SM Chapter 58

58. A Gaze Encountered in the Darkness.

 

“None of the duchesses in history have ever allowed a ‘greeting for a noblewoman,’” they said.

To be precise, there was simply no opportunity for it.

Rappin and Julie left that part out.

It was clear Bianca misunderstood, her face turning pale in confusion.

But they chose not to inform her that previous duchesses hadn’t engaged in external activities, thus making such opportunities nonexistent.

It wasn’t as though they were ordered to avoid contact with other men.

However, these two had served Jillian more closely than anyone else.

Jillian Baloch.

Their master had no attachment to anything—not even his own life, as was the case with every Baloch through generations.

Even the treasure-filled Baloch warehouse, which housed ancient artifacts likely dating back to the kingdom’s founding, failed to stir any emotion in him.

Massive chunks of gold, diamonds the size of grapes—none of it mattered.

To him, they were just objects.

He wore clothes because he had to, but he neither indulged in luxury nor exhibited any particular taste. Even ordinary knights probably owned more clothing than he did.

Nothing meant anything to Baloch—except for his devotion as Termina’s servant.

And yet, the first thing the Duke of Baloch ever became protective of was Bianca.

When the news first spread that the Duke had brought back Princess Termina as his bride, there had been concern. However, that worry dissipated the moment they saw the Duke’s gaze upon Bianca.

It was… what should one call it?

Like a newborn following its mother, or a beast discovering its long-lost mate.

The Duke exuded an inexplicable mix of obsession and deep affection.

His unilateral devotion to the princess seemed tragic. But…

Rappin’s gaze shifted to the Duchess, whose expression was troubled.

She was so lovely, exuding not only an extraordinary beauty but also a gentle and exceedingly virtuous demeanor.

It was hard to believe she was Termina’s princess.

‘How could anyone resist?’

Adding to that was her dazzling beauty, which instantly captured attention.

The Duke’s obsession was entirely understandable.

Yet, the Duchess wasn’t just fragile and lovable.

Rappin distinctly remembered seeing her smile kindly at a merchant, extending her hand in goodwill.

As if to replace Jillian Baloch himself, she carried herself with a rare nobility and grace, engaging with outsiders.

Even before, she was radiant, but in those moments, she shone even brighter.

Rappin had noticed the merchant’s eyes momentarily gleam with greed.

“What should I do?”

“How about keeping a little more distance next time?”

And so, Julie’s mischievous lies continued to be ignored, just like during the falcon’s message delivery.

Rappin quietly clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze drifting far away.

His master was Jillian, and Rappin intended to guard Bianca perfectly, as his master wished—even at the cost of his own life.

 

***

 

Clang!

A sharp crash echoed as the chandelier swayed violently, followed by a piercing roar.

Krrraaah!

Bianca, who had just dozed off, shot upright.

Before her eyes could adjust to the dark, Julie dashed over, wrapping Bianca in a coat and pulling her under the bed.

“What was that sound?”

“Probably a wyvern.”

“At this hour?”

“It might be the start of a wave,” Julie replied quickly.

“How can you tell?”

Julie explained that wyverns were rare and usually appeared no more than once a season near the ducal estate.

“Then this must have come from beyond the ice wall?”

“Probably. Wyverns are a native species near the ice wall. Their appearance tonight suggests that the ice wall in their habitat might’ve broken. But it’s not critical, so don’t dwell on it.”

Julie’s calm smile showed no sign of tension, and Bianca, lying under the bed with her, found her mind suddenly clear despite the remnants of sleep.

“Who’s on the fourth floor?”

“Sir Hailey and Sir Rappin went up.”

“Sir Rappin…”

“He’s the deputy commander of the second fortress. While he’s not the commander, he’s proven capable enough to take charge during emergencies.”

Julie, who usually dismissed Rappin, now praised his abilities with a neutral tone. She likely wanted to reassure Bianca.

Even in such a situation, her consideration was so endearing that Bianca couldn’t help but smile.

“Feel reassured?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Then we can trust Sir Hailey and Sir Rappin?”

“Of course. If things get dangerous, I’ll protect you, so don’t worry.”

Julie herself seemed tense despite her comforting words, which made Bianca chuckle.

Thud.

A faint vibration traveled through the floor and resonated throughout her body.

Kraaaah!

The ear-piercing roar continued relentlessly.

But that was the only sound. There was no noise from Hailey or Rappin.

Even though Bianca knew it didn’t make sense for her to hear anything, she found herself straining her ears to listen.

“If you’re worried…”

“Should we go up?”

“No, just close your eyes. I’ll block your ears for you.”

Unlike with Jillian, Julie seemed genuinely distressed.

“This is different from back then.”

The conversation jumped topics, but Julie managed to follow Bianca’s words.

“You can’t compare Sir Jillian to other knights. Regular knights… no, even captains can’t slay monsters the way Sir Jillian could.”

This wasn’t about glorifying Jillian or pride in her master—it was simply the truth.

“If it’s not the Duke, you must stay far away. It’s even better if you stay hidden like this.”

Julie spoke firmly, her expression serious, as if issuing a warning.

“Monsters react to sound, smell, and movement, but the strongest reaction is to movement. So, if you encounter one, hide immediately. That’s the best way to increase your chances of survival.”

“Yes, yes.”

Bianca calmly answered, noting Julie’s tense demeanor.

At this moment, no other words were needed.

“If you’re cornered, don’t look back and run. As hard as you can. If the escape route isn’t blocked, flee anywhere. The knights will buy you time to get away.”

“Leave the knights behind and run?”

“It’s not abandoning them. It’s a knight’s duty to protect their master.”

“But…”

Boom! Kraaahk! 

A sound like the ground collapsing echoed, followed by a roar so fierce it made Bianca’s spine stiffen instinctively.

As silence fell once more, Julie spoke again, cutting through the tension.

“It’s not a matter of ‘but.’ If you must run, it’s because there are no knights left to protect you.”

Julie’s eyes gleamed strangely in the darkness, her gaze intense.

“If we’re going to die anyway, wouldn’t it be more worthwhile if you lived?”

“Yes, that would be… worthwhile.”

Splat.

With a wet sound, a sharp, fishy stench filled the air.

“Ugh, what is this! Sir Rappin!”

Julie pinched her nose and yelled.

The smell was so foul that even Bianca had to hold her breath to keep from gagging.

“If you’re done handling it, go clean up!”

Even as she crawled out from under the bed, Julie continued to scold Rappin harshly.

Sure, the smell was terrible, but wasn’t he the one who had risked his life fighting the wyvern? 

To come back only to face criticism seemed unfair.

Following Julie out, crawling awkwardly, Bianca spoke up.

“Julie, don’t be so harsh.”

“You can’t let this slide! How can he enter the lady’s bedroom in such a state!”

Julie pointed at Rappin, whose armor and clothing were dripping with monster fluids.

When they’d been hiding under the bed, only his boots had been visible. Now, Bianca could see he was a complete mess.

His cloak, gloves, and sword—everything he wore—were soaked.

Yet somehow, Rappin himself seemed untouched, which was oddly impressive.

“I was worried about you, so I came to check on you. My apologies.”

Even in his disheveled state, Rappin gave an awkward smile.

Seeing him like that made Bianca realize again how incredible Jillian truly was.

That day, Jillian had slain a wyvern in a single blow. He hadn’t gotten a single drop on him.

Even the thought of sending someone like him to face a monster had felt heartbreaking.

But now…

“Sir Rappin, thank you for your hard work.”

She wondered just how much more terrifying it must have been for him.

Bianca sincerely offered her thanks to the drenched Rappin.

“Thanks to you, I’m safe.”

“N-not at all…!”

“Really, thank you.”

Rappin, who had been waving his hands in denial, turned so red from Bianca’s heartfelt gratitude that his face couldn’t possibly flush any further.

“It’s only natural for a knight.”

“I’m grateful that you willingly bear such harsh duties.”

“It’s an honor to ensure my master’s safety.”

Unable to endure the overwhelming situation any longer, Rappin’s head dropped with a small tilt.

Under the dim lamplight, his exposed neck was flushed bright red.

“What about Hailey?”

“She’s finishing up. I only came down briefly to confirm you were safe, so I’ll be heading back now.”

“Please make sure to pass my thanks to Hailey—no, to Sir Hailey as well.”

“O-of course.”

The unexpected gratitude for what he considered his natural duty left Rappin stammering, unable to compose himself.

Even Julie, who had been scolding him all along, was silent at this moment.

Soon, the flustered Rappin left, and Julie opened the window to let out the fishy air as she began tidying up the messy room.

“My lady.”

“Hmm?”

“I’ve decided—I’m not going to let myself have anyone precious to me.”

With a faint, pale smile, Julie’s eyes glinted in the dim light.

“If I can’t serve a master like you for the rest of my life, then what’s the point?”

Goodness.

Bianca let out a small groan as she belatedly understood Julie’s words.

Growing up among knights, when would this maid ever fully accept her own role?

“Think about it a bit more.”

“No, I’ve made up my mind.”

“No, really. Think about it some more. I’d prefer it if you stayed by my side forever.”

At Bianca’s words, Julie pursed her lips in slight displeasure.

But then, looking off into the distance, she suddenly asked,

“Do you really want me to stay by your side forever?”

“Yes, of course.”

“In that case…”

Watching the young maid mutter like a child, Bianca slipped back into bed. The air was cold.

“Enough of that now. Go back and get some sleep.”

“Yes, my lady. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

At Bianca’s words, Julie firmly latched the wide-open window and left the room.

Click.

The moment the latch secured, Julie’s expression outside the door turned chilling.

“Stay vigilant.”

She instructed the knight standing guard in her absence, before dashing straight downstairs.

Just moments ago, she had locked eyes with someone in the darkness.

Not everyone was asleep this night. But this wasn’t mere coincidence.

Though their face hadn’t been clearly visible, she’d distinctly seen them smirking in that brief instant.

“An intruder!”

It didn’t matter when they’d infiltrated or who they were.

Julie ran out of the ducal estate on silent footsteps, greeted by a blade-like wind that seemed to freeze her lungs.

Huff.

The icy air seared her chest as she inhaled, but Julie only smiled faintly.

She had been born and raised as a knight here.

Running across snowfields, moving soundlessly, and blending into the darkness—she was a cut above any petty intruder.

Crunch.

With the sound of ice cracking underfoot, Julie leaped into the shadows.