Chapter 29

As I followed the two men who seemed to have no sense of subtlety, a path leading to a super-large private airfield appeared. We got back into the car that was waiting for us there. Perhaps amused by my continued glare at the back of his head, Luca asked as soon as he sat down, "What's got you so upset, my lord?"

I answered as if I had been waiting for this moment. "I'm upset because you're too pretty."

One of Luca's eyebrows twitched as he looked at me askance. For a moment, I felt my breath catch. It felt as if I were dealing with Luca, the 190cm tall, shameless, arrogant, bad-tempered, and woman-chasing gardener and chef, rather than the transformed Morian. I wanted to sew my lips shut for saying he was pretty.

Still, my dissatisfaction was clear. I had to speak my mind to feel better. "You didn't need to be that pretty."

It just draws all the attention. The butler, who had been focused on driving, pretended not to hear but couldn't hide his disapproving look.

After a while, Luca warned ominously, "I told you not to fall for me."

"I told you not to talk nonsense to me."

"It's fine to flirt with me, but don't do it with other women. I'll be watching with wide eyes. Don't pout or glare at me either."

"Should I just stop breathing altogether?"

By then, the carriage carrying us had arrived at the private airfield. When we got out of the car, I couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

'What is this?'

It looks like a grand ball. The lush green lawn was dotted with tables, each waiting for its guests with sweet desserts and champagne. The gathered people seemed to be enjoying conversations as they waited to board the airship.

And beyond them, a large airship stood like a painting.

'Was it called the Black Lagal?'

It was indeed black. When it took off, it would look like a fat crow flying in the sky. The bulky, oval-shaped body was so large that the term "super-large" made perfect sense.

"The noble guests will board first. Please follow me, and we will take your luggage to the cabin."

I was not used to such lavish treatment. Luca, however, looked very familiar with it. He even waved at the men who were staring at him stupidly. You really are a troublemaker.

'With so many people, I should be able to blend in easily.'

If Luca weren't so unnecessarily beautiful, I could blend in even better.

"Please, for the love of all, behave yourself and come back. If you don't cause any trouble, the Weatherwood Manor will be even more peaceful. I'll beg you."

I, Daisy, a brave soldier standing in for a non-existent master, recalled the adjutant's earnest plea and carefully observed the dozens of influential figures on the airfield.

'Hmm.'

I don't recognize anyone!

I'm sure I memorized "Nobles to Remember" over the past few days, but it didn't stick. Moreover, there are more non-nobles than nobles.

I saw several wealthy commoners. This so-called "Nobles' Gathering" was more like a large upper-class social event.

The stairs leading to the airship's entrance were long and unstable. I carefully assisted Luca, who was wearing high heels, as we climbed the stairs. Dozens of heads watched us from below.

"Who is that?"

"He's young. Has any noble family recently welcomed a new head?"

"Indeed. If it were a couple as noticeable as them, we wouldn't have missed it."

When we reached the entrance, the man guiding us said to the crew, "Lord and Lady Weatherwood."

As we were about to enter after our identities were confirmed, a man who had passed us earlier turned around. His face, marked by the weight of time, asked me, "Are you really Lord Weatherwood?"

I couldn't fail to recognize the dignified middle-aged face.

The uncle of Lord Weatherwood's aunt, a comrade-in-arms who had fought alongside him in the war and a teacher who had helped him refine his sword skills. He was Lord Roseville.

My heart raced with the urge to approach and greet him.

'Hold it. I must hold it. I'm not Andert. There's no reason to act familiar.'

The joy from my heart was so dangerous.

I slowly lowered my smile, which had risen to just below my cheekbones, and replied, "Yes, I am Gray Weatherwood. Are you Lord Roseville?"

"I didn't expect it... Yes, I am Lord Roseville."

When I saw Lord Roseville up close, a long scar was visible on his forehead. It had once been a prominent mark that seemed impossible to erase, but it had faded over time.

"I am truly delighted to meet you. Ha, I often think of the stories my late aunt used to tell about you. To me, Lord Roseville was like a hero from a fairy tale."

Lord Roseville accepted my handshake with a somewhat uncomfortable look.

"Thank you for the excessive praise, Lord Weatherwood. Have we met before? You seem familiar."

After just a few words, he was so perceptive.

The intuition of a seasoned warrior is as sharp as a Sword Master's. The old saying is not wrong.

"No, we have never met. If my sudden familiarity has upset you, I apologize."

"No, it's not that. We have been out of touch, but the Weatherwoods and Rosevilles are close relatives."

Lord Roseville's tone was stiff. His expression was much colder than when I first met him as Andert.

'After taking all of his daughter's wealth, it's understandable that he's upset for not showing his face.'

I understand his feelings, but it's not my problem.

I am not Lord Weatherwood.

"I am glad to meet you, Lord. The beautiful lady beside you is...?"

"My wife, Morian Serene."

"You're married? I only learned this today. The term 'close relatives' seems hollow now."

"I apologize. There were circumstances."

'You say there were circumstances, but could you at least soften that cold expression? What will you do if the heir is a girl? What will you do if it's a magical artifact instead of a girl?'

"I am Gott Roseville."

Fortunately, Lord Roseville was not the type to threaten an innocent woman.

He was known as the "Gentleman's Sword" even on the harsh battlefield. At least, the Lord Roseville who introduced himself to Luca was much gentler.

Luca responded with a bright, girlish smile.

"I am Morian Serene. It is a pleasure to meet a renowned commander of the Alliance."

"Serene? You are from the Kingdom of Astroza. Your father is Lord Serene?"

"Astroza? One of the Northern Continental Allied States? You have come from a distant place."

"For my beloved husband, I would go even further."

Lord Roseville's eyes, which had been smiling, now looked wistful, perhaps thinking of his deceased daughter.

After a short sigh, he focused on my face.

"Lord, circumstances can happen to anyone. But not everyone will understand. Regardless, it is fortunate that the Weatherwood lineage continues. However, not everyone will see it as fortunate, so you should be careful."

"Thank you for the advice."

Lord Roseville then turned and walked away.

'At least he doesn't bear any ill will.'

That was enough.

The cabin we were guided to by the crew was spacious and comfortable, equipped with a bedroom, living room, and office, making it feel like a small vacation home.

Riding a touring airship after only riding a transport airship was a continuous source of amazement. Moreover...

Knock knock.

"Ah! It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Weatherwood."

"Excuse me for the first meeting, Lord Weatherwood. I have been eager to meet you, so I took the liberty of coming to introduce myself."

Why are so many people coming to introduce themselves to me?

'Is this the power of a prestigious noble family?'

I did my best to respond and dismiss them as Lord Weatherwood, but I'm not sure if I'm doing well.

At that moment, the airship took off.

The airship would travel to three cities over a week and return to Lagal. Watching Lagal fade away among the fluffy white clouds of spring, I felt a strange sensation.

How did I end up playing the role of Lord Weatherwood?

'The life of a maid... is really unpredictable.'

Knock knock.

The ninth knock.

I opened the door with a reception smile. Fortunately, this time it was a crew member.

"Good day, Lord Weatherwood. A noble gathering dinner is scheduled for tonight. Will you attend?"

A noble gathering dinner.

'Since this is the first time Lord Weatherwood is appearing in the vacant seat... it wouldn't hurt to make a good impression.'

I nodded immediately.

"Of course, I will."

"I will come to fetch you in four hours. Have a pleasant time."

After the crew member left, I stretched. I was quite tired from the long journey.

I need to get some rest. As I moved towards the bedroom, I asked Luca, "Wake me up for dinner."

Luca, who had been quietly watching the view outside, nodded.

Good, today I'll forget my maid duties and take a peaceful nap.

When I woke up after a deep sleep, it was the next morning.