5. The Bizarre Incident at the Louise Mansion (2)
Three years ago, around the time I witnessed the "original story's" ending. The grand duchess had safely inherited the duke's position, and the saintess had escaped the temple's abuse. The imperial princess, too... ugh. Let's not think about that woman. Anyway, when everyone had reached their happy endings, there was one girl left all alone and lonely.
"Wanna come with me?"
"...."
"C'mon, you gotta eat."
That tiny girl who wouldn't even respond is now...
"Ehehe, Engineer."
...passed out drunk and drooling all over the place. Is she even old enough to drink?
"Marie, how much did you drink?"
"....Blub."
She's so wasted she doesn't even know what she's saying.
"Marie, let's just sleep it off. Tomorrow—"
"I even did my coming-of-age ceremony.. and yet.. every day.."
"Marie, you're drunk. How about we get some clothes on first?"
The fabric on her was less than what my jacket covered. And Marie, feeling hot all over, was trying to strip off what little she had left.
"Ugh.. it's hot.."
Marie shoved me hard, knocking me onto the bed. She climbed on top, dead set on stripping everything off. My clothes were thin enough that I could feel every sensation.
"Marie. Marie!"
This was getting dangerous for real. A whirlwind of thoughts raced through my head. The grand duchess. The imperial princess. Those crazy women and their antics might repeat here..! If I couldn't stop her now, I might end up in that situation.
"Marie! Marie!"
My face paled as I tried to push her off, but she wouldn't budge. Finally, her face slowly drew closer to mine, her lips brushing my ear. Her breath, laced with a hint of liquor, was sweetly fruity.
"Huu.... Snoooore.."
Marie collapsed onto me with a soft thud.
"Snoooore.."
"Huh..?"
I held a finger under her nose—steady, deep breaths. She'd passed out. Dead to the world, she stayed sprawled even as I sat up.
"Whew.."
Of course, cleaning up the next morning fell entirely on me.
The day after I arrived at the mansion. Amid the maids preparing breakfast, one rumor spread like wildfire.
A ghost in white clothes, a pure maiden.
"I heard a ghost was wandering around last night.."
"Yeah, me too. Making weird noises.. dressed in white."
"For a ghost, she had huge boobs.."
This mansion's rumors are always so weird. The ghost's identity was obviously Marie. I tried to keep quiet, but the count and his daughter's fussing forced me to clear it up.
"A ghost, huh. Hmm.. Should we contact the temple?"
"Yeah, I'll do it today—"
"It's not a ghost."
Once I explained everything, the count burst out laughing like his ears might fall off.
"Hahaha! In all my days, I've never seen a woman drain a whole bottle of Roengreen '21 by herself!"
Roengreen '21 was worth a magic engineer's monthly salary. Marie had polished off a bottle like that solo. No wonder she blacked out.
Her face beet red, Marie just hung her head.
'Engineer.. I didn't do anything stupid last night, right? I blacked out after dinner..'
'You didn't mess up at the count's place. At the count's place..'
Seeing my dead-fish eyes, Marie wanted to die. Those eyes meant I'd screwed up!
'Waaah... Sorry, Engineer.'
'It's fine. It was a fresh experience after so long.'
The count, clicking his tongue at the withering Marie, set down his fork and said,
"Engineer, sir. Remember what I said last night?"
"Hmm.. what was that?"
I couldn't remember—too much booze. This drunkard.
"What, I said I'd give you a gift. Pick one."
Boosehound! Sommelier! Louise Count. This man was the empire's finest count.
The count's warehouse was packed with artifacts. Masterpieces of magic engineering and relics steeped in the world's mysteries.
6th Circle magic Azure Flame engraved.
"Ah, a wand with 6th Circle magic Azure Flame engraved on it."
6th Circle.. on par with Melia..
Money really was power. I picked up a blue necklace.
"This one.."
"Good eye. A necklace crafted from spirit tears. Blocks all magic below 4th Circle."
With treasures like this scattered around, I couldn't fathom the count's wealth.
The rich are on another level.
I slowly browsed the warehouse and spotted an unbelievable name.
Magic Engineering Grenade Launcher
Commonly known as 'Revolver'
"Gah!"
I had a Revolver too, but this was a whole other level of perfection. My hands shook as the count approached and gripped my shoulder.
"Oh, you recognize it?"
"Why is this here..!"
To magic engineers, especially gunsmiths, it was a national treasure. The legendary blacksmith Kreve's 26th collection..!
I snorted excitedly, inspecting the Revolver. Gleaming silver material. The blue glow of the magic circuits gave it an elegant aesthetic!
"Can I.. touch it?"
"Heh, of course."
The grip fit perfectly in my hand. Its power varied wildly by user—true uniqueness! Like an otaku spotting a waifu, I was drooling.
Those who appreciate value are commendable. The count smiled warmly.
"That one?"
"Yes! Yes!"
Dignity be damned—my hands trembled. I'd spun my wheels for 15 years and only snagged one Kreve piece..! And this was No. 26..!
"Heehee."
I carefully lifted the Revolver, wrapping it in a handkerchief. Marie couldn't hold back her laughter.
"What, Engineer? That happy?"
As Marie sidled up curiously, my eyes lit up. A chance to explain! The more niche the topic, the fewer listeners—especially magic engineering.
"Marie, know what this is? It's blacksmith Kreve's... the guy's a genius.. this gun.."
I rambled on for ages.
So cute. Like a baby.
Marie wasn't listening to the explanation—she was watching me explain.
After the lively morning at the count's, Amber suggested showing Marie and me around town. Not quite the capital, but Roengreen was a big city with plenty to see.
The streets were impeccably maintained and clean. Strangely, the roadside trees were all fruit trees.
"Roengreen's streets are lined with fruit trees, all managed by our count's family."
Impossible with normal farming. They must run countless mana engines to keep them going.
"This is.. a boutique I visit with my lady friends. Shall we stop in?"
The moment Amber entered, staff whipped out chairs and items like they'd been waiting. A real reminder her dad ruled the region.
"Men's wear today. Oh, and something for the lady here."
"I'm good, miss. Father already gave plenty."
"That's from Father, not me. As a noble who owes you her life, this is the least."
High-end suits and dresses everywhere. A stern-looking middle-aged woman glanced at us, then served politely.
"Sir, please stand. Lady too."
Under Amber's direction, Marie and I tried on dozens of outfits. As "engineer," I modeled black and navy suits, swapping hats and ties endlessly.
"I'll take this coat and.. oh, this shirt."
"Fine taste, as befits the lady's guest. Know Styles Viscount? Famous for fashion."
That name. I'd forgotten, but moments like this hit home—this was a novel.
Fashion-famous, hence Styles.
"No."
"Even in the capital. He bought this coat and shirt this morning."
"I see."
"Such a sturdy build. Try more."
"No. Really, I'm—"
"It's fine. Just relax and let us."
By the time I was exhausted from changing, they were playing dress-up with Marie next door.
"My, what a fine figure. Lady, hold on."
"This one too. And this."
Thrilled staff joined by Amber dolled her up wildly.
"Aigoo.."
Amber started confident, soaking up the praise, trying on dresses boldly.
"Ta-da! How's this, Engineer!"
"Pretty, Marie."
"Wha— how about this!"
Marie striking poses was adorable. Felt like a groom watching his bride in a wedding dress.
Finally, after forever, the last round.
"Masterpiece.. masterpiece.."
"Good work, everyone.."
The pros' final creation on Marie outshone any noble lady. A white, frothy dress. Blue gems made her eyes sparkle more.
"Is it.. okay..?"
A deep neckline left her blushing shyly.
"Yeah, beautiful. Marie."
"Hehe.."
Seeing her scratch her head happily, I was glad I'd helped Amber.
She really looks like she's in a wedding dress.
Someday when Marie marries, it'll be something like that. Felt like a dad—gonna be lonely sending off my "daughter."
"Suits you. Marie."
"Someday.. I'll wear it."
She mumbled softly.
"Wish.. you'd wear one too."
"Huh? What?"
"Nothing!"
What a lightweight. Amber bought everything we'd tried. My engineer's cab would be stuffed. Marie's beaming smile lifted my mood too.
It was a great day. Scoring the precious Revolver to boot.
"Thank you, miss."
"No need. I owe you my life—plenty more to come."
As we loaded the carriage, a maid came rushing.
"Miss—!"
Amber frowned at the rudeness but saw her face and knew it was serious.
"Jane, what is it? Calm down and tell me."
"Miss, Head Butler Alfred..!"
Two days before the 7th train to the capital departed. Head Butler Alfred's body was discovered.