IBDF 51

Chapter 51 

When I spoke with a shameless expression, even Calios—who had been serious the entire time—ended up laughing.

Then, in a voice that sounded relieved, he said,

“You really are incredible. If it were me, I think I’d have wanted to run away the moment I went through what happened with Amarcus.”

“Hm, yeah. For most people, that would’ve been more than enough reason to bolt. Honestly, when I was released from prison at dawn with no one around, I actually thought for a moment about just running away.”

“…You did?”

I shrugged and continued.

“Yes, but even then, I couldn’t bring myself to leave because I was worried about you, Young Master.”

Thinking back on it carefully, even I had to admire my own loyalty.

Now that I reflect on it—seriously, how many times have I nearly lost my life because of that guy?

“If I’d known my future was going to be nothing but hardship, I should’ve run the moment I ran into that picky young master of yours… I really don’t know why I didn’t. Sigh.”

At my joking addition, Calios laughed as if dumbfounded.

“For a mere maid, you really don’t hold back, do you?”

“Oh my, if I couldn’t even say things like this, how would I ever serve you properly?”

I need some kind of merit, you know. I want to live while saying what I mean!

“Hah, fine. Just do it in front of me.”

Calios chuckled softly, didn’t scold me any further, and quietly opened the window.

At once, the night breeze slipped in, sending my hair fluttering refreshingly.

Just do it in front of me…

What was that supposed to mean this time?

Either way, perhaps because I realized he cared about me more than I’d thought, the smile wouldn’t leave my lips.

Late at night.

The carriage that had dropped the two of them off in front of the manor soon departed again.

From a window inside the mansion, Michael watched the scene silently. Making sure his presence wasn’t noticed, he stepped slightly back into the shadows.

At the moment Lizzie stepped down from the carriage, Calios even took her hand himself.

Considering the usual distance between a master and a maid, it was somewhat excessive—but despite witnessing the scene, Michael’s expression didn’t change at all.

Instead, he turned and walked toward the table.

On it lay a fist-sized stone that had turned pitch black.

Originally, it should have contained magic power—but after releasing its energy indiscriminately, it now served no purpose, merely taking up space.

A month ago, a suspicious report regarding magic stones had come into the Grand Temple.

There were rumors that large quantities of magic stones were being funneled somewhere every week from a mine owned by the Duchy of Rebanion.

This world recognized only the power of the God of Light as truth. Any other power was deemed heretical.

Magic in particular—and the activities of mages—was strictly forbidden.

Only magitech devices powered by magic stones were allowed as the sole exception, for the convenience of humanity.

The transport and usage of magic stones were under the Grand Temple’s strict surveillance.

Seated at the table, Michael picked up his pen.

Soon, he began writing a letter in neat handwriting.

[ …I report to Your Holiness. As instructed, I investigated the whereabouts of the large quantity of magic stones brought into the ducal estate. As a result, ]

At that point, Michael suddenly stopped his pen.

He frowned slightly, deep in thought.

A few days earlier, he had discovered the magic stones in question in an unexpected place—inside the young duke’s room.

For some reason, Calios’s living quarters were lit not by candles, but by light emitted from magic stones.

As if to conceal that fact, the stones had been placed inside specially crafted lamps.

Had he not witnessed those lamps being replaced with new magic stones, he himself might never have realized their true nature.

“Defective magic stones… the young duke’s seclusion… and a blind maid…”

He murmured softly, tapping the table with his finger.

After a brief pause—

Michael’s hand began moving again, writing an unexpected sentence.

[ As a result, no particular abnormalities were found. ]

He went on to write that the magic stones brought into the estate had merely been used to construct ornate garden facilities, and that no other heretical circumstances had been detected.

It was a clear act of lying to the Grand Temple—and of shielding his own cousin.

If the Pope, who had dispatched him to the ducal estate, were to learn of this, it would be more than enough grounds for punishment.

And yet, for some reason, a faint, inexplicable smile rose to Michael’s lips.

“…Lizzie Swan.”

He quietly spoke her name.

That maid intrigued him far more than the use of defective magic stones ever could.

Though she seemed completely unaware of who she truly was…

It appeared this matter warranted further investigation.

Of course, the Grand Temple—ever sensitive to the unauthorized circulation of magic stones—would need to be kept in the dark.

As if having reached a decision, Michael added one final line to the end of the letter.

[ However, it appears necessary to continue monitoring the usage of magic stones. I therefore request a formal appointment to the temple here, so that I may remain on site and observe developments. ]

After finishing the final sentence, Michael set down his pen.

Until he uncovered why Lizzie Swan was working as a maid in the ducal estate, staying close and watching didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Of course, judging by that innocent, clueless face of hers, it felt like it would take quite a long time for her to realize his true identity…

Michael rolled the letter tightly and attached it to a carrier pigeon.

Soon, the bird took flight, disappearing into the darkness beyond the window.

One dazzling day, sunlight sparkling brightly.

Knock, knock.

A servant carrying a heavy box knocked on the door of the young duke’s room.

It was the beginning of the month, and he was delivering supplies needed for each section of the manor.

“Come in.”

A clear, ringing voice answered from inside.

When the servant entered the room, the young duke was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a maid sat at the table, arranging flowers in a vase.

The servant narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at her.

Her name was Lizzie Swan, wasn’t it?

She had entered the estate three years ago as a temporary hire, and now she was the maid who served the young master most closely.

Everyone knows the young duke dotes on her.

It was strange that he favored a blind maid so much—but looking at her appearance, it wasn’t entirely incomprehensible.

I see… She’s certainly bewitching enough.

The servant approached Lizzie Swan with the box.

Since she was in charge of managing the household on the second floor of the main building, where Calios resided, all deliveries had to be checked by her.

“Um… I’ve brought this month’s supplies.”

As the servant spoke carefully, the maid set down the flowers she was holding and stood up.

She opened the box with practiced ease, took out the items one by one, and began counting them with her fingertips.

She measured the length of quill pens with her hands, weighed ink bottles like a scale, and meticulously checked for defects.

After verifying everything, she recorded it all without omission using a Braille board.

The servant watched her quietly.

He’d seen this scene several times already, but watching a blind person keep ledgers never failed to amaze him.

And then—

Staring intently at the maid’s face, the servant unconsciously parted his lips.

The face people praised so often felt insufficiently described by the simple word pretty.

Pale skin, pure golden hair, and light green eyes that shone with an uncanny glow—hard to believe they couldn’t see.

Three years ago, she’d had the air of a young girl, but now, having matured, she possessed a mysterious beauty straight out of a fairy tale.

Like a fairy herself.

“…Is there something on my face?”

Suddenly, the maid lifted her head and spoke.

Her eyes were still unfocused—but they were pointed precisely in the direction where the servant stood.