Chapter 24
The familiar ceiling greeted me.
I was in my room at the duke’s mansion.
“My room?!”
But I quickly shook my head in disbelief.
It felt like I had barely woken from a dream, only to fall into another one.
The despair of being trapped in a novel, the pity I felt for Edith in the dream, my anger toward Dylan—all these emotions swirled inside my head, leaving it in a mess.
“…This isn’t a dream, right?”
I had to face the truth.
The scene I had just experienced had actually happened to Edith.
If it were a dream, I wouldn’t remember it so vividly.
The past of the villain and the male lead, which wasn’t mentioned in the novel, came to mind.
“So Edith wasn’t just using him for her own purposes…”
Thinking of how close they seemed made me feel strange.
“No wonder it felt natural for him to call my name.”
They were the same age, and shockingly, Edith seemed to rely on her servant quite a lot.
Maybe Dylan was the same. After coming to the mansion, the only person he could rely on would have been Edith…
Thinking this far, the next scene came to mind, and I frowned.
― “He plans to propose to Leelin.”
― “From now on, don’t send people back and forth like this.”
‘Is that why people change so much before and after they poop?’
It was infuriating.
Even if Edith had been arrogant, she was still his benefactor in a way.
Was it really necessary to propose to a woman she hated?
“And why deliver the message in person?”
And calling her “Lady Blake” just because her status rose a little? That was insulting too!
Then, when we met in Tollen, he had the audacity to use my name.
“Tch. That’s why you shouldn’t raise a black-haired beast…”
Ah. Not black-haired… red-haired, maybe?
I clicked my tongue and muttered to myself when suddenly—
Bang!
A heavy noise echoed. Then…
“S-sorry, miss!”
“Nancy…?”
Startled, I looked up and saw a maid kneeling not far from my bed.
“What are you doing there?”
“You can scold or hit me, b-but please don’t kick me out!”
Nancy bowed her round head deeply. Her hair was dark brown, almost black.
“She heard what I said…”
I felt awkward.
Sitting up, I said kindly:
“I wasn’t talking to you, so you can get up.”
“B-but…”
Nancy didn’t move. After hesitating, she closed her eyes tightly and confessed.
“The duke asked who gave you the maid uniform, and I said it seemed like you took it yourself while I was distracted!”
“…Ah.”
That’s when I realized I didn’t remember how I ended up at the mansion.
“I must have been chased by the invaders in Tollen, met Dylan, struggled with him…”
― “We’ll take you to the mansion.”
― “I’ll send a carriage right away.”
The words of that infuriating man echoed in my head.
And then, I remembered nothing more. I must have fainted right there.
“…Damn it.”
“Sorry, miss! I’m so sorry!”
Nancy trembled as she apologized.
“B-but… the butler tattled to the duke that you often threatened me, so I had no choice!”
“….”
“If I said you asked me for the maid uniform, it might cause more misunderstandings…”
“Enough. You did well. No need to explain further, Nancy.”
“Ah, miss…”
“I won’t hit or kick you out. Now get up.”
Nancy finally stood, looking relieved.
Since my going out had already been discovered, what she said wasn’t really important.
I pressed my temples and asked:
“Did Count Frederick bring me here?”
“Huh? Y-yes… Dylan, I mean! The count carried you up to the second floor himself.”
“Crazy!”
Nancy gasped at my curse.
But I couldn’t comfort her this time.
‘Crazy! If he cared even a little, he could have left me at the front gate or had someone trustworthy bring me secretly…’
‘But I suppose there’s no one trustworthy in this house.’
Dylan must have known Edith’s situation. It was impossible for Nancy or Aston to move me secretly.
‘No matter what, it would have ended badly.’
I sighed deeply.
It was pointless to be angry. I had fainted because I couldn’t hold on.
“Everyone knows now.”
“Yes…”
Nancy nodded, understanding perfectly.
I asked, half-resigned:
“Who’s waiting now? Father? Older brother?”
“The duke.”
“…Alright.”
Even if my outing hadn’t been discovered, I would have faced the duke eventually.
I rationalized it and told Nancy:
“Go get the butler.”
I requested the butler instead of Nancy, deliberately.
As I followed him through the mansion’s east wing, I quietly said:
“Butler.”
“Yes, miss.”
“You told my father I often threatened people?”
“Huh?”
My casual tone confused him.
“No! Who said such nonsense…? Was it Nancy?”
“No. I didn’t even need to ask Nancy. It was already widespread.”
“Impossible! No, miss! Believe me! I never tattle…”
“Of course I believe you. I’m not petty enough to spread rumors because the master joked a little, right?”
“….”
No answer came. Silence filled the empty corridor.
I smiled at the noon sunlight streaming through the window.
“The weather’s nice. Maybe I’ll play some croquet after a long time.”
“….”
“Butler, if you don’t mind, could you stand in as the wicket? I’m still clumsy.”
“Ah, miss…! I’ve sinned! I’ve grown petty with age…”
After scolding him a little, we arrived at the duke’s office.
Knock knock.
“Duke, I’ve brought Miss Edith Blake.”
“Come in.”
“…Please enter, miss.”
The butler opened the door, seeming ten years older.
I took a deep breath and entered.
The office was huge and cold.
The duke sat at his desk, speaking to an aide while working.
Both the duke and the aide showed a noticeable “awakening” level above their heads.
I lowered my gaze.
Up close, the duke looked quite similar to Edith, though his platinum hair was streaked with white and his blue eyes were lighter, giving him a closer resemblance to Ethan.
No one noticed me as I approached, whether out of focus or deliberate ignoring.
“…You called me, Father?”
Only then did they both look at me.
“Ah! Hello, miss!”
The aide greeted cheerfully, slightly late.
The duke, tired, looked away.
“Langton, fetch tea.”
“Yes!”
To avoid awkwardness, the aide ran off immediately.
“Sit.”
The duke stood and pointed to the sofa.
I sat across from him without protest.
“Edith Blake,” the duke said gravely.
“Yes.”
“You couldn’t resist going out, could you?”
“….”
“You know you fainted and were brought back by Count Frederick, right?”
“…Yes, I heard.”
“I warned you not to get involved with him… Your foolish actions ruin your reputation and now the family’s honor as well.”
He clicked his tongue, displeased.
Even though it wasn’t my fault I fainted, I lowered my head instinctively.
― “Still haven’t awakened?”
― “Tch. At your age, fighting… How long will you keep embarrassing me?”
Hearing this, I clenched my fists.
It wasn’t a fight—I had been hit by the adopted child he brought in.
I couldn’t say that. His disapproving gaze hurt too much.
“…I’m sorry.”
I repeated my apology silently.
‘At least Edith is in a better situation. Her only adopted child is Ethan, and he wouldn’t hit me openly…’
Then, suddenly, the duke shivered and pointed at me.
“You… who are you?”
“…Huh?”
“Edith, my daughter, wouldn’t say such things. Reveal your identity!”
