Chapter 93

"Why did you reveal the truth to me if that's the case?"

"I don't know."

You don't understand what I'm saying, right?

I don't know either.

But that's how human affairs often go.

It seems right, and it should be fine, but you don't feel like taking action.

When I admitted to being Andert in front of Dscherro, it was partly due to a spontaneous decision.

Perhaps it was more of an emotional judgment.

If I hadn't visited Count Serenye's gallery... I would have tried to disrupt and suppress Dscherro's deductions somehow.

That's why they say the future is unpredictable.

"Whether in the past or now, I can't understand what you're thinking. In my life, I've never met anyone as inscrutable as you."

"Really? You seem to know my mind as if you've been inside my head."

"Roo?"

Hmm. I didn't realize I said that name...

"Anyway, can you keep your promise? Now I'm just a poor maid with only the clothes on my back. Please help me out."

Dscherro, letting out a sigh for who knows how many times, responded in a slightly awkward tone.

"Still, are you sure it's okay to introduce yourself as Andert's sister?"

"Well, Andert's mother is a bit... We lost our parents when we were young."

"That's not what I mean. Honestly, I doubt Raphael would fall for such a flimsy excuse. Even if he does, it could be a problem for you."

Problem? If he falls for it, what problem could there be?

"Joint liability?"

Wait. Am I going to die?

Fortunately, Dscherro didn't even snicker.

It seems not. Without acknowledging it, he hesitated and then asked cautiously.

"By any chance, are you seeing someone with the intention of marriage?"

It was an unexpected question, but not one I couldn't answer.

"No, I'm not."

"Boyfriend?"

For some reason, Roo's face flashed through my mind.

I shook my head to clear it.

"No."

"Anyone you have a crush on?"

For some reason, Roo's face flashed through my mind again.

No, actually, I think I understand to some extent... Damn.

Feeling irritated, I gritted my teeth and denied it.

"Absolutely not."

But on reflection, the topic felt somewhat familiar.

Marriage. Marriage... Where have I heard this before...

"Did you say you had a sister? What a pity. If she were alive, she could have married a war hero."

"You're talking about me."

Ah.

You don't mean...

Dscherro drove the point home at the edge of my unease.

"His Excellency the Duke delays his marriage solely because he lacks a trustworthy partner. And he feels a great sense of responsibility for your death. If you were introduced as Andert's sister, he might propose to you."

That point drove me speechless.

'He might really do that.'

Raphael isn't the type to make empty promises. He always meant what he said, even in casual remarks.

"I'm... a commoner."

"Sir Andert Pajer received a title from His Majesty the Emperor. He is now Baron Vladief, not Sir Pajer."

"Vladief, what?"

"Baron Vladief. His Excellency the Duke can have you recognized as a relative of a fallen hero, and from that day on, Daisy Pajer will inherit the title and become Baroness Daisy Vladief. You'll become a noble."

"Right, I remember. You said I died and received a title."

Dscherro spoke with certainty.

But I found it hard to fully understand his argument.

I wasn't doubting Raphael's intentions. It was just that...

"Marriage isn't the only way to take responsibility."

"I agree."

"Then why go to such lengths?"

"Because you are Andert's trace."

"What's so special about being a trace?"

"Can't you share memories with him as his brother? After you left, His Excellency the Duke suffered from severe insomnia. For the past three years, he has been frantically searching for any trace of you. But he failed, and only now is he gradually regaining stability..."

I've returned.

Dscherro let out his five-thousandth sigh.

"I'm sorry. I don't blame you at all. But your death changed his life completely. If you plan to continue hiding your identity, I must ask you to reconsider."

Reconsider?

It was a polite request, but I don't know why I felt irritated.

"Dscherro."

"Yes?"

"I only have ten years left to live."

His eyes widened.

In some ways, they seemed even wider than when I was threatened with decapitation by my own sword.

That's how surprised he was, and how...

"Why only ten years..."

"What were you thinking just now? Pity? Or guilt?"

"..."

"I don't want you to feel guilty or indebted. I volunteered to infiltrate Mephisto Castle on my own..."

"Are you okay with that?"

Dscherro, not just slightly, but openly irritated, retorted.

"Andert, you are a hero. You deserve to be treated with respect for your entire life. You deserve to be revered. You are not someone who should live as a maid and be ignored by those snobbish nobles!"

I think I heard something similar at the gallery.

Did he always think this way even after I perished with Mephisto?

"Why can't we feel sorry for you? Why can't we feel sorry for you? It's a natural emotion. Just let it be. Let it flow, and just let us..."

I hadn't seen Dscherro this angry in a long time.

...He wouldn't punch me, would he? I'm just a maid, after all.

"Just come back to us, to us, no, to us."

A gloomy silence fell.

In the time where only our breathing could be heard, I suddenly remembered the moments we rolled around on the battlefield.

We fought a lot.

We couldn't control our emotional outbursts and ended up rolling on the ground, swinging punches like children.

When we couldn't reach a compromise, we ignored each other for days, and we often quarreled over trivial matters like children.

Compared to those days, our current life is so peaceful.

Is it really necessary to fight?

"Sorry."

So I apologized first.

'Now that I've said it, I feel a bit too harsh.'

Like someone who had been second place for years suddenly taking the top spot, Dscherro's chest heaved roughly as he slowly composed himself.

Then, with a very tired face, he wiped his face.

"I'm the one who should apologize. I know it wasn't easy for you to reveal such a secret. ...Are you in good health?"

"I'm tough. I can take down a fat marquis with one hand."

"Then the reason for your limited time must be a problem on the other side."

"Stop probing. What?"

"I'm sorry, it's a habit. ...I'll follow your request for now. It wouldn't be a good image for me to overstep my bounds. Ah! By the way, does Viscount Weatherwood know your true identity?"

Of course. Viscount Weatherwood is me.

But if Jin, who works in the same mansion, doesn't know, it's hard to reveal this information to Dscherro, who is one of Raphael's closest confidants.

I have to come up with some excuse.

"More or less... he knows, and in exchange for feeding and housing me... whenever the viscount is busy, I transform and take his place..."

"You don't need to explain. I received word from Duke Berkeleygrayton that Viscount Weatherwood pressed Jin down without drawing his sword. Who else could it be but you?"

"Viscount Weatherwood is an excellent swordsman, just like me..."

"Then would it be alright if I meet Viscount Weatherwood directly and have a conversation with him at the Jenail Duke's residence?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"I'll take that as a yes."

You heartless bastard.

"While talking, I realized... we'll meet at the Jenail Duke's residence soon. How about that?"

Sigh. Dscherro let out his hundred-millionth sigh.

"I have a lot to think about tonight..."

I'm sorry again.

Dscherro turned his back, looking troubled.

"It's late, so I should go for now. We'll have a more detailed conversation another time. ...Ah, I almost forgot."

Standing at the door, Dscherro turned his head slightly and smiled faintly.

"Congratulations on your new title as a baroness."