“Episode 42”
Mrs. Mary adjusted her worn apron, unable to hide the rising smile of satisfaction. The stagnant discomfort had completely dissipated, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. Through the small window in the room, she could see the annex slowly taking shape. What would have taken several years to build was now looking presentable in just a few days, thanks to the efforts of the master.
Mary hummed a tune to herself as she made her way to the kitchen. Retrieving the plum jam from the cupboard, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of sweetness on her tongue. The overly sweet jam was usually reserved for special occasions, symbolizing a wish for the completion of the annex, which was the intention for today’s meal.
However, her mood took a sudden dip when she received Phillip’s response to the jam and bread. Despite Mary’s warm greeting and expression of gratitude for bringing the meal, Phillip’s response was dismissive and indifferent, expressing disdain for the nearing completion of the annex.
“Not everything is going to be perfect, is it? What’s that supposed to mean?” Mary’s frustration boiled over as she stood with her arms crossed in the doorway.
“What?” Phillip raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.
“It’s what the miss said. It seems like the master’s attention has shifted that way and it’s irritating like he’s jealous, spreading gossip like a jealous person.”
Phillip frowned, clearly feeling caught off guard. Mary, sensing an opening, prepared herself to confront him. The normally serene atmosphere in Phillip’s quarters was suddenly disrupted by an unexpected tension.
“I misspoke. It wasn’t gossip, just… concern.”
Phillip’s subsequent explanation could be summarized as follows: From the master’s childhood until now, Phillip, who had been in his service, was not inclined to the current situation. It was neither fair to the newly accepted Ray, who had not yet solved the curse, nor to Ray, who was experiencing love for the first time. Mary found Phillip’s words contradictory and asked him about it.
“What’s the problem with that? Is it a problem for the lonely miss and the master to meet and fall in love? Phillip, isn’t that what we’ve been hoping for all along?”
“In my opinion, the miss is too withdrawn, and the master is too strong.”
“Is there anyone here who doesn’t know that?”
Phillip hesitated to speak, staring at the jam he held. Mary, sensing his reluctance, sharpened her tone.
“Don’t bother trying to change the subject. Oh, and if you don’t feel like eating the jam, you can throw it away. It seems like Phillip has no appetite for it at all.”
Mary left without waiting for a response, feeling like her dreams of the annex were drowning in ink. Mary’s misplaced focus on Ray’s morning routine caused her to miss it. It was due to her putting all her attention on Phillip as soon as she woke up.
Mary bit her tongue, anticipating the master’s wrath. Hurriedly grabbing some food, she ran to Ray’s room, only to find that the master had already left to work on the annex. Fortunately, the master had declined breakfast, and only Ray, who had slept in and risen late, greeted her warmly.
Mary sighed with relief, feeling her heart lighten.
“I hope you’re feeling better, miss.”
“What?”
Ray’s response was unexpected as she was deeply engrossed in her meal, unlike her usual self. Mary, feeling proud, pointed outside with a smile.
“The annex. Where else can you find a man who readily agrees to build such a thing?”
Lately, Mary didn’t hesitate to praise the master. Since Ray had accepted it, it was a tactic to push it further. In fact, there was a slight uneasiness. It was love that could be easily stripped away at any moment. It was an attempt to cover it up as much as possible.
“Really.”
As Ray blushed and continued eating, the door opened suddenly.
It was the long-awaited appearance of the master. Almost caught off guard, Mary quietly wiped away the sweat.
“Ray.”
However, Mary’s presence was unnoticed by Clodan. As soon as he entered, Ray’s face turned pink from the kisses, and the sound of the two lovers filled the room.
Feeling awkward, Mary pretended to tidy up the dishes. However, even though she kept clearing them away, they seemed to pile up again on the opposite side.
“Um, wait a moment, Clodan.”
But Ray seemed to still have some sense left. He halted Clodan, who didn’t know when to stop kissing, conscious of Mary’s distracted gaze.
“Are you here to have breakfast?”
Mary pondered whether she should prepare the meal. The food she brought had been eaten by Ray and there wasn’t enough left. But Clodan unexpectedly mumbled something.
“No. I just wanted to see you.”
Mary felt a chill run down her spine, almost screaming. It wasn’t even worth running out to see, considering how busy she was. She didn’t expect him to rush over after being cooped up in the room all day and seeing him sprinting over after building the annex. It was almost pathological.
“Is the work done?”
“Almost.”
Mary was so nervous she didn’t even notice Clodan’s gaze, which was focused solely on Ray. The two seemed completely absorbed in each other. Although it was a scene that could make anyone blush, it was an ordinary lover who just wanted to experience love normally now. The worry was nothing more than the grumbling of an old man who had lived in a mountain for so long. There was nothing more to worry about than the bright future ahead for the master.
Phillip, too, was trapped in his own ego, thinking that time was just time. He lamented that both Ray, who accepted the master without even solving the curse, and the first person to experience love, were problems. Mary, who watched them with dismay, became more active on days when she didn’t have to worry about the master and took care of Ray, who had achieved love.
***
It was the long-awaited completion day of the annex. However, due to the late-night finish, the master anticipated the next day. He wanted to present the completed annex to Ray in the bright daylight. Despite Ray’s disappointment, Mary was granted the honor of touring the annex first, thanks to the master’s orders to ensure nothing was lacking before Ray entered.
It was the annex they had been eagerly anticipating together. Even from the outside, it was evident that the master had put in a lot of effort. Despite disregarding the designs inspired by several castles, Mary, who had grown tired of looking at mansions, was impressed. The outward appearance seemed modest compared to what one might expect.
Opening the door revealed a breathtaking sight. The walls, carved from transparent white stone, exuded a serene charm, far surpassing the average annex. Every detail, from the fish-shaped door handles to the decorations drawn in every crevice, was made of gold. Mary realized that despite her initial hesitation, the exterior was quite modest.
The floor, made from carved, transparent white stone, was meticulously crafted. In the center, stairs were visible, painted in a light sky blue, with paintings of famous works of art from the mansion meticulously drawn on the staircase. In addition, decorative shelves adorned with visible gems and statues over four feet tall were strategically placed throughout. It seemed that the master had spared no expense in his efforts
“Mary.”
At that moment, a voice pierced through from behind. It was the master’s. Hastily, Mrs. Mary turned around and rushed back.
“You seem too distracted to continue admiring.”
Surprised, Mary’s master generously smiled.
“It’s okay.”
“What?”
Did her ears deceive her? Mrs. Mary wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.
“Anyway, how is it? Will she like it?”
Mary hesitated as she subtly turned her eyes sideways. Should she tell the truth or gracefully spill some pleasant lies? But the master, as if sensing her inner turmoil, nodded knowingly.
“Tell me the truth.”
“Well……”
The master, who had reigned supreme throughout his life, didn’t know. It wasn’t that Mary was reluctant to tell the truth, but rather she felt an inexplicable pang of guilt. Mary, using gentle gestures, spoke.
“You tend to prefer simplicity, miss. That’s just your taste. This place is magnificent indeed. But in your eyes, it might be a little, just a little, too much.”
However, the master who had prompted her to speak was already lost in his own world, smiling with his eyes closed as if envisioning Ray standing there. Feeling relieved of tension, Mary lowered her gaze in bewilderment, only to notice the key held in the master’s hand. It seemed to be the key to this annex.
“Um, master.”
He must have wanted to bring Ray here as soon as possible. The happiness radiating from the master’s eyes said it all. Tonight, he could sleep soundly.
“Wouldn’t you get the spare key from Phillip?”
Mary also had a key to the mansion-turned-annex. She couldn’t always call for Phillip in his quarters, and she needed one to fetch ingredients from the pantry every morning. Perhaps having one would be convenient for coming and going here as well. Mary looked at the key with a remembered smile.
“Mary.”
The master’s voice, as gentle as spring sunshine, suddenly turned sharp.
“There is no spare key.”
“What? Uh……. So, do you always intend to keep it locked?”
“No.”
The master seemed unaware of his sudden change in tone, but he was standing sternly. It was since Mary brought up the topic of the key. Looking at her askance, the master, with a satisfied expression, said firmly,
“It will be kept closed.”
Years of experience enabled Mary to disguise her true feelings skillfully. She forced a smile and nodded her head.
“Was there anything else unusual?”
“No.”
“Let’s go.”
His escort-like posture seemed kind. She had never seen the master like this before. Everything had changed, from seeking her opinion to being considerably different. But something didn’t feel right. Was it just her aging senses playing tricks on her? As they stepped out of the stunning annex, the air against her cheeks felt cold, almost chilling.
Mary glanced back at the annex one last time. Unlike before, when she admired it with awe, it now looked ominous, like a menacing iron grate.
“It’s truly beautiful.”
But that was the extent of her courage to voice her opinion.
