Chapter 17
Cecile’s kick wasn’t particularly strong, but it was precise. And a man’s groin was painful even with a child’s strength.
“GAAAAAHHH!”
Jack screamed and collapsed forward.
While he rolled over the flowerbed, clutching his groin, Cecile didn’t look back even once and bolted away.
She hadn’t run far, but she was already gasping for breath. The little remaining mana in her body surged uncontrollably, but she couldn’t stop. She was terrified Jack would get up and chase her again.
More than anything, she was afraid someone might witness her magic unraveling.
‘If anyone finds out I’m a black mage, I won’t be able to stay here any longer.’
Even as she ran until the sky seemed to turn dark, Cecile could think only of that.
‘Isaac, Anne, Hans, and even the Duke—they’d never treat me kindly again.’
[Cecile, calm down! There’s no one here!]
At Nibelung’s voice, Cecile finally stopped.
She collapsed onto the grass, wheezing, unable to catch her breath properly. Her appearance had already returned to that of an eight-year-old child.
“When… when did it wear off? What if… someone saw… what if someone…”
[No one! No one saw you, Cecile. So calm down.]
Nibelung’s gentle voice tried to soothe Cecile, who was drenched in sweat, her dress and hair a mess, her face pale with fear that someone had witnessed her dark magic.
[Everything is fine, Cecile. The things you’re worried about won’t happen. I guarantee it.]
It took Cecile quite a while to calm herself amidst the exhaustion, pain, and anxiety.
[Feeling better now, Cecile?]
Once she regained her composure, Cecile felt deeply humiliated that it had been Nibelung’s soothing words that calmed her.
She was a great black mage who had endured countless hardships—there was no way she’d let herself tremble in fear over something like this.
Besides, Nibelung was practically her sworn enemy, someone who had long used and tormented her. Accepting comfort from him was simply unacceptable.
“I wasn’t even upset to begin with, okay? I just got out of breath from running. That’s all.”
[If you say so, hmm… Yes, that must be it. You’re right.]
Unlike usual, Nibelung didn’t argue or nitpick her words. He simply agreed calmly.
[But Cecile, I was worried about you.]
His voice was gentle, yet Cecile felt as though it pierced her chest. She hardened her expression and spoke coldly.
“Well, that was a waste of worry. No matter what, I’m not changing my mind about getting you out of me.”
[…I know that.]
Nibelung answered with a deflated tone. It didn’t feel satisfying at all.
By the time Cecile returned to the duke’s estate, the incident had already been resolved.
The first-floor lobby of the main house was crowded with people. The servants surrounded the space, holding their breath, all eyes focused on one spot.
There stood four people. Three were kneeling, and one loomed over them.
The one standing was Duke Bartholomew, and kneeling before him were Jack, Edna, and an employee from the Schuaman Grocery.
The three of them trembled with faces so terrified they were almost pitiful. It was as if they had already seen their own grim futures.
“M-My lord…”
“Please, show mercy… just once…”
The duke regarded their pleading faces with contempt, like looking at insects.
“I’ll make sure none of you will ever work anywhere again.”
As his chilling voice echoed through the hall, strong hands grabbed the three and began dragging them away.
“M-My lord! Please! Just once! I beg you!”
“Spare me! Please, I beg you!”
They cried and screamed pitifully. The grocery clerk even fainted from sheer terror.
‘Isaac must’ve heard the conversation and acted quickly!’
A small wave of relief passed over Cecile’s face.
Just then, a large hand rested on her shoulder.
“Young lady!”
It was the two faces she was happiest to see—Isaac and Hans.
“Isaac! Hans!”
In that moment, even Cecile couldn’t help but show genuine joy.
But they looked more shocked than happy to see her.
“Young lady, did something happen? Your appearance is quite… intense.”
“Looks like you went head-to-head with a wild boar or something. Are you hurt anywhere?”
Seeing their worried expressions, Cecile waved her hands dramatically to show she was unhurt.
“Not at all. I was just chasing a squirrel in the garden. I even climbed a tree.”
“I thought you were all grown up and mature, but I guess you’re still a kid after all.”
Isaac chuckled fondly and pulled out a comb from his pocket. With practiced hands, he began tidying her hair and clothes.
According to the two men, Isaac had followed Cecile’s instructions to the letter.
He had hidden behind the shrubs and overheard the conversation between Jack and Edna (who had actually been Cecile in disguise), then arrested Jack on the spot.
“We even found the evidence Jack said he buried by the Vermisa Cliffs. All thanks to His Grace’s decisive action and full support.”
“And it was thanks to the steward’s judgment and swift action. The way he subdued Jack was impressive.”
“Haha, you’re too kind. Though we didn’t catch the maid Edna on the spot.”
“But we found her within the estate, so that’s good enough.”
‘Good thing Isaac didn’t catch me right there.’
While Cecile thought this, Hans straightened his thick brows and knelt on one knee in front of her with a solemn expression.
“And I must thank you, young lady. You were the one who first persuaded the steward, and the one who gave us the information about Jack and Edna meeting.”
“Oh, it was just a coincidence while I was picking flowers…”
“Even so, that coincidence saved my life. When the steward showed me the evidence, I thought I was done for. It was clearly a setup that had been in the works for a long time—it wasn’t just a misunderstanding. I had no idea how I’d get out of it… but you saved me, young lady.”
Cecile smiled inwardly with calculation.
‘Perfect. Just as planned. Now Hans will be loyal to me forever, never even dream of betraying me. He’ll be a very useful asset.’
Hiding those dark thoughts, Cecile giggled sweetly.
“Savior? That’s embarrassing. I didn’t do anything special. But I’m glad I could help.”
She held out one hand toward Hans. It was a gesture so graceful, it was hard to believe she was only eight years old. Hans gently kissed the back of her hand.
Isaac watched them with a satisfied smile—until his expression suddenly darkened, as if remembering something.
“What’s wrong, Isaac?”
“Well… I’m sorry, everyone. I never expected people I personally selected would do such things.”
He looked weighed down by guilt and spoke solemnly.
“I should’ve vetted them more thoroughly. This whole thing is practically my fault. And if not for you, young lady, we might’ve ended up accusing an innocent person.”
“No, Isaac. You hired 130 people, and only two turned out bad. That’s not your fault. Actually, the fact that you noticed the discrepancies and resolved them quickly just shows your capability. Even the assistant chef was exposed early because of you.”
“Young lady…”
Isaac’s eyes shimmered at her words.
Not wanting his emotions to show, he closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath… then suddenly lifted Cecile high into the air.
“Aww, how can our young lady be so perfect and say all the nicest things? You’re so adorable I could die! Can I please give you a kiss on the cheek?”
“Eek! No way!”
Cecile laughed, pushing Isaac’s face away.
But suddenly, Isaac’s expression turned pale. Behind him, Hans froze as well.
Cecile turned around.
Standing there was a familiar figure—Duke Bartholomew.
He radiated an aura of terrifying chill.
“Goldman, put her down.”
