Chapter 27
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 27
A red carpet was laid over the black floor and stairs. On the landing, enormous, gold-framed arched windows flanked a central chandelier in perfect symmetry. Sunlight poured through them, illuminating every corner and making the golden chandelier sparkle even more brightly.
“…”
Brilliant golden glory, built upon crimson blood spilled over a deathly black canvas.
The thought struck her so suddenly that she dared not voice it.
“This is the main building of the estate. We call it the Main Building. The one opposite is the Annex.”
“I see.”
Barbara glanced back at her before turning to face forward again.
“Your room has been prepared in the Main Building, Young Lady. The Annex is currently used as the servants’ quarters and for other purposes, so you will have no reason to go there.”
It was a clear warning to stay out of the Annex.
“I understand.”
Her footsteps were muffled by the plush red carpet. As she quietly ascended the stairs and reached the landing, she could see a garden through the spotlessly clean glass. It was not the same garden she had seen from the carriage. While the grounds between the Main Building and the Annex were decorated only with grass and flowers, the garden behind the Main Building was a beautiful tapestry of well-manicured trees and blossoms.
The landing split, with two symmetrical staircases rising on either side.
“From now on, Abel will be your escort, and I will see to your daily needs. Please ensure Abel accompanies you whenever you go out, and tell me if you require anything.”
“How should I address you?”
“You may call me Lady Barbara.”
Seo-ah repeated the name to herself.
The light pouring from the windows cast long shadows on the stairs.
After following Barbara up the rest of the staircase, she saw long corridors stretching out to the left and right. Directly opposite the balustrade between the staircases stood a set of tall, black double doors, as grand as the main entrance, which were wide open. Beyond them was a hall large enough to host a grand reception. Through its generously sized windows, the Annex was visible.
Barbara gestured to the space beyond the open doors. “This is the Central Hall of the Main Building. You may sit on the sofas or linger for a while, but…”
Barbara trailed off as she stepped into the hall. Following her inside, Seo-ah understood why it was called the Central Hall. An immense chandelier hung low from the painted ceiling, and every corner was filled with sculptures that must have been crafted by a master artisan.
On either side of the hall were doors carved with wolves. Barbara pointed to the door on the right.
“That door connects to His Excellency’s private quarters, so do not open it. Even if it is open, you must not enter without permission.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Barbara then led Seo-ah down the right corridor.
“Your room is this way, Young Lady.”
As she followed, Seo-ah committed the layout of the manor to memory.
Come up the stairs, don’t enter the hall, and turn immediately right. After walking for some time down a corridor lined with windows that looked out onto the rear garden, a door appeared on the left wall.
Unlike the towering doors she had seen so far, this one was of a normal height and unassuming design. Barbara opened it and entered first.
The room beyond was just as neatly appointed. It had three windows that looked out onto the Annex, but this didn't seem to be her final destination. The space was filled with bookshelves packed tightly with books, a table, chairs, and a long sofa for reading, but there was nowhere to sleep.
Sure enough, Barbara led Seo-ah to another door in the room.
“This way.”
There were a total of three doors in the study: the one they had entered from the corridor, and two others facing each other on opposite walls. Barbara indicated the door on the right.
Seo-ah pointed to the door on the left and asked, “Then where does this one lead?”
Barbara answered as she opened the door on the right.
“It connects to His Excellency’s bedchamber.”
“…”
“Of course, this room is also His Excellency’s study, so it is considered his space as well. You are free to read the books, but please be sure to return them to their proper places when you are finished.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Please, come in.”
Barbara opened the right door and stepped inside. The room she led Seo-ah into was decorated with pale green wallpaper, giving it a bright and cozy feel.
Sheer curtains were drawn over the three windows that overlooked the Annex, and a bed was placed against the wall opposite them. From the bed, one would have a direct view of the Annex upon waking. Nightstands flanked the bed, each with a small gas lamp.
While Abel, who had followed them, placed her luggage by the bed, Barbara pointed to a wooden wardrobe in the corner and the door next to it.
“You can organize your things here. That door leads to the bathroom and washroom.”
“Yes.”
“Meals will be brought to your room on time, but please let us know if you need anything. In case of an emergency, pull the cord on the right side of the bed.”
Now that she mentioned it, Seo-ah saw a thick cord hanging from the ceiling beside the bed.
“Do you have any other questions?”
Seo-ah, who had been staring at the thickly braided black cord, shook her head.
“No.”
“If you have any questions during your stay, feel free to ask at any time. I will be back later with your dinner.”
Barbara gave the room a quick, sweeping glance, then left with a final instruction for her to rest. Abel followed, closing the door behind him. The sound of their footsteps faded as they crossed the study, followed by the soft click of another door closing.
Left alone, Seo-ah remained standing blankly for a long time. She stood perfectly still, her hands clasped tightly, for what felt like an eternity before a breath finally burst from her lips.
“Haaah…”
Her eyes closed. The tension drained from her shoulders, and her hands, which had been clasped before her, fell to her sides. As she took another breath, she caught the scent of the quiet air. From a distance, she could hear the chirping of birds.
After a moment immersed in the silence, she opened her eyes. The high ceiling, the carvings etched into it, the drawn curtains filled with translucent sunlight, and the scenery beyond the window came into view one by one.
Staring blankly at the Annex surrounded by forest, the lawn with its elegant patterns, and the round fountain, it struck her anew that she was in a foreign land, a world away from home.
The ship, where she couldn't sleep for a single moment; the train to Pelfe, where her anxiety had peaked while being pursued; the bank; the place she thought was an inn and that terrible night… and Oscar.
This place was the spitting image of that man, who seemed as if he were sculpted from darkness. It was impossible not to know this was his home.
She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the distant thrum of her heart. After a long journey, she had finally arrived. At that realization, the pulse in her neck throbbed. Pressing her chest once more, Seo-ah staggered toward the bed like a person completely drained of strength. As she sat on the plush mattress, the tension in her ramrod-straight back finally gave way, and her body folded onto the bed, sinking into its softness.
She would be watched, but it seemed she had enough freedom to move about. For now, couldn't she trust the contract she'd made with Oscar?
That was enough.
From her tilted perspective, she could see the texture of the sunlight draped over the window frame. The dry, warm sunlight felt utterly unfamiliar.
Blink, blink.
Feeling the light press against her eyes, Seo-ah closed them before she even realized it.
* * *
“My letter should have been in the envelope the crow brought. Didn’t you see it?”
“I saw it,” Barbara replied coldly.
Abel frowned. “Then why didn’t you prepare a room next to mine? It would have been better if you’d at least assigned her to a guest room in the Annex.”
To think that the target—a woman whose hand he hadn’t even managed to hold—was being put in a room meant for the Marquis’s direct attendant.
The room given to Seo-ah was originally meant for Simon von Bernheim. It was a room that could be connected to Oscar’s at any time; in fact, it was considered part of Oscar’s private quarters. However, Simon, being a nobleman, had refused to use it, complaining it was stuffy. Oscar had also been unenthusiastic about having him so close, so the room had remained empty for a very long time.
“I prioritize His Excellency’s orders above all else. He said she was not to be lost. If there is a place in this manor easier to monitor and protect than that room, tell me.”
“…”
“If I were to ignore such a place and put her in the room next to yours, or a guest room in the Annex, and something were to happen?” Barbara smiled coldly. “Neither I nor you would be able to escape the responsibility. Do you still want me to give her the room next to yours?”
Abel’s brow furrowed. “Forget it.”
“I’ve heard all about your reputation. Are you really going to make excuses about success or failure over something as trivial as a room’s location?”
“…”
The wily old wolf, having skillfully shut him down, let out a low laugh.
“For all that talk, it seems you haven’t even managed to hold her hand yet.”
Abel immediately twisted his lips into a smirk. “Ma’am, this isn’t something you can whip up like baking bread. You have to observe the target carefully. Grabbing her hand recklessly would be counterproductive.”
People who only know how to wield swords wouldn’t understand. This is a rather aesthetic endeavor.
The young wolf tossed out the sarcastic remark, but the old wolf didn’t even blink.
“That’s not my area of expertise, so I wouldn’t know. But you’re also serving as her escort, so don’t let any holes appear in our security.”
“…”
“Meaning, don’t get so lost in your thoughts of holding her hand that you get careless. The Backup Team will provide support, but you’re the one right beside her.”