Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Eckles had the highest affection score of any of the love interests—25%—but there was something I felt I was overlooking that continued to bother me. Derrick and Reynold’s affection scores only rose by 2-3% at a time, and up to 5% only in rare cases. But Eckles, whom I’d only met a few days ago, had an affection score that was rising at an unprecedented speed.

The faster the climb, the harder the fall.

In hard mode, drops in the affection scores had often been caused by the most unexpected things. Eckles was my first choice for getting out of the game, but I couldn’t put all my eggs in one basket.

“I... should have an alternative escape plan, just in case.”

The icy rain fell on my exposed arm, and the sensation brought my confused thoughts into focus.

“Yes, that’s it. This game is predictable, so there’s no need to worry,” I said, trying to console myself. My panicked breathing slowed, and my dizziness receded.

“Emily will make a fuss,” I said, glancing down and noticing that the shoulder of my dress was also soaking wet. Tutting, I began walking again. Now that I was calmer, I finally began to feel the cold. If I didn’t get back inside, Penelope’s weak body would no doubt come down with a fever of some sort.

* * *

The information guilds Emily had visited delivered results after only two days.

“My lady, here are the merchants’ replies regarding the person you’re searching for,” Emily said, placing the cup of black tea and the cake I’d asked for on the desk. She surreptitiously set the envelopes down next to the tray.

The guilds’ insignias were stamped in wax on each of them. Putting aside my book, I opened them. Each envelope held a single piece of paper with many names and houses scrawled down its length. The lists were almost identical, though there were very slight discrepancies in how many names each list contained.

“Is this all of them?” I asked, skimming through them.

Emily’s posture straightened immediately, likely afraid that I was disappointed with the results. She quickly added, “The messengers told me it would be useful if you gave them a little more information about the person you were looking for, my lady. It would help narrow down the possibilities...” she trailed off, shooting a nervous glance at the papers in my hand. She’d been so certain that the search wouldn’t take long, but the list of names was far from short. I wasn’t surprised by her concern. It wasn’t Emily’s fault, however.

A nobleman who attended the second prince’s birthday celebration and carried a white handkerchief.

The memo I’d given her wasn’t very descriptive. Most noblemen carried handkerchiefs with them when attending a party or banquet, after all. It was a matter of etiquette.

“I-I’ll go to another information guild, my lady,” said Emily, expression troubled.

“No. This will do just fine,” I said. Since I wasn’t really looking to find anyone who matched that description, I shook my head at her suggestion. “I meant that you only gave me three envelopes. I thought you said you went to four establishments.”

“Ah...” Emily said, her face finally falling into a more relaxed expression. “Come to think of it, only one of them hasn’t replied yet,” she said, tilting her head to the side.

I read the three lists in my hand again. None of them bore the white rabbit seal I was looking for.

I thought he’d reply right away.

Unexpectedly, I was disappointed by Winter’s lack of enthusiasm. If he wasn’t going to show his face, there was only one other option. I’d have to do what the female protagonist of normal mode had done, and attend every party that Winter was likely to show up at.

Well, that’s a bummer. I sighed quietly.

“Would you like me to try again?” Emily asked cautiously, noticing my chagrin.

“No, did you pay them for their services?”

“Yes. I sent each messenger back with the gems we’d agreed upon as payment.”

“Well done,” I said casually, thinking of all the approaching parties I’d seen while playing normal mode. “As a reward for your hard work you can have all the gems that remain in the jewelry box.”

“But th-that’s...” Emily exclaimed, her jaw dropping. She must not have expected such a rich reward. “I couldn’t possibly, my lady! I’ll bring the box back after I tidy the gems.”

“Why? Don’t you like them? Would you prefer gold instead?” I asked quizzically.

“No, not at all!” she exclaimed, shaking her head emphatically. “I... I don’t want anything like that, my lady.”

I paused, finally turning to look at her. Emily looked unhappy.

Wouldn’t most servants dance for joy if they were offered such riches?

She almost seemed distressed as she continued, “I don’t need a reward, my lady. I just—”

“Oh,” I said, remembering the reward I had offered her. “Don’t worry. I’ll get rid of the needle, as promised.”

“Y-you don’t have to do that! You should just keep it,” Emily protested.

“Huh?”

I was now thoroughly confused.

The needle’s been making her anxious, but now she just wants me to hold on to it?

I frowned slightly. “Tell me what it is that you want exactly,” I demanded frostily.

Emily peered timidly at me, then slowly stuttered, “I... I want to be your maid for real, my lady.”

“...”

I studied her without showing any emotion, trying to guess what she meant.

“You’re already my personal maid. I can’t grant you much more than that, I’m afraid,” I said indifferently.

“My lady!” Emily exclaimed, suddenly falling to her knees. “Please forgive me!”

“...”

“I committed a terrible offense against you in the past. I... I don’t know what I was thinking! I don’t know how I dared... I’m not surprised that you don’t trust me.”

“Emily.”

“B-but if you give me one more chance, I’ll prove to you just how useful I can be!”

I was at a loss for words.

“So, you’re saying you wish to be my loyal right hand?” I asked.

“Yes!”

I couldn’t make sense of it. Up until now, Emily had been one of the most enthusiastic contributors to Penelope’s tortured existence. Considering that she wasn’t the duke’s daughter by birth, it was to be expected that even the servants disrespected her. That was the nature of her position in the House of Eckhart.

Does she think she’ll receive rewards greater than gems if she acts this way?

Sadly, Penelope, who prodigiously wasted money from the family coffers, did not have any money set aside for her. She would beg the duke or the butler to call a merchant to buy gems from time to time, but she had no other personal wealth. Emily had been her maid for years now and knew this better than anyone.

What is she up to? I peered at her suspiciously.

Emily’s face set in determination, “You can keep the needle, and you should show it to the duke if you ever come to think that I’m not serving you with all my heart.”

“Do you... really mean that?” I asked. Emily nodded with conviction. I studied her closely, but she didn’t seem to be lying. As she knelt at my feet, I considered her.

I hadn’t expected this. Emily was an unimportant character I’d regarded as nothing more than a pawn I could use once I’d given her proper incentives. Why was she suddenly volunteering her undying support?

Is this one of the game’s twists?

This abrupt change of heart made no sense in real life, but I wasn’t complaining.

Well, having a loyal maid can’t hurt.

I didn’t have to contemplate for long.

“Put the gems back with the rest of the jewelry then,” I said.

“My lady!”

Emily rose to her feet, eyes misty with emotion. It was clear she understood that I’d accepted her proposition.

“Thank you! Thank you, my lady! I’ll do my best to serve you!”

“You may leave now,” I said, waving her off impatiently as she repeatedly thanked me. The door finally clicked shut behind her. As soon as she left the room, a white window appeared.

<SYSTEM>

Your relationship with the occupants of the manor has improved.

You’ve gained +10 reputation points as a result.

(Total: 15)

“Hmm. Didn’t expect that,” I said, reading the message. I’d given up on my reputation a long time ago, but surprisingly enough, it kept improving.

* * *

The huge window in my room let in a stream of dazzling sunlight. I was sitting on the floor, dozing off. The table that usually sat in front of the window was shoved aside. I’d wanted to go outside for a walk, but I didn’t want to risk running into the crazy assholes that were my adoptive brothers. I was getting some sun inside my room instead and it was brightening my mood a little.

It’s so peaceful...

If I was honest with myself, I knew I shouldn’t be wasting time like this. I’d waited two more days after the first missives Emily brought me from the information guilds, but Winter had failed to reply. This had forced me to turn to the butler of all people.

“Gather all the invitations we’ve received to parties that might attract high-ranking young noblemen,” I’d instructed him. The implication that I was growing socially active again had made the butler appear instantly nervous. His reaction made me wonder how much trouble Penelope had caused in the past to alarm him so.

Well, damn it. I guess this is how my happy, peaceful life in voluntary solitude ends...

I dreaded the prospect of attending so many parties in search of Winter. I dreaded it to such an extent that I felt tears in my eyes even as I dozed. As I was contemplating this, I heard the soft creak of the window. I’d left it ajar, but it was forced fully open as a great gust of wind blew into the room.