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

<Episode 175>

 

* * *

 

First question: What poison was given to Dian Serenier?

 

“Oh, it’s one of the three major Astrozan poisons! Ouch! E-Eh? Speak louder? Who’re you giving orders to now, you… Ack! It’s the Glass Violet, one of the three deadliest poisons. But, did you really consume that poison? It’s impossible to survive after ingesting such a lethal poison. You didn’t actually consume it, right? Right?”

 

Second question: What do you want to assassinate Dian Serenier?

 

“…Revenge. The Sereniers burned down our village. My goal was to kill you and every member of this household!”

 

Third question: Is that really all?

 

“Is that the only reason? What reason can surpass revenge for dead family and friends?”

 

I carefully examined the reaction of the young maid and sat down on a chair.

Black hair, black eyes. This young maid, who seemed to have just become an adult, didn’t even possess a last resort like the <Bite of Mercy>.

 

‘That means she’s not an assassin from a professional assassin guild.’

 

However, it was hard to believe that her sole purpose was individual revenge, like she claimed.

 

The fact that she obtained a rare Astrozan poison. The proficiency in killing. Furthermore, considering the part where she specifically aimed to eliminate Dian among the numerous members of the Serenier family, the purpose became quite obvious.

 

“Is it because of that monster trapped in the tower?”

“…Hiccup. What?”

 

“You came to rescue the tower monster.”

“…Hiccup.. N-no? That’s not it.”

 

She can’t lie. By all accounts, she was not a skilled assassin.

 

‘That aside, it’s surprising. There are people who’ve come to save him risking their own lives. Is Rue not alone, but instead has an organization he belongs to?’

 

That would mean Dian could be in danger again.

 

“Are there others besides you inside the castle?”

 

“Hick, how should I know! What! I came here alone for revenge on my own, you know! W-What!”

 

The only thread connected to Rue. If that was the case, it couldn’t be helped.

 

“You’ll stay in my room for now.”

 

“What? I-I’d rather you kill me!”

“Just so you know, I have no intention of doing anything to the tower monster.”

 

I made eye-contact with the surprised looking maid, and continued speaking.

 

“Dian’s… no, as long as the safety of my well-being is guaranteed, it doesn’t matter if the tower monster escapes or not.”

 

I didn’t bother adding that I was even applying ointment to his wounds. I couldn’t be sure of the maid’s true identity yet.

 

‘I guess I can’t go see Rue today.’

 

It was a shame, but there’s nothing I can do. Now, I just.. need to convey this situation to Dian.

Very well.

 

* * *

 

It took only two days for Dian to make a treatment for Glass Violet, one of Astrosa’s most deadly poisons.

 

True to its vicious nickname as an extremely deadly poison , even with the preparation of a treatment medicine, curing Glass Violet poisoning was impossible. This was because the treatment itself was developed to counteract cases where a low dose was ingested.

 

However, there was still hope. Dian’s body was slowly but surely responding to the effects of the medicine.

 

‘Maybe my soul is protecting Dian’s soul.’

 

Dian’s soul was not as shattered as mine, and apart from internal injuries, his physical condition was relatively intact. It was a relief, in a way.

 

However, Dian showed more interest in other incidents than the identity of the assassin.

 

『…I was really surprised, Ash! I never imagined that I would witness Locke (seems to be the name of the ugly guy) kneeling down to me with his hands trembling with my own two eyes!

 

…Actually, I was really worried as I fell asleep that day. I thought Ash would be shocked and hurt if you received a whipping from Locke on my behalf. But I’ve experienced it a few times, so I can endure it well.

 

Ash, were you originally a warrior?

 

How did you bring down Locke with my weak body? And what about this maid, the assassin? How did you subdue her? Do you think I can become as strong as you…?』

 

“Jane.”

 

Jane, who had set a simple dinner on the table, looked up at my call.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Yesterday and today, did I look happy?”

 

“Your mood? Yes, you’ve been looking very happy to me. Oh, are you finally going to tell me why you’re so joyful? You’ve been hiding it for two days!”

 

“Well, no. It’s a secret today, too.”

 

“Whaaat? You seem to be getting more mischievous these days.”

 

I was relieved to see Dian was satisfied with my fist-talking.

For now, I managed to keep that ugly guy from tormenting Dian and Ash… but I don’t know how long it’ll last, so I’ll have to keep an eye on it.

 

“I feel relieved because the young lady has been eating well lately. Judging by your improved complexion, it seems like you’re recovering well. That doctor must have been a quack!”

 

Jane let out a happy laugh and left, and I sat back at my desk.

 

Today, I planned to leave a very important note for Dian.

 

『 I can’t delay any longer, Ash.

Do you wish to save the monster in the tower? I think you must make up your mind now.』

 

As an answer to this question, I will inform him about the future events.

I will tell him about who I am, where I live, how our connection was formed, the reason for wanting to save Rue, Dian’s future, and finally, about the character named Mephisto.

 

‘Since I don’t know how long I will remain in this body, it’s better to let him know as soon as possible.’

 

How Dian would perceive this note was up to him. I could only…

 

“Ugh! Ugh!”

 

I could only…

 

“Ugh! Ugh!”

 

…

 

“Mmph!!”

 

“Sigh.”

 

I sat up and checked under the bed. In the darkness, when I untied the cloth that covered her mouth, the maid assassin took a deep breath and opened her triangular eyes.

 

“Pu-ha! I think I’m going to live now. Hey, unite me quickly if the maid leaves!”

This maid assassin decided to stay under my bed for the time being.

Oh, of course, under a one-sided decision.

 

“If you escape, I’ll stuff all three of the deadliest poisons in the monster’s mouth. I’ll torment him in the most distressful way possible. Got it?”

 

When Rue was mentioned, the maid assassin stopped resisting.

Moreover, compared to two days ago, her attitude had become much more docile, all thanks to Dian’s kindness.

 

‘Tsk. you applied ointment to the wounds of the assassin who came to kill you, and brought her food. Your heart is weak, too weak.’

 

As I began preparing to climb the tower, I asked the maid assassin.

 

“You said the monster likes chocolate, right?”

 

“Well, I don’t know if he likes it, but I’m sure he doesn’t dislike it. I’m not very close to him… is that medicine for him?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“This is really weird. Instead of poison, you’re applying medicine. Are you really Dian Serenier? I can’t believe it. You’re not a fake, are you?”

 

“No, I’m not.”

The reason the maid assassin was being so gentle might not only be Dian but also my attitude. Anyway, I was determined to help Rue, so I guess that’s why.

 

After securely wrapping my body and packing chocolate, I climbed the tower again.

Today’s prison was less cold than two days ago.

 

“Hello.”

 

As I opened the bars and entered, the searching gaze slowly stuck to my face. It felt longer and more intense than before, and I brushed my cheek because of it, but there was no actual contact.

 

I thought maybe it was his own way of greeting, but that seemed very unlikely. Feeling subtly bothered, I bent my knees and sat next to Rue.

 

‘Hmm? Is the ointment as clean as new?’

 

If it wasn’t an illusion, it seemed like the amount had increased a little. Just like when I first filled it. I dropped some disinfectant onto the cloth and gently wiped Rue’s shoulder step by step.

 

‘…Was it originally this healed?’

 

I was somewhat worried because I couldn’t come for two days. However, to my relief, Rue’s condition had improved, and it definitely hadn’t worsened.

 

Could it be Dian?

 

“What are you?”

 

“Huh?”

 

I looked up with a startle.

Due to the sudden approach of the cold gaze, I had to swallow a gasp and step back. In response, Rue frowned and jutted.

 

“Come here. What’s your name?”

Ah, my name? I hesitated again. Slowly closing the distance on my knees, I answered.

 

“Dian Sereni…”

 

“Didn’t I tell you to come here?”

 

“Well, I came.”

 

“Come closer like earlier. I can’t see your face.”

 

My face? I felt uneasy for no reason.

‘Did he find out I’m a man?’

 

It shouldn’t matter if I got caught or not. Since I am not the owner of this body, it’s not like I’m being caught of anything.

 

I approached closer again, but with my head tilted down, and pretended to be absorbed in treating his forearm. I could feel Rue’s breath falling on my forehead. Something felt off.

 

“Tell me your name again.”

 

“…Dian Serenier.”

 

“How many people are there with that name?”

 

Thinking it was a foolish question that didn’t suit Rue, I kindly replied.

 

“I’m the only one.”

 

Rue scoffed with a face of ridicule.

“What bullshit. Didn’t you say there were two of you yesterday?”