Chapter 12
12
* * *
At that moment, in the sealed passage of the Rose Chapel.
"Brother, there's no way out."
The trapped thieves were searching every nook and cranny for an escape. Theodore, his cheek bruised a dark purple, clutched his forehead and muttered.
"Haa. That black-haired guy, is he really just a housekeeper?"
"Maybe he's a minion of the witch."
Just then, the blue torches hanging on the passage walls flickered and went out in an instant.
In the pitch-black darkness, completely sealed off, the terrified thieves stirred in confusion.
"What was that!"
"Is someone else coming?"
Theodore waved his hand, feeling along the wall, and scolded them.
"Are you kids? It's just the lights went out, don't make a fuss."
Trying to sound brave, Theodore suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and pulled a dagger from his coat. The housekeeper guy had confiscated all their guns.
"Something's here. Everyone, be on guard."
As soon as he said that, footsteps echoed in the sealed passage. In the darkness where they couldn't see an inch in front of them, the thieves were on edge.
Just as their eyes adjusted to the darkness and they could make out shapes.
"You've made a mess of my precious mansion."
Someone's voice was heard. It was a voice as smooth as flowing water, yet as sharp as a honed blade.
Theodore felt a shiver run down his neck and turned towards the sound.
And met a pair of bright blue eyes.
A being not of this world, on a different level from them.
"...The owner of the mansion?"
A man with black hair, bright blue eyes, and a white uniform smirked.
"Since the beginning of this century, that's what everyone's been calling me."
A cold breeze brushed Theodore's cheek.
He could hear the painful screams of his companions behind him, but he didn't dare turn around.
"W-What the hell are you?"
"Two centuries ago, a lord of the north. A century ago, um..."
The man was standing with his back to the open Rose Chapel. Behind him was a portrait of a woman. The woman in the painting had a strange expression, as if she was smiling and crying at the same time.
The man, called the owner of the mansion, put his hand to his chin and narrowed his eyes.
"In the language of humans, I was called 'Devil'."
* * *
"Dante, do you know what the Philosopher's Stone is?"
It was my question on the way home, riding on the back of his bicycle.
Dante, who was pedaling effortlessly uphill, nodded slightly.
"Yes, I know. It is said that whoever possesses it can wield the power of God, so everyone covets its unfathomable abilities."
I felt like I shouldn't say, 'It's in our house!' While I was wondering how to respond, Dante continued.
"I heard it's in the Garshiel Mansion."
I flinched and hunched my shoulders in surprise. Why is it such a well-known fact? Shouldn't that be kept a secret? Could it be that this man is also here to take it for a rebellion?
"Could it be... you're here to get it too?"
"No. I know that it is an item that is bound to the mansion, and only those who are recognized by the owner of the mansion can possess it."
"Then why did the thieves break into our house?"
"Rumor has it that the owner of the mansion has disappeared. They probably thought that whoever took it first could have the Philosopher's Stone. Or maybe they were going to sell it for a high price."
With a creak, the bicycle stopped. He took a folded newspaper from his suit vest pocket and handed it to me.
"Your job advertisement is probably the cause."
I quickly unfolded the newspaper.
[Title - There's nothing in Garshiel Mansion... It's actually a good place to live.]
Garshiel Mansion, which has been empty for a long time due to rumors of a terrifying presence. Mia Fortuna (20), who recently moved in, immediately dismissed these speculations.
She said that she has been living there safely for almost a month without any accidents, and that she has not witnessed anything strange. She is currently looking for a servant to manage the large old house.
The employment conditions are...
"What! It's unnecessarily detailed!"
I crumpled the newspaper and gritted my teeth. I appreciate that you put your heart and soul into writing it, but in the end, it's made me a target for every ambitious person in the empire?
Besides, Mathias, the so-called owner of the mansion, is watching over me with his eyes wide open. If I get on Mathias's bad side for no reason, I might become a suspect in a murder case. It's a good thing he didn't show up yesterday.
"...This is really bad."
To my gloomy words, Dante started pedaling again and said.
"It may be dangerous. It seems that the master is not good at physical fights other than verbal ones."
"Yes, I'm only good with my mouth."
He added encouragingly.
"That was helpful. I'm the type of person who uses my fists first."
From what happened last night, I learned that I shouldn't mess with this man. If I get hit by that fist, I'll be shattered into 365 pieces.
I looked at the passing scenery and became lost in thought.
Even though science and technology have developed early due to supernatural powers, there are still no home CCTVs.
They even revealed my name in the article, so my greedy aunt might come looking for me after seeing the newspaper. When Grandpa was alive, she used to come every day and demand that I pay her back for raising me.
In particular, she coveted this red necklace I have. She even asked about the whereabouts of the necklace at Grandpa's funeral.
After that, she even forced me to marry the spoiled son of a politician's family. She was truly a vicious person who was crazy about money.
"Ugh."
I sighed, pressing my forehead against Dante's back.
As if aware of my head leaning against his back, he straightened his back and said.
"First of all, let's use a room close to you for your safety."
"Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without you, Dante..."
I was trying to chase this man away because I thought he was a rebel, but is this okay? I shouldn't get too attached like this.
But the immediate crisis is the priority. Rebellion and soft-boiled eggs can wait.
I should get a little closer and become secret friends, and then carefully ask him when he's going to start the rebellion. And when that time comes, I can cut ties.
"But, Master."
The bicycle was now heading downhill. I could smell the same scent as mine in my swaying hair...
"Am I not enough for you?"
A sudden question flew at me. The calm tone that always ended with a period was slightly raised. He was really asking because he was upset and curious.
I was startled and grabbed his side, my mind lost in the scent mixed with the cool breeze.
"Huh?"
"You were looking for another servant."
"Ah, well, there's just too much work to do alone. I have to take care of the garden and the forest..."
Why am I desperately making excuses? Like someone caught cheating. He's not going to get angry and say, 'You sly homeowner, how dare you turn your eyes to another housekeeper?'
Even if he did, isn't that the employer's and homeowner's right?
Realizing this, I immediately changed to a confident tone.
"Well, it's my decision? I'm the homeowner?"
His shoulders heaved weakly with a sigh as he rode silently on the flat ground.
"I don't want to share housework with anyone else."
Is that what the future leader of the rebellion should say? I was so dumbfounded that my mouth dropped open. I've never seen a possessive and obsessive man with a monopoly on housework.
I didn't know how to react. I quickly made an excuse.
"No, I mean, if we hire another servant, Dante's workload will be reduced..."
But Dante seemed to feel a sense of skepticism and sadness at the very idea of reducing his workload. His voice became heavier.
"Do you think there will be a housekeeper as good as me? You'll regret it."
What is this? It feels like the target has changed in a regret novel. Somehow, I feel like I'm playing the role of the male lead who regrets his bad choice. What if he leaves me and finds a Benz homeowner?
He might turn dark and come back to take revenge on me for abandoning him. And after he leaves, he'll look at our dirty house with cold eyes and laugh.
I could see the future clearly, so I started patting his shoulder to soothe him.
"I'll give you the title of general manager. Just think of it as having subordinates under you."
"You can do whatever you want, Master. As always."
That man, he's really sulking. The speed of the bicycle is breaking the limit. I was trying to calm him down as he was about to turn dark, facing the strong wind.
"Dante, I've never seen anyone do housework as well as you. Besides, you're my ideal type. To the extent that you're Forbes's number one man I want to marry... Aagh!"
Squeak, the bicycle braked suddenly, and I felt the rear wheel lift off the ground. It was like going over a speed bump at top speed.
Dante stopped the bicycle and slowly turned his head to look at me.
"Do you like men who are good at housework?"
I Hired a Villain as a Housekeeper
