Chapter 14:
I arrived at the marketplace by carriage. I bought every piece of protective gear I could see. Technically, it was all Seniel’s money, but I thought of it as a small price to pay, so I didn’t hesitate.
I picked up a few swords easy enough for a beginner to handle and something to protect my neck.
I also bought a potion to help me run faster.
At the magic ring shop, I browsed rings that could provide a certain level of defense against sexual energy.
“Could Kidd really use sexual energy? Well… he could, I suppose…”
I remembered that if his temperament was twisted, it would be difficult to manifest his power, but it wasn’t impossible.
If Kidd used sexual energy, could I stop him? While worrying about that, I bought a ring that could defend against sexual energy as well.
Before I knew it, I had more than three rings dangling on just one hand.
Looking at the arms-full of items in my lap, I let out a deep sigh. It was unsettling, but objectively, it seemed like more than enough. The money I spent could have bought a whole plot of land.
Even though I was splurging, I didn’t feel any joy.
Only five days remained until the stowaway operation, and the mood was bleak.
Trudging back to the carriage, I noticed a familiar face. On the opposite side, Ezette was walking elegantly in armor.
“Wow, really handsome.”
Her hair, soft and white like whipped cream, blew in the wind. Her deeply set eyes were serious, with not a trace of disorder. Even last time I saw her, I thought she was well-built, but in armor, her physique was impressive.
“Is this what welfare looks like?”
Seniel also had a solid body and was quite handsome, but there were different kinds of attractive, and they were clearly different types of beauty. Every time I saw them, I couldn’t help but admire it.
It was a pity Ronan died. Heaven was so indifferent to take such talent away.
Anyway, seeing her in armor, Ezette seemed to be on duty. Patrol duty maybe? But usually guards, not paladins, did patrols.
“Why does her expression look so gloomy?”
I didn’t remember Ezette ever looking this somber.
In the novel, the female protagonist I remembered was justly spirited, passionate, and full of fire. She might not have been enthusiastic about everything, but gloom didn’t suit her.
Now, she seemed bored with life.
Even last time, she lacked energy, but I assumed it was just because she found me bothersome.
I briefly wondered why Ezette looked this way, then dismissed it.
“People can’t be energetic all the time. She probably has her off days.”
I turned back to continue on my way. Just as I turned, our eyes met.
Ezette’s previously bored eyes sharpened instantly.
I nodded slightly so as not to disturb her work. She hesitated, then her gaze softened again. She blinked quietly and looked away.
I wondered if she was unwell as I watched her walk off.
I hid the self-defense gear and protective items in suitable places.
Then I collapsed onto the bed. There was still plenty of time before Seniel finished work, so I could take a nap.
I was so exhausted that I didn’t have time to feel the mixed emotions of fear, terror, or pity that I had yesterday. My body just went limp.
I asked the maid to wake me before six, so I fell asleep without worry.
“Milady, it’s time to wake up.”
With the maid’s help, I woke up just in time for breakfast. Having relaxed in sleep, my entire body ached.
I patted my shoulders and walked into the dining hall.
Seniel was there, dressed in his cleric robes.
He looked more at peace than yesterday. Seeing that small tranquility gave me a sense of sacredness, as if I should say a prayer.
Breakfast was no different from yesterday.
Seniel seemed like he had something to say, but he didn’t bring it up. I busied myself with ordinary pleasantries and eating—not because I was hungry, but to conserve my strength.
After the meal, I took out a flower. Without my saying anything, Seniel accepted it naturally.
“I’ll place it again today. Should I leave the previous flowers in the vase too?”
“Hmm, let them be for a while, then discard them when they wither.”
“Alright, I’ll do that.”
Seniel gazed seriously at the flower, as if he had received an important mission. Tired as I was, the sight was almost cute.
As I was about to leave, Seniel hesitated, lifting his hand briefly before lowering it. Was he trying to greet me? I asked.
“Do you have something to say?”
“…No. Goodbye.”
How anticlimactic. He smiled awkwardly and said it was nothing. Judging by that reaction, he wouldn’t give an answer even if I pressed. I gave up and returned to my room.
By 8 p.m., it was time to prepare for bed.
I told the maid I had a sore neck and to prepare a turtleneck pajama or scarf so I could wear the neck guard. I wasn’t sure if turtleneck pajamas existed, but in this fantasy world, anything seemed to exist.
I carefully put on the neck guard. It was warm but constricting.
Sitting on the bed, I glared at the door. Being alone hit me fully.
I was so terrified that I almost begged the maid, who had drawn my bath, not to leave just for tonight. I restrained myself, though, and let her go.
“If I’d held onto the maid, Seniel would have needed two coffins in the morning.”
If Kidd didn’t appear today either, I had no idea what tomorrow night would be like.
I had only been possessed for a few days, yet I already felt physically and mentally worn down. I wanted to escape quickly, before it got worse. I had to succeed with the stowaway plan.
As I steeled myself, there came a knock at the door.
Startled, I nearly floated off the bed with a strangled squeak.
“Kidd shouldn’t be here yet…”
And Kidd didn’t knock!
Shivering in fear, I heard a voice outside the door.
“Milady, this is Butler Hurban. A letter has arrived for you, and I wish to deliver it.”
The moment I realized it was the butler, my tension melted completely. I might not have survived the shock otherwise.
“Come in.”
Hurban entered. Everyone was busy preparing to leave, but he wasn’t hurried. A professional through and through.
“Leave it on the table. Thank you.”
“Have a peaceful evening.”
I wished the same.
After Hurban closed the door, I got out of bed. He had thoughtfully included a paper knife along with the letter.
A letter? I hadn’t realized before—who would even be sending a letter to Bibi?
I thought back through my memories but couldn’t think of anyone.
Curious, I examined the envelope first.
Nothing about it stood out—no family seal, just a plain, rough envelope. That made it stranger.
“Who could it be?”
I didn’t hesitate and carefully slit the envelope with the paper knife. Inside was a simple sheet of paper matching the plain envelope.
“Wow, look at the handwriting.”
Before reading the contents, I admired the neat, consistent lettering. Not fancy, but clean and honest.
Who would send such a letter to Bibi?
Curious, I started reading from the top.
From Ronan Philaxis.
“What? Ronan Philaxis? The Ronan Philaxis I know? Sent by the heroine?”
I closed my eyes and opened them again, but it still said: Ronan Philaxis.
Why was he writing to me? Was it a threat because of the stowaway? Surely not.
“We were good, weren’t we? We joked together… Was I the only one serious?”
I bit my nails absentmindedly and began reading carefully again.
To Lady Bibi McCourt,
This is Ronan Philaxis, who escorted you on Rodwald Street. Could you fulfill the promise you made to offer me a reward? I need your help.
Please come to Liberta Café on Albetro Street at 2 p.m. tomorrow. I know this is an impertinent request, but there is no one else I can ask. I apologize.
I will be waiting.
—Ronan Philaxis
Even after reading the letter, I felt there had to be more, so I flipped the paper. The blank space said it all—the letter contained everything.
I expected at least a subtle threat, but it was simply a request. Perhaps a subtle pressure, but mostly just a request.
I stopped flipping the paper anxiously.
“Is he genuinely asking for help, or is he using that as a pretext to find something out?”
Given Ezette’s honest personality, he could simply be asking for help. No need to overthink. Still, it felt unsettling.
“Either way, I’ll know if I go.”
Scheduling the meeting on the memorial day seemed suspicious, but I had to go.
I carefully folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. I tucked it in my drawer and returned to bed.
Wrapped in my blanket like a cocoon, I glared at the door and closed my eyes, praying.
“Please let me see Seniel’s face tomorrow morning.”
Kidd didn’t show that night either.
