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

<Episode 132>

 

Why didn’t the emperor show up?

Because of the maid, who heard about what happened at the banquet from me back at the townhouse, I didn’t have to search far for an answer.

 

“Showing the emperor’s well-being is one of the important means to enhance the unity of the nation. Not explaining the reasons for the Emperor’s absence at the start of the festival would mean that the reasons are not positive. However, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a very fatal reason either. If it were, they would have explained the reason more clearly, even if they had to mix in lies.”

 

“Then could it be a health issue? I heard that the emperor has been suffering from an illness for a long time.”

 

“Perhaps it could be? Brother Ashernik has been weak since childhood.”

 

I recalled the empty table of the Imperial family and asked.

“All the other seats besides the Emperor’s were also empty.”

 

“The would-be Empress passed away before brother Ashernik’s coronation, and the crown prince is still young, so he only shows himself at very formal occasions like the New Year’s banquet.”

 

It seemed unlike the former Emperor, who left behind more than ten children, Emperor Ashernik did not have many heirs.

Emperor Ashernik, whose appearance I confirmed through a portrait in the palace, was a figure that looked excessively splendid like a male peacock.

 

In particular, his sharp and distinct eyes, which could dominate his overall impression, reminded me of Natasha, so I couldn’t help but want to meet him in person at least once.

 

“In fact, there is something more important than that.”

The maid, muttering to herself, raised the newspaper she was reading a little higher.

 

Thanks to that, the stimulating headline of the daily newspaper was exposed directly in the direction I was sitting.

 

『Which man did Viscount Daisy Weatherwoods, the woman of the hour, choose?』

 

The prominently showcased four faces underneath… they were so obvious I didn’t even have to say their names.

Thin, fluttering eyelashes from behind the newspaper quietly glanced at me.

 

“If you have something to say, say it.”

 

Don’t stare at me like that.

The head maid, as if waiting, parted her lips.

 

“In the social circle of Penrotta, there is a saying, my lord. The most beautiful flower of the year withers the earliest.”

 

“I’m sorry, but I’m not a flower. Rather, I might be closer to a herbicide.”

Because I used to slaughter demons.

 

“I’m not talking about flowers in the dictionary sense. It means that the more attention a woman receives, the easier it is for her to fall.”

“What kind of weird analogy is that? It’s different from what you said yesterday. You said that attention should be received no matter what.”

“Well, there’s always a required moderation for everything. And this… it has gone beyond the scope of moderation.”

 

Gone beyond the scope of moderation.

 

‘But if you look closely, it’s not really like that.’

 

There were three men and one woman, yes, but one side was my teacher, one was my comrade, and one side was just… slightly better than the others.

 

However, to outsiders, it must appear as some passionate love affair.

‘They always write such provocative articles.’

 

Well, demagoguery never ceased even in wartimes. Compared to them, this could be called cute.

With a brief cough, the maid folded the newspaper, asking quietly.

 

“So, master… as expected, is it the younger one?”

 

This again?

Before the head maid could continue her nonsense, I left the bedroom. And just as I did yesterday, I headed to the Imperial palace under the care and escort of the assassin-butler and the bandit maid.

 

Inside the carriage, another newspaper, which the head maid had prepared for me to read in advance, was placed.

 

There was an article in it that caught my eye.

 

『….This year’s hunting festival will see the unprecedented participation of the Astrosa Kingdom, a member of the Northern Continent Alliance. The visit of the diplomatic envoy from the Northern Continent Alliance is seen as a significant occasion, as it is being speculated whether this could be marked as the reopening of the tightly closed diplomatic doors of the Northern Continent after four years since the end of the Magic War.』

 

It seemed that Rue was among the invited guests who would participate in the hunt from the second day.

 

Was he abandoning Morian Serenier’s identity and returning as Alpen Serenier this time?

 

‘It seems like he spread this information in advance for me to look for.’

I don’t know whether to be grateful for this or call it obnoxious.

 

‘But still, since he’s coming, I hope he comes soon.’

You said you would stay with me. Why were days without you so long and empty like this?

 

I comfortably leaned back on the chair, recalling my amusing first meeting with the one who held the title of Count Serenier and the most handsome man in the North, Alpen Serenier.

 

* * *

First day of the hunting competition.

 

Those who attended the <Glorious Harvest Banquet Feast> last night gathered again, dressed in horseriding attire.

 

Magnificent horses of excellent lineage, shining proudly without a speck of dirt on them, become the centerpiece, showcasing the wealth of their owners.

 

Among them, my horse was quite ordinary.

Regardless of pedigree, as long as it was healthy, it was enough.

 

“Viscount Weatherwoods always seems to prefer black horses.”

 

While I waited for Rowayne, someone spoke to me for the first time.

I crumpled my slightly uncomfortable new leather gloves and turned my head. Mounted on a splendid white horse, the swordmaster was observing my horse.

“I think even in my memories, you were always with a black horse. It’s hard to imagine you riding any other horse.”

 

…Is that so?

 

“I don’t particularly prefer black horses. It’s just a coincidence.”

 

“Is it also a coincidence that you only use black leather gloves?”

 

“No, it’s practical. Even if blood gets on them, it doesn’t show easily.”

 

“You mustn’t hunt people here.”

 

“Is that so? That’s a shame. It’s my specialty.”

 

He must already know that.

As I mounted the saddle, the swordmaster’s gaze lingered near my wrist. On the white imperial magic bracelet given to me.

 

“It would have been fun if you were following me around while wearing that bracelet. To some extent, I hadn’t expected Raphael to intervene so strongly. By any chance, do you prefer younger partners, considering I’m considerably older than that fellow?”

 

That damn thing about younger partners again. I scanned the swordmaster with a suspicious look.

 

“Why do you ask that?”

“I thought it wasn’t the case, but now I’m not sure anymore.”

“If I must answer, for them to be too young would be uncomfortable.”

 

“Well, the young knights were quite jealous of you. Gender is truly amusing. Even though you were similar in age back then and now… But now, you’re being courted instead of being envied by them, because you’re a woman.”

 

Without responding, I narrowed my eyes and continued to gaze at him. The swordmaster tilted his head slightly.

 

“Don’t stare at me so blatantly. What else is bothering you?”

 

“It’s just that the Duke knows me so well that it’s uncomfortable. Although you were like a mentor to me, I feel like I’ve been too foolish in front of you all this time.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

After a brief silence, the swordmaster turned his head slightly, his tongue touching his lips.

“Pretending to know everything is not attractive either. I made a mistake.”

 

With that, he passed by me, following the same path.

 

As he moved farther away, surrounded by people, I stared at his back and then looked down at the white bracelet fastened like a shackle to my right wrist.

 

The Hunter’s Aide.

As inferred from its mysterious name, the role itself was truly enigmatic.

Giving water to the hunter, taking care of the prey, fetching towels to wipe, keeping records, praising, fetching arrows, and more…

 

‘In short, it’s like being a servant.’

 

Each of these actions was recorded in the magic tool and given points.

I could clearly see how this could be exploited politically. It was perfect for bullying the child of someone a person didn’t like.

 

‘My job is to fetch water for my junior.’

How convenient it is to have a good position to rest.

 

“Viscount Weatherwoods!”

Not far away, my name was called.

Recognizing the owner of the voice, I turned my head with a warm smile.

 

“Viscountess Werkhord.”

“How are you feeling today? I’m worried that my son might bother you, Viscount. Please take care of him, Viscount.”

“Don’t worry about that. Sir Rowayne Werkhord is a splendid knight.”

 

The curious gazes of the noble ladies briefly glanced at us.

As we exchanged a few words, Viscountess Werkhord, who had been walking beside me, suddenly lowered her voice and asked.

 

“So, what happened at last night’s dinner?”

“What happened?”

 

Ah, she must be referring to the partner designation.

Come to think of it, from the perspective of the Mrs. Werkhord, it might have felt a bit burdensome…

 

“Well, I expected Duke Raphael to some extent, but I never imagined that Duke Jurian would also step forward like that. Oh, to think that this year’s protagonist of the Hunting Festival, the one whom those two are trying to court, chose our Rowayne? Did you see how Duke Raphael’s expression changed the moment you announced my child’s name? You didn’t see it, did you? He looked visibly stiffened. I felt so guilty.”

 

“…”

 

“No, that’s not important. So, Viscount. Which one would you choose? The young hero or the Emperor’s Sword? I heard you talking to Duke Jurian just now, could it be that…”

 

“Viscountess Werkhord is saying something people might misunderstand. The one I chose was Sir Rowayne. So Sir Rowayne will be by my side.”

 

“Oh.”

 

So please, don’t ask me such things.

In response to my evasive answer, Viscountess Werkhord had a slightly disappointed yet secretly satisfied expression.

 

And before long, my lovely hunting competition partner stood by my side.

With a very stiff face, too.

 

“You’re surprisingly quieter than expected, Sir Rowayne. You must have heard from the Viscountess, isn’t that right?”

 

After a moment of silence, Rowayne spoke calmly.

 

“I’m very grateful that you listened to my mother’s unreasonable request, Viscount.”

 

“Yes, live your life as if you owe me forever. If Sir Rowayne marries well later, the credit is mine, and if you can’t, it’s your fault. Keep that in mind.”

 

“….Yes.”

 

Clang.

 

The bell announcing the start of the hunting competition rang.

“Well then… let’s go work like dogs, Sir Rowayne. I’ll be your aide, so it’s best if we earn points as quickly as possible.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Remember. If our team misses out on first place in this year’s hunting championship.”

 

“….”

 

“I know the perfect way to propose to Sir Rowayne in front of everyone.”

 

Rowayne’s eyes looked noticeably agitated.

He tightly closed and opened his eyes, then responded with effort.

 

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

---

 

Lmao I feel so bad for Rowayne. My boy made one mistake as a fanboy and now he’s being threatened by his hero

but also Mrs Werkhord is having the time of her life. Imagine someone choosing your son over the two most popular bachelors in the kingdom, she’s over the moon.