¡°Do you remember?¡± Emma used to brag about how she befriended her since they were both babies.¡± ¡°She¡¯s too cold-hearted.¡± Camilla, on the other hand, collapsed in front of everyone. ¡°Oh, my goodness. What a dreadful thing!¡± She pretended to be in a state of shock by lying down on the floor. However, many people witnessed Emma leaving the Countdom crying after being slapped by her, thus it didn¡¯t make much of an impact. Finally, I was the only one who could find Emma¡¯s body and arrange for her funeral. ¡°Why am I doing this?¡± Penny, who was full of hatred towards her, grumbled, but did not complain more when she saw Emma¡¯s dead body, which had already passed away. Camilla¡¯s servants, who had arrived late, seized the body, burned it, and then vanished. ¡°How s-s-sad she must be¡­¡­¡± I consoled Emma¡¯s family who had been left behind. Emma¡¯s mother was Shannon¡¯s nanny when she was young, and her younger brother was an errand boy doing Countdom¡¯s chores. They were astonished and angry at what happened overnight. ¡°What about Countess Crawford? Where is Shannon?¡± They couldn¡¯t even show their noses at the funeral of the deceased, who had served the two for the rest of her life. ¡°How¡­ How can they do this to her? They didn¡¯t even send their last goodbye to Emma!¡± Emma¡¯s father, Lord Patron, was particularly furious. He was a White Eagle Knights¡¯ knight. Cedric, who had come to pay his respects and convey his sympathies, was visibly embarrassed. I couldn¡¯t pretend not to know, so I came, but Emma¡¯s father grabbed my fist and trembled. ¡°My daughter was the oldest maid in the Countdom.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Why did Emma, who worked for the Countess and her daughter, have to die alone in the forest?¡± For those who didn¡¯t know the complete story, that was an adequate reason. ¡°My wife took care of Emma and Lady Shannon together when they were still a baby. But how¡­¡­!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°This is something I¡¯ll never forget. Never¡­¡­¡± Me and Cedric couldn¡¯t say anything to Lord Patron, whose eyes turned red. It was at this time that people¡¯s attention began to wane after the burial had been held in such a casual manner. I delivered a letter to Emma¡¯s family that I discovered while retrieving her body. ¡°There is a will¡­¡­¡± Emma¡¯s mother was the first to receive the letter after waking up after a day¡¯s sleep. I could see their expressions change with sadness, anger, and other emotions from moment to moment. * * * * * Chapter 21 - Vol. 2 Chapter 12 Face is The Scary Thing Face is The Scary Thing * * * * * The Countdom fell silent for a while after the funeral, as if it were a graveyard. As if they were self-respecting, Shannon and Camilla remained in their room. ¡®All right, now is the best time.¡¯ Everyone who was interested in me had gone silent by this point, so now was my chance. ¡°Will you send this letter to the temple?¡± Last time, it was a letter asking how the apprentice priest who worked with me was doing, but this time it was a letter to Franz. I wanted to inquire about his visit to the Countdom and whether Valhail had settled in well with the Holy Knights. ¡°Yes.¡± The servants responded subtly when they saw Charles following me. When they met Emma, who had been abandoned overnight after being treated as their master¡¯s mouth, hand, and foot, they must have had a lot on their minds. Because they, too, are human. ¡°Can you, by the way, deliver this together with the letter?¡± I gave over two pork sausages that the chef had given me. ¡°If you get caught, you¡¯ll get in trouble, right? Is it going to be difficult?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, my Lady. I¡¯ll take it and enter. They don¡¯t do body searches on kids.¡± Charles gladly packed the sausage. The sausage was wrapped well so it didn¡¯t smell. In front of my eyes, the image of Franz accepting the letter and sausages was vividly drawn. ¡®I am sure he¡¯s doing well.¡¯ Franz, a high priest who wishes to leave the temple but is treated warmly by the other priests. I don¡¯t know much about his circumstances, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a lot better than mine. ¡°Let¡¯s get together and go out I¡¯ll have the horseman take you for a ride.¡± ¡°Really? Thank you, my Lady.¡± Charles thanked me profusely for my small favor. It seemed like he had been treated poorly under Camilla and Shannon. As we walked into the garden, we ran into Camilla and Shannon at the most inopportune moment. When Charles saw them, he dashed away from the point where his face had turned white, as if he had met a ghost. ¡°Oh, m-m-mother.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re out for a walk as well.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ U-u-uncle told me t-t-to go for a walk¡­¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad the weather is nice.¡± Camilla smiled smoothly and passed past me as I gripped the hem of the dress and gently bent my knees. As always with her brazen personality, Camilla pretended not to see Charles completely. I pushed the child¡¯s back, which came to a halt in the middle of the roadway like a rock. ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡± Charles, who had been silently stomping, focussed his gaze on the distant horseman and opened his mouth. ¡°This is something my sister always said. You¡¯d die without knowing which one is the mouse or the bird if you don¡¯t know the devil¡¯s weaknesses.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°The Countess is a devil.¡± I got curious as I looked down at Charles. ¡°Didn¡¯t Emma talk about me?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ she did. ¡°I¡¯m curious to hear what she has to say. I quickly deduced the topic when I noticed Charles pausing with a remorseful expression. ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s all right, so tell me.¡± ¡°She said that Lady Selina is¡­¡­ is a fool.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Charles¡¯ pure expression must have been ¡®fool.¡¯ ¡®Who is she referring to as a fool?¡¯ I didn¡¯t want to curse someone who had already passed away. I just thought it was a good thing to get Emma out of my sight quickly. * * * * * In Franz¡¯s response, which he wrote in a haste as if he was scared of being discovered, there was no mention of Valhail. I¡¯d like a jalapeno ss next time. (T/N: ss imply to sausages, since Franz was afraid the content would be leaked.) Yes, jalapeno sausages are delicious. Didn¡¯t I know him too well? ¡®So what happened to Valhail?¡¯ I¡¯m not interested in your sausage preferences! Franz also did not respond to my inquiries about when he would be able to visit the Countdom. In the end, he just received the sausage in the letter I sent. ¡®Next time, I guess I¡¯ll send the letter without the sausage.¡¯ No, rather than sending Charles back to the temple without much progress¡­¡­ ¡®I would rather go in person.¡¯ There was just a solid reason. * * * * * ¡°Shannon.¡± Shannon, who was extremely depressed, was trapped in her room by herself, feeling guilty. I came to Shannon¡¯s bedroom because I felt bad for her and was also curious about Valhail¡¯s well-being. ¡°Shannon, why don¡¯t you join me at the temple? My uncle is late, and I¡¯m starting to become nervous.¡± Due to constant reports, Cedric has been out for several days. It was to investigate the bandits who had overrun the territory. The largest problem for Count Crawford¡¯s territory was bandits, a barbarian force. Furthermore, Cedric¡¯s return was taking longer than he had predicted. I¡¯m supposed to be worried about him. That¡¯s why I planned to stay up late, feigned not to be able to sleep, and pretended to skip meals. Of course, I was behaving in this way because I was more concerned about my situation than Cedric, who was with the knights. ¡°Let¡¯s go together and pray.¡± Camilla, who was still living in the annex, started summoning the Vassals. It was a red flag. ¡°I am acquainted with a priest. He will gladly pray for me if I want him to.¡± I approached Shannon, who seemed dead and was leaning against the bed. Shannon was literally barely breathing. I might have assumed she was dead if it hadn¡¯t been for her wiggling finger like an anxious addict. Shannon hasn¡¯t been as close to Camilla as she used to be since Emma¡¯s death. Other maids who used to hang out with her also left her. ¡°You must have relied on Emma a lot.¡± Her cheeks were thin and her eyes were dull, possibly due to the fact that she had no one to look after her. She was in bad shape because she hadn¡¯t even had her hair done. ¡°If you¡¯re interested in joining me, just put on a robe and come out in the afternoon.¡± I exited the room by turning around. ¡°If you have someone else for whom you want to pray, you are free to do so.¡± Her ring-spinning hand came to a halt at that point. Because there was no reaction, I assumed she was ignoring me, yet she was actually listening to me. I quietly closed the door to give Shannon a choice. * * * * * Chapter 22 - Vol. 2 Chapter 13 Face is The Scary Thing Face is The Scary Thing * * * * * No one suspected me of suddenly going to the temple. When I said I¡¯d go to the temple, I was concerned Camilla would pick on me, but Camilla was busy since she talked to the Vassals. Maybe she thought my faith had deepened after spending a month in the monastery. Shannon, on the other hand, trailed me like a shadow. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Priest Aaron.¡± ¡°Oh my, Lady Selina.¡± When I was a trainee, I stopped by Western Great Hall for a bit before being assigned to assist with the Martial Arts Competition. It¡¯s an unfamiliar place to me, but Shannon was more unfamiliar to it than me. She had a very difficult time in the unfamiliar atmosphere as if she had not come to the temple often. ¡°How long has it been since we last saw each other? Are you here to pray?¡± ¡°Yes, my uncle went on an inspection, but I¡¯m worried because I haven¡¯t heard from him.¡± ¡°How are you able to be so generous? Shannon, who had been trailing me, came to a halt in front of the priest. It was both amusing and endearing. ¡°But who is this?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± I could see Shannon hesitate beneath the navy robe, so I introduced Shannon to the priest instead. ¡°She¡¯s my younger sister.¡± ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Shannon should have said hello if I had given her such a brief introduction, but she just stood there quietly. ¡®What¡¯s the matter with her?¡¯ I¡¯m not sure if she was just embarrassed, but I poked Shannon on the side, who was dazed. Shannon only said hello in her crawling voice after that. ¡°My name is Shannon Berry, and I¡¯m from the Crawford family.¡± ¡°Oh, Haha, Lady Berry, good to meet you¡­¡­¡± The nervously smiling apprentice priest hurriedly turned to face me. ¡°You must visit with the High Priest.¡± ¡°No. He must be quite busy. I shouldn¡¯t be bothering him.¡± ¡°What do you mean bothering, Lady? You¡¯re not bothersome in the slightest. You should pay a visit to the high priest in the Confession Room.¡± When I heard Franz was in the Confession Room, I felt a little bad. ¡®Does it have anything to do with the sausage?¡¯ I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t bring any of the jalapeno sausage he mentioned. ¡°Oh, Lady Selina, how delighted he would be to see you.¡± ¡°Thank you, Priest Aaron.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± The apprentice priest guided us to the Confession Room and then vanished busily. ¡°Who are you referring to as your sister?¡± Shannon, who was trailing behind, grumbled. ¡°Did you say something?¡± Shannon had closed her mouth as though she had groaned as I turned my gaze. I was about to say something, but I just turned around. ¡°I know now that I¡¯ve seen it in person.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Aaron is not a man.¡± Shannon then abruptly came to a halt. ¡°The letter¡­ Did you read my letter?¡± ¡°Yes, of course. If not for that, how would I have known the content? I¡¯m not even a fool.¡± Shannon, who was speaking quietly, had a perplexed expression on his face. ¡®But, you are a fool!¡¯ In reality, I planned to use that letter to summon Shannon to the temple, but Emma was expelled earlier than expected, rendering the letter useless. ¡°You must be pleased with your ability to read people¡¯s letters like a rat!¡± ¡°¡­¡­What? Hey! Stop right there!¡± Shannon responded, but it was now late afternoon, so I moved on without hesitation. Shannon clutched my arm as she raced by. I glanced around and grimaced, as if I had stepped on the brake. ¡®Didn¡¯t this happen before?¡¯ This girl had an extremely nasty habit. ¡°If you already knew, then why¡­¡­!¡± Shannon¡¯s arms were flipped around and she was shrugged off before she finished speaking. ¡°Argh!¡± ¡°If you do this rude thing one more time, I¡¯ll break your wrist. Did you get it?¡± Shannon glared at me angrily for a brief while, her wrist clenched. ¡°¡­ Did you bring me to the temple to humiliate me? To show off and make fun of me! What a dreadful scumbag!¡± ¡°It was you who wanted to come along with me, Shannon.¡± ¡°Damn bitch! You should¡¯ve been dead! On the subject of stuttering, unable to say a word in front of my mother¡­¡­!¡± It was then. In the peaceful hallway, there was a creaking sound of the wooden door opened. A priest, who had been softly disputing and clutching the Bible in his arms, appeared in front of us. It was Franz. He looked at me blankly, his crimson eyes flickering. ¡°Lady Selina¡­?¡± For a little minute, I couldn¡¯t think of anything to say. Perhaps because he cried, his innocent face looked ten times more noble and sacred than usual. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I had no choice but to stick out a handkerchief, despite the embarrassment. ¡°Here a handkerchief¡­¡­¡± Shannon caught my hand and extended her handkerchief. ¡°Here.¡± At the same time, Franz and I looked at Shannon. ¡°Lady Selina, who is this sister?¡± Shannon hurriedly removed her robe and greeted Franz politely when he asked. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, high priest. My name is Shannon Berry, and I am a member of Count Crawford¡¯s family.¡± Shannon¡¯s face was painted with a bashful smile, as if she had never frowned before. There¡¯s no sense of sadness, as if she¡¯s already forgotten about Emma. ¡°My sister told me a lot about you. You¡¯re extremely nice to my sister, she said.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Shannon¡¯s eyes twinkled with delight. I was astonished and speechless for a little moment. ¡®What in the world is this girl up to?¡¯ Does Shannon prefer men like Franz? ¡®What happened to Valhail, then?¡¯ Valhail and Franz were, to be honest, polar opposites. In the book, I only read that Valhail and Shannon are leaving together. What followed afterwards was entirely my imagination, regardless of whether the two were married or not. I had a faint expectation that the two would have married. It¡¯s a romance novel, after all. ¡®Perhaps the story of the two of them would just have ended there.¡¯ Shannon¡¯s eyes were filled with hearts when she looked at Franz. ¡®That¡¯s your taste like¡­¡­¡¯ An innocent young man with silver hair! It¡¯s no surprise that something was strange. But I couldn¡¯t believe Shannon and Valhail didn¡¯t get their own story in the first place. I mean, I saw Valhail¡¯s face! It just doesn¡¯t seem reasonable. I mean, it¡¯s hard to believe Valhail wasn¡¯t her cup of tea. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Berry. I, too¡­¡­ Hmm, I¡¯ve always heard about you from Lady Selina. Franz coughed and looked at me, not accustomed to lying. Shannon¡¯s attention was already drawn elsewhere, whether he liked it or not. ¡°Is this the Confession Room?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. Is there anything you need to repent of?¡± ¡°Sure. I¡¯m as innocent as a white goose, but I¡¯m as guilty as dust. It¡¯s likely you won¡¯t believe it.¡± ¡°Everyone lives and commits a crime. We have no choice except to repent and ask God for forgiveness.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be a sin to imagine obscene things in front of the priest?¡± ¡°Everyone¡¯s sin¡­¡­ What justdid you say?¡± ¡°Do you mind if I walk inside and speak with you, priest?¡± Shannon led Franz to the Confession Room on her own initiative. ¡°Lady Selina! Lady Selina!¡± With a pallid pale face, Franz shook his head. I quietly closed the wooden door with the thought of offering sacrifices. ¡®Way to go.¡¯ I just brought Shannon with me because I felt bad for her being locked in her room all day, but carrying Shannon in my back was uncomfortable enough. It was the perfect time to get Shannon out of the way. That way, I could take my time going to the training field. * * * * * The Holy Knights¡¯ training grounds, known as ¡°the Withdrawal of God¡± and ¡°the Executor of the Denomination,¡± were desolate and dreary. ¡®It was a place like this.¡¯ This location has a very different atmosphere from the monastery. ¡°Stop right there.¡± ¡°Without authorization, no one can enter.¡± Two knights were wearing black blindfolds. With a spear that could easily reach 2 meters, they guarded the entrance. ¡®I should have brought Franz.¡¯ It was a rigorous environment that I couldn¡¯t enter without taking someone higher up with me. ¡°I¡¯ll be back next time¡­¡± Eventually, someone from behind yelled at me because I didn¡¯t take a few steps back while I was already turning around. ¡°Stop.¡± This was the first time I had heard this voice. My spine was tingling from the coldness of the voice. ¡°Give me your name. And the reason for your visit.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± As Shannon had done previously, I gently turned around and said my name and family name. ¡°My name is Selina Crawford, and I am Count Crawford¡¯s eldest daughter.¡± With young black hair and fiery eyes, he was a menacing presence. I hastily lowered my gaze when I noticed the blood-stained iron in his hand. ¡°At a martial arts competition a little while ago, I worked in a dungeon as a monastery trainee.¡± ¡°And then?¡± ¡°However, when I learned that the participant I was looking after had won and had joined the Holy Knights¡­¡± ¡°He was banished.¡± ¡°What?¡± The man¡¯s focused crimson eyes shook a little when I raised my head in surprise. ¡°Then where is that person¡­¡­ What was the reason for his deportation? He was gentle and kind¡­¡± ¡°He refused to train, tried to flee, and even killed one of the instructors.¡± ¡°What?¡± The man¡¯s eyes grew smaller. ¡°Tell him this if you meet him.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°On the day he meets Max Clark, his life would come to an end.¡± In the end, I didn¡¯t meet Valhail. I had no idea where he went. I was in vain the whole way I walked out of the training field. ¡®At the very least, I should have kept you on a leash.¡¯ The dog I was trying to get out of the temporary shelter is no longer there. I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll return because he made such a mess and then left. ¡®He has nowhere to go.¡¯ I wish he could meet a nice master somewhere, but I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be able to because he¡¯s so vicious¡­ ¡®I am going to kick his butt if I find him!¡¯ I should have given him a name. It was heartbreaking that he didn¡¯t have a name to call him with. * * * * * Shannon was truly repentant after Franz¡¯s persuasion. The sound of her sobbing and atoning prayer reverberated down a hallway. ¡°Are you all right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not only once or twice I¡¯ve encountered such a beastly sister.¡± Shannon seemed sincere in her repentance, which I couldn¡¯t hear in detail. ¡®As expected, high priests are different.¡¯ What methods did he use to persuade her? What transpired in the Confession Room was only known by the two of them. Franz regarded me with disapproval, like a deer observing a hunter, but later forgiven me for selling him off. Franz then informed me that Lord Max Clark is a knight descended from the winner of the martial arts competition five years ago. Maximus Clark. He was one of the elite instructors of the Holy Knights. ¡°I heard he went on a penance march, but it seems he has returned.¡± He was once a person similar to The Raven, but it is stated that after joining the Holy Knights, he repented greatly and was reincarnated as a God enforcer. ¡®As expected, he was a frightening guy.¡¯ No wonder, those eyes¡­¡­ ¡°The temple was buzzing for a while over his banishment.¡± It had something to do with Valhail. He, who entered the Holy Knights peacefully, changed his attitude shortly after. He refused to eat or drink for a month and a half, refusing any training and attempting to flee. He is reported to have killed those who stood in his way before fleeing. ¡®Why did he do that?¡¯ Franz opened his mouth again, as if reading my bewildered expression. ¡°He claimed he was seeking a trainee somewhere in the temple¡­¡± My heart began to sink at that point. ¡°I¡¯m a trainee.¡± ¡°Because I am still a trainee, I couldn¡¯t specify which temple I belong to.¡± Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­ Was it because of me that he joined and then left the Holy Knights? However, he said that he loathes that fanatical group! ¡®Really¡­ He¡¯s a real eolppa idiot!¡¯ Chapter 23 - Vol. 3 Chapter 1 Please Put Your Stigma On Me Please Put Your Stigma On Me Franz replied hesitantly as he looked into my eyes. ¡°I believe¡­¡­ He seemed to be on the search for Lady Selina.¡± His and my expectations were the same. Valhail had entered the Holy Knights with meekness in order to meet me at the temple. ¡®I¡¯m sure he assumed I¡¯d be at the temple.¡¯ But when he saw I wasn¡¯t, he must have realized he had no reason to stay. Because they couldn¡¯t help him by force, the Holy Knights decided to banish him. Excitement and disappointment. ¡®To the point where he refused to eat or drink¡­¡­¡¯ The man¡¯s departure from the temple was portrayed right before my eyes. He must have been bitterly disappointed. What feelings did he have as he walked out of the temple? ¡®I shouldn¡¯t have promised to give him a name.¡¯ He must despise me. We parted ways without saying our goodbye. ¡°How did you know that he was looking for me?¡± ¡°I know what happened in the monastery. Can¡¯t I be a little more tactful?¡± Obviously, Franz was quick-witted. ¡°Maybe he went out of the temple after learning about your identity, Lady Selina. Be careful.¡± I couldn¡¯t pay attention to anything he said as he asked one question after another. ¡°Never go out alone¡­¡­¡± Be careful? ¡®Does he mean¡­ of that guy? Me?¡¯ My lips pressed together in a sour laugh. Nothing could have been funnier than what Franz had just stated. I do not even know where and how to meet Valhail again, and I felt guilty for that¡­¡­ It was just heartbreaking. * * * * * I have no recollection of how I left the temple. ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡± I became depressed. Shannon, on the other hand, appeared to repent and be free of her guilt. ¡°Priest Franz told me to come back if I had anything to confess. Next week, I¡¯ll go again.¡± Her now smiling and exciting face are 180 degrees different from her appearance sitting dead in her bedroom. I laid my head against the carriage window and turned my sight to Shannon, who was sitting across from me. I couldn¡¯t figure out where or how to find Valhail. ¡®Should I distribute a flyer?¡¯ Looking for a man. Features: Brown hair like black hair, blue eyes, and a very tall figure. Super handsome, but very fierce. ¡ù If you find him, you will be rewarded. I couldn¡¯t even laugh at the ridiculous idea. To settle my jumbled mind, I closed my eyes. I intended to take it easy on the way back, but Shannon kept interrupting me. ¡°How long has Lord Spencer been your escort?¡± William, who was seated next to the horseman, was unaware to the conversation. ¡°Did you request an escort knight from Uncle?¡± Shannon, it occurred to me, had no escort, despite the fact that she was frequently outside. It was because Emma, Camilla, or another person was always around Shannon. Now it seems like Shannon wants an escort too. She must have been jealous of the fact that I had an escort. In the same way as in the original story. Shannon would have brought that man in if it had been in the original story. However, the situation has changed from the original story. It was thanks to my efforts to actively change fate. I knew that things didn¡¯t always go as planned, and that at this rate, I¡¯d be able to avoid that Archduke guy¡­ ¡°Should I request an escort just like you?¡± ¡°You put the name ¡®sister¡¯ on your own and then take it out on your own.¡± In my words, the smile on Shannon¡¯s face vanished in an instant. ¡°Does something like that fit between you and me?¡± Shannon, who had just fired a sharp shot, turned her head away from me and muttered something about not wanting to see me. ¡°What does she mean when she says ¡®sister¡¯? Wasn¡¯t she the one who always wanted to be a sister when she wanted to play as a family?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Is it Shannon¡¯s specialty to grumble on pretending to talk to herself? ¡°Yes, yes, it will be awkward. Would the noble want Count¡¯s daughter to be a sister to an illegitimate child who has no idea who her father is?¡± Shannon¡¯s scathing remarks made it evident that something had happened between her and Selina in the past. I wanted to clear things up if there was a misunderstanding. However. ¡°You get off here and walk.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± ¡°Get off and walk, Selina.¡± Shannon¡¯s snout was a real problem. My intention to clear up the misunderstanding vanished in an instant as a result of this. I opened the curtain, stunned, and it was still a long way before we arrived at the Countdom. On the subject of getting a carriage driven by my escort, brazenly telling me to get off and walk home? ¡®Have you ever seen such a scumbag?¡¯ Why is it that there is such a thing? Shannon pressed me with a confident look, as if to do anything to stopping the carriage. ¡°William, stop the carriage.¡± I stopped the carriage as Shannon wished. * * * * * * * * * * ¡°My Lady, you went to the temple with Lady Shannon?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Penny, who was accepting my outerwear, responded with a question as though she couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing. ¡°The Shannon lady has yet to arrive.¡± ¡°She¡¯ll return in the evening. I dropped her off in the middle because she wanted to go for a walk.¡± ¡°My Lady, you didn¡¯t leave me here alone so you could go with Lady Shannon, did you¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Do you think that¡¯s possible?¡± I smiled and shook my head in response to Penny¡¯s veiled envy. ¡°I, too, need to know what¡¯s going on here. Because you¡¯re trustworthy, that¡¯s why I left you.¡± Penny grinned and told me what had transpired in the Countdom, soothed by the word ¡®trust.¡¯ ¡°Madam will have a meeting with the Vassals in the morning tomorrow.¡± ¡°Yet, my uncle is still absent.¡± ¡°Your uncle isn¡¯t the head of the family. Since Madam is in charge, she is allowed to do as she wishes in accordance with the law.¡± Cedric may be said to be the Crawford family¡¯s most powerful person. Camilla, on the other hand, could decide the Crawford family¡¯s fate since he couldn¡¯t. ¡®All he needed to do was get married and take over as the family¡¯s head, so why was he putting it off?¡¯ Cedric was the kind of person who didn¡¯t even bother to listen to what others had to say. ¡®However, he must have had a reason for remaining single till that age, right?¡¯ At the age of 18, everyone in our world is hunting for a marriage partner. And it is stated that a person¡¯s soul is incomplete if he is still single at the age of thirty. ¡®Is it because he¡¯s so preoccupied with his work?¡¯ It was then. I heard a quarrel outside. ¡°Lord Spencer, get out of my way! I need to meet Selina right away!¡± ¡°The lady is taking a rest.¡± ¡°Ha! Taking a rest? What kind of rest is that if she went home by sitting pleasantly in a carriage? Hey! Right now, come out! This crazy stuttering¡­¡­!¡± Shannon, unable to contain her rage any longer, began kicking the door with her thudding feet. ¡°Lady Shannon!¡± It was then that William, who hadn¡¯t expected to see such a shambles, became humiliated and intervened. Outside, the silence had descended. ¡°My Lady, it¡¯s Madam!¡± I, lying in a spacious bed where I could do a forward roll, quickly got up and went to the sofa. In the meantime, Camilla seemed to blame Shannon for her uncultured words and actions in front of William. ¡°¡­¡­ what¡¯s wrong with you, the soon-to-be-married lady!¡± ¡°Oh, mother¡­¡­ It¡¯s not like that¡­ I¡­ Selina¡­¡­¡± ¡°Go back to your room right away and reflect on yourself.¡± As she leaned against the door, Penny¡¯s eyes widened. Then, through the door, William¡¯s solemn voice could be heard, accompanied with a knock. ¡°The Countess has arrived, Lady.¡± I nodded when I made eye contact with Penny. ¡°Please come in, Madam.¡± The door slid open slowly. Camilla was the only person who came into my room. Shannon appeared to have been scolded and went back to her room. ¡°Madam, she went to bed early because she wanted to pray for the Commander. She must be exhausted.¡± ¡°That¡¯s so admirable of her.¡± Camilla¡¯s sluggish steps came to a halt in front of me on the sofa. ¡°How come Selina is sleeping here instead of in the bed?¡± ¡°She was uncomfortable about using your room¡­¡­ Lady Selina said she had no idea why she had used the Countess¡¯ bedroom.¡± Doesn¡¯t her acting skills improve? I grinned inwardly as I lay down with an old blanket over Penny¡¯s sly retort. ¡°Oh, my goodness. Her fair skin will be harmed. Tell her not to do anything like that and to relax.¡± Camilla stroked my head and walked out, as if she was dying of pity for me. ¡°Lord Spencer, please take good care of our Selina.¡± ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± ¡°Because she¡¯s such a fragile lady, I¡¯m quite concerned.¡± ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± I peeped up, trying to take a look, then make a direct eye contact to Willam. His gaze as he closed the door looking at me wearily had a strange sense of superiority that only the two of us who shared the secret could know. * * * * * ¡°How could he exile the Countess to the annex! Lord Cedric is unquestionably to blame!¡± ¡°Does it make sense for the Countess to live in the annex in the first place?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. Ignoring the Countess is a betrayal of the Crawford family as a whole.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s put Lord Cedric on trial when he returns!¡± As the Vassals increased their voices, Camilla, who was seated comfortably, raised her right hand. Then the raucous meeting room fell silent. With a satisfactory smile, Camilla looked back on the Vassals one by one. They are those nobles of the territory who served Count Crawford as their lord. Cedric was esteemed by all families in the western territory, and they swore allegiance to him. ¡®At initially, it was like that.¡¯ They believed that Camilla, an outsider who had recently married Count Crawford, lacked the legitimacy to lead Count Crawford. After going through a battle, though, it transformed. There was no money in the war-ravaged land. Currently, all military expenses guarding the periphery come from Camilla¡¯s pocket. She was also known in social circles as the leading lady who, despite her husband¡¯s death, raised her children admirably. Then the Vassals had no reason not to be loyal to Camilla. ¡°I can¡¯t bother Lord Cedric, who works tirelessly to ensure the protection of our territory.¡± Camilla sarcastically referred to Cedric as a ¡°outside guard.¡± ¡°It¡¯s ludicrous to even bring up the trial council in this situation.¡± Camilla was the one who called the meeting to discuss the subject. The Vassals¡¯ demeanor, on the other hand, soothed her rage. ¡°There¡¯s a more pressing matter at hand.¡± Camilla does not need to rearrange the bedroom. She had an excellent reason to expel Selina from the Countdom. ¡°Selina is already eighteen, and Shannon is seventeen.¡± The Vassals then sighed as if they had expected what she would say. ¡°We have to make a decision about the children¡¯s marriage.¡± Chapter 24 - Vol. 3 Chapter 2 Please Put Your Stigma On Me Please Put Your Stigma On Me A bright smile appeared on Camilla¡¯s face. She smiled as proud as a farmer who finally put her hard-grown crops on the market. A royal person who stays in the most precious bedroom of the Count. A quiet lady of the Count Crawford¡¯s family, educated in the monastery. ¡®Even if that¡¯s not enough, I can get 2 billion won.¡¯ As a dowry, Camilla was going to give Selina away as the Count Crawford¡¯s heirloom. She was not worth any money at all, but she was enough to show off. ¡°Madam, is this your idea only or¡­?¡± It was the moment Camilla was about to mention Count Grandson. ¡°Madam, now¡­¡­¡± The butler hurriedly approached and whispered to her. ¡°Lord Cedric returned, and he was seriously injured by the barbarians.¡± Camilla¡¯s eyes got bigger after hearing the story. ¡°The meeting will be canceled for now.¡± Standing up, she ran out of the door holding on to the hem of her dress. * * * * * The news of Cedric¡¯s injury turned the Countdom upside down. It was because of Camilla¡¯s fuss. ¡°Cedric, I can¡¯t watch you get hurt any longer. All those barbarians¡­¡­ sob sob¡­¡± Wearing a splint on his arm, he awkwardly removed Camilla, who burst into tears against his shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to make a fuss about. It¡¯s not even a big injury.¡± ¡°You broke your bone. What are you talking about¡­?¡± ¡°Please take good care of the seriously injured knights.¡± Cedric blocked Camilla¡¯s words and ordered his lieutenant. ¡°Yes, Commander.¡± When Camilla looked at him resentfully, Cedric sent his lieutenant outside. ¡°I have a favor to ask of you.¡± There was something that required Camilla¡¯s permission. ¡°You¡­ What kind of request is it?¡± It was Cedric, who rarely asked for something from Camilla. Then he chose his words carefully, like a person who brought up a difficult story. ¡°These days, barbarians are becoming more active. At this rate, I¡¯m worried that the Countdom might fall while the Knights are away.¡± Camilla¡¯s fine forehead was frowned. It¡¯s the first time Cedric has been injured so badly, but it hasn¡¯t been a day or two since the barbarians started the mess. There was never any chance that this huge castle would fall. They were barbarians who lived without any affiliation beyond the border of the ceasefire. They were neither Imperial citizens nor Kingdom citizens. ¡®What the hell is he going to request that he bring up this reason?¡¯ ¡°¡­ So, we¡¯re going to put a new member of our Knights into the castle¡¯s outskirts guard.¡± It was an empty seat of William Spencer. ¡°Will it be okay?¡± Camilla was puzzled by Cedric¡¯s careful response to asking for her opinion. ¡°Okay. It¡¯s up to you anyway, Cedric, right?¡± Coughing in vain, Cedric added embarrassingly. ¡°Of course, in principle, you¡¯re not the one who will stay with him in this Countdom? I ask for your opinion first in case you feel uncomfortable.¡± ¡°No way¡­ Is he a mercenary?¡± It was a question with the implied meaning of ¡®a mercenary who can¡¯t even identify where he came from?¡¯ Cedric shook his head. ¡°He wasn¡¯t a mercenary.¡± ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°He is¡­¡­¡± Cedric, who had been waiting for a long time, opened his mouth again at Camilla¡¯s silent urge. ¡°He¡¯s an ex-Toono.¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± * * * * * When I heard the news that Cedric was injured, I went to his study with tears in my eyes. It was after hearing information that Camilla was nursing him more intensely than her deceased ex-husband. It was clear that Camilla was taking this opportunity to pursue marriage with Cedric. I had nothing to say to him, but I suddenly set my direction toward his study, bursting into tears. ¡°Uncle¡­sob sob¡­¡± As soon as I saw him, I shed tears like a person in front of the portrait at the funeral hall. Cedric didn¡¯t know what to do. ¡°Selina, I¡¯m not going to die. This splint will be released in a little while.¡± ¡°Ugh¡­ sob¡­¡± ¡°This, this splint only makes the wound look like a mess. Take a look. I have no difficulty moving.¡± ¡°Eugh¡­ ugh¡­ sob sob¡­¡± ¡°If you see the real seriously injured knights, you¡¯ll laugh at me. Please stop crying. Selina, please¡­¡­¡± He, who was sick, stood up and took out his handkerchief and gave it to me. ¡°Selina,I didn¡¯t know you were taking such great care of your uncle. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re so commendable.¡± I cried profusely and pretended to faint as soon as Camila came in. ¡°Selina!¡± Camilla even brought in a hot basin herself. ¡®She really has a very strong sense of showmanship.¡¯ I really can¡¯t keep up with her. Well, it¡¯s really not my place to say when I¡¯m crying like this and pretending to be worried over him until I faint in his shoulder, but¡­¡­ ¡°Call the doctor right now!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Cedric, that kid is just too fragile.¡± ¡°Still.¡± ¡°Lord Spencer, please take her to the bedroom. She¡¯ll wake up quickly if she¡¯s comfortable.¡± ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± When I peeked on William¡¯s back, Camilla was glued next to Cedric and wiping his face with a wet towel. ¡°Countess, you don¡¯t have to do this¡­¡­¡± ¡°Shh, stay still. You¡¯re a patient, Cedric.¡± It was a gaze and behavior that could only be said to be ¡®devoted¡¯. ¡°I can do this much.¡± ¡°Wait. We need to change the bandage, too. How do you handle it with that uncomfortable hand?¡± ¡°I can ask the doctor later. You don¡¯t have to¡­¡­¡± ¡°What are you going to do if it gets worse? You are the pillar of our family, Cedric. I can¡¯t live without you.¡± Whether it was thanks or sorry, Cedric did not actively push Camilla away. I admired her in a different sense than abominable. ¡®She really try so hard¡­¡­¡¯ In the eyes of strangers, it would seem that Camilla has feelings for Cedric. In fact, she was cold enough to poison him without hesitation the moment Cedric became a threat. Camilla must have hated Cedric for putting herself in the annex, but seeing that she didn¡¯t express that at all, I realized many things. ¡®Let¡¯s work harder.¡¯ Eventually, efforts were essential to gain power anywhere. * * * * * While lying in the bedroom for a while, Cedric came to me. ¡°Lady, the Commander is here. He must have been very worried.¡± In the original, Selina fainted from time to time. To the point that Camilla didn¡¯t care as for her it¡¯s not such a big deal. ¡®Maybe, Cedric didn¡¯t know that?¡¯ A sunfish-like body that faints just by being surprised! Mentality is more weak than that Couque d¡¯Asse! (T/N: Couque d¡¯Asse is a thin cookie with a weak texture that breaks easily.) That was Selina. When I went out to the drawing room with tears again, I saw Cedric, who was restless and unable to even sit down. ¡°Selina!¡± Cedric, who was splinting, came running straight through. ¡°Uncle, your arm¡­¡­ your arm¡­ Oh, my¡­ sob¡­¡± ¡°Stop crying. I don¡¯t know what to do if you cry. I¡¯m not hurt enough to die.¡± As if he had prepared in advance, he hurriedly handed over a white silk handkerchief that didn¡¯t suit him at all. ¡°I came because I had something to ask for your permission.¡± That¡¯s right. He¡¯s not even slightly worried. ¡°Come on, sit down.¡± Still, I felt a little sorry for Cedric, who was sweating, so I slowly stopped crying. ¡°You must be surprised because it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve had such an injury.¡± He started the story with difficulty. The barbarians were originally militant in nature, and they frequently plundered the villagers. Since the truce with the Kingdom was signed, the main task of the Knights of White Eagle to guard the borders was to monitor and clear the barbarians. Cedric is said to have been dispatched after hearing the complaints of villagers who had been plundered as usual. ¡°¡­But we were outnumbered, they counterattacked us.¡± He explained that it was a very dangerous situation. ¡°But some righteous warrior suddenly appears and saves us.¡± Ohooo. ¡°Not only me but also many of our members of the knights are saved thanks to him.¡± Cedric even added that he regarded him as a benefactor and brought him to the Countdom as a guest. I couldn¡¯t even guess the end of this story. ¡®What does he want to say?¡¯ Chapter 25 - Vol. 3 Chapter 3 Please Put Your Stigma On Me Please Put Your Stigma On Me It was not like him, but the conversation continued round and round. He praised how brave the warrior who helped him was and was just enough to willingly help the strangers he encountered on the street and had great force. ¡°So¡­?¡± ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s why I was thinking of inviting him to join our Knights.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ That would be great.¡± ¡°By the way, that doesn¡¯t mean he wants to give his life to our Crawford family.¡± It was because of the time when the White Eagle Knights were driven to disadvantage, being outnumbered and overpowered, helped by the Countess. Cedric¡¯s eyes twinkled as he recalled the moment. He knelt down on one knee and said, with an old sword on the dirt floor. ¡°I am fine to be the tail. Even if I am called a servant, I am willing to¡­¡­¡± ¡°But how can I let such a talent rot as a tail?¡± Anyway, Cedric recommended that stranger to join the knights. ¡± So just¡­ since the position of the castle outskirt guard is vacant. ¡± As I listened to Cedric¡¯s explanation, my heart began to pound. ¡°If someone like him with a strong force protects the Countdom, there¡¯s no need to worry about the safety of the Countdom.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°He even said he doesn¡¯t need to get paid if we let him stay in the Countdom.¡± I blinked my eyes like a doll. ¡°So, I want him to join the Knights of White Eagle and serve as the outer guard.¡± A faint shiver ran down his spine. As I listened to the story, I automatically thought of him. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡¯ Don¡¯t tell me, it was him? He came all the way here to find me? ¡°But Camilla strongly objected to it¡­ so he¡¯s staying in the village now.¡± ¡°Why is she against it?¡± ¡± Well, it¡¯s because of his origin.¡± Cedric took a sip of the water, feeling thirsty. ¡°You may don¡¯t know about it, but he¡¯s an ex-Toono.¡± I bewildered, covering my mouth with both hands, while Cedric kept talking as he looked at my reaction. ¡°He has no name, and he said he doesn¡¯t even know why he was in prison.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Perhaps he is trying to deceive me because he has committed a great sin that he cannot bear to reveal. But.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°But¡­¡­¡± Cedric tried to find plausible reasons to support his judgment. However, it was not easy to explain to others the decision made by his own intuition. After rolling his eyes, he finally gave up and opened his mouth with a sigh. ¡°No matter how you look at it, he doesn¡¯t seem like that kind of person.¡± I admired Cedric for the first time. For his judgement. ¡°Selina, if you oppose him, I will not bring him into the count.¡± * * * * * ¡°Where does the outer guard work? Outside the castle?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, My Lady.¡± Ten days have already passed since Valhail stayed at Count Crawford castle. I don¡¯t know how Cedric persuaded Camilla that day. I¡¯m not that curious either. Rather, I wanted to know how the relationship between the two would flow when Shannon and Valhail met. However, Shannon was banned from going out of the bedroom, so she didn¡¯t even know about Valhail¡¯s existence. ¡°I don¡¯t know why my mother objected so much. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re living together in the inner castle.¡± William and I were the only ones out for an evening walk. When I walked through the garden and said a few words, he continued to talk as if he had been waiting, with the lantern in his hand. ¡°He¡¯s a lowly Toono, My Lady. It is not that I can¡¯t understand Madam¡¯s objection.¡± As expected, William didn¡¯t seem to like Valhail. ¡°Didn¡¯t you meet him in the martial arts competition, My Lady?¡± ¡°I met him. Although we couldn¡¯t have a conversation.¡± ¡°You must have seen him from afar.¡± ¡°Yes, I was in charge of organizing the medicine storage, so I couldn¡¯t meet Toonos in person.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a relief. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve seen something rough.¡± ¡°What?¡± When I tilted my head as if I knew nothing, William blinked when he was embarrassed. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ How can a beautiful lady like you¡­¡­ affiliate among those prisoner¡­¡­¡± ¡°Am I beautiful?¡± ¡°What? Of-of course¡­ Of course, My Lady!¡± While he was stuttering, I looked up at the second floor of the castle. The shape of a person glowed through the window where bright lights leaked out. But as soon as I fixed my gaze, it quickly disappeared. And the curtain was drawn roughly. ¡®That jerk.¡¯ Shannon always stands around and watches William and I take a walk every evening. Of course, I deliberately walked in front of Shannon¡¯s window as if she had to see it. ¡®Hurry up and tell your mom that you want an escort.¡¯ How long does Camilla intend to keep Shannon in her bedroom? Ten days have already passed since Shannon went on the rampage. I was amazed at Camilla¡¯s strict parenting style. And I was surprised twice that Shannon, who would be aware of it, was so foolish that she couldn¡¯t control herself. Yeah, I¡¯d rather go than wait for her to move. ¡°How can I get to the outer guard post?¡± * * * * * ¡°I heard that there is a new recruit, is he struggling to adjust?¡± ¡°No, who is this? Lord Spencer! Long time no see.¡± William called the guard who was about to enter the guard post. ¡°Let¡¯s have a cigarette for a second.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± After confirming the two disappearing in my back, I opened the door of the guard post. At the same time, I hit my head into the chest of someone who was coming out. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± I fell to the side lightly. I felt like I bumped into a hard wall, not a person. He was covered in a robe, but I could tell who he was without having to look up. It was because of the smell of herbs which emanated from the man. Cantella, Sage, Lavender, Rosemary¡­¡­ It smells like herb ointment that I¡¯m so familiar with. At that moment, I opened my eyes and closed my eyes buried in the scent of herbs. Unlike me, who was trapped in a sentimental nostalgia, the opponent inadvertently passed by me, instead of lifting me up from my fall or asking if I¡¯m alright. It wasn¡¯t that unpleasant. It was just¡­ I laughed at the thought of him being his usual self. Taking off my hood, I opened my lips belatedly as I looked at the back of the man who was striding away. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to raise me up?¡± Chapter 26 Ho, It seemed like he remembered my voice. I thought he forgot. But in the end, towards a man who doesn¡¯t look back at me, I asked one more question. ¡°Did you wait for me?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± He remained silent as before. I didn¡¯t ask the question hoping for an answer either. ¡°I am waiting for you.¡± I waited for the past 10 days thinking that he would come to see me. It¡¯s not that far away. Because he already knows who I am. ¡®That¡¯s why you told Cedric that you wanted to work in the Countdom.¡¯ Because you came to the Countdom because of me. As I stood up rustling, he, who had been standing motionless, looked back at me slowly. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s been a while, hasn¡¯t it?¡± Despite my welcome greeting, he looked stiff as if he were not very happy. Even after recognizing me, he didn¡¯t come closer or farther away. It wasn¡¯t exactly the reunion I expected. However, his neck, which seemed nervous, and his eyes, which had a deeper wave and a more blue color, were wandering around, unable to leave me. As if I couldn¡¯t believe that the me in front of him was real. At this late night. This dim air evoked memories of that dark night that he and I shared. * * * * * Behind the guard post was a large old tree and bench. I naturally sat on the bench. Instead of sitting next to me, he leaned next to the tree and quietly listened to me. ¡°Why me?¡± I said if Countess Camilla came and asked for Shannon¡¯s escort, it would be better for him to accept it. He asked after listening to me for a while. ¡°Why should I escort your sister?¡± ¡°Because I want to see you up close.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Was I too shameless? But this is the truth. I want to see that face in a bright place for a long time. I naturally turned my head toward him. ¡°It¡¯s hard to get out of the castle like this every time.¡± It is said that he completely abstained from eating and drinking for a month at the temple, but it looked like he was much healthier and stronger than before, as if he was doing well in the castle. His hair was also cut short, and his fine features were exposed right down to his forehead. ¡®He¡¯s really handsome.¡¯ He was like a well-worn black horse. ¡°Shannon¡¯s bedroom is not far from mine.¡± When he becomes an escort, I could see him often and monitor Shannon well. ¡®Killing two birds with one stone.¡¯ In fact, I was trying to think of him, but I didn¡¯t think it would be bad if he was to be the real escort of Shannon. ¡°Is that all you have to say?¡± ¡°Is there anything else you want me to say?¡± He turned toward the wall in frustration. I was inwardly admiring his perfect side face as if he was painted. ¡®How did Shannon not like this guy?¡¯ That¡¯s absurd. He¡¯s completely out of his preference. ¡°Why did you heal me?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± It was a bland answer, but it was something he was curious enough about. Not once or twice, but like a dedicated priest, I visited the quarantine room several times to take care of him. But I couldn¡¯t answer honestly. ¡°Why do you think?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Looks like his closed lips do not intend to open again this time. Looking at his side line, deeply shaded by the moonlight, I slowly stood up from the bench. ¡°I¡¯ve felt it before, but you¡¯re so quiet.¡± As soon as I spoke as if I had to go, he finally turned his head toward me. It¡¯s sure hard to see your precious face. ¡°To make you laugh¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± It was quite a commendable statement. I slowly walked towards him, laughing. The sound of rustling leaves broke the silence between the two of us. ¡°Did you try to make me laugh with words?¡± Despite the playful question, his stiff face did not unfold. I stared at his navy blue eyes as if searching. At that moment, I heard something unexpected. ¡°It wasn¡¯t my will that the final went like that.¡± ¡°¡­Huh?¡± I couldn¡¯t understand for a second what he was saying. I completely forgot about the martial arts competition. ¡°I tried my best to compete for a fair game. I was going to make the match entertaining.¡± Suddenly, the final? ¡®Why is he suddenly talking about that?¡¯ I stared blankly at him like a person who was attacked by an unexpected attack. I couldn¡¯t understand why he suddenly brought up the story of martial arts. ¡°But I didn¡¯t want him to point a knife at me. So¡­¡­¡± ¡°Do you still think I¡¯m the trainee of the temple? Do you think that¡¯s why I treated you?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Oh my god. I guess it¡¯s right. I raised my eyebrows in surprise, but then I calmed down. ¡°Okay, then¡­¡­if you don¡¯t want to do it, just become the outer guard.¡± If he didn¡¯t seem like that idea, I can¡¯t help it. I didn¡¯t mean to argue with him in the first place. I don¡¯t even know what to say. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m going to go now.¡± I kept William waiting too long. I covered myself with a hood and put my long hair inside. ¡°Bye, see you next time.¡± And as I turned around, what I heard from behind stopped my ankle from moving. ¡°But I won.¡± Impatiently, he added. ¡°I would still have won even if my opponent hadn¡¯t committed suicide.¡± I just realized why he suddenly talked about the final match. ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise me?¡± A quiet night with only the two of us. A man who remembered the stained promise of that day suddenly came to me. ¡°Give me a name.¡± Chapter 27 Valhail Castaques. ¡°You already know it, don¡¯t you? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard it.¡± I expected the Raven to tell him. The warlike Raven would not have committed suicide without pointing his sword at him if it hadn¡¯t been for it. ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with the name. It isn¡¯t mine.¡± Did he really know nothing? It was unknown if Valhail lost his memory while being tested at the temple or if he came in the empire with his memories erased from the beginning. In , he was from the southern kingdom, who did not have much relative importance. There was no mention of what he was going through. He, too, didn¡¯t seem to place a high value on his own history or forgotten memories. ¡°So you give me a name.¡± As he said that, I stared at him. ¡°Hmm.¡± Valhail was most likely pushed aside or betrayed by the royal family during the power struggle. He would not have been put into an enemy country with his memories erased if it hadn¡¯t been for that. Even before the end of the war. I was busy handling what was in front of me, so I didn¡¯t intend to intervene in his complicated past. In addition, it was a story that did not appear in the original. ¡°Are you wounded in any way? According to what I¡¯ve heard, you saved my uncle¡¯s life.¡± I changed the subject and turned to face him. ¡°Is your body still in the same condition as I treated you?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± He remained unaffected even when I turned the subject as I would like. I even wondered if he was the ferocious man in the quarantine room. ¡°Show it to me.¡± He stiffened when I glanced up at him right in front of him, as if embarrassed by the bold request I made. However, as he realized I was serious, he quickly drew his cloak. Tap, tap¡­¡­ he unbuttoned his shirt one by one as he glanced down at me. He lowered his hands after releasing the last button, as if telling me to do anything I wished. I took a step closer and gently leaned against the exposed side of the tunic. I was still astounded by his excellent body when I glanced at it again. I examined his bulging neck, collarbones, shoulders, chest, and abs with my eyes and hands as gently as possible. There were no wounds in the sleek, firm physique that came close to touching my fingertips. It was perfect. I stroked his body with arrogance, as if I were an artist inspecting his own sculpture, yet he didn¡¯t condemn me for being impolite. ¡°Can you promise that you will not be hurt in the future?¡± When I looked him in the eyes and asked, he answered sheepishly once more. ¡°I promise.¡± It was then. Beyond the guard post, I heard a voice calling to me quietly. ¡°Lady Selina!¡± It was William. Valhail¡¯s eyes remained glued on me even when I turned my attention away from him for a little while. ¡°Is your name, Selina?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a beautiful name.¡± I busted out laughing since his appearance was both amazing and adorable. ¡°It¡¯s time for me to leave. Next time, I¡¯ll see you.¡± I turned back after a few steps and found him still staring at me, kneeling in the moonlight. ¡°Valhail.¡± My lips moved by themselves. ¡°Your name is Valhail.¡± * * * * * ¡°I believe that strengthening the limits will necessitate greater funding.¡± The realm of Count Crawford, which was in a marginal area, did not earn much originally. Only five years have passed since the war came to an end and a ceasefire was declared. The desolate land has not yet recovered, and the farm was the target of exploitation of barbarians. ¡°How much more of my money are you going to spend?¡± Camilla wrinkled her brow like a worried man as she bandaged Cedric¡¯s arm splint. ¡°Now, all that¡¯s left is dowry. It¡¯s been long since my husband died, and I keep reaching out to my father.¡± Cedric struggled to find the right words. If it weren¡¯t for this circumstance¡­¡­ ¡°My father knows well that if you marry another woman, I¡¯m in a position to leave the countdom, Cedric.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not getting married to anyone.¡± ¡°Well, we never know.¡± Cedric locked his gaze on Camilla, who was delicately bandaging his arm. ¡°Changing a man¡¯s heart is as simple as turning the palm of your hand.¡± She was slyly lowering her eyes, so Cedric wouldn¡¯t tell what kind of face she had. ¡°Please consider my situation, Cedric.¡± Camila placed her palm on Cedric¡¯s shoulder after finishing the bandage and tenderly raising her gaze. ¡°You and Selina are the only Crawford family bloodlines left, but she¡¯ll marry and leave shortly, and you¡¯re still unmarried.¡± Only heirs through lineage can inherit the family title, according to imperial law. ¡°Who knows? Which lady will come and knock on the gate of this castle with a baby that looks just like you.¡± ¡°¡­Are you trying to insult me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s conceivable. Because you¡¯ve been gone for quite some time. Cedric, don¡¯t act as if you have no idea what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°I have nothing to say. It¡¯s better if you leave now.¡± Camilla, who had been confronting him as if they were in a staring contest, stood up first. ¡°I¡¯m going to write to my father. The countdom is in jeopardy, and you have been seriously injured.¡± The Duke of Maple will no longer pretend to be unaware. ¡°I appreciate it.¡± ¡°This is going to be the last time.¡± Camilla returned his stare as she stood at the door. ¡°Whether you marry me, or hand over the military power to our family.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Cedric, you¡¯ll have to choose between the two.¡± Clack. The door had been shut. Cedric, who had been left alone, covered his face with his large palm, as if he were in agony. ¡°¡­our family?¡± No matter how powerful the Maple duke is, but to call Crawford as ¡®our¡¯ family¡­¡­ The support he deserved as the guard of the boundaries of the empire was cut off. In the first place, the Crawford family was out of the eyes of the imperial family because of the remarriage with Camilla. Because of the barbarians, he lost some knights, thus they must be in heat. Cedric was at a loss how to get through this situation. * * * * * On my walk back to my room after meeting Valhail, I noticed Camilla from afar. She walked inside the annex at a brisk pace. ¡®Who is that guy next to her?¡¯ Penny sat up all night waiting for me since she was apprehensive about me going out late at night. ¡°Lady, what has caused you to be so late?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got a job to do. Penny, by the way.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I just saw my mother. Who is the man next to her?¡± Was it an escort? I¡¯ve seen him a couple times with Camilla. But considering him as an escort, the atmosphere is somewhat¡­¡­ ¡°Lady, who are you talking about?¡± ¡°You know¡­¡­ the blonde guy who just started to have M-shaped hair loss.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Penny smiled and seemed worried for a moment when she realized who I was talking about. ¡°Lady, you really don¡¯t remember anything?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°How can you not recognize the butler? What should I do, my lady¡­¡­¡± My mouth opened wide. ¡®Crazy. That was the butler?¡¯ How disrespectful that butler was that he never showed himself to Selina before! ¡®I thought he was Camilla¡¯s escort!¡¯ No wonder, he looked somehow like a mischievous guard. The butler was always by Camilla¡¯s side and never said hello to me. He never showed himself to me, not just when I went to the monastery for a month, but also when I switched rooms. Of course, I understand why the butler behaves in this manner. Also, the reason why I didn¡¯t recognize the butler at a glance. ¡®I thought he was a very attractive man.¡¯ He was, in fact, a regular middle-aged man. ¡®Didn¡¯t they say they¡¯ve known each other since childhood?¡¯ Camilla and the butler had known one other since childhood. As a result, he was aware of all Camilla¡¯s evil deeds. The Archduke threatens the butler and makes him a witness in the trial in the original story, and Camilla weeps bloody tears at his betrayal. It happened in the story¡¯s second half of the story. I skipped it since it was tedious, but if my memory serves me correctly¡­¡­ ¡°Are you sleeping, lady?¡± ¡°First and foremost, go to bed. I have something to check.¡± ¡°How can I sleep first?¡± Penny sat down next to me in her pajamas after getting up from the bed in the corner of the room. ¡°What are you going to check?¡± Penny tilted her head thoughtfully as she followed my gaze. ¡°Why the annex? Is there anything suspicious about the madam¡¯s behavior?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll know it when you see it.¡± We didn¡¯t take our gaze away from the annex¡¯s entrance as we sat side by side in front of the window. How much time has passed? It was such a deep dawn that one wax candle completely melted. ¡°Yawn, lady. I¡¯m so sleepy¡­¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to get some sleep first.¡± ¡°Still, I¡¯m also curious. What the hell is going on¡­¡­ Huh?¡± Penny¡¯s pupils dilated immediately. ¡®As expected.¡¯ At the same time, we both saw the same thing. A man running out of the annex with a cravat in his hand and a disorganized shirt. The hand¡¯s moving gesture appeared more suspicious to anyone who glanced at it. ¡°Why is the butler¡­¡­ coming out of the Madam¡¯s bedroom at this hour?¡± Penny covered her mouth quickly, probably because she had only just realized what she had said. ¡°Well, My Lady, I¡¯m going to bed first.¡± Penny suddenly dived under the blanket, as if she had seen something she couldn¡¯t see. It was not until late that I could stretch out my feet and lie on the bed. ¡®That¡¯s why Camilla chose to remain at the annex.¡¯ She could have kicked me out of the room, but she didn¡¯t since she couldn¡¯t use Cedric¡¯s hunting reason to be alone with her butler. Those who have lived in the annex are aware of this. That the annex was a perfect place to avoid the attention of others. It was a night where the chilly fog cast throughout the evening could be sensed. ¡®It is the perfect weather to have an affair.¡¯ Chapter 28 - Vol. 3 Chapter 6 Please Put Your Stigma On Me * * * * * Camilla¡¯s maids¡¯ corps stormed into my room late in the evening. ¡°Oh, my. My Lady. Your skin has the appearance of white jade¡­¡­¡± The maids dragged me into a pool of scented water, as if they were armed warriors. ¡°W-w-why a-a-are you d-d-doing this¡­¡­¡± Camilla was at the forefront of the well-coordinated maid¡¯s corps. Camilla arranged a plush sofa for herself in the bathroom so she could sit and watch me wash. ¡°It-it-it¡¯s¡­ eugh¡­s-s-scary¡­¡± This scene appeared in the original story as well. When I observed Camila¡¯s glittering eyes staring at me, I realized she¡¯s starting to look for potential marriage partners for me. William was embarrassed by my order to not to stop them. ¡°Is it because she doesn¡¯t spend much time outside?¡± How is it possible that her skin is like this?¡± ¡°How is it possible that she doesn¡¯t have a single hair?¡± ¡°Oh, my goodness. It¡¯s not fair.¡± As they cleaned me, the maids grumbled. They may have snatched Selina¡¯s hair at some point. Just as Shannon had done before. ¡°In any case, she¡¯s a doll.¡± ¡°She couldn¡¯t even speak, like a doll.¡± ¡°Ha ha ha, that¡¯s right.¡± I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. What gives them the right to be so disrespectful? For a moment, the two maids who were rubbing my skin with a strong touch exchanged their glances. I could easily predict what would happen afterwards. ¡®That¡¯s interesting.¡¯ It¡¯s exactly what the book stated. I screamed as soon as the maid gripped my forearm. ¡°Argh!¡± Camilla, who was getting her nails done, looked at me as if she was wondering what was going on. Selina had never screamed in her life. That¡¯s why the maid¡¯s cheeks became red with embarrassment. ¡°My hands slipped¡­¡­ and I¡¯m guessing the Lady was harmed.¡± My skin is so light that even the tiniest touch might leave a scar. Camilla could see my red forearms and back, which the maid had rubbed roughly, when I crouched and stood up. ¡°M-Mo-Mother¡­¡­ ¡± I was going to shed tears, but the laughter kept leaking out, so I gave up, and I just fell to the side, pretending to faint. ¡°Lady Selina!¡± The maids didn¡¯t appear concerned because Selina had a habit to pass out easily. ¡°Madam, what shall I do?¡± ¡°Keep washing her. She¡¯ll wake up soon.¡± Camilla didn¡¯t even take me seriously when I passed out. ¡°You.¡± ¡°Yes, yes? Slap! The sound of someone being slapped on the cheek silenced the room. ¡°How dare you, as a maid, touch my daughter?¡± Camilla said in a threatening tone. Certainly! Camilla had to carefully wrap me in order to sell me for a good price, but the maid dared to harm me? ¡°I¡¯m going to chop your wrist if this happens again. Do you see what I mean?¡± ¡°Yes, Madam!¡± Camilla returned to the sofa after a sharp warning to the maid. The touch dealing with my body became more softer. I felt like I was at a luxury spa. ¡®Oh, it¡¯s refreshing.¡¯ Because I wanted to savor such bliss, I didn¡¯t open my eyes till I concluded my bathing ritual. * * * * * ¡°Look to the side. That¡¯s right.¡± Then it was time for a doll dress-up game. Camila dressed me in matching outfits made from her own dresses. ¡°Maybe because your skin is white and fine, you look good in a solid color.¡± Camilla had exceptional artistic sensibility as the second daughter of a Duke. She was very adept at taking care of her own body. Camilla was the one who discovered what color suits me best. It was similar to when people took profile pictures on social media sites. First, find the right color. ¡®People in this world also looked at the warm-tone or cool-tone. I¡¯m probably cool-toned¡­¡­¡¯ Nevertheless, I suppose the warm tone looked fine on me as well. Camilla almost had a perverted face on me when I wore a coral dress. ¡°Oh, my¡­ Selina, how did you get so beautiful? You look like an angel.¡± ¡°M-m-me¡­? R-r-really?¡± I saw her, showing the eyes of a lady who had been involved in the social world all her life. ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re so blinding.¡± Camilla stroked my cheeks as though she were handling pricey jewelry. ¡°Just don¡¯t say anything. Because you¡¯ll look like a retarded kid.¡± ¡°Yes, yes¡­¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t Shannon have a jade chiffon dress?¡± ¡°Yes Madam.¡± ¡°Bring it here.¡± Camilla brought the dress again and over again, as if she was attempting to match all the colors on my body. ¡®How much longer will she go on like this?¡¯ In the original story, Camila spends ten days washing and polishing Selina before presenting her to the local aristocrat. She was well compensated, and the marriage was even planned. Shannon and Emma, on the other hand, who wanted to visit the capital, lure Camilla. ¡°Come to think of it, Selina received an invitation to the Queen¡¯s birthday banquet¡­¡­¡± ¡°Mother, wouldn¡¯t a feast in the capital city attract more wealthy guests?¡± Camilla didn¡¯t mind if I wasn¡¯t married to a nobleman. It¡¯s fine as long as she receives a large sum of money! Camilla eventually succumbed to the twist and sent Shannon to the capital with me when the archduke fell in love with me and annulled our previous engagement. ¡®Instead, I think I should dispatch Shannon to that position.¡¯ Shannon, who desires to be archduchess with all her heart, starts an unpleasant marriage with that local aristocrat as my pinch hitter. Her husband, on the other hand, was elderly and died not long after they married. Her late husband¡¯s family was on the edge of bankruptcy, having given the Crawfords almost all of their fortune. Camilla, who had already killed Cedric, was as energetic as ever when the widowed Shannon returned to Countdom. ¡®That¡¯s when Shannon grew a hate for Camilla.¡¯ Camilla tried to marry Shannon, who had just become a widow, to another older man. Shannon, who could not hate her real mother, thought that the beginning of her misfortune was Selina. As a result, she instructs Valhail to kidnap, confine, and torment Selina. Camila, in the end, was the one who integrated everything in the story. ¡°Ahhh.¡± I faked to faint since I was suddenly exhausted. ¡°Lady!¡± Penny, who was uncomfortably watching, hurried in and helped me. ¡°Madam, you should call it a day today¡­¡­ If Lady Selina overdoes it, she won¡¯t be able to wake up the next day.¡± ¡°Oh, my, that¡¯s a big deal. Does she even eat well?¡± ¡°My Lady can¡¯t eat well. She doesn¡¯t eat much at first¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s not going to work.¡± I¡¯ll tell the chef to pay attention to her meal. How beautiful would she be if she put on a few pounds?¡± ¡°Do you mind if I lay her down?¡± ¡°All right, hurry up and put her to bed. Her skin is going to become tough.¡± When Camilla and the maids went, I was intrigued. Who the hell is that local aristocrat? ¡°Penny, can you call Charles?¡± ¡°Yes, My Lady.¡± That old man was briefly referred to in the original story as a ¡°local aristocrat who maintained the region.¡± ¡®However, the fact that the engagement was concluded indicates that some work was done behind the scenes.¡¯ Charles and Emma have spent their entire lives working for Camilla. Regardless of the fact that they no longer work for them. ¡°Did you call me, Lady?¡± ¡°Yes, I have a question.¡± ¡°Ask me anything. I can tell you everything I know.¡± I patted the commendable child on the head and quickly asked the point. ¡°Are you aware of who my mother is trying to marry me to?¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s¡­ My sister told me that.¡± As expected, Emma knew. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if the Madam has made up her mind, but she communicates to the Old Count Grandson frequently.¡± Old Count Grandson? I¡¯m curious as to how old he is to be referred to as the Old Count Grandson.¡± He¡¯ll be seventy-three this year, and he won¡¯t be able to visit you, Lady Selina, since his knees aren¡¯t in good condition¡­¡± Oh, my goodness. Crazy! Camilla is going to marry me with a 73-year-old grandfather while I¡¯m still 18 years old? ¡®If she cares so much about money, she should remarry him.¡¯ Why is she selling me out? I couldn¡¯t sleep for a while after sending Charles because my fury was out of control. ¡®Count Grandson¡­¡­¡¯ It¡¯s a name that rings a bell. I was grinding my teeth at the time. A good plan came to mind. * * * * * ¡°Lady, I heard Madam beat Shannon the other day.¡± ¡°Again?¡± Shannon didn¡¯t disturb me much because she wasn¡¯t accompanied by Emma, as was expected. If she didn¡¯t have somebody to rely on, the overly dependent child wouldn¡¯t be able to raise her voice on her own. There¡¯s a reason she¡¯s locked away in her room. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I assume she requested that Madam give her an escort.¡± Oh. It appears to have worked. ¡± Because she was seeing you with Lord Spencer a lot¡­¡­ No, I heard she was chastised for acting in an impolite manner. The Madam was so angry that she dared to ask for an escort, wondering if she was trying to ruin her reputation again outside.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, she stayed in her room all day because she wasn¡¯t allowed to go out, but she requested an escort? She won¡¯t reflect.¡± ¡°Penny.¡± ¡°Honestly, it is. Madam must have felt ridiculous.¡± Right. Wait a few days and then ask your mother when the ban will be lifted. ¡®Her personality, too¡­ she¡¯s impatient.¡¯ Because of Emma¡¯s profession, Shannon didn¡¯t seem to interact with Camilla as often as he used to. Even a mother-daughter connection could not adequately define the two. ¡°The Commander is about to come.¡± ¡°Uncle.¡± I waited in the study for Cedric while Camilla was gone. ¡°Selina.¡± Cedric appeared to be very busy these days, regardless of how much work he had. Despite this, he made a concerted effort to greet me cheerfully. ¡°I think it¡¯s the first time you¡¯ve come to see me.¡± ¡°I have something to tell you, Uncle.¡± ¡°That¡¯s perfect. I just happened to have something to tell you.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Cedric locked his gaze on Penny. Penny, who had been following me about like a shadow, immediately exited the study. ¡°In the Knights¡­ I¡¯m considering retirement.¡± ¡°What?¡± It came as a complete shock. I can¡¯t believe he left the Knights on his own. Even before the poisoning incident started. ¡°Why?¡± Why did Cedric make that decision so quickly? He¡¯ll be the one to lay his own bones among the White Eagle Knights¡­¡­ ¡°Who will be the next commander? Uncle, there is no one who can take your place.¡± I thought of William. In fact, he will serve as the knight¡¯s squad¡¯s commander better than Cedric. However, the response was entirely unexpected. ¡°Isn¡¯t there Adrian?¡± I was taken aback for a second. Cedric couldn¡¯t just hand over the general manager post to a kid like Adrian. Never! ¡®There¡¯s no way¡­ Are you attempting to delegate all military authority to Camilla?¡¯ Certainly not! I¡¯d prefer him to be poisoned. How could he say that? Chapter 29 Why!? Why, exactly why? Is he really that confident about Camilla? Or did the Vassals put pressure on him to become like this? ¡®It¡¯s most likely both.¡¯ The timing also was just so right when I decided to visit Cedric. ¡°I haven¡¯t reached retirement age yet, but it won¡¯t be too difficult. I¡¯m thinking of planning it gradually.¡± ¡°Uncle.¡± I drew out a small vial the size of a finger, half-filled with a brown potion, and placed it in front of Cedric, who poured the tea calmly. ¡°Do you have any idea what this is?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure.¡± Cedric¡¯s calm response made him appear naive. ¡°It¡¯s poison.¡± Cedric¡¯s smile had turned into a frown. ¡°It was discovered by Pennie this morning. Under my mother¡¯s bed, to be precise.¡± Cedric gave me a puzzled expression, as if he didn¡¯t comprehend what I was saying. ¡®This is why you were poisoned. Whew!¡¯ Cedric hasn¡¯t gone away as frequently or for as long as he used to. Cedric hasn¡¯t been gone from the Countdom as much or for as long as he used to these days for some reason. ¡®I heard the Vassals were silent about the issue.¡¯ That¡¯s because Cedric¡¯s arm is injured, I¡¯m sure. The Vassals would have yelled loudly in front of Camilla during the meeting if Cedric had returned intact. It was clear that the Vassals made the decision based on Cedric¡¯s state while under Camila¡¯s influence. ¡°Why is poison in the Countess¡¯s bedroom¡­¡­ No, more than that.¡± Cedric¡¯s voice lowered, as if he was blaming me. ¡°Is there any proof that this drug is poisonous? You should never accuse someone without proof.¡± ¡°Take a look at it and see what you think. Even if I tell you, you won¡¯t believe me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust you.¡± Cedric¡¯s brows were furrowed as he inspected the vial with a puzzled expression. He made no attempt to reach for the vial. I opened the vial¡¯s top as Cedric remained still. Ppong! Although it sounded cute, neither Cedric nor I were smiling. ¡°What are you going to do, Selina¡­?¡± I poured the potion into the vase in the center of the table. The pink rose then started to burn black in an instant. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The flowers withered totally in less than a minute. Even the form could not be managed to identify. The study was deafeningly quiet. With a nasty smell. ¡°Selina.¡± Cedric struggled to open his mouth after a long period of silence. ¡°The countess has a gentler heart than she looks.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have had it to hurt anyone, even if it was poison.¡± You stuffy human, sigh¡­¡­ ¡®Then just live like that.¡¯ It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t understand Cedric¡¯s position. He most likely does not want to fight Camilla. Cedric does not want to become involved in a conflict between Camilla and me. Cedric, on the other hand, had to be wary of Camilla. ¡°A suicide note was found near Emma¡¯s body.¡± Cedric should not be considering handing the White Eagle Knights over to Adrian at this time. ¡°I was frightened it may reach Mother¡¯s ear, so I quietly handed it over to Sir Patreon.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Emma was also given a poison by Mother. But, Emma couldn¡¯t take the poison, so she jumped into the river instead.¡± Cedric couldn¡¯t take his gaze away from the withered rose. ¡°Mother is the type of person who would easily abandon such a devoted maid.¡± I locked my gaze on Cedric. ¡°So, Uncle, who do you believe will be the next?¡± The Count Crawford family will be shattered if Camilla secures full control of the West territory. Cedric didn¡¯t say anything hastily this time. I was able to calm him down, since he had become hardened. ¡°My uncle holds the role of White Eagle Knights leader. Adrian is still far too young for such a position.¡± Cedric let out a deep sigh. Then he changed the subject, as if he didn¡¯t want to talk about Camilla with me any longer. ¡°I¡¯ll be gone for a few days.¡± ¡°Because of the barbarians?¡± ¡°Yeah. They¡¯re not going to sit still because they know we¡¯ve lost some outstanding knights.¡± I deliberately spoke out, this time disputing my luck. ¡°Uncle, instead of entirely wiping them out, why don¡¯t we welcome them as our people¡­¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a load of foolishness.¡± It irritates me that he rejects my suggestion without even considering it¡­ I feel bad for him. ¡®He hasn¡¯t even taken his arm out of the cast yet.¡¯ For the sake of his niece and sister-in-law, Cedric defends this poor and perilous land¡­¡­ Aigoo¡­¡­ He still hasn¡¯t married or started a family. ¡®The Vassals hold the Duke of Maple in high regard.¡¯ How difficult would it be to ride a horse while wearing a splint? ¡®If he looked like that, who would appreciate his dedication?¡¯ Cedric was so frustrating me that I was about to leave him alone but¡­¡­ I decided to change my mind. ¡°Uncle.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Are you capable of keeping a secret?¡± ¡°Secret?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Depending on the type of secret¡­¡­ If it¡¯s justified, of course.¡± I took out my Magic Stone, which I usually have with me. ¡°You don¡¯t want to send me back to the monastery and make me a priest, do you?¡± Cedric¡¯s pupils dilated. He couldn¡¯t have been unaware of Magic Stone because he had been on the battlefield for so long. ¡°Selina, you¡­¡­?¡± Cedric shifted his gaze between the softly shining Magic Stone and me, as if I were a ghost. ¡°You had this power¡­¡­?¡± He couldn¡¯t close his open mouth even until I finished the treatment. ¡°Sigh, it¡¯s because of this that I came to know Valhail.¡± Cedric¡¯s shattered arm was like a gum when compared to Valhail¡¯s injured mody. ¡°Is his name Valhail?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I took Cedric¡¯s splint off to make sure his arm was completely healed. ¡°It¡¯s good to hear that. He won¡¯t tell me his name no matter how many times I ask him. I thought he was someone who has no name. ¡± Well, it¡¯s true that he had no name. ¡°Valhail¡­ is he doing well in the knight¡¯s templar?¡± ¡°Because of his beginnings¡­¡­ I believe it will take time for the others to adjust to his presence.¡± Cedric swung his arm back and forth, which had become clean in an odd way. ¡°I had no idea you were capable of this.¡± He had an entirely different expression on his face as he glanced at me. ¡®Please just listen to what I said.¡¯ Some people have to dip it to know if it is poop or soybean paste. That¡¯s exactly what Cedric did . Before leaving the study, I returned a brief glance to Cedric and asked. ¡°How long has the Butler known Mother, Uncle?¡± ¡°They¡¯re childhood friends, according to what I¡¯ve heard. I heard the Butler knew the Countess before she ever started at the academy.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s why they¡¯re so close.¡± Cedric nodded again, innocently. ¡°Of course they¡¯re so close since they¡¯re childhood friends.¡± ¡°Yes, I saw the butler coming out of the annex at dawn yesterday.¡± At the moment, Cedric paused. ¡°I was on the verge of having a weird suspicion.¡± I came out of the study with an innocent smile as he always did. * * * * * I had a really exhausting day due to my limited stamina. Penny promptly sat me down and began massaging my shoulders when I returned to the bedroom looking like a corpse. ¡°Madam has a big gut. How could she have let the poison linger in her room like that?¡± Penny kicked her tongue as if it were a spectacle. That amused me in some way. ¡®She¡¯s been serving Camila for a long time but still doesn¡¯t know her that well.¡¯ Cedric and Penny, too. ¡®How could they be so naive¡­¡¯ The skepticism would go unnoticed by those who had only experienced the original story. Was it possible for Camilla to put the poison rolling under her bed? She isn¡¯t even a fool. ¡°Penny, that¡¯s what you gave me.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Eternal rest.¡± The poison that Selina was about to drink and die. It¡¯s the same poison which Penny switched to sleeping drugs. ¡°Don¡¯t you remember?¡± The hand that had been softly kneading my shoulder had come to a halt. For a brief while, she seemed to have forgotten to breathe. ¡°Don¡¯t you know, Mother is not such a sloppy person?¡± Penny was deafeningly quiet. The hand that was kneading my shoulder moved again, but her expression was not as bright as before. ¡°I told my uncle that you found it while cleaning.¡± ¡°Yes! Yes, My Lady.¡± The answer, which was close to salute, came back. Penny¡¯s concern, which had lingered in her eyes as she looked at me in the mirror, had vanished. Instead, loyalty and trust in me were developed there. They say, true loyalty comes from fear. It was something I read in a book. * * * * * Chapter 30 In the morning Cedric leaves. He seized the saddle with his two fine arms. ¡°Are you able to remove the splint thus quickly?¡± ¡°I¡¯m all better.¡± Camilla couldn¡¯t believe Cedric¡¯s broken arm had recovered in such a short time. ¡°You¡¯re really¡­¡­¡± Camilla would only think Cedric had taken off the splint out of curiosity. She would never have thought that Cedric had been treated with divine power. ¡°Did you say three days?¡± ¡°Right. It¡¯s a light inspection, so it won¡¯t be long.¡± Camilla retaliated by capturing tears that refused to flow. ¡®Her acting abilities are a touch rusty.¡¯ I saw Cedric off next to Camilla. ¡°U-U-Uncle, b-b-be careful. S-S-See you later.¡± As I stuttered again, Cedric gave me an odd look. He couldn¡¯t ask why since there were so many knights around him, so he just left. Camilla pulled me back as the gate was closed and turned to a face that was not sad. ¡°Selina, hurry up and go inside. Your skin is being sunburned on your face.¡± ¡­¡­The Male Lead didn¡¯t even care about Selina¡¯s face this much. It was amusing but yet distressing. How expensive is Camilla going to sell me? * * * * * ¡°M-m-mother¡­. I¡­ Is it o-okay if I go to the t-t-temple?¡± ¡°Why do you want to go there?¡± ¡°I-I-I I¡¯m worried about my uncle, so¡­¡­¡± I eagerly squeezed tears out of my eyes. The tears still not flowing out but fills my eyes in an instant. Camilla, stiffened, stared at me. ¡®Was I being too deliberate?¡¯ I was worried if Camilla caught my act, but Camilla soon smiled. ¡°You must be worried about the injury in Cedric¡¯s arm.¡± As I nodded softly, Camilla said in admiration. ¡°Then you should go. I¡¯ll ask them to prepare a carriage for you.¡± Camilla stared at me with great satisfaction, as if there was a star in her eyes. ¡°How can you be so pretty? Even your crying face is still so pretty. My daughter.¡± * * * * * Chapter 31 If people regularly visit the temple to pray, they establish a ¡°calm and thoughtful¡± image. It was the method that even non-believer nobles often used. For example, when the nobles tried to seek a marriage partner for their child who acted like a brat. People in the same neighborhood as them already know all the bad deeds the child had done, so the parents had no choice but to seek a marriage partner from a different land or country. That¡¯s what happened to ¡®Jenna Grandson¡¯ as well. ¡°The Crawford Family is preparing for a marriage? That¡¯s why they sent me that letter.¡± While I was doing all sorts of chores for the martial arts championship, Jenna Grandson, let alone revive her dignity or doing her task, all she did was watch the match. Her parents forced her to the temple in order to revive her dignity, but it didn¡¯t mean much. If there¡¯s no match at the day, then she would hide in the garden near the confession room to find anyone and chit chat there. ¡°Nevertheless, grandfather said that he would pay a visit to the Crawford Family soon. Just what kind of desire does that old man who doesn¡¯t have much time left have?¡± Jenna is Count Grandson¡¯s granddaughter from his second marriage. The marriage that happened shortly after the death of his first wife, who had lived with him for more that 50 years, under the excuse of loneliness. ¡°Is she Lady Selina¡¯s step sister?¡± Naturally, Jenna predicted that her grandfather¡¯s remarriage partner was Shannon. ¡°I heard she¡¯s also still so young. That won¡¯t do.¡± As the legitimate daughter of the Crawford Family, people thought that kind of marriage is not worthy for me. In common sense. ¡®Well, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s someone worthy of such a marriage, in common sense.¡¯ While having conversations with Jenna since before, I realized that Jenna was quite talkative. ¡°The remarriage partner for the Old Count is not my sister.¡± ¡°What? Then who? Don¡¯t tell me¡­ you, Lady Selina?¡± I shook my head. The unmarried women in the Crawford Family are not only me and Shannon. I mean, people always only thought of me and Shannon as the unmarried women left, but that¡¯s not the case. ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡­ our mother.¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± Jenna¡¯s face looked really surprised. It¡¯s as if her face was filled with exclamation marks. ¡°I heard that my uncle always enviously mentioned about the Old Count¡¯s achievement to my mother. Since then, my mother has been secretly admiring the Old Count.¡± Jenna held out a fan and covered her face after seeing me confessing the other people¡¯s shameful things as if I was repenting, It was clear that Jenna was laughing behind the fan. ¡°Ppfft.¡± Suddenly, Camilla;s situation became ridiculous. The situation turned as if Camilla herself had sent a letter on purpose to remarry herself to the Old Count Grandson. ¡°Please, pretend you don¡¯t know about this, Lady Jenna.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Through the fan lace, I could see Jenna¡¯s eyes gleaming. ¡°I¡¯m sure my grandfather would like this too.¡± * * * * * It wasn¡¯t long before the news of Count Grandson¡¯s visit to the Crawford was heard. That night, the doll playing reached its climax. ¡°Is she prettier with her hair tied up or not?¡± Because my hair was tied up together, my elegant neckline, shoulders, and collarbone were revealed completely. My face and skin, which had been taken care of for days, glowed. And of course, I smelled so fragrant. In front of the mirror, Camilla worked hard untied the pin that tied my hair. My blond hair, which was falling like silk, tickled my waist. ¡°Or, doesn¡¯t it look prettier if the hair loosens?¡± Camilla alternated her attention between me and the mirror, as if she were a man dealing with a major national issue. ¡°She¡¯s pretty with her hair tied up, but she¡¯s also pretty with her hair loosened. Just which way is prettier?¡± Camilla burst into a happy laugh. Then she told me to go to bed early, fearing that my skin might be damaged, then went out of the bedroom. And there was Penny, who looked distressed. ¡°My Lady, you won¡¯t really going to marry that Old Count, are you?¡± ¡°Am I crazy?¡± ¡°I think Madam is preparing for that possibility. Please, you have to be carefull, My Lady.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be out for a while. If anyone comes, just tell them I¡¯m already asleep.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I took William with me and stopped by Shannon¡¯s bedroom first. Knock knock- I knocked on the door and Shannon immediately opened the door. As she was detained in her bedroom, she might have missed other people¡¯s touch, and she looked a little thin. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t open the door like this without asking who it is, Shannon.¡± ¡°¡­¡­just say what you want to say.¡± ¡°I went to the temple today.¡± Shannon, who was standing sideways and not even looking at me, turned her body to me as soon as I said temple. ¡°Priest Franz asked about your wellbeing.¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± No. Of course it¡¯s a lie. I was so busy that I even went back without seeing Franz¡¯s face. ¡°He said that he¡¯d be happy if I could come with you next time.¡± ¡°The Priest said that?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Shannon¡¯s eyes sparkled dazzlingly. ¡°Next time, I should ask Mother if I could take you with me to the temple.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡­ that¡¯s¡­¡­¡± Shannon tried hard not to show it, but she couldn¡¯t keep her lips from rising all the way up to her ears. ¡°I also went there with permission. Because I went with Lord Spencer, Mother wouldn¡¯t worry.¡± I said, implicitly proud of my escort. Shannon stared enviously at William, who stood behind me like a well-behaved husky. ¡®It would be good if you had an escort too.¡¯ I wanted to say that word, but I didn¡¯t. Instead, I just looked at Shannon pitifully. ¡°Ah, anyway, I get it!¡± Bang! The overproud Shannon shut the door roughly. ¡®Look at that! That girl is totally rude.¡¯ As I was coughing because of the dust, I escaped that corridor. * * * * * ¡°Lady, are you going to the Outer Guard Post again?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± On my way to meet Valhail, Willian asked cautiously. ¡°I think you may attract attention if you visit too often, My Lady.¡± I turned to William and answered him. ¡°Thank you for your concern, William.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Is it because I still haven¡¯t removed the makeup yet? We¡¯ve already seen each other every day, but William blushed as if he had never seen me before. Indeed, the make up this time was quite thick that I¡¯ve usually done. Camilla feared that the Old Count might think I was too young for his marriage partner, so she applied bright red to my lips and dark shadow to my eyes. And thanks to that, I also felt that I looked more mature and seductive. ¡°I will call him, My Lady.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± William, who was about to run and call for Valhail, paused for a moment. ¡°My Lady.¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°Is there¡­¡­ is there any reason why you come looking for him this often?¡± ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s a very important thing.¡± ¡°Perhaps, our Commander also happens to know about it?¡± ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t tell me¡­ are you asking because you thought I only came to see him because I¡¯m bored?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡­ that¡¯s not what I mean, My Lady.¡± William flustered as he rolled his eyes around as if trying to find an excuse. ¡°But, My Lady, if a man sees a beautiful lady like you so often, he might harbor presumptuous¡­¡­¡± ¡°Do you have that kind of thought when you see me?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°You see me everyday. Doesn¡¯t that mean you¡¯re also the same?¡± William¡¯s face was so red that I thought it might burst. I took a step closer to him. And William¡¯s lips twitching without saying a word. ¡°Am I wrong?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± I raised his chin, which was lowered to avoid my gaze. ¡°Then tell me that you¡¯re wrong.¡± Even with my impudent hand gesture, William didn¡¯t dare to do anything. When his eyes met mine, William recited his innermost thoughts, almost like a confined prisoner confessing. ¡°My Lady¡­ What you said is right. All the time, everything you say is right.¡± It was then. I quickly turned around to the rustling sound I heard from behind. It was Valhail. From the guard station, it appeared like he had come out to smoke, since he held a cigarette in his hand. As soon as I averted my gaze, William moved his body and dashed away, as if a prey had been released from the trap. It was quite unlike him that I let out a smirk at his hurried back. Valhail, who came closer before I knew it, stood next to the tree behind me. The long cigarette looked like a toy in his big hand. He fiddled with the cigarette in his palm instead of smoking it, as if he was worried about something. ¡®Look at this punk. Did he know how to smoke?¡¯ As I stared at him, he broke the silence by opening his mouth first. ¡°It seems that harassing people is your hobby.¡±