CH 21

Serdel’s servants’ eyes have changed significantly since Siri became a disciple of the vice-captain. Siri is cool as well, carrying the sword in her heart to protect her master, but Serdel is the one who believes she has talent and has shown it to Addis. As a result, Siri became a direct disciple of the vice-captain. 

Everything has changed in her life. This came as a new shock to the servants. Serdel didn’t stop there; she also provided Siri with a sword and support. In order to properly care for her, she checked ahead of time to see if the Knights were missing anything and filled in the gaps.

She went into the kitchen because she was also worried about her diet. She examines the food in the warehouse and instructs the chef and butler to serve high-quality meals to not only the knights, but everyone.

She also began to pay attention to the mansion’s overall management. Naturally, the servants were kept busy as a result of her orders. It was a once-in-a-lifetime sight. The mansion, which had previously been lifeless, was now overflowing with full energy as a result of this.

While watching this silently, Cartal called Serdel into his office. His face was stiffer than usual. 

‘Is it too bad—?’

She felt bad for no reason. She was anxious about Siri, who would be staying with the knights, so taking care of a little bit from behind became a big deal. She noticed inefficient problems she hadn’t seen before as soon as she touched on one subject, the mansion work.

She couldn’t help but step forward.

“Originally— it’s the hostess’s job. What you’re doing. Since I don’t have a wife, Addis, or Redan, who has an obligation to assist the successor, should have stepped forward.” 

“….”

She knew it. Was it bothering him?

Not knowing what to say, Serdel chose to remain silent for a while. 

“However, before becoming an heir, Addis served as a knight in the Imperial family, so she spends more time outside than inside the family— despite her pride in her subordinates, she is unlikely to be the next owner I can rely on. She’s never worked on a big project before—”

He hesitated unknowingly. The head, which was about to be lowered deeply, also said. “Redan, he’s not taking care of the family at all because he’s only out there. He was also busy with matters concerning the estate, so he left the task about house to Monem, the butlers and vice-butlers.”

Monem has been the Count’s House head maid for the longest time. She had been the head maid till 10 years ago, but as she grew older, she naturally passed over the position to the current maid and retired from the front line. No, she thought so. 

‘I didn’t know you were doing the most important thing behind me.’ 

Serdel was a caring person from an early age, but Serdel was uncomfortable with her for some reason. As a result, they’ve only met a few times in the past, and it’s the same now.

‘I haven’t heard that name in a long time. I’m feeling strange for no reason.’

Monem was strict and scary in front of work, but fair in everything, according to the memories that remain. Above all, she was the one who treated Serdel more precious than anyone else.

Cartal, Addis, Redan. 

Monem was the only one who hugged her after everyone else had left her alone. Why would you do something like that?

‘I’m curious, but this isn’t the point.’

This is not the time to pay attention to Monem. She kept listening to Cartal.

“They don’t say it, but it has to be a big burden for them. The balance of the mansion that has been maintained will be broken the moment one loses their impartiality. They’d need a master to balance and take responsibility on top of them.”

“….”

“So when you stepped up, they waited. They depend and follow as if you were— Especially, they remember how intelligent you were when you were young.”

Serdel now has her head straight. In the air, Cartal’s and her eyes met.

“Take it.”

In front of Serdel, he pushed a bunch of books from a drawer. The list of Count’s servants was at the top, and the account book was at the bottom, as she looked at it. Monthly salaries paid to knights, soldiers, and servants, as well as fixed costs for maintaining the Count and taxes received from the estate, were all recorded in the accounts.

“You will be in charge of them. I’ll leave the mansion’s work to you.”

Serdel’s mouth opened blankly. She couldn’t believe it even though she heard it clearly.

“Serdel Robbesta. Do your best in your role as a member of the Count family. I’m sure you’ll do well.”

She took turns looking at the list, books, and Cartal.  It wasn’t a dream. Now he was acknowledging her and sharing the family’s responsibilities. Her mouth widens.

“Can you handle it?”

Serdel shook her head boldly in response to his question. No way! The more power she has inside the family, the more she can achieve something without relying on precognitive dreams.

It was like an opportunity.

“I can handle it— You trusted me, so I’ll do my best without making a mistake. Keep an eye on me!”

She bravely responded and took the list and book in her arms. Until then, Serdel’s bold eyes made Cartal smile openly.

“….”

Serdel was mesmerized once more because it was the first time she had seen him like this. Cartal’s smile was very awkward, maybe because he was always stiff, but for some reason—.

It felt like a rush of emotions.

“Yeah, I’ll keep an eye on you.”

She was touched by the warmth she felt in his voice. She needed to respond, but she couldn’t say anything. She eventually replaced what she had to say with a nod of her head.

Cartal, who was left alone after Serdel left, escaped from his desk and went out to the terrace. The lukewarm wind seemed to reflect his current emotions. Complicated. 

Knock, knock.

Then a knock came from behind him. The door opened soon after, and an old maid entered.

“I thought you might need warm tea, so I came here. Would you like to have a cup of tea with me, Master?”

“You’re always in good timing.”

“I’ve been serving you since you were a baby, but I’m not a faithful maid if I don’t get the perfect timing to come.”

“Monem.”

“Yes. Master. Please tell me.”

“—Keep an eye on Serdel.”

Between the wrinkles, a small smile was hidden. She raised her head to look at Cartal. Because he’s still turned his back, she can’t see his expression, but the atmosphere tells that he’s in pain. It was the feeling of someone who had been watching for quite some time.

“Memories— I’ll look to see if she’s recovered her memories from that day.”

Serdel’s eyes, facial expressions, and actions only helped to reawaken her foresight. He couldn’t be sure, but she didn’t seem to have returned to her memory yet.

He had no idea she was keeping her return memories hidden from him.

“What should I do if that’s the case—?”

This ugly father who did such a cruel act would be resentful, no matter how much it was for her. No, she might already be blaming it.

“Ha, haha.”

He mumbled weakly, bowed his head, and smiled flatly. The hand that held onto the railing gave him strength.

“Don’t worry too much because I’ll be there for you. Master.”

It must be uncomfortable with the Lady. Since then—.

It must not be in memory, but it is Serdel who started to push her away. Although she kept her distance in case her memory came back.

Cartal did not know this. Because she didn’t report it. If she had informed Serdel’s ideal at that time. He is deeply guilty of having already done one thing, and his mind may have collapsed under pressure to do something he can’t do again.

So she couldn’t help it. 

She has no choice but to take the guilt instead.

‘All my sins will go away when I die.’ 

So, may Cartal and Serdel, Addis and Redan no longer be hurt. And they might be able to escape the nightmare.

She prayed quietly, as she had done since the Countess returned as a terrible corpse.