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

<Episode 128>

 

Jean couldn’t properly get up until the night of the hunting Festival.

 

One of her shoulders was pierced by the swordmaster, and her thigh was pierced by me, so Jean had to be stuck to bed.

However, Jean’s complexion wasn’t entirely pale. The darkened side that had been subtly visible seemed to brighten noticeably, making Jean appear very healthy at least physically.

 

“I’m truly sorry for not being any help at a crucial time, Viscount.”

 

Except that she felt guilty about not being able to serve as my aide.

 

“Forget about that and focus on recovering. How does it feel to cross the first wall?”

 

Jean replied with an awkward smile.

 

“It’s strange. I didn’t even know my sword was making such a loud resonance. My hearing has become so sensitive that I startle easily.”

 

“You’ll get used to it in no time. For now, try to control the resonance little by little while focusing on recovery. Resonance is a voice that reflects your inner self after all, so you can control it only if you understand yourself well.”

 

“Yes!”

 

I looked at Jean, struggling while tightly wrapped in bandages, with pity and left the room.

 

‘It’s going to take a while for her to fully recover. Indeed, it was only thanks to Rue that I was able to easily move around in just a few days after sustaining those heavy injuries.’

 

It made me realize once again how extraordinary the convenience I enjoyed because of him was.

 

According to what Rue had said, we’d meet each other again tomorrow. Since Jean’s position was vacant, I should ask him to just stick to my side as my aide instead of getting involved in some strange role-playing.

 

“Don’t walk with too much stride, master.”

 

“Yes.”

 “And don’t laugh too openly.”

“Okay.”

 

“It’s important for you to meet as many and various type of men as possible, don’t forget.”

 

“I know.”

 

I brushed off the nagging head maid who stuck to me like a leech right in front of the entrance and left the townhouse.

 

The navy blue sky, which had completely disappeared after the sunset, was faintly covered by gray clouds.

 

Here in Ragel, the night was both much brighter and darker than the night in Midwinterre. The city itself was as illuminated and bright as day, but the sky was gloomy in contrast.

 

The Milky Way was also dimmer, and the stars were sparsely visible, so I preferred the day more than the night in Ragel. The night had its own bustling charm, but… I felt a bit uncomfortable with that liveliness.

 

It wasn’t just in Ragel.

I wasn’t a big fan of banquets or festivals in general. Perhaps because I wasn’t used to gatherings that were purely for the sake of enjoyment.

 

Reaching the Imperial Palace took a short time.

However, it took a bit of time to get inside. It seemed like all the nobles of Penrotta had come to show off at the Hunting Festival, with a long line of dazzling carriages.

 

I climbed out of the carriage that the assassin-butler was driving, accompanied by the escort of the bandit maid (who had been disguised as an ordinary servant due to the Head Maid), and finally got off.

 

The first thing that caught my eye at the estate was a gigantic fountain, at least 15 times the size of the fountain at the Weatherwoods Mansion.

 

‘That dazzling fountain remains the same.’

 

Embedded in the fountain’s floor were jewels of various colors, and whenever the water surged, the reflected light sparkled in a myriad of colors, resembling a rainbow.

 

‘Is this the first time since Natasha’s coronation as heir?’

 

I never expected to visit again like this.

 

“The Viscount Daisy Weatherwoods.”

Nodding towards the approaching servant, the assassin-butler introduced me.

“Viscount Weatherwoods, please allow me to serve you.”

 

Following behind the servant, I walked towards my designated residence along a path lined with reddish-brown evergreen trees.

 

When I casually turned my head, I noticed that the carriage the assassin-butler was driving was moving away from the Palace.

 

The first event of the hunting festival was the <Glorious Harvest Banquet Feast>.

The feast, also known as a prelude, was a gathering where people expressed gratitude for the year’s harvest and wished for a successful and safe hunting festival.

 

Livestock raised directly in the royal palace were offered to the gods, praying for a peaceful winter. Any leftover meat from the hunting festival was distributed among the citizens of Ragel.

 

According to the maid, since the end of the war, all the game caught during the hunting festival has been distributed to nationwide refugee shelters and orphanages. The purpose was to provide assistance to the rapidly increasing number of war orphans.

 

It was when I was admiring the exquisite gardens of the Palace and about to climb the stairs in front of my residence.

 

“Sister.”

 

A low and calm voice approached me.

A man with a noticeably tall stature even amidst the crowd was looking at me.

 

“Raphael.”

“You arrived early. It seems I have less waiting to do.”

 

Raphael naturally extended his hand towards me, and I too, naturally took his arm.

At that moment, as if waiting, the gazes of those around us gathered upon us.

 

‘…Hmm.’

 

If it wasn’t an illusion, it felt like a brief moment of silence had fallen around us.

Suddenly, I felt like I had become an actor standing on a stage.

 

Half of them were blatant, while the other half were secretive glances that scrutinized every aspect of my face, hairstyle, and clothing.

 

Unfortunately, due to my heightened sense of hearing and vision, I could clearly hear the whispers of those around me.

 

“Could that be the Viscount that is Andert Fager’s sister…?”

 

“Viscount Weatherwoods? That seems right. The impression I’ve heard matches perfectly, except that she appears much more ferocious.”

 

“Perhaps that’s because of the makeup.”

 

“Goodness, the sister of the hero Andert? Is it really true? I heard she used to be Lady Weatherwoods Maid…”

 

“The Duke of Zenail confirmed himself, so there’s no doubt about it. Everyone knows about the special relationship between the Duke and Andert Fager. Why else would he be called Raphael’s sword? At the very least, matters related to Andert Fager can’t be false.”

 

“A hero who rose from the bottom was actually a member of a prestigious family. It sounds like a story that belongs in a novel.”

 

“I wonder if she’ll try to run wild with her deceased brother’s reputation on her shoulders.”

 

Various perspectives. And various curiosities.

 

‘It feels like I’m a painting at an arts academy entrance examination.’

 

Considering Raphael’s position, the reactions were not surprising.

However, they were more immediate and proactive than expected.

 

I tried to go up the stairs, pretending not to notice, but the gaze of the person on my right side stung so much it was impossible to ignore.

 

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

 

When I was forced to turn my head, unable to ignore, Raphael looked surprised.

“Are you very nervous?”

 

“Oh, of course. I am so, so nervous. My heart feels like it was going to explode.”

“Ah, I can see very well that you’re not. I feel that the atmosphere has changed a lot since we last met.”

 

Atmosphere?

 

Ah.

 

“It’s because of the makeup. I put in a lot of effort today.”

“First impressions are important.”

“Yes, that’s right. I have to find a man to marry soon.”

 

Raphael closed his mouth.

 

There was no particular surprise or displeasure on his face. He just silently examined my face and held my hand tighter, cautioning me to be careful with my steps.

 

I’m giving you a hint, Raphael. It means ‘I’ll find a man on my own, so don’t even dream of proposing’.

 

‘If you blabber about taking responsibility for Andert before I reveal my identity, it will be very, very troublesome.’

 

So wait, Raphael.

 

I’ll reveal my identity before the hunting festival is over. The only reason I’m nervous is you, not the Hunting festival.

 

It was when after I climbed the stairs and Raphael, with subtly tense eyes, was about to slowly part his lips.

 

“Duke Zenail.”

 

Someone approached lightly from front of me. It was Marquis Calpen.

“Ah, aren’t you Viscount Weatherwoods? It’s nice to meet you here. Somehow you feel like a different person today.”

 

With a sly attitude, he spoke to me familiarly.

 

“A woman can easily transform.”

“Oh, you say the same thing as my wife. Let me introduce you, then. This is my wife…”

 

Starting with the Marquis Calpen introducing his wife, over 10 minutes were spent on a long series of introductions.

 

With Count Rosebell and other people interrupting us to introduce their families, my brain felt like it was running but not getting anywhere.

 

‘Sorry, I can’t remember these names anymore… I’m just a reed swaying in their pond…’

 

The swaying reed, constantly moving, was led by the flow and suddenly arrived in an unfamiliar space.

 

In the deep darkness, music flowed gracefully. Nine chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. Two large dining tables were placed on either side, with a centerpiece and long seating on both ends.

 

It was the grand dining hall of the Imperial Palace.

 

“Are you already tired? The dinner party hasn’t even started yet.”

 

Raphael whispered and led me to the right side of the table.

The noble ladies sitting there gave me a nod. At first glance, the atmosphere seemed pleasant enough.

 

‘They said I should get closer to the noble ladies. Maybe I should make some small talk while filling my stomach.’

 

But as soon as I arrived at the table guided by Raphael, my expectations vanished into thin air.

Every seat was assigned.

 

My seat, as Raphael’s partner and a member of the noble council, was uncomfortably close to the royal family. However, the location wasn’t the main issue.

 

‘…a wall.’

 

My seat was surrounded by a rigid and tall wall.

 

To my right was Raphael. Well, that wasn’t a problem.

 

But to the left were the Count and Countess of Rosebell, in front were the Marquis and Marchioness of Calpen, and next to them, I couldn’t tell who he was, but he seemed to be a member of the secret society…

 

‘Sigh.’

 

As a young unmarried lady, I have to enjoy dinner squeezed between these men? Isn’t this a bit too mean?