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

<Episode 190>

 

Hello, Ash.

 

It’s embarrassing to start talking by myself in an empty room.

Today is the day I die.

 

To be more precise, it’s the day I leave for a distant universe. I think you’ll fully understand what that means by now.

 

(Brief silence)

 

How have you been?

 

(Awkward laughter)

 

That was a bit of a weird question, wasn’t it? I just had the same thought. Now that I’m trying to record this video, my words don’t come out easily. I’m feeling a strange mix of emotions that I haven’t felt in a long time.

 

(Another brief silence)

 

I have been doing well so far.

Whenever I look back on my life, I think it was a life that was far beyond what I deserved. If it were to be written into a book, it would be a pretty interesting plot line. It’s the book that awaits the most complete story of my life and the most perfect ending.

 

What do you think, Ash? Can you see the face of my childhood in me now?

 

I still dream of you from time to time.

You’ve always been a hero in my dreams. You would fly to my rescue like a hawk in distress, take my hand, and embark on a journey to distant lands.

 

We were both family and friends. You always looked exactly like me in them, but it was never a problem.

 

(He looks like he’s thinking)

 

The problem was in reality.

After returning to reality, I always fell into deep contemplation. I wondered if your existence was just my long-lasting delusion. Of course, I always came to the conclusion that it was not… but I’ve never been 100% sure of that judgment.

 

(A bitter laugh followed by a direct gaze)

 

Ash, what kind of face do you have?

(Short silence)

 

What kind of voice do you have? What color is your hair, and what kind of eyes do you have? How tall are you? How strong is the hand that wields the sword? I’m curious about how the corners of your mouth curl when you smile. …Looking back, I realize I don’t know anything about you.

 

At least until a few days ago, it was like that.

(Opens hand to reveal an object)

 

All I have left of you are the memories we shared and this old Naz. The notebook we used to have conversations with was lost a long time ago, when our carriage overturned from Orstura to Calepa.

 

Furthermore, White, who remembered you, left shortly after we recovered the Imperial Palace to go restore her village. It’s a story of the past that is so distant that it feels blurry.

 

(Tightly holds the worn-out Naz with a thoughtful look on his face)

 

Now, this Naz is the only thing that proves your existence. It’s not a sign of a severe confusion caused by a split personality, but a trace that shows Ash’s soul resided in my body.

 

You may not know, but our long-time comrades… Ash is probably more familiar with the term “rebel.” They considered you as my alter ego until their deaths.

 

In this moment, no, for over a 100 years, I was the only one who remembered you. That’s probably why I dreamt of you so often. Perhaps I was afraid you’d be left as a figment of my imagination otherwise.

 

(Nostalgic smile)

 

The scenery of that day still remains vivid in my mind. The day when Rue broke the wall of the divine.

 

As soon as his eyes met mine, he grabbed me by the collar, and said these words, terrifyingly, “Where is Daisy?”

 

At the time, I couldn’t understand. Who was Daisy? Even Rue himself didn’t understand the words he had uttered. When I asked him, “Who is Daisy?” he simply replied, “I don’t know.”

 

(Shrugs lightly)

 

And then Rue forgot about you.

Completely, as if you had never existed in the first place.

 

Funny thing is, he hasn’t forgotten who I am. Vaguely, in his dim remaining memories, he associates you and me as one. As “a partner who freed him from the spire prison.” It’s creepy, isn’t it?

 

(Frowns slightly then laughs mischievously)

 

…Now, I know you, Ash.

What you look like, what kind of voice you have, and what kind of expression you smile with… I can confidently say that I know it all now.

 

Do you know the path that leads to the distant universe?

I saw you in a barren land akin to a desert, underneath the vast expanse of infinite stars.

 

It was truly a magical moment. Our souls embraced each other. You, whom I saw for the first time in a hundred years, were an even more wonderful and amazing person than I had imagined.

 

(A gentle laughter)

 

Ash, my hero.

 

I remember every moment we were together.

You came back to life bare on Queen Island and stole Bertie Lucian’s name.

 

Settling in the distant city of Midwinterre, you started a new life as an employee. And there, you met Rue… It was the worst.

 

I mean, to me, not you.

It sent shivers down my spine. For a moment, I wondered if I was seeing things wrong when I saw his expressions and attitude. …Since you are sincerely in love with him, I won’t make any further comments.

 

Ash, the moment you crossed the first barrier is as vivid to me as yesterday.

Even the moment you boarded the massive airship and watched a breathtaking performance. The treasure vault hidden beneath the Penrotta Empire’s soil was also very impressive.

 

I was glad to see how well his Highness, the king of Astrosa had grown up, and I was surprised when Ash became the head of the Weatherwoods family.

 

(Widening his eyes and applauding briefly)

 

Ah! I was really disappointed when you revealed your real name to Rue, Ash.

Actually, you know, Rue doesn’t deserve to know the name Ash. Of course, I must admire the great and bizarre magic he performed despite forgetting about you on Queen Island.

 

Can I be honest? I can’t help but have one lingering doubt after observing Rue for over a hundred years.

 

‘Did Rue really forget about Ash?’ That’s the doubt, you see. Of course, I’m not saying that he deceived us. It’s just that his attitude towards you is suspicious enough to the extent that I can’t help but be skeptical.

 

Rue can’t be that sweet in his first meeting with someone.

(Uncomfortable expression with an uncomfortable silence)

 

If you ask why, I can’t answer anything other than saying that’s just the way he is. Actually, even though I have doubts, I don’t really want to ask Rue directly. I’m sure he’ll say something shameless and cliche like ‘I fell in love at first sight.’

 

So, Ash, watch out too.

Rue is a very mean person. Cunning like a fox and violent as well. Once again, I must emphasize that this advice comes from a concerned friend. You don’t need to take it too seriously… well, to some extent.

 

(Slowly stiffening expression)

 

Ash, my time with you has come to an end as the legacy is activated.

Truly… it’s a shame. In many ways.

 

(Sitting down with a more relaxed posture, clasping his hands.)

 

I don’t know how you’ll take these words, but… honestly, I wanted to stay on the land for as long as possible. I wanted to continue living as Calepa, benefiting more people, and then leave after reuniting with you.

 

But not anymore. Our reunion will take place through this recording.

Because that is our destiny.

 

Now, I must tell you, these relics you’ve gathered are items I decided to use to find you long before I reached the level of a demigod. I don’t know if you remember them, but they’re items that hold our memories.

 

I still vividly remember the contents of the notes that used to pass between us a long time ago.

 

Stories about who you were, where you lived, the caution against a vicious wizard named Mephisto, how an unexpected magic was triggered in the process of trying to save a friend, and how you’d traveled back in time to meet me.

 

But after seeping into your soul and experiencing a brief part of your life together, I decided to slightly alter my original plan.

 

What Ash needed was not our reunion.

 

(After a brief hesitation, slowly shaking his head)

 

It’s best to end the story here, where time and destiny intertwine.

This topic isn’t favorable. The more we talk about the realm of gods, the more the threads of complexity become entangled.

 

(Awkward laughter)

 

Actually, the reason for leaving this recording…

To be completely honest, it doesn’t have much to do with the complex stories from before. I just… wanted to show you, Ash.

 

(Warm smile)

 

I am healthy, Ash.

 

I truly had fun together.

I have seen, felt, and learned so much in this world you guided me through.

 

I am so happy that the last magic I will leave on this land, the last arrangement before I rise to become a star, is for you. Truly.

 

(After a long silence, cautiously)

 

If I may ask. If you get to the great heights and a position where you don’t need my heart crystal anymore… please use it for the complete death of my disciple. You might be able to help your precious friend.

 

Please forgive me for leaving you with a request until the very end.

 

(Long silence again)

 

Ash.

 

(Mysterious laughter)

 

My hero, I will always watch over you.

 

After a long time, we will meet again at the edge of the universe.

Most definitely.

 

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(Magic Activation Words)

‘Don’t die, Ash.’

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(Activation conditions)

 

1. Daisy Weatherwoods
2. The Five Relics

 

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(Activation)

Memory revival

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How askdfksd how could the author make me love a character so much in just that short amount of time? Dian my precious boy aaa I love youu

 

Also Dian Cecht being a Rue hater has got to be the funniest plot twist in the story omg I laughed several times

 

Thank you so much Somebody and Thomas P for the ko-fi!