SOWD Chapter 108

Chapter 108

Laszlo clearly heard a voice crying out from the depths of his heart at that moment.

I don’t like it.

He didn’t like it.

He didn’t want to see one of those guys he had just met standing beside Idel, grinning like a fool.

He didn’t think Idel would be pleased either. Rather, she might feel sad, realizing how pitiful her situation was.

‘Instead of wasting time sorting through these worthless bastards to find someone barely acceptable, it would be better if…’

The thought that followed “better if” made his face harden grimly.

“Sir Chrisus? You suddenly don’t look too well… Did I perhaps make a mistake…?”

Even when Allen asked nervously, Laszlo remained silent, lost in thought. Then, after a moment, he slowly lifted his head and smiled faintly.

“No, it’s nothing. Just forget what I said.”

“Pardon? You don’t need to hesitate! After all you’ve done for me, how could I refuse such a small request?”

“No, it seems there’s no need to bother anymore.”

Allen tilted his head in confusion at those words, but Laszlo stood up with a refreshed expression. It felt as if the confusion in his mind had been completely cleared away.

---

By the time December arrived, the air had grown noticeably colder.

Before the heart of winter fully settled in, large estates would thoroughly prepare to maintain their grand structures throughout the harsh season.

Idel had been busy throughout November finishing the winter preparations for the Chrisus estate, and today was the day Laszlo would review her work.

“I’ve already reported and confirmed the major expenses with you, but could you please take a look at everything once more?”

When Idel handed him the documents, Laszlo—who hadn’t met her eyes even once since she entered his office—glanced at her briefly before accepting the papers.

However, the speed at which he skimmed through the contents was too fast, suggesting he wasn’t reading them properly.

Just as Idel began to find his behavior odd, he set the documents down on the desk and walked over to the window.

“It wouldn’t be surprising if a cold snap hit us tomorrow with this weather.”

It was an abrupt statement, but given the scene outside, it wasn’t entirely out of place.

Gray clouds hovered low over the ground, casting a gloomy shadow, while the barren, brittle tree branches trembled as if sighing.

The increasingly desolate landscape made one instinctively pull their coat tighter—reminding them of the emptiness within.

“The river doesn’t usually freeze until the end of December, so we have a little breathing room. If there’s any part of the winter preparations that’s lacking, please let me know. I’ll correct it immediately.”

Idel’s response was diligent and maintained the flawless demeanor of a professional butler. Yet, that very composure left a bitter taste in Laszlo’s mouth.

‘There were times when I thought we’d grown closer, but I guess that was just my own illusion.’

As he silently watched a lone black bird flying off in the distance, Laszlo impulsively spoke.

“Honestly, just looking at the paperwork doesn’t really tell me if everything is in order or not. If you’re not too busy, I’d like to personally inspect the estate.”

“If the Count himself is willing to check, it would be my honor. I happen to be free right now—shall we start immediately?”

“How could I refuse when the busiest person in this household is making time for me?”

Laszlo smiled as he shrugged on his jacket.

His smile was as usual, making Idel question whether the strange sense of distance she’d felt earlier had been her imagination.

‘Well, it’s not like the Count of Chrisus is obligated to smile at me every time he sees me.’

Gathering the documents she had previously handed him, Idel followed Laszlo out of the office.

The chilly air in the hallway cooled her cheeks.

“It’ll take a while to check both inside and outside the estate—shouldn’t you wear a scarf or perhaps a cloak?”

When she expressed her concern, Laszlo glanced down at her and chuckled softly.

“You’re the one who should bundle up. Don’t tell me that’s the warmest thing you own?”

“This is quite a warm shawl, I’ll have you know. And I’m wearing plenty of layers underneath.”

“I’m not entirely convinced.”

Their light-hearted exchange continued as they strolled through the corridor.

It was then that Laszlo noticed the thick winter curtains hanging like sentinels along the walls.

The gray curtains with a hint of blue seemed cold at first glance, but they harmonized well with the mansion’s walls and window frames. Most importantly, they were thick enough to block out any drafts seeping through the windows.

“…What color were the curtains here before?”

“Orange.”

“Ah, right.”

At the mention of “orange,” an image of the old curtains immediately came to mind—gaudy and somewhat cheap-looking.

They had been thin, crinkly fabric adorned with gold patterns—completely at odds with his taste. Still, not being someone who cared much about curtains, he had simply endured it in silence.

“These new curtains… You chose well.”

“Thank you.”

Since he had entrusted all such decisions to Idel, Laszlo hadn’t intended to interfere. But seeing the new curtains that suited his taste so well left him feeling unexpectedly satisfied.

“Did you put these same curtains on all the windows in the mansion?”

“No. I selected different styles based on each area’s purpose and atmosphere. Your office and bedroom primarily use a dark red, while Miss Linia’s room features a dried moss color. The drawing room and banquet hall also have curtains customized to fit their ambiance.”

“…So that’s what ‘dried moss color’ is.”

Laszlo recalled the brief visit he’d made to Linia’s room. At the time, he’d only noted that the room felt calm without being gloomy—but now he realized the moss-colored curtains had played a role in creating that atmosphere.

‘Her room used to be so cluttered…’

He remembered how the place had once been filled with strange, meaningless trinkets that had irritated him.

When had all those disappeared?

As Laszlo mused over these thoughts, they arrived at the grand staircase leading to the main entrance.

A thick carpet muffled their footsteps, and at the base of the banister, a white poinsettia in a pot sat neatly atop the decorative pillar.

“I thought those were meant to rest your arm—but I guess they make good flower stands too.”

“While they’re meant to support the hand, it’s common to place seasonal plants or sculptures on them for decoration.”

“Well, it’s a much better sight than seeing those thugs leaning against them, acting all cocky.”

Idel stifled a small laugh, and the warmth in her soft chuckle lifted Laszlo’s mood.

Their next destination was the wine cellar and the nearby storage shed.

However, several heavy sacks were stacked in front of the wine cellar door, blocking the entrance.

“It looks like an extra delivery of coal. Why would they leave it here? My apologies—I’ll call the servants to clear it right away.”

While Idel seemed flustered to present Laszlo with an untidy sight, he appeared perfectly relaxed.

“No need to bother them.”

With that, he effortlessly lifted the heavy sacks—something that would take two servants struggling together—and carried them over to the firewood storage beside the shed.

“Is that all of it?”

“Yes. I’m sorry—you must have found them heavy…”

“If I can carry a person, this is nothing.”

Idel found herself admiring him.

‘To protect the Emperor’s side, I guess you really do need to be this strong…’

 

As she gazed at him with newfound respect, Laszlo, on the other hand, couldn’t bring himself to meet her eyes.

 

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