Chapter 35

Chapter 35

It was a sizable increase in affection score, but I turned away without a second glance.

“See you,” I said. With that, my debt to him was paid.

I’m going home and drawing a big fat X over his name. I wrenched the door open, only to feel the handle slip from my hand as the door was forced shut again.

Huh?

I twisted the knob again, then was surprised to find that there was an arm above my head, holding the door shut. Winter was standing behind me. I quickly turned and found myself nose to nose with his rabbit mask. I was trapped against the door beneath his towering form.

“My lady...” His deep voice seemed to vibrate through me. I felt oddly flustered by the position we’d found ourselves in.

“Wh-what is it? Do you have something you need to say?”

Winter spoke after a heavy pause. “I... would like to thank you for caring for the children today,” he murmured.

“It’s fine. I’m the one who was trespassing, so—”

“I can’t bear to remain indebted to someone,” he interrupted. As he spoke, he slowly lowered his head. Our masks were almost touching.

Is he trying to scare me to make sure I keep my mouth shut?

My throat abruptly felt as dry as a desert. He didn’t have to put any pressure on me. I’d already fully intended on keeping my mouth shut anyway since I wanted nothing more to do with him. I backed into the door, shrugging and pretending to be unconcerned.

“I don’t need anything from you.”

I don’t care about your hang-up with debts. You’re off my list the moment I get home.

Winter was silent for a moment, before replying, “I’m a mage. That means I can do things that people ordinarily can’t.”

I didn’t understand where he was going with this. Are you trying to say you could kill me and get away with it? I didn’t know how to respond to being threatened like this.

“Please come back if you ever need my help.”

Suddenly, a white dialogue window slid into view behind Winter, who was still leaning over me.

<SYSTEM>

Mission complete: [Uncover the Sorcerer's Secret!]

<SYSTEM>

You safely learned the secret hidden inside the mage’s mysterious chamber. As your reward, you will receive a [Mage’s Help Voucher x1].

<SYSTEM>

Accept the reward?

[Yes. / No.]

“Ha!” I huffed, bewildered by the sudden reward. It was too little too late, considering the fear and anxiety I’d gone through in order to complete the quest. I had already decided to run away, determined not to get involved with him again. The reward was practically useless to me.

“That... that’s just not fair,” I muttered under my breath.

“I’m sorry?” Winter said, bewildered.

I shook my head and put my hand on his chest to softly nudge him away. Though I didn’t exert much force, he backed away without resisting, contrary to earlier when he’d prevented me from leaving. When I’d pushed him far enough to reach the notification window, I removed my hand and pressed [Yes.] in one smooth motion.

“I’ll come back if I need you,” I promised. I had no choice but to accept the ridiculous reward. Who knew if it would be useful to me later? My life seemed to be in constant danger, after all.

“Though I don’t think it’s likely,” I added begrudgingly. I had to avoid asking for his help if possible.

<SYSTEM>

You have acquired [Mage’s Help Voucher x1].

Shout [Help] when you wish to use it.

I read the message, and then I turned and threw the door open. By now, the alleyway was already filled with the long shadows cast by the setting sun.

“Oh, damn it...” I felt my heart sink as I trudged down the last of the stairs. “You idiot! You forgot to ask him to call a carriage...”

It had completely slipped my mind that I wouldn’t be able to teleport back.

Should I go back and ask for help?

I thought for a moment, turning to look at the door I’d slammed behind me. It didn’t take me long to come to a decision. I’d stomped out, claiming I didn’t need his help. It would be silly to go back inside and ask for a carriage. I was done embarrassing myself for the day.

It’s going to take me forever to get back... I hope the duke’s still busy with work when I arrive.

I gazed at the alley that stretched before me with despair. Thankfully, it seemed to lead to a wide street that was brightly lit. I could hear the sounds of the festival, which had yet to end.

I should get to the main road first. I’m sure I’ll be able to find a carriage there.

Grateful that the alley didn’t lead to a maze like the one I’d been confronted with when rescuing Eckles, I hurried along. As soon as I exited the short lane, I found myself on the main road, as expected. The scene that greeted me was similar to the time I’d visited the festival with the duke’s sons, filled with stalls and shops. I needed a carriage, but the street was overflowing with people instead.

Scowling deeply, I scanned my surroundings. That was when I noticed men wearing armor that bore a familiar insignia. Not far away, two knights donned in silver armor were questioning a suspicious-looking man.

“Your identification, please,” said one of the knights.

“Wh-what do you want my identification for?”

“We’ve been ordered to keep an eye out for any criminals that might have snuck into the city during the festival. Your identification, now.”

“W-well...” The man didn’t seem willing to comply.

I’ve seen that armor somewhere, I swear, I thought. My eyes widened as it suddenly came to me. Wait a second! That’s the Eckhart coat of arms!

Glancing around once more, I realized that the duke’s knights lined the street in small groups.

Why are they here? Did the duke notice that I was gone and send them out to find me?

I felt a wave of terror. This was not good. Derrick was in charge of the knights, which meant he could very well be nearby.

If they find out that I snuck out, I’m as good as dead.

Though I’d volunteered to stay in my room as a sign of remorse, the duke hadn’t permitted me to leave the manor yet. I cast my gaze about hurriedly. I had to get home before Derrick saw me. That was when I heard a familiar voice coming from where the two knights stood.

“What’s going on here?”

“Sir!” The knights saluted, and I watched, desperately hoping it wasn’t him.

I saw black hair. The man wore armor carrying the Eckhart coat of arms in silver, an ornate black cloak billowing behind him. It was Derrick. He was right there. My heart was racing. To my great relief, I was still wearing my robe and mask, which made me impossible to identify.

He won’t recognize the mask, will he?

It had already been a week since Reynold had bought it. Derrick hated the very sight of me, so surely, he wouldn’t remember such a tiny detail. There was a crowd of people shuffling past him, and so he hadn’t spotted me yet. I hunched over as best I could, planning to let the crowd carry me to safety.

There! That’s my ticket out of here!

I noticed a group of people wearing masks similar to mine. Stealing glances at Derrick, I waited for the right time to make my move. He was listening to the knight speak when he suddenly glanced up, looking right at me.

I flinched, stumbling backward. Our eyes had met, and his questioning expression soon twisted into a scowl.

“You...”

Oh, sh*t.

I turned before he could know for sure it was me and dashed back down the alley, which turned out to be a dead end. There were only a few buildings, including Winter’s establishment. There was nowhere to run if Derrick gave chase. I climbed the stairs, tears of shame stinging my eyes. Then I threw myself against the door, shoving it open.

“Help!”