Chapter 17.
Why Am I Thinking About That Woman Again?
“I’ll take my leave now.”
“Okay, Sir Derwin. See you again tomorrow.”
Leaving behind Lydia, who couldn’t hide her disappointment, Derwin exited the princess’s chambers. His expression was unusually serious. Ever since Chanelrica visited the princess’s palace earlier today, she hadn’t left his thoughts.
She was joking about not knowing Garion, right?
He couldn’t figure out why she would joke about something like that—but surely it must’ve been a joke. Teaching a language you don’t even understand? That’s ridiculous.
But… was it really a joke?
When he thought about brushing it off as a joke, he recalled her mint-colored eyes staring at him, so sincere—just like when she had told him she was a dragon.
Her teaching methods are odd, too.
Derwin’s thoughts drifted to the way Chanelrica had been teaching over the past few days. Who even teaches a language like that? Just throwing out full sentences with no explanation. From that alone, she seemed like someone who didn’t even understand the basics of language herself.
Seriously, what a strange woman. Can’t take my eyes off he—
“……”
Derwin suddenly stopped mid-step, his train of thought breaking.
Why am I thinking about her again?
He tried to clear his mind. They had nothing to do with each other anymore. She might have been mad before, and maybe she still was, but they’d decided not to care about each other moving forward. So there was no reason for him to be concerned.
And yet… that small, pale face kept popping into his mind.
Still caught in his thoughts, Derwin stepped outside. The sun was beginning to set, dyeing the sky red. The colors were more vivid than usual, and he paused to gaze at the sky.
“Hey, I found out something amazing.”
He wasn’t sure how long he’d been staring when a soft whispering voice came from behind him.
“What is it?”
Even if it were accidental, eavesdropping on other people’s secrets wasn’t something Derwin enjoyed. He was just about to walk away.
“You know the princess’s friend? The translator who comes to teach Garion?”
His paused foot returned to the ground. Derwin’s expression turned serious. He turned around to find one of the first-floor windows half-open. The women chatting inside seemed unaware they were being overheard.
“What about her?”
“Don’t freak out. She was a barmaid!”
“What?!”
Derwin’s face scrunched up without him realizing it.
“I heard where my punk of a brother was hanging out last night, so I went to get him. And guess what? She was singing there! And after that, she even served drinks!”
“Singing and serving? In a bar? That’s ridiculous! How could someone that low-class be working in the palace?”
“She was wearing a mask. And a wig, too. No way she’d be recognized.”
“Then how did you know?”
“I saw her take the mask off for a breather at the back door.”
“Oh my god! How is that even possible?”
“And she doesn’t even have a foreigner’s ID. But apparently, Sir Kaisel vouched for her identity. So… maybe there’s something going on between them?”
“No way! You mean like that kind of relationship?”
“Why not? Turns out that bar is one the knights of Kaisel’s order go to often.”
Bang!
“Eek!”
The two women flinched at the sudden slam of the window.
“What was that? The wind?”
“Yeah… I think it just shut.”
“Right. Who’d be outside at this hour anyway?”
“Must’ve been a strong gust.”
After a moment of tension, the two maids casually resumed their gossip.
Leaving the closed window behind, Derwin walked forward in heavy steps.
Only one thing was on his mind.
Confirmation. Yeah, I need to confirm it.
Ding.
The bell above the pub door rang faintly as Derwin stepped into the Vista Inn’s tavern. But to him, it barely registered above the crowd’s loud chatter.
“When’s the angel voice coming on?”
“Soon!”
“Hurry her out! I’ll leave happy once I hear her!”
The woman who seemed to be the owner bustled about, reassuring the men seated at the tables.
Derwin stood silently in one corner. There wasn’t a single open seat, and even standing room was packed.
There were a few women, but the place was mostly men—every one of them staring toward a single spot: a small, thick wooden platform. Barely big enough for one person to stand on.
“She’s coming! She’s coming!”
As footsteps descended from the second floor, the room erupted in excitement.
A slender woman, her eyes covered by a mask, stepped lightly down the stairs. She was of average height, with ordinary brown curly hair.
The tavern fell silent. She stepped onto the platform—and began to sing.
“……”
Everyone in the tavern was captivated. Though it wasn’t exactly singing—more like a humming, maybe even a soft mumbling that made no linguistic sense.
But it didn’t matter. Song or not, what the crowd wanted was her voice.
When it ended, thunderous applause filled the tavern.
“Wooooahhh!”
“How can a voice be that beautiful?”
“I don’t know what she’s saying, but who cares!”
“It’s heavenly—an angel’s voice!”
Derwin simply observed quietly. Though masked and wigged, the voice and silhouette were unmistakably familiar.
He’d been deceived.
He already knew she was mentally unwell—but to lie so boldly?
Derwin tore his gaze away from the masked woman who could only be Chanelrica. There was no longer a reason to stay.
“Miss, where do you live?”
“You’re not married, right?”
“How about a weapons dealer for a husband? Makes good money.”
Chanelrica’s ears were ringing. All she wanted to do was work, but the men around her wouldn’t shut up.
“Haha. I’m just here to serve drinks.”
She’d lost count of how many times she’d had to say that. Forcing a smile, all she could think about was getting some rest.
It hadn’t been long since she started singing at the tavern. One day while cleaning and serving, she’d hummed to herself to soothe her fatigue. The innkeeper overheard and asked if she’d consider performing.
She hadn’t been paid yet for her translating work—it hadn’t even been a month—so she was in a tough spot. But if she sang, she’d only have to serve for one hour, and no more cleaning. Plus, the inn, which had only been providing room and board, would pay her now.
There was no reason to refuse. Back when she was stuck in the lair, she often sang out of boredom. If people liked it, maybe it was one of her talents.
And talents should be used.
She immediately agreed. The innkeeper had suggested a mask and wig, just in case—since she went to the palace, anonymity was better.
With what she’d saved from this and what she’d eventually get from the palace, she could probably afford a decent place. Living in a fancy mansion like the palace or the Cartel estate was unrealistic—but definitely something better than her current mouse-infested attic.
“Miss, got any plans after work?”
“I’m going to sleep.”
“Come hang out with me. I’ll make you feel good.”
Chanelrica turned to look at the man. Her mood was already lousy—and now this guy thought he could cheer her up? He wasn’t even handsome. There was nothing about him that could make her feel better.
He’d need to be as good-looking as Lord to lift my spirits.
“Huh? Miss?”
The man even poked her side.
“Feel good? How?”
“Come play with me and find out.”
“And how exactly are we playing?”
“I’ll tell you later. Just meet me after your shift. I’ll wait.”
How exactly did he expect to make her feel good with that face? Chanelrica was honestly curious.
“Hm, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m too tired. I just want to sleep.”
“Then come with me for a sec.”
“I have to work.”
“Don’t you want to work in a good mood? You don’t look too happy.”
True. Chanelrica paused. Could her mood improve that quickly?
Curiosity got the better of her, and she followed the man. She imagined all sorts of possibilities.
Maybe he’s going to give me something delicious? Or a really nice gift?
The man entered a first-floor guest room.
“This is my room.”
He explained, seeing her confusion. Chanelrica nodded. Must be something in the room.
“What are you giving me?”
As she stepped inside, she asked bluntly. But the man didn’t answer.
“I’m not in a good mood… Make me feel better already.”
Then the man smiled in a sleazy way, showing off his crooked teeth. Chanelrica frowned. He wasn’t good-looking to begin with, and now he was actively making her feel worse.
Something’s off.
Just then, she saw him grab the doorknob. Her instincts screamed that she couldn’t let that door close.
Thud!
Too late. He shoved her hard, and the door locked behind them.
“You followed me all the way here—you knew what this was, right?”
His tone turned sinister. Crashing against the wall, Chanelrica slumped down.
“What are you talking about? Open the door! Locking it means you’re up to no good!”
“Working in a bar, acting innocent… Or maybe you are innocent. Doesn’t matter. I’ll make you feel good, just like I said. Let’s enjoy ourselves.”
“…Why are you taking your clothes off?”
That’s when she realized what was happening. She swore silently.
She hadn’t even considered the possibility. She’d let her guard down—even knowing that reproduction was the ultimate pleasure for many creatures.
“Move. While I’m still being nice.”
“No.”
The man sneered and approached her. Chanelrica tried to stand, but pain shot through her ankle. It must have twisted when he shoved her.
Pathetic. This man. The gods didn’t give him life for this kind of behavior.
More than the pain, she pitied him.
“First, let’s see that pretty face. I’ll feel even better.”
He grabbed her shoulder and reached to remove her mask.
“……”
Their eyes met—hers, transparent and filled with pity, her mint-colored gaze calm.
The man’s expression twisted into something unreadable.
Crash!
At that moment, the door burst open.
