BCHG Chapter 48

In the end, there was only one answer I could give.

 

“…No. I need your help, Master.”

 

Isaac gave Lian a smug look as if to say, ‘See?’

 

With my agreement, Lian couldn’t complain any further.

 

“Just don’t get in the way,” said Lian and marched forward.

 

Ugh, this was getting quite complicated… If I openly helped Lian, Isaac would definitely get suspicious or overly interested in me. Maybe I should just call it a day and spend the rest of the time exploring casually.

 

As I was pondering that, I suddenly realized that both of them were standing on either side of me. What is this strange position…? It felt awkward, and I wanted to switch places, but that would just make Isaac and Lian stand next to each other. …I guess I’ll stay in the middle.

 

As we walked in silence, something started slithering out from the darkness ahead. It looked like a black slime, but it was actually a mass of blackened human arms entangled together. Ugh, gross…

 

As I took a step back, Isaac turned to me and asked, “Mia, what’s wrong?”

 

“T-That creature over there…”

 

Isaac looked down the hallway and, without hesitation, drew the sword from his belt. “I’ll kill it.”

 

Before his words even finished, Isaac charged at the creature. The black slime stretched out an arm to grab him, but Isaac was far quicker. He sliced off the reaching arm with precision and then plunged his sword into the creature.

 

Scree…! The slime let out a grotesque cry before collapsing lifelessly. Isaac wiped the black blood from his sword and turned to me.

 

“You don’t need to be afraid anymore, Mia.”

 

He sheathed his sword and then walked over to me, extending his hand. His eyes were calm, almost serene.

 

“So stay by my side.”

 

I looked at Isaac, feeling a little bewildered. He’s strong, but…

 

Just then, Lian stepped between us. “That kind of creature? I could’ve killed it too. You can step aside; protecting Mia is my job.”

 

“You’ve been interfering since earlier. Mia is my maid.”

 

“And my girlfriend.”

 

Is this… what is it like to be popular? Though, one of them is a murderer…

 

The unwanted attention was making me feel a bit dizzy. If this continued, they might actually start fighting, so I quickly intervened. Stepping between them, I changed the subject.

 

“I’d feel really reassured if you both stayed. Let’s search the area and see if we find anything.”

 

Thankfully, my words eased the tension, and both of them relaxed. Phew, that was close. I clapped my hands lightly to shift the mood.

 

“Then, shall we each search a room?”

 

“It could be dangerous. Stay with me,” Isaac insisted.

 

Isaac, what’s with this behavior? Is it because his affection went up?

 

Meanwhile, Lian chimed in too. “Yeah, it’s dangerous. Stay with me.”

 

Choosing one of them would definitely lead to another fight, so I shook my head. “It’ll be more efficient if we each search separately. I won’t go far; I’ll just stay around here, so it should be fine.”

 

Although they didn’t look pleased, they reluctantly agreed.

 

We each entered a separate room. Finally alone, I let out a deep sigh. Whew… Walking around with the three of us is exhausting.

 

I never expected to run into Isaac. Before the transformation stone’s effect wears off, I needed to naturally part ways with him… But judging by his attitude earlier, it didn’t seem like he would let me go easily. What excuse could I use to slip away?

 

For now, I still had some time, so I started searching the room for anything valuable. As I rummaged through the corners, I found something shiny inside a vase.

 

[You have discovered a ‘Guardian Stone.’ Would you like to add it to your inventory?]

 

I almost screamed in excitement when I saw the message. I’d found a Guardian Stone…! Knowing I now had an extra life was such a relief. I’d been so anxious up until now! Although there was nothing else special in the room, I was more than satisfied.

 

After finishing my search, I stepped back into the hallway, and soon, the other two joined me. Lian looked disappointed.

 

“Sorry, Mia. I didn’t find anything.”

 

“That’s alright, Lian. It happens.”

 

I patted his shoulder to comfort him, but I noticed Isaac staring at me intently. He spoke in a flat tone.

 

“There wasn’t anything on my end either.”

 

“I see.”

 

As soon as I replied, Isaac’s eyes suddenly sharpened. W-Why is he looking at me like that? Could it be because I didn’t pat his shoulder? No, that couldn’t be…

 

Anyway, I really needed to part ways with Isaac soon. If he saw me transform into a cat…

 

“Well, we’ll be going now. See you during the day, Master.”

 

“Where do you think you’re going?”

 

Isaac was still glaring at me with those sharp eyes. It didn’t seem like he’d let me leave easily…

 

I linked arms with Lian and said, “Lian and I have something important to discuss.”

 

“…”

 

“It’s a personal matter between us as a couple.”

 

I could see Isaac biting his lip in frustration, but he turned around without saying anything.

 

“…I’ll see you tomorrow, Mia.” With that, he walked down the hallway.

 

Phew, I managed to shake him off…

 

Just as I was feeling relieved, Lian whispered, “So, what’s this important couple’s discussion? Darling.”

 

Ack! Startled by the word ‘darling,’ I quickly unlinked my arm from his. Lian laughed mischievously.

 

“Sorry, did I scare you?”

 

“Just a little. I’m the one who should apologize for suddenly linking arms.”

 

“If it’s Mia, it’s always welcome. But do you really have something to talk about?”

 

“Not really. I’m about to turn back into a cat and don’t want anyone to see.”

 

Lian nodded in understanding. “In that case, let’s head into an empty room. I have something to tell you too.”

 

“Something to tell me?”

 

What could it be?

 

We entered an empty room and sat down. Lian smiled as he spoke. “I’ve managed to get 100 gold for you.”

 

“What? Really?”

 

I couldn’t help but raise my voice in surprise. Was he really going to give me 100 gold?

 

“I didn’t bring the money with me right now, but I’ll give it to you when we meet tomorrow. Are you free this weekend?”

 

“Yes, I’m free.”

 

“Great, let’s meet at 1 PM.”

 

I nodded again. This meant I could finally free myself from Isaac. But for some reason, the thought of leaving made my chest feel oddly tight.

 

…Why wasn’t I purely happy about this? He killed me and others, too. So why did I feel this strange sense of regret?

 

I pushed the thought out of my mind. My safety had to come first. I had to leave Isaac’s side, no matter what.

 

* * *

After returning from the night world, I spent the days eagerly waiting for the weekend. Finally, the day to clear my debt had arrived! I was so excited that I woke up early. Even the passing maids noticed my good mood.

 

“Oh my, Mia. You seem really happy today.”

 

“It’s because it’s the weekend!”

 

“Weekends are great, aren’t they?”

 

As I chuckled with them, time quickly passed. I had just finished lunch and was getting ready to head out when I ran into Isaac at the entrance. As usual, his expression was indifferent. He glanced at me in my going-out attire and asked,

 

“Are you heading into town?”

 

“Yes, Master.”

 

“What for?”

 

Why was he so interested in his employee’s private life? When I hesitated to answer, Isaac spoke again.

 

“Are you going to meet your boyfriend?”

 

“Ah, yes. Well…”

 

Talking to Isaac made me realize that today would be the last time. Once I repaid the debt, it would all be over… I felt a pang of sadness, but looking at Isaac’s expressionless face, I thought I must be foolish. To Isaac, I was just a meaningless maid. He wouldn’t care if I left after the contract ended. With that thought, I felt both a bit of pain and relief.

 

Isaac’s piercing gaze fell on me. “Why do you look like that?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“You look sad.”

 

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