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

<Episode 96>

 

“Why is the Count smiling?”

“Because it’s cute.”

Count Serenier flexibly responded to the King’s jab.

The bewildered king searched him with confused eyes and coughed, stealing a glance at me.

 

“Ahem. Well… since we seem to have some spare time, I could also learn a thing or two from your lover…”

 

“No.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“My wife is delicate. Please don’t torment her.”

 

“What? Delicate? Who?”

 

The smile on Count Serenier’s face deepened when the king couldn’t understand his refusal.

“My wife.”

“And what about me?”

“Do I have to say it?”

 

It felt like the power dynamics had just momentarily shifted.

 

It was when King Astrosa, who shook his head, raised one hand to declare the end of the evaluations.

 

“It is regrettable, but… sigh. Then let’s conclude the entrance examination with this…”

“Your Majesty.”

 

Someone confidently appeared, interrupting the king’s declaration.

“…Mr. Gavroche Berkeley-Gratten, do you have something to say?”

“It’s late, but I request to undergo the entrance examination.”

 

Was he crazy?

‘No, how did he even…’

 

King Astrosa, equally taken aback, quickly regained his composure and calmly spoke.

 

“Not just anyone can take the examination. A letter of recommendation from one of Rogue’s disciples is required, Mr. Gavroche.”

 

“I have it with me.”

 

Andert’s confidence had a reason. 

The letter of recommendation he presented to the king was precisely that.

 

‘…Could it be, did he plan to follow me here for that from the beginning?’

 

Was it the swordmaster’s plan to have Andert infiltrate Rogue?

However, my suspicions seemed to be for naught.

 

“Did you receive this recommendation letter yesterday?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm.”

 

I had a rough idea of where the recommendation letter came from.

 

‘While we were crossing over to the Royal Palace with the Golden Key yesterday, he must have threatened one of the nobles.’

 

Tsk tsk. Those pathetic little lambs fell into the hands of a gangster.

King Astrosa’s expression had now transformed into a somewhat detached one, with no intention of raising objections.

 

“Good. Since you are also a special guest, let’s proceed quickly. The evaluation will be conducted by…”

 

“No, the evaluator I wish to have is over there.”

To Count Serenier, who was neither a member of Rogue’s school nor an evaluator.

 

“I would like to be evaluated by Count Serenier. Of course, if you are afraid, you can refuse.”

One of the evaluators stepped forward with a bewildered look.

 

“Count Serenier is not a member of the admission evaluation committee…”

“I don’t mind conducting the evaluation privately, Count.”

 

Everyone’s gaze turned towards Count Serenier at the blatant provocation.

I thought the king or the committee would object at the disrespect, but they unexpectedly just stared at Count .

 

‘Why is he suddenly pointing at Count Serenier? Is there something between them that I don’t know about?’

 

This was a bit suspicious. Could it be that Andert figured out Count Serenier’s true identity?

But he’s only met Rue once.

 

Count Serenier rebuked Andert with furrowed brows.

 

“You’re begging like a child, Mr. Gavroche. This is not the Empire. This is not a place where you can act as you please.”

 

Though it was a typical warning, I thought it was quite unlike him.

 

Soon after, a short laugh came from beneath his cold, frozen gaze

Soon, beneath the cold, frozen gaze, a slight smirk appeared.

 

“…I should warn you. It’s been a while since a young man has courted me, so I’m a little curious myself.”

 

Count Serenier reached out his hand towards Skuld.

Skuld, who had been silently staring into his eyes, handed over the sword he had on him.

 

It was to show his intention to accept Andert’s proposal.

“Count Serenier.”

 

King Astrosa tried to dissuade him, but the response back was cold.

“I will proceed with a private evaluation, as requested by Mr. Gavroche Berkeley-Gratten, Your Majesty.”

 

It was a firm and unwavering attitude, refusing to accept any objections.

In front of the king, it was undoubtedly something that went beyond the respect of a subject.

However, no one, including Skuld, could object to Count Serenier’s declaration. 

 

They didn’t even ask for a reason.

As if considering such an atmosphere to be natural, Count Serenier dismissed everyone except Andert from the area.

 

And the next day.

Andert confidently appeared as one of the successful candidates in the first round of admission exams.

 

* * *

 

On the day of our departure for Rogue.

After advising Jin on a few matters, I moved to the agreed meeting place.

 

“Do whatever it takes to get close to Count Serenier. If you want to learn a thing or two from the Calepas, ask him, and he’ll help you.”

“…May I really do that?”

“Executing it is up to you. But remember, this may be your only chance. Think carefully. Inform Yeager about today’s events. When the time comes, leave for Midwinterre immediately.”

 

“I understand. Don’t worry.”

 

Me, Andert, and Desherro, after meeting King Astrosa in the audience chamber, moved towards the canal inside the palace.

 

I wanted to ask Andert what happened yesterday, but I couldn’t.

It was because I knew he wasn’t going to answer even if I asked.

 

‘It’s quicker to ask Rue later.’

An old, worn-out boat floated on the canal, which didn’t quite match the dignity of the royal court.

 

Surely, we wouldn’t ride that to go to Rogue…

 

“Where is Count Serenier?”

 

“Oh, he left, saying he had important matters to attend to and entrusted you all to me. Hmm, Count Serenier is always busy. Busy, so busy…”

 

The king answered Deshero’s question with a gloomy expression, turning his head towards the canal.

 

The canal was connected to one of the annexes within the palace. The waterway leading into the annex was shrouded in darkness, making the inside unclear.

 

Desherro carefully observed the darkness.

 

“You seem tense, Viscount Desherro. Even if you can’t go inside, feel free to ask anything if you’re curious.”

 

Encouraged by the king’s consideration, Deshero didn’t hesitate to ask.

“I’m curious about Rogue’s main school, Your Majesty.”

 

“Are you interested in Rogue?”

 

“I am a soldier who participated in the magical war. Moreover, my superior was Duke Rpahel Zenail, The War Hero. I remember us receiving various forms of support from Rogue during the war. When I recall the difficult circumstances of that time, I can’t help but be intrigued.”

 

“I understand your curiosity.”

 

“For the past four years, the Imperial Court has sent numerous requests for negotiations to Rogue, but Rogue has consistently refused. His Majesty the Emperor was quite disappointed. After all, Rogue provided us with significant assistance, just like the Magic Alliance. His Majesty was very curious about the reason for such a firm rejection.”

Astrosa’s king asked Desherro with an inscrutable, subtle gaze, “Have you come to Astrosa as an envoy?”

 

“No. Although I spoke of his majesty, it is purely my personal curiosity that leads me here.”

 

“You seem to have a great thirst for knowledge. It’s not a complicated story. The origin of Rogue lies in the Eastern Continent, and not just any Eastern Continent, but the Far Eastern Continent. Initially, Rogue religious fervor was much stronger and bigger than just their belief in a sole deity.”

 

The king’s story was not very long.

 

In summary:

 

The reason the Northern Continent was closed off in terms of diplomacy was due to the vast reserves of magic stones buried in the Northern Deus Mountains.

Nations and organizations coveting these magic stones continuously invaded the Northern Continent for a long time, and among them was the Church of Rogue.

It is said that the reason Rogue’s religious fervor has faded in modern times is due to the internal conflicts caused by the magic stones.

 

After experiencing the drug smuggling incident by the missionaries of the Holy Church, the Northern Continent Union closed off all diplomatic channels completely.

 

“However, recently, we have also felt the need for communication. The influence of the Magic War was significant in that. Hmm. Shall we have a more detailed conversation after we send them away?”

 

The king of Astrosa patted Desherro’s shoulder and stood in front of Andert.

 

“I have already confirmed it with my own eyes, you are the only ones who passed the first round of admission this year.”

 

“…….”

 

“According to the regulations, all applicants who pass the initial evaluation will move to the outskirts of Calepa with the judges for the second round of evaluation. When I say Calepa here, it refers to the fortress and Sanctuary Calepa, and it takes about two months to arrive.”

 

“Two months?”

 

Are you joking around?

 

“But this time, we plan to open a special secret passage. If you take that route, you can reach the outskirts of Calepa within half a day.”

 

Oh, that’s a relief.

 

“By the way, the information I just shared is a classified national secret, so I ask that you all swear an oath to keep it confidential, just in case. All of you.”

 

In an unexpected turn of events, we took an oath to maintain secrecy.

Thanks to that, a fourth trace of an oath was added to my arm.

 

If I organize it in order, it was like this; A Calepa, The Swordmaster, The Weatherwoods, and Astroza Kingdom. Quite a luxurious list.

 

“From now on, your vision will be blocked. I wish you all the best.”

 

The King of Astrosa reached out his hand first, and I shook hands with him at last.

Afterward, black blindfolds covered mine and Andert’s eyes. Boarding the boat was the beginning of our journey.

 

We moved without rest.

First, it was the boat, then a carriage, then a car, and then… we rode something unknown.

At some point, the refreshing air of the surface was completely blocked, and the distinct damp smell of the underground filled the air.

 

It was a bumpy ride, not much better than a mining cart. After riding in a basket-like contraption that couldn’t even be called a carriage, we descended a long downhill road.

 

Occasionally, I had some doubts.

‘Are we actually being trafficked?’

 

I lost track of how many hours had passed.

I could only vaguely guess that it had been about half a day, but I couldn’t be certain about any part of it.

 

Then, suddenly, the blindfold was removed.

It was the twilight hour when the red sun was setting behind the mountains.

We had arrived at the fortress of Calepa, on the outskirts of the royal capital.

---

My wife. he called her my wife. somehow this makes me even more happy than when he called her my husband.