Chapter 7
Gremory tried to gauge whether what she had just heard was true. She had the ability to see through the darkness in human hearts and could read negative thoughts.
This was Isollen’s train of thought:
“She looks like an idiot at a glance. Even with the simplest tasks, she can’t manage them properly. Once it’s proven she’s useless, she’ll be kicked out with nothing but some cheap hair dye and a few coins, just like Julina and Angela.”
Damn. It was real.
With a smirk, Isollen sashayed out of the lounge. Gremory immediately sensed trouble.
Could this be what Iris had warned her about?
“There’s one thing you don’t know. When that moment comes, you’ll come looking for me.”
“Then let’s make a deal. I’ll give you what you need, and in return, you help my brother.”
It seemed like that moment had finally arrived. Not that she was happy about it.
“Hey, Iris.”
— Yes, Lady Gremory!
As if she had been waiting to be called, Iris popped out the instant her name was spoken. Judging by the bright expression on her face, she seemed thrilled that things were going her way.
“Why does your brother rescue victims of witch hunts only to kick them out again? Just because someone can’t do their job well doesn’t mean they deserve to be thrown out.”
— From my brother’s perspective, it was an act of kindness. Before you arrived at this mansion, dark energy was everywhere, to the point that even normal people were starting to act strange. He sent those women to the countryside for their mental well-being.
“Whatever. Let’s just get to the deal.”
— Sounds good. I’ll help you with all your maid duties. In return, please protect my brother.
“Your brother seems capable enough to take care of himself. Why bother?”
— He staged a huge rebellion in the imperial palace to ban witch hunts across the empire. As a result, he was banished here to the Grand Duchy and now has to defend this place from constant intruders. He barely has time to take care of himself, and to elaborate—
“Don’t elaborate. My head hurts.”
Sensing a headache incoming, Gremory shook her head and covered her ears.
— I wasn’t planning to go into it, anyway. Just make sure he stays safe. You can handle that much, right?
“No.”
— W-Why not?
“Do you think your brother is just some normal guy? As a duke, he’s going to be traveling around and attending all sorts of banquets. Are you expecting me to tag along and protect him every single time? No way.”
— Is it because you don’t want to interact with people?
“I can’t go into detail, but I’m hiding from the demon realm. If other witches spot me, I’ll be captured.”
Gremory turned her back on Iris and picked up the documents Isollen had left behind. Soon, those documents would end up in the fireplace.
— That’s funny, considering how witch-like you act.
“Either way, it’s too dangerous for me. If you really want this, offer up your soul.”
— I’ll offer my soul.
“…What?”
— So please, protect my brother. For at least ten years.
A soul. Gremory’s eyes gleamed.
Few people offered their entire soul when making a pact with a witch. But with one, she could use it as material to enhance her concealment magic and live in hiding among humans for the rest of her life. She’d have to wait ten years, but still—what a deal.
“Great. Deal sealed.”
As she spoke, Gremory’s eyes glowed red. A crimson collar appeared around Iris’s neck, and a long chain extended from it to Gremory’s hand.
The collar gradually turned transparent. Iris touched her neck curiously.
— What was that just now?
“That’s for yanking you back if you try to run. Not that you seem like the type, but it’s protocol.”
— Hmm… Doesn’t feel great, though.
“Whatever. Help me deal with these. What am I supposed to write here?”
With Iris’s help, Gremory handled the documents. Iris had once been a member of the imperial family, and despite being persecuted as a black-haired witch, she was highly competent with paperwork. She had once tried to prove her worth by insisting she wasn’t a witch.
And so, Gremory’s assigned task gradually came together.
“This is excellent.”
Cesion offered brief praise as he looked over the paperwork. Standing beside him, Isollen sneaked glances at the documents, internally comparing them to her own work.
Anyone with even a bit of awareness could tell what she was doing. Cesion turned to her with a gentle gaze.
“Seems like you taught her well, Isollen. Turning a beginner into someone competent in just a few hours.”
“Y-Yes, Your Grace. All thanks to me.”
“I’d like to speak to Gremory about her abilities. Could you step out for a moment?”
It was music to Gremory’s ears. She’d been waiting for an excuse to slack off and quickly bolted to the lounge and sank into the couch.
The office fell silent for a moment. The afternoon sun lit up Cesion’s silver hair in a dazzling glow.
“Isollen.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“I know how you feel about me.”
“…!”
“I’ve known all along, but I ignored it. I thought it would pass quickly. All the women I’ve rescued tend to develop feelings for me. It’s only natural. If a dashing woman saved me when I was in danger, I’d probably fall for her too.”
Isollen’s face flushed red. She fiddled with her fingers, fumbling for words.
“M-My feelings aren’t just some passing crush. I truly care for you, Your Grace…”
“I’m sorry, Isollen. If I had known my indifference would hurt you, I would’ve kept my distance sooner. That was my fault.”
“…!”
“You may leave now.”
A clear rejection.
Tears welled up quickly in Isollen’s eyes.
“Sob…!”
She ran out of the office.
So that’s why His Grace suddenly hired a new maid.
“He brought her in to replace me.”
The new maid, Mori, suddenly became someone she utterly hated. She was prettier and seemed like Cesion’s preferred choice.
Isollen stormed into the lounge, ready to rip Mori’s hair out.
But what she saw upon opening the door was baffling—Mori was casually perched at the table, pouring strong whiskey into a crystal glass.
With a look that practically said, “Oh, you’re here?” she glanced over at Isollen.
“What the hell? Are you trying to mess with me?”
“…”
Mori simply set the glass across from her. Isollen was about to explode, yelling “Ugh!”—but then silently took the seat and downed the strong drink.
Iris, who had secretly mentioned Isollen’s love of whiskey, grinned quietly to herself.
“Uuurrgh… What a bastard… If he was going to reject me, he shouldn’t have been so sweet before… He said I was the only one… hic…”
Drunk in the middle of the day, Isollen clung to Gremory, sobbing her heart out.
She didn’t have many friends because of her rather nasty personality. Even the head maid couldn’t stand her.
To her, Gremory, who silently listened without judgment, seemed nothing short of a saint.
“Sorry for being cold when we first met… I didn’t know you were such a good person… sniff…”
Gremory sighed in resignation and let Isollen cling to her. Meanwhile, Iris gave her instructions.
— Pat her back. She’ll like it.
Gremory shot a look that said, “Why should I?”
— She’s a count’s daughter. If you get close, she could be useful.
Gremory had no idea how a mean, drunken mess could possibly be useful—but she patted Isollen’s back anyway.
“Waaah! I’ve never been comforted like this before! Mori, you’re the best friend ever!”
Isollen hugged her even tighter. Gremory was horrified.
Iris watched proudly from the side.
— Now anyone trying to approach my brother won’t dare make a move. The two of you together are unstoppable.
Gremory’s expression grew grave. They had already fended off uninvited guests once—were there more pests trying to get close to the Grand Duke?
She shot a questioning look at Iris.
— It’s not just uninvited guests who cause trouble. You’ll have to attend a lot of events and banquets with His Grace. Especially the upcoming royal banquet… once you see that crowd, the previous guests will seem cute by comparison.
Just as Iris was explaining, Isollen began acting strange. She became quieter…
“Urrrk…”
…and then started retching.
Disgusted, Gremory dragged her to the bathroom and smacked her back hard.
“Bleh! I always wished I had a friend who’d pat my back when I puked… Thanks… hurl…”
Apparently, even a beating was appreciated. Gremory sighed, sensing that her days in this chaotic mansion were only going to get worse.
Then again, watching someone puke up close like that was disgusting enough to make her want to vomit, too.
So she simply shut the bathroom door behind her.
And while Isollen was out of sight, she cleared all the silver candlesticks from the lounge.
