The Peaceful Life of a Maid Who Hides Her Power and Enjoys It

<Episode 110>

 

Andert Fager.

Under Rowayne’s sharp gaze, I thought of the four men sitting in the next room.

 

Each one of them were renowned heroes of the magical war who would be remembered in history. From the beginning, it was no ordinary combination.

 

However, I’d visited the Zenail Duchy as a survivor of Queen Island, not as a member of the military or the magic war.

Even from an ordinary person’s view, the fact that the four of them were gathered in one place was intimidating.

 

‘Did they find clear evidence that I’m Andert Fager?’

Or was it just that they had keen eyes like Desherro?

 

Since arriving at the Zenail Estate, I’d completely changed my behavior pattern.

 

I made no secret of being left-handed, wore the jewel earrings of an ordinary lady, presented myself in the most natural way possible, without forcing my gait or subtle body movements. I also didn’t forget to meticulously conceal any traces of my oaths with the in-season clothing.

 

Besides that, would there be a way to discover my true identity?

 

‘No, there isn’t. I’m sure of it. As soon as I came back to life, I went to Midwinterre. They wouldn’t know who I am unless they inspected me up very closely, or by interrogating a member of the Weatherwoods family.’

 

With a frightening certainty, Rowayne pressed me for an answer.

“You’re not saying anything.”

 

Then, on what basis was he accusing me?

Pure intuition?

 

“…It was such a random question that I couldn’t help but take some time to wonder if it had some hidden meaning.”

“There is no great meaning behind it. You can take the question at face value. Are you Andert Fager, the hero of the magic war?”

 

I glanced around the room and let out a small chuckle.

 

“If I may point out one thing, There seems to be an issue with your eyesight. Sir Raphael’s sword was a man, and I am a woman.”

 

“I am aware of that since I can see you.”

 

“Then why ask if you already know? Have you found some great evidence?”

“The details of that are confidential.”

 

“I see. So, you’re asking me if I’m Andert Fager so out of the blue like this without even having the intention to show me any substantial evidence for the question?”

 

I straightened my back and stared at Rowayne.

 

“So are you implying that you wish to use your power as my interrogator to intimidate and force a false statement out of me?”

“I’m not forcing you.”

“Oh really? You’re not?”

 

I chuckled softly.

 

“If you’re not forcing me.. fine, I’ll answer.”

 

Thud.

 

Crash!

 

I swiftly lifted the round table that stood between Rowayne and me with my right leg, flipping it over, and took advantage of the gap created in front to grab his throat and throw him towards the wall.

 

“This is my answer, Sir Rowayne.”

 

Skilled knight that he was, Rowayne tried to regain his balance against the wall and draw his sword, but…

 

“If.”

Unfortunately, I was one step ahead.

“If I am Andert Fager…”

 

“Grrk.”

 

Rowayne was lifted off the ground, his throat strangled beneath my hand and his back against the wall. His feeble attempt to break the wrist of a delicate lady like me didn’t last long before he slowly fell to the ground.

 

“The neck of a knight like you, so young and full of vigor. Wouldn’t it be no work for me to twist it with just one hand?”

 

I liked the shoes I had on. They evened out the height difference between a well-built adult man and me.

 

I tightened my grip on the stem of his neck and asked kindly.

 

“Yes, I am Andert Fager. Is this the answer you wanted? Well then, I have a question for you too, Sir Rowayne. How does it feel to be dying in the hands of a hero?”

 

His eyes, once filled with determination, gradually grew hazy. I felt no sympathy.

I had no intention of killing him anyway.

 

A strong doubt rose within me when I was first caught in this situation.

‘Why did Raphael put forward such an inexperienced swordsman?’

 

I generally didn’t like young knights.

The ones who tormented me the most during the magical war were not demons or my superiors. They were the arrogant young knights who sought power and glory (most of them were noble-born).

 

They systematically ostracized and tormented me simply because I caught the attention of the Swordmaster.

 

Of course, I had no intention of somehow “returning the favor” to Rowayne due to my past experiences with noble sons.

I hadn’t attacked Rowayne in a fit of anger.

This was a kind of warning.

 

A warning to Raphael and the other observers, not to Rowayne.

“Deliver this message to Duke Zenail, Rowayne. Don’t play with people like this. If you have something to say, say it clearly. I am a busy person too.”

 

What did Raphael want from me, going so far as to push this inexperienced knight onto me?

As the doubt grew deeper.

 

“Viscount Weatherwoods.”

Someone approached me from behind without a sound and pressed a sword against my chin.

 

“I will apologize on behalf of Sir Rowayne for his rudeness, so please calm down.”

 

Marquis Calpen.

A strategist who moved in sync with the Swordmaster. Widely known for his tactics during the magic war.

 

“If you release his neck, we won’t make an issue out of this.”

As I slowly let go of my hand, Rowayne, who took a deep breath, quickly stepped away from me.

 

“Cough, cough.”

 

“…You’re too careless, Sir Rowayne. You let yourself be strangled by a weak lady like me. You seem to require some urgent training.”

If you understand, don’t play dumb.

I sent a warning through my gaze, but Marquis Calpen blocked me.

After sheathing his sword, he coldly commanded Rowayne.

 

“Sir Rowayne, go outside and be on standby.”

“Understood…”

“Your Excellency, Marquis. What do you mean that you won’t make an issue out of this?”

 

The one who raised an objection to Marquis Calpen was Count Rogenhoff, the one-eyed swordsman.

Unlike the agile impression of Marquis Calpen, Count Rogenhoff had a fierce demeanor that would make civilians wet themselves upon encountering him.

And we were the same age.

 

“Sir Rowayne was merely doing his part as an interrogator. Although some unexpected questions did arise… it wasn’t something that could be considered an attack on anyone or warranted retaliation that threatened his life.”

 

The one-eyed man, glaring at me with disdain, muttered to Marquis Calpen.

He was still the same, looking out for his people. I could say nothing since it was the right thing to do.

 

‘That aside, did he really just arbitrarily ask me if I was Andert?’

 

I looked at Rowayne with a different feeling.

Having four senior members of the military supervise them would definitely get the blood pumping in anyone, I admitted that.

 

But on what grounds did he ask such a question?

 

“Sir Rowayne is a member of the Imperial Army. Any act that threatens a soldier can be interpreted as a terrorist threat, so we cannot overlook it as if it never happened. Isn’t that right, Count Rosebell?”

 

The one-eyed man’s question turned everyone’s attention to the middle-aged man standing by the door.

 

“…Well, rather than that, I find Viscount Weatherwoods’ skills to be quite amazing.”

 

I knew.

The fact that Count Rosebell hadn’t taken his eyes off me from start to finish.

 

“Isn’t that right? She’s powerful enough to single-handedly subdue Sir Rowayne, the vice commander of the Zenail Knights. Even though at best, she just looks like a woman in her early twenties.”

“……”

“I would believe it if someone said you really were Andert.”

 

When I met his sharp eyes, I felt sweat trickling down my back.

“Didn’t you say she was discovered on Queen Island this summer and worked as a maid for the Weatherwoods family? But it was revealed later that she had a blood connection with the Weatherwoods family. It’s not something you see every day.”

 

Count Rosebell, who approached slowly, demanded of me.

“Viscount Weatherwoods, if you don’t mind, may I check your hands?”

“No.”

“Please.”

 

As always, I was weak with elders.

 

I couldn’t help it.

If I thought about it, these elders, the leaders in the magic war, were my mentors in swordsmanship and life.

But the past was the past, and the present was the present.

Didn’t Desherro find out who I was because of my confidence in those damn delicate hands?

 

 

Instead of complying with Count Rosebell’s request, I showcased a trick by thrusting a silver teaspoon into the wall. (No one applauded.)

 

“See? Regardless of the structure or texture of my hands, bones and skin, as you expected, I am a skilled warrior. It’s not appropriate for you to casually examine the bare flesh of an unmarried woman. Please refrain from any further invasive questions or requests.”

 

“…To think there was such a powerful person hiding in the empire. I’m curious about who your teacher might be.”

“Are you really curious?”

“I don’t want to lie and say that I’m not.”

“It’s a secret.”

“That’s too bad. Then can I ask just one question?”

“Go ahead.”

“What’s your relationship with Andert Fager?”

It was a polite question. I looked straight into Count Rosebell’s eyes and let out a small sigh.

 

“Really, I’m so tired of it.”

As if I wasn’t the least bit surprised.

 

“Andert this, Andert that… that damned Andert Fager. He’s a soldier who’s been dead for over four years. Sure, he’s the hero of the war, everyone knows that. But isn’t he already long gone? What does it matter to you if I have anything to do with him? What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to pay respects to the deceased through me?”

 

The atmosphere in the room turned cold at the obvious mockery.

 

“…I,”

 

Count Rosebell finally spoke after a long silence.

 

“That’s enough.”

Raphael, who appeared belatedly, interrupted the audience.

 

“From now on, I will personally continue the interrogation. Only Viscount Weatherwoods shall stay. The rest, please leave the room.”

 

---

Aack the tension

 

Also Daisy always being so quick to say no but ending up doing it anyway is always so funny to me I love it sm.

She really is weak with the elders  •́⁠ ⁠ ⁠‿⁠ ⁠,⁠•̀