Witch vs. Fool (2)
The guest room was cozy and clean.
Above all, the fireplace added just the right amount of warmth so it wasn't cold.
The employees unpacked my luggage.
A few dresses were hung in the dressing room, and a few cosmetics were placed on the dressing table.
In an instant, the employees who had finished tidying up the bedroom left, leaving only one person behind.
It was the maid who guided me to the bedroom.
"I will be your attendant during your stay at the castle. If you need more personnel, please let me know."
The tone was polite, but there was not a hint of warmth in the voice.
To the average person, it would have sounded like the stiff tone typical of northerners.
But it was obvious to me that she was harboring hostility.
"What is your name?"
"Excuse me, is that my name?"
"I'm going to need help while I'm here, but I can't call you 'you' every time."
"This is Vivian."
Vivian had a calm expression. Her short brown hair was neatly trimmed like a knife at the ends.
"Vivian, how long have you worked at the Duke's Castle?"
"This is my 8th year."
"Nadia, who is here, will take care of my care. If I need help, I wilI call you, so please take your time and come back then."
"That can't be. I have been ordered to serve you without causing you any inconvenience. I am sorry, but I must put the Duke's orders ahead of the young lady's."
"You didn't understand what I said. I'm not rejecting you, I'm just saying you don't have to be around people you don't like."
Vivian, who had been quietly looking down, looked at me.
"What are you talking about..."
"You don't like me."
Vivian shut her mouth.
'You have an honest personality.'
If it were someone else, they would have gotten upset or made excuses.
Of course, the head maid wouldn't have entrusted my care to just anyone.
Vivian probably has a good reputation among employees. Having worked as an employee for eight years, she should be good at handling emotions. And yet she was hostile to me. One could easily imagine how much worse it would be for others.
"Is anyone close to you sick?"
Vivian lowered her eyes again, the joints of her hands sticking out as she clutched the hem of her skirt.
"My younger brother is sick."
"You must have a lot to worry about."
"It's not just me. Everyone has someone they know or a family member who has been sick."
"You think the epidemic is my fault."
"There is a saying we have always had. The Empire has 'the first walker, but Eldern does not."
Even though I was determined, I couldn't help but feel a pang in my heart.
It's not easy to witness the sins I've committed.
"Yes."
"... Yes?"
"I understand why you hate me."
Vivian's mask-like expression broke for the first time.
"Why am I angry? You're right."
"I knew you would be angry."
"..."
"It's painful to be with someone you don't like. I know that. I won't tell anyone, so just spend your time as you please. Don't get caught and get in trouble for no reason."
Vivian bit her lower lip. She asked awkwardly, blinking at the carpet.
"Excuse me, can I ask you one thing?
"What is it?"
"Is it really true that you have gathered the Montpain for us?"
"Can you believe what I say?"
"I will believe you."
"Yeah, I did it. I don't know if that's the answer you're looking for."
After being silent for a long time, she finally opened her mouth.
"Please allow me to serve the young lady."
"Why?"
"Eldern repays grudges twice, and favors tenfold."
"Ah."
You indeed hate me, but you still repay the favor. I like that honesty.
Anyway, I needed someone who knew this place well.
"Okay, do as you wish. Nadia, say hello to Vivian."
"..."
"Nadia."
Only after another round of urging did Nadia reluctantly open her mouth.
"I am Nadia."
"Vivian."
They just exchanged names bluntly and didn't even pay attention to each other. In my opinion, their personalities didn't match.
Nadia sat me down in the rocking chair in front of the fireplace. She put a blanket over my lap and asked me.
"Miss, would you like a cup of warm tea?"
"Yes."
Nadia came down with a familiar look on her face. I held the warm cup of tea in both hands and asked.
"Vivian, is there a golden tree top here too?"
"We have a branch. I heard it's the second largest in the empire. Is there anything you need in particular?"
"No, I came out on a trip and now I want to go shopping."
A faint disappointment passed through Vivian's eyes, which had been as calm as a lake.
"I'll let you know tomorrow. How about the afternoon?"
"Good."
She didn't say whether it was necessary to go shopping in these times.
As long as I don't cross the line in the future, Vivian will carry out any orders I give her without complaint.
To her, I was a witch or a fool. I just completed my assigned mission and had no interest in anything else.
This is why I allowed Vivian to attend to me.
Vivian said dryly.
"Can you take a bath before you attend dinner?"
"Please."
The bath water was ready in no time. Nadia stopped Vivian from entering the bathroom.
"I can take care of my lady all by myself."
The bathroom was filled with steam. I let out a long breath as I soaked in the bathtub.
"Miss, how is the water temperature?"
"Good."
Nadia held a sponge full of water against my body and squeezed it tightly. The warm water flowed down my shoulders.
"I just took a quick shower at the mountain lodge, so this is my first bath in three days. Are you feeling a bit uncomfortable?"
The mountain lodge had to heat pots filled with water in the kitchen each day. Even filling the bathtub was too much work, so I only washed It simply.
For me, who used to bathe compulsively two or three times a day, this was something I could never have imagined.
But I wasn't anxious.
It's not because I can see the snow, but because I feel more embarrassed.
When Ian carried me to the hut, the drenched cloth did nothing for me. I could feel his body, even though I was struggling with the heat.
Maybe that's why Ian was reluctant to take a bath near me.
"But what about shopping? You didn't even let me pack my bags because the carriage was slowing down."
"That kind of thing happens."
"Our young lady has many secrets. Lean back and I'll wash your hair."
I leaned back in the bathtub and closed my eyes.
And I recalled the low voice that I always heard when I came to my senses while being carried on Ian's back.
"At that time. The young Lady was holding the cake with both hands. She handed it to me, telling me to eat it."
"Young Lady, are you listening? Are you listening?"
"Just hang in there. I won't make you hurt."
It's weird.
The skin that was touching it felt tingly. I swept my arm down for no reason.
"Are you cold?"
"No."
"You have goosebumps on your arms. Let me see... Oh my, the water is already getting cold. It must be cold in here. I'll finish quickly."
When I came out of the bath and into the bedroom, Vivian was preparing a dress.
I put on simple makeup and changed into a silver-gray dress.
Even though I prepared a special winter dress because it was a cold region, it was still cold.
Just then, a noise was heard outside. Vivian opened the bedroom door and bowed her head.
"Miss, the little Duke has arrived."
It was Ian, neatly dressed in his uniform. He had just washed up, and he had a strong, distinctive soapy smell.
He draped the pure white fur he was carrying on one arm around my shoulders.
"I will escort you to the dining room."
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