episode_0009

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

In the subtle silence, the maid, Serin, and the sound of my footsteps echoed in the hall.

I borrowed the presence of the mask to secretly steal glances at Serin. Her face, a mix of discontent and anticipation.

Observing her discreetly, we arrived at the dining table, where the Marquis greeted us with a gentle smile.

“Welcome. I had asked for a quick preparation as if expecting a royal visit, so the table setting is a bit lighter than usual. Please forgive the rudeness.”

Most likely an excuse.

The Marquis’ usual meals were lighter and more modest. Today, the presence of Princess Serin must have prompted an increase in the number of dishes on the table.

“Don’t worry about it. I could be satisfied with just grilled pork belly.”

“Oh, you have quite a sense of humor.”

Even though it was not a joke, the Marquis genuinely chuckled. Perhaps it was a possible reaction, considering that she was a princess who might be mistreated in the palace. Who would dare to guess that she was a lonely outcast with nowhere to turn to?

And so, our greetings were misunderstood. Following the completion of the dinner course, the Marquis spoke calmly.

“There is something I would like to confirm, if you don’t mind.”

“What is it?”

“… Is the gentleman wearing a mask for a specific reason? It makes me uncomfortable to see him struggling to eat with the mask on.”

“I feel uncomfortable too. Please take it off just this once, Rian.”

“I apologize. If it bothers you, we will end the meal here.”

Offering a guilt-ridden apology, Serin seemed to rise abruptly, but then quickly raised her voice.

“Oh, no…! It was a joke, just a joke! I don’t even touch my food, why would I bother Rian… haha.”

The sudden change in Serin’s demeanor seemed to surprise the Marquis. She glanced between Serin and me, then nodded heavily.

“If the Princess has no objections, I have no complaints either.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

As the Princess took the lead in diffusing the situation, the Marquis’ abrupt interruption was somewhat unusual. Feeling guilty, I pretended to eat a little before quietly setting down my utensils.

At that moment, the Marquis cleared his throat to regain our attention.

“Ahem! I heard earlier that you both were treated unfairly.”

Serin’s eyes sparkled. It was the challenging gaze she had when she accepted the dinner invitation.

“That’s right! The gatekeeper was abusing his authority… Are those people not part of the mansion staff?”

“He is a member of the mercenary group contracted to maintain the security of the mansion and the village. I will apologize on his behalf for his rudeness.”

“It seems like there are a lot of problems… Have you considered reevaluating your employment?”

Serin subtly inquired. It seemed that the rude treatment had left a mark. However, the Marquis responded with a wry smile.

“To be honest… I was also surprised by the report. They had a good reputation among the residents for being gentlemanly. I wonder why they acted that way…”

“What? Gentlemanly? That person…?”

“You may find it hard to believe, but I am quite perplexed as well. That’s why I’m worried that there may be a misunderstanding somewhere.”

“Are you… suspecting us?”

Beneath Serin’s trembling voice, a sense of discomfort rose. It was evident that she was deeply pondering the unjust experience she had endured.

“I will dare to speak, knowing full well what rudeness entails. I do not wish to distrust those I have always trusted.”

“Hmm.”

Is this the petulance of a princess raised delicately in the royal palace? Or is it a result of genuine trust gained from the mercenary group?

As I pondered over various possibilities, I discovered an expression in the Marquis’s words that created a sense of discomfort.

“You do not want to distrust those you have always trusted?”

In the end, mercenaries are like wandering souls, akin to floating weeds.

In other words, they are involved in mercenary relationships tied by money, ranging from territorial disputes, conflicts between nations, or even personal vendettas.

Therefore, loyalty and affection towards employers and contract groups are distant concepts.

In reality, it is unheard of for employers to develop an attachment to them. Considering that they are a group of individuals with rare qualities that make them suitable for each other, it is only natural. It was considered fortunate if they were not treated as mere commodities.

“What is even more peculiar is that Serin knows her true identity as a princess, yet she acts this way… What is clouding the Marquis’s judgment?”

As I pondered my doubts, the Marquis’s words continued.

“So, would it be alright for the two of you, as the ones responsible for this matter, to have a conversation together… Is that acceptable?”

I nodded silently, and Serin hesitated before accepting.

“…I will accept for now.”

“Thank you for your generous decision.”

The Marquis pulled a bell cord near the table, and shortly after, an unfamiliar figure knocked on the dining room door from outside. As the Marquis gave permission, the person approached her with graceful steps.

“I apologize for summoning you so suddenly, Rood.”

“I am merely fulfilling my duties as an employee under the Marquis’s employ.”

Indeed, as the Marquis mentioned, his speech was gentlemanly.

Rood was a man with coolly swept chestnut hair that accentuated his distinct features. His appearance and the muscular arms that hinted at a wild charm drew the attention of women. The Marquis’s cheeks blushed with a shy pink color as she smiled at Rood. It was the color of affection that secretly blossomed.

“He is the leader of the mercenary group responsible for the security of the mansion. Recently, he has been handling household chores diligently, which has earned him a high level of trust.”

“What did you say? You have him do household chores, not other tasks? To that man?”

“He is making an effort to do his best, knowing his shortcomings.”

Rood responded on behalf of the dumbfounded Serin. Unable to comprehend the absurdity of the Marquis’s actions, Serin could not hide her puzzled expression. However, as I could see through the Marquis’s intentions, I judged that although the situation was strange, it was not entirely unexpected.

‘The Marquis is in love with him.’

Love is such a powerful emotion that it can blind people. I realized that no one is completely flawless, and therefore, they cannot always act rationally.

I have witnessed many individuals who forget the ways of the world and ruin their own positions, like my father and mother who engaged in violence and tyranny.

“Hey, even as the leader, do you not admit your subordinate’s mistakes?”

“Perhaps due to fatigue, I may have shown a somewhat irritable side.”

“So, are you saying that it is right for your subordinate to behave rudely instead of responding in a gentlemanly manner?”

“Well, everything is relative, as there are differences in perception between individuals.”

“You seem to have a talent for justifying sins.”

This was the first time I witnessed Serin’s mood deteriorating to such an extent during our journey. Despite her open sarcasm and probing, Rood maintained his composure, seemingly unaffected.

Watching her engage in a verbal altercation with frustration, the budding emotions were like a small spark. A small spark that seemed to ignite in her throat.

‘How can this be resolved in a situation like this?’

I have no idea. It just feels unpleasant. An intense, repulsive heat rises up, making me feel uncomfortable.

Ludric warned me not to dwell on emotions for too long, saying it could make me sick. It seems like that’s exactly the situation right now. Ignoring it and swallowing it down beyond my throat feels like a sensation that would sizzle like a flame.

Without even knowing what decision I was trying to make, I called out her name as she argued fiercely.

“Serin.”

“Ryan?”

Just that simple exchange seemed to calm the strange heat a bit. I decided I could endure this much.

After hesitating for a while even after calling her name, Serin stood up from her seat emitting an uncomfortable aura.

“Phew. Let’s go, Ryan.”

The one who reacted more swiftly to her actions than me was the Viscount.

“Miss!”

A moment of regret. Uncertainty about the actions taken. And yet, an attachment that couldn’t be given up. His face was a complex mix of these conflicting emotions.

I tried to suppress the ember struggling to ignite within me and followed Serin’s suggestion.

“The meal was delicious.”

And so, the chaotic dinner ended with insincere words of gratitude.

◇

“Ha, he was one of the most shameless people I’ve ever met. Rud, was it? I just can’t understand why the Viscount is so fond of him. He should at least show some respect!”

Seemingly unable to shake off the remnants of the dinner, Serin grumbled as she walked through the corridor. I subtly asked her a question, knowing the answer.

“What kind of person do you think Rud is?”

“He’s someone I want to knock down and beat up.”

“So, Serin, he was a violent person.”

“What?”

I knew it from the moment she tried to snatch the blanket. She was a person I couldn’t handle.

“No, Ryan isn’t like that, is he? Is it my fault? Mine?!”

“I don’t know. I just…”

…..

It was difficult to verbalize abstract concepts. So, my answer remained incomplete, buried in my throat. Instead, a sentence I hadn’t thought of or intended to say took shape and burst out of my mouth.

“Isn’t Serin attracted to his appearance?”

“Me?”

I made a mistake. It was a clear fault. But I couldn’t diagnose what I had done wrong and what I had done right, causing confusion. In the midst of this, Serin scolded me with a face full of disgust.

“Are you crazy? Why should I be like that when Ryan is here!”

“What?”

“I’m sorry. I can’t continue.”

The reason was…

Pure joy. That seemed like an appropriate expression. But why her words brought joy was unclear.

It didn’t matter.

Right now, I just wanted to ponder Serin’s words a little more in my mind.

With one question.

“… But Serin, you don’t know my face.”

“If I did, I would’ve shown it to you at least once. Ugh…”

“That’s difficult.”

Yes, it’s difficult. Even if it’s just curiosity, her straightforward gaze focused on me is truly difficult. It’s so difficult that the difficulty is becoming more and more enjoyable.

“Anyway… I should have bared my soul before dinner. Oh, my room is this way. See you tomorrow, Ryan!”

“I wish you a good night.”

We turned in different directions. Despite the unpleasant experience, I hoped that tomorrow would be better. I wished for a good night that would lead to a refreshing morning, where everything would be forgotten.

…

……

I had hoped so sincerely.

Unfortunately, the blue flame was secretly creeping towards the root of the Viscount’s authority, burning covertly.