Chapter 24.
“Alright.”
“Really? You won’t kill me no matter what I do?”
“Yeah. You’re the strangest person I know, so I decided not to kill you. I won’t even take a mirror with me. I swear on the honor of the Tower Master. Here, I’ll cast a death oath—if I break my word, I die.”
A golden glow flickered in the Tower Master’s hand and then disappeared.
Strange. I should’ve been relieved to get a promise not to be killed, but I didn’t feel happy at all. Why was that?
“Am I really that strange?”
“Yeah. The strangest.”
“…In what way?”
“You’re not sick, and you weren’t dumped by anyone. You’re physically weak, have no strength or magic at all. And yet, you don’t cower from danger or fear death. But you treat mere objects as more precious than life itself.”
Now that he put it that way… yeah, it did sound weird.
“On top of that, you’re not scared of me. You don’t swoon, and you don’t even admire my face.”
“There must be plenty of people like that.”
I said confidently, but he just snorted.
“People might not be scared or flustered, but there’s never been anyone who didn’t admire my face.”
“The Crown Prince or Duke Lixiansus would be exceptions.”
They’re the male leads, after all!
“What are you talking about? The Crown Prince fainted the moment he saw me, calling me beautiful. Hmm… The Duke didn’t admire me, though.”
“See?”
That idiot Crown Prince—admiring someone else’s looks while engaged to Merina? No wonder he fell off the male lead track so fast. If only that had changed my fate too…
“Still, the Duke doesn’t act like you. Anyway, I won’t kill you, so keep being strange.”
“I can’t keep being strange forever. If I act too weird and something bad happens to me, that would be a problem.”
“Anyone who gets in the way of your weirdness—I’ll get rid of them.”
When the Tower Master, who’s obviously the head of an illegal group called Blue Bird, said that, it sounded all too convincing.
If what’s given can help me, I’ll gladly accept it, even if it’s from an illegal organization. As long as I don’t get caught using it, right?
“Alright.”
“You still have the parchment and quill I gave you, right? Use them to contact me.”
“Got it.”
The Tower Master smiled brightly, then headed toward the window leading to the terrace.
“Take care of yourself. I’ll be going.”
Before I could ask why he wasn’t using the door, he vanished out the window.
“Phew…”
That was… exhausting.
I shook the bell on the console.
The soundproofing magic must have lifted when he left, because Casey came in right away.
“What was—oh my, the Tower Master’s gone already?”
“Yeah. Anyway, I’m hungry. Can you bring me a snack?”
“Of course, my lady.”
A little later, she returned with a light meal—and my mother.
She sat down in my room and watched me eat.
“It’s good to see you eating well. The marks on your neck have faded, too.”
Her worried eyes made me keep eating even though I was already full.
“That’s it, keep eating. But really—between Duke Lixiansus and the Tower Master… such a difficult choice.”
“A choice? For what?”
“For my future son-in-law, of course.”
That’s a perfectly normal fantasy for a mother with a daughter my age.
Normally, by the time I return to this point, I have about ten months left. Judging from how things have gone, I might’ve already extended my life by two months.
Two months gone, so I’ve got maybe ten left.
This round is full of unprecedented events, so it could last longer—but I shouldn’t hope for too much.
Expecting the worst keeps you from getting complacent.
Anyway, marriage is the last thing on my mind. I’ve never once gotten married in any of my loops. But I couldn’t crush my mother’s little dream, so…
“Well, one’s cold to everyone but warm to his woman. The other’s ruthless but also warm to his woman. And both are ridiculously handsome.”
…Maybe I should crush that dream.
“Mother, I told you—I think of Duke Lixiansus like an older brother. The Tower Master just sees me like some sort of rare animal.”
“That’s how it always starts, Roa.”
My mother poured tea with an enigmatic smile.
“That’s how it was with your father and me. At first, I thought he was the strangest man alive. But he kept showing up. I kept seeing him. We became partners, traveled together, and one thing led to another—we got married.”
So Father was a strange man…
Well, according to Lady Meretni, Mother was a famed beauty in her youth. And considering her family background, Father must’ve been quite something himself.
Even now, traces of that beauty linger as she gracefully placed fresh fruit on my plate.
“Your father always talks about a lady’s honor, but the only way to keep your reputation intact while seeing handsome men—”
“What is it?”
My mother smiled mischievously.
“—is to see many of them.”
A grape went straight down the wrong way.
“The key is, don’t waste your time on men of poor quality. Only ones worth desiring. In that sense, the Duke and the Tower Master both pass.”
Completely ignoring my reaction, she went on cheerfully.
“And it’s best to treat everyone fairly. Keep balance, you know? Hmm… Two might not be enough. How about adding at least one more?”
Her suggestion was so unexpected I just gaped.
“Or do you need two more, Roa? I’m fine with that, but it might be tiring for you.”
“No! Mother, I really don’t have feelings for either of them. Please, just drop it.”
“Oh, what a waste.”
“Please. Alright?”
After I begged her over and over, she finally sighed and promised to stop—with a pout.
A full week of rest did wonders for me.
The marks on my neck were light enough to cover with a touch of makeup, and Ted—who’d gone down to the estate and returned—brought good news.
“Look at this, my lady. Told you I’d find it!”
He proudly presented a red diamond gemstone.
“There really was a red diamond mine? That’s amazing, Ted.”
“A guild master of Spiderweb has to live up to his title.”
It was a small mine, but red diamonds were worth several times more than blue ones.
The last mine I found was full of blue diamonds literally lying underfoot. This one would need major expansion work, but still—profit.
“You did well. I’ll have to think about your bonus.”
“I’m in your employ, my lady—you don’t have to. But of course, I wouldn’t refuse.”
“Haha. Don’t worry, I’ll make it worth your while.”
Once the reserves were confirmed, I’d pay him properly.
Ted also handed me reports related to the Blue Bird organization and an item I’d commissioned for Lexian.
“The craftsmanship’s exquisite.”
“They said they put extra care into it since it was your special order.”
A brooch made of reinforced platinum, set with a large, finely cut blue diamond—the clasp for a cloak.
Lexian, who preferred neat and simple accessories, was known for using only such functional items.
“I’ll have to give the craftsman a bonus, too.”
Though I wasn’t sure I’d ever give this to Lexian.
It felt risky. He’d grown fond of me faster than usual this time.
In past rounds, I’d often given him gifts made of blue diamonds—and every time, it seemed to make him grow more affectionate. Which was not ideal.
“Is something wrong, my lady? Are you planning to assassinate Duke Lixiansus, perhaps?”
I looked up, and Ted scratched the back of his head.
“You were glaring at the brooch, so I wondered.”
“Ah…”
I closed the lid of the small box.
“Just thinking about something else. The Tower Master came by.”
“The Tower Master…”
Ted’s face hardened instantly.
“He just came to see me, but he might visit again, so stay alert.”
“Yes, my lady.”
He bowed low, still grim, but when he lifted his head, his eyes were sharp and resolute.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Please rest well.”
Left alone, I spread out the reports about Blue Bird and recent developments in the capital.
So far, three Blue Bird branches had been found. The Imperial Knights had uncovered an illegal gambling den inside the capital.
Soon they’d find another one on the outskirts—and that place held information I needed.
“It’s about time I head out.”
But with my parents keeping such a close watch, sneaking out would be difficult…
“Well then, I’ll just have to leave openly.”
“Pawned Life” — Episode 24
The next day.
When Irina opened her eyes, she groaned in pain.
Her whole body felt like a waterlogged sponge—heavy and sluggish.
“Ugh…”
She’d been awake for a while, but her feverish body and spinning head made it impossible to get up.
Maybe her inner frustration had seeped into her body.
She was sick—really sick this time.
She rarely fell this ill.
Even breathing made a rough saaaak sound.
“My head hurts…”
Her skull throbbed like something was rolling around inside.
Finally giving up on sitting up, Irina tugged the long golden cord beside her bed.
Casey had told her to pull it if she needed help.
Moments later, Casey rushed in.
“My lady, you called—oh! Are you unwell? My lady!”
Irina gave a faint smile.
Even smiling made her head pound, and she winced again.
“Casey… I feel awful…”
Casey’s hand flew to her forehead.
“Heavens! Please wait—I’ll fetch His Grace and the doctor!”
“Casey, quiet… My head echoes when you talk.”
“S-sorry! I’ll be right back!”
“Thanks. But don’t tell Howard.”
“Huh? But—”
“He’s got enough to worry about. Don’t tell him, or anyone who’s out.”
“…Yes, my lady. I’ll bring the doctor.”
Casey darted out.
Irina kept breathing shallowly and closed her eyes again.
The doctor came and went, leaving medicine for her fever, headache, and nausea.
Casey stayed by her side the whole time, tending to her.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me! I’ve been so careless—please forgive me, my lady!”
Casey looked about ready to cry.
Irina, feeling slightly better, smiled faintly.
“Don’t cry. It’s just a little flu.”
The fever wouldn’t drop easily, so the wet towel on her forehead had to be changed over and over.
She couldn’t keep food down—just thinking of it made her stomach churn.
Her belly jolted as if hiccupping deep inside.
Eventually, Irina couldn’t fight the nausea and threw up a little.
Thankfully, Casey had a basin ready, so the bed stayed clean.
She had to eat to take her medicine, but she couldn’t stomach anything.
So she forced herself to take the medicine first, then slowly sipped some thin soup—more like flavored water.
“I feel a bit better now.”
She thanked Casey as the maid went to change the water basin.
Other maids came by hourly to ventilate the room.
Feeling a bit better, Irina told Casey to take a break.
Casey protested, but Irina insisted until she finally left.
‘I want something cold…’
Her mouth felt parched; the craving grew unbearable.
She begged the maid to bring her something chilled, and finally got a cool dessert.
Just then, the door slammed open.
Howard had returned home after hearing she was ill.
“Hehe, you’re back?”
Irina, propped up on pillows, beamed at him as she spooned cold sherbet into her mouth.
“Honestly…”
Her head was still banded with a damp towel, cheeks flushed from fever.
Sensing his cold anger, the maids fled the room.
Casey had told him she’d barely eaten all day—no sweets, no meals, and she’d even vomited once.
And now here she was, eating cold sherbet.
Howard took the bowl away.
“Hey! Give it back!”
“You shouldn’t eat cold food when you’re sick.”
So much for being glad to see him—what a scolding.
Irina glared at him.
Still, she didn’t get her sherbet back.
“Howard. I’m sick.”
It came out half like a pout.
He didn’t reply.
“Howard. I said I’m sick.”
Poke, poke.
She jabbed his arm with her finger.
Howard sighed quietly.
Irina grinned; at least he wasn’t too mad.
She whined playfully.
“Howard. Ugh, it hurts…”
It felt nice having someone familiar nearby.
When she’d thrown up earlier, it was just bile—and it hurt so much she thought she’d die.
If Howard had been there then, she probably would’ve bawled her eyes out.
Maybe it was for the best he’d come later.
He brought his personal physician to check on her.
It was just a bad cold, the doctor said.
She’d overexerted herself trying to adjust to a new environment.
Her body had simply given out.
After another check, the doctor left, and Howard ordered her not to leave the room.
“How can a person stay inside all day?”
She’d argued, only to get scolded endlessly.
Once the medicine kicked in, her headache eased, and the nausea subsided.
When she found out he’d come straight from work, she tried to push him back out.
“Go on, you have work.”
Now that she felt better, she shooed him away.
Reluctantly, he stood up.
As he left, he reminded her to pull the cord if she felt sick again.
Irina nodded brightly.
“Okay. See you later.”
That night, her condition worsened again.
Her throat burned, her nose hurt, her eyes watered constantly.
She’d never been this sick before.
If she lay down, her fever rose.
If she sat up, her body gave out.
She couldn’t lie, sit, or stand comfortably—just tossed and moaned.
Finally, she weakly pulled the bell cord again.
After a while, someone entered.
“Casey… I’m sick again…”
She didn’t even look up.
It had to be Casey—she’d come that morning, after all.
A hand touched her forehead.
But it was too big to be Casey’s. And it smelled familiar.
“Howard? You’re here?”
“Did you take your medicine?”
“Yeah.”
Of course she had.
Casey must’ve been following his orders; she’d made sure Irina took every dose.
She’d thought she was fine—but here she was again.
“I’ll call the doctor.”
Irina grabbed his arm tightly.
“Here. Sit here.”
She tugged insistently.
“Sit down.”
He gently pried her hand off.
“I’ll sit after calling the doctor.”
“I said I’m in pain. Sit down.”
“…Alright.”
He finally sat beside her, pulling a cold towel from the bowl on the table.
He wrung it out and folded it neatly before laying it across her forehead.
She winced at the chill, then sighed in relief.
“Howard… it hurts.”
Her voice was raspy and hoarse—nothing like her playful tone earlier.
“It hurts so much…”
She waited for a response.
“Talking makes it worse.”
Still curt. Irina pouted and reached out, pinching him.
He just sat there, letting her fuss as he stayed by her bedside, changing towels and keeping watch.
“Drink this.”
“No.”
“Then I’m leaving.”
“Fine…”
She gulped down another pouch of medicine.
It was bitter powder that stuck to her tongue—awful.
She handed him the cup and lay back down.
Then, afraid he might leave, she grabbed his pinky tightly.
Her palm was sweaty; it was the smallest part of him she could hold.
Sleep crept in slowly.
Her grip loosened until he could slip his finger free without effort.
Her temperature had gone down.
Her face looked peaceful again.
After all that worry.
Her soft, even breathing filled the quiet room.
Howard brushed his hand gently over the back of her hand.
He tucked the blanket up to her chin, then rose.
One last glance—and he left silently.
The next morning.
When Irina woke, Howard was gone.
And she felt perfectly fine.
Her throat still ached a little, but honestly, she could’ve gone running outside if she wanted.
Instead, Howard had fallen ill.
He’d caught it from her, just by staying near.
“See? I told you—still too weak.”
He wasn’t bedridden like she had been, but it was enough to interfere with his work.
For the next few days, Irina kept her distance out of guilt—and to avoid getting sick again.
“Ah!”
On the third day, she tried to sneak away but got caught—Howard had her in a headlock.
Feeling much better now, Irina protested, but he only said he’d keep looking for her father.
She refused.
She didn’t want more help from him—and maybe… she preferred not to know.
“You can stop.”
“…If that’s what you want.”
“But you’ll keep looking anyway, won’t you?”
“Of course not.”
He intended to do exactly as she wished—but he’d be ready to tell her the moment she asked.
