Chapter 26
“White magic powerful enough to revive the dead. There are only a few people on the continent capable of such a feat. And you, who have no interest in white magic, are not one of them.”
The young master’s face darkened. He looked like he was about to hit someone.
“The strongest white mage on the continent is Crown Prince Umbram. Are you aware that you’re insulting the royal family?”
“I never said it was Umbram.”
Miss Baba tilted her head and smiled. I couldn’t help but whisper, “Wow.” She was as beautiful as the young master. I started to think seriously.
‘Should I consider Miss Baba as a potential Countess after all? With the combined beauty of our young master, the most handsome man on the continent, and Miss Baba, their child could conquer the world… What would Head Butler Godora think?’
While I was lost in thought, their conversation continued. To be honest, I barely heard any of it. I was too busy thinking about the flower arrangements for the young master’s wedding reception.
My thoughts spiraled out of control, and I eventually started planning the birthday party for their third child. I became so engrossed that I grabbed the young master’s arm.
“Young Master, would you prefer elegant yet extravagant lilies for the party decorations, or graceful and mystical lilacs and butterflies?”
He didn’t even look at me, just pushed my hand away and ruffled my hair. It was a clear signal to be quiet…
Ignoring me, he said to Miss Baba,
“Reviving the dead is forbidden magic. But if it’s healing magic, that’s a different story. It would definitely benefit the people.”
“You seem a bit interested in this. I don’t know the details. Zombie cores. We might learn something if we study them.”
Young Master Lupin took out a small box from his pocket. It looked like a die used for gambling.
It was actually a miniature magic box. It contained the zombie cores Knight Commander Edna had requested.
“This is what Knight Commander Edna was talking about. I’ll give it to you if you’re really her old friend.”
“I am.”
“How can I trust you? Show me some proof.”
Miss Baba shrugged.
“I don’t have any proof. I think I have some at home.”
“Then go get it.”
“It’s too far. And the way there is swarming with zombies. I was just wondering how to get back.”
Young Master Lupin scoffed and stood up.
“Let’s go, Estella. There’s nothing more to discuss.”
“Wait.”
Miss Baba, still relaxed, maintained her gentle smile.
“Escort me safely back home. If I get back safely, I’ll show you the identification papers Edna wrote herself.”
“Is that necessary? I can just send a messenger to deliver this to the location Knight Commander Edna mentioned. That would be simpler.”
“If you help me, I’ll give you full access to the collection in my magic library.”
The young master hesitated. He even placed his hand on my shoulder, subtly pushing me down as I was about to stand up. I sat back down obediently. He shouldn’t have told me to leave if he wasn’t actually leaving.
“I’ve heard of you. The witch with a magic library in the western forest. Is that you?”
“If you don’t believe me, you can come and see for yourself. It won’t be a loss for you. You can earn some merits by taking care of the zombies on the way. You might even get a promotion. Humans like that sort of thing, don’t they?”
My ears perked up at the mention of dealing with zombies.
I was about to get my hands on a super-powered vacuum cleaner that could be used as a zombie-fighting weapon. Cleaning the mansion was one thing, but wasn’t zombie extermination also a form of cleaning? As the young master’s zombie investigator sidekick, I needed a chance to test my new weapon.
“Young Master! How about we help Miss Baba? We ordered a vacuum cleaner that can be used as a zombie-fighting weapon, didn’t we?”
“You bought that vacuum cleaner because you wanted to clean, didn’t you?”
“It can be used for both. Please? I want to try it out on zombies. It was fun last time.”
“Zombie extermination isn’t for…”
He sighed and then stroked my hair again. This time, his touch was rough, as if suppressing his anger. I wasn’t sure if he was angry at me or just in a bad mood.
He then stood up.
“I’ll think about it.”
“If you don’t want to, just send the girl with me. I’m fine with that.”
Miss Baba placed her hand on the table and grabbed mine. Her elegant, beautiful hand felt as large as a man’s. Come to think of it, hadn’t she just referred to us as “humans”? Was she perhaps not human herself?
“My tower is very large and spacious. I have someone helping me, but it’s not enough. It would be nice if you became my maid.”
“Me! But I’ve already pledged my loyalty to the Count…”
“I’m rich. And I live longer than humans. Dolls don’t die, right? We can live happily ever after. What do you say, doll?”
Just as I was slightly tempted by the mention of wealth, the young master grabbed my waist and pulled me up.
“Don’t try to poach my doll.”
“Escort me if you don’t like it.”
“If I decide to do that, meet me and my doll here tomorrow at noon.”
The young master turned and strode away. Even as I was awkwardly being dragged along, I couldn’t forget my manners.
“See you tomorrow, Miss!”
Miss Baba smiled sweetly and waved back. That’s when the young master pulled me closer, tightening his grip on my waist.
As I stumbled, losing my balance, he stopped and pulled me against him. When I looked up, holding onto him, he was looking down at me with an even more intimidating expression.
I smiled. I figured a smile could smooth things over.
“Estella.”
“Yes!”
“Don’t be so nice to everyone.”
“Why? Head Butler Godora always said, ‘Be kind to everyone!’ That’s the duty of a Zepetto household employee…”
“Don’t do it if I tell you not to. You’re my creation and my property, before you’re an ordinary maid.”
As we walked towards our room, he added,
“Listen only to me, look only at me, and do only as I say.”
I took his hand, which was resting on my waist, and replied,
“Yes! But only when I want to! Because that’s what I want to do.”
He sighed deeply and replied,
“I figured as much.”
Count Lupin Zepetto was known for his aversion to social activities. He would shut himself away in his… well, his earldom, busy making dolls and researching magic. He was extremely introverted and had no friends other than me.
However, being a noble, he was occasionally forced to attend social gatherings. He never enjoyed them, though. He would always make a brief appearance and then slip away.
It was routine for me to doze off in the carriage as we returned home together. So, the young master and I had never spent a night away from the mansion.
It was understandable that we hadn’t anticipated this situation.
“You’re saying the young master and I have to share a room?”
It was shocking news. Even if I was a maid, a doll! They couldn’t even get me a separate room!
It was a mistake made by the messenger who booked the rooms.
The party consisted of Count Lupin Zepetto and his doll. So, one human, one doll.
He hadn’t booked a separate room for the doll because of this. Was it okay for society to be so disrespectful towards dolls?
“We can’t change rooms now. There are too many people stranded here because of the zombies.”
The young master was unfazed. I seemed to be the only one who was bothered.
Estella’s inner self was the refined lady, Anna. I couldn’t share a room with a man!
Even if he was a man who had never had a proper relationship and was more interested in carving wood into dolls than showing any interest in women, a block of wood of a man!
“I can’t share a room with a block of wood, I mean, I can’t share a room with you, Young Master.”
“Did you just call me a block of wood?”
“No, I didn’t. I think you misheard.”
“Forget it.”
Oblivious to my inner turmoil, the young master started to undress. Being a nobleman who had never tidied up after himself, he tossed his expensive clothes on the floor as he undressed.
Sobbing internally with my maid instincts, I picked up his discarded clothes. When he untied his tie, I wrapped it around my arm. When he took off his shirt, I folded it and put it away. These were tasks usually performed by a male servant!
“Young Master, I’m only telling you this because it’s me. You can’t just undress like this in front of other people.”
“Why would I undress in front of other people?”
“That’s true.”
“I’m undressing because you’re…”
He stopped mid-sentence. He was about to take off his trousers, but his hand froze at his belt buckle.
“What’s wrong? Do you need help?”
“It’s because you keep bothering me!”
His face, as he looked at me, was flushed.
“Why are you so angry! I’m offended that you’re getting so red in the face.”
“Who said I’m angry?”
“Your face is red. Are you hot? Then hurry up and take them off.”
“…”
“If I’m bothering you too much, just stand two steps away and throw your clothes at me. I’ll catch them. I’m good at catch.”
He hesitated, then said gruffly,
“I’m hungry.”
“Huh? You had a light meal at the café. You must be craving something… more distinctive, right?”
“Yes. Anything is fine, just bring me something.”
“After you change your clothes…”
“Now. Immediately. Please, just go and get me something… now.”
He must have been starving…! For him, a picky eater, to be asking for food like this…
Loyal Estella. I couldn’t let him go hungry.
“Yes! I’ll bring you something to eat right now.”
I had to be considerate of the tired young master!
“I’ll also draw you a bath, so please be completely undressed by the time I get back!”