Translator: Nox

Chapter 28

“Um, what is Lady Rohanson's name?”

“Lady Rohanson? Evangeline Rohanson.”

“Evangeline Rohanson….”

Why ask that? Raphaella felt an ominous premonition. This was…. If she had to compare, it resembled the moment Gabriel had kissed Evangeline's hand moments ago.

“Commander, Lady Raphaella. The instant I encountered her, I realized my destiny.”

No way, right? Not love at first sight or something? Raphaella prayed desperately that it wouldn't be that.

“Lady Evangeline is an angel, isn't she?”

This is even worse. Raphaella corrected herself. She'd prefer he just said he fell for her. He'd gone mad over that damned painting, claiming an angel awaited inside and tried to leap in—now Evangeline Rohanson was an angel?

The problem was, this time it actually seemed possible. Even after hearing Daisy's testimony, Gabriel and Raphaella couldn't pinpoint Evangeline's true nature.

“Even if not, when Lady Evangeline baptized me, I realized down to my bones whom I must truly serve.”

Was he referring to that moment right before fainting, when his eyes rolled back? It wasn't a hallucination—Raphaella had witnessed Michel becoming enthralled by Evangeline.

Logically, if your body was on fire and some woman appeared to douse the flames, you'd be grateful. Raphaella tried understanding Michel but ultimately gave up on empathy as anger surged.

“You madman!”

Just gratitude would be fine. Even thinking her angelic makes sense. But serve her? Baptism? That guy's brain is clearly fried.

“Lady Raphaella, Sir Michel just woke up. Calm down.”

Yeremi covered Raphaella's mouth to stop her yelling. Michel, oblivious to her rage, continued.

“I can no longer serve as Rahel's knight. I will go where she is. I shall request Lady Rohanson to take me as her guard knight. It might be sudden, so she refuses? Then stablehand is fine. I want to breathe where she exists.”

Raphaella silently apologized to Rahel on Michel's behalf for his heresy right by the Grand Temple. Rahel, this guy's just temporarily insane.

“Commander, Lady Raphaella looks like she might collapse….”

At Yeremi's words, Gabriel called to Michel.

“Michel.”

“Yes, Commander.”

At least he could recognize people amid his madness—better than before.

“You know how grave a sin you've committed against the divine, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then stay here. Consider it Rahel's punishment.”

“I see. For one who now serves another to still work for Rahel here is punishment indeed. Rahel is truly merciful. But Commander, are you alright? With a heretic worshipper like me?”

“I always respect you.”

“Commander! I respect you as much as Rahel!”

Raphaella wanted to rewire that rotten mind describing the commander as equal to Rahel despite just calling himself a heretic. When possessed by the painting, he wouldn't even listen—now he did, making it worse.

“Did Sir Michel just call himself a heretic worshipper?”

“Bell?”

Listening to Uriel and Seraph's banter behind her was pushing Raphaella to prefer going to Rohanson Mansion herself.

***

“Nice and cool today.”

Lying in bed, forking fruit Hena brought and enjoying leisure time. Clouds were gloomy, but a cool breeze slipped through the slightly open window. Is this heaven? Feels like I'm already dead….

“Miss, you'll catch a cold.”

Kanna draped a shawl over my shoulders. Not too hot today, so it felt nice. Our Kanna handles everything perfectly without prompting. Offering her a fruit on the fork, she blushed and ate it.

Hena, watching, should've said something to Kanna as usual…. But nothing.

I glanced at Hena cautiously. She stood blankly, lost in thought.

“Hena.”

“Y-yes? Did you call me, my lady?”

She snapped to only after her name. Really not ill, is she?

“Rest if tired. Kanna's here.”

“No. I'm fine.”

No energy in her voice. Fine, my foot.

“Go rest.”

“Yes….”

At my second urging, Hena nodded and left. She's been like this since returning from the temple.

“Kanna. Is Hena ill or something?”

“Not ill. But she won't tell me what's wrong….”

Kanna pouted.

“Must be from what that Daisy said then. Should've asked directly….”

Right, something from Daisy. Daisy's not just tangling with the male lead and sub-male lead—she's stirring conflict with Hena too.

Is Hena like that because of me? Whoa…. What did Daisy say? Ah, right—the paper from Gabriel. Translation fixed by now. Time to read it. That'll reveal what Daisy told Gabriel and Hena.

“Kanna, the paper from Sir Gabriel last time?”

“In my room. I'll get it.”

Kanna left and returned much later. But her eyes brimmed with tears—something wrong.

“Kanna? What's up?”

“M-Miss. Sorry, the paper.”

Kanna sniffled, handing it over. I gasped. Ink smeared from water, text illegible.

“Must've happened washing clothes. Sorry, miss. So sorry.”

Kanna sobbed hysterically. Didn't cry this hard even kidnapped by Donau—more scared of me scolding?

“Kanna.”

“Sob…. Y-Yes.”

“It's fine. You think I'd scold you over a paper?”

A bit upsetting, but can't scold her. My fault for giving it to her anyway.

Never know what it said now? Can't ask Gabriel again. He'd think me illiterate—Evangeline's a noble, knows letters! Amid confusion, a solution struck.

“Daisy?”

“Pardon?”

One more person to ask. Statement based on her words. Just find Daisy! Last time, spent all on Holy Water, no gift—but now, big sum and apologize properly. Money doesn't heal heart wounds but helps.

“If I knew where that Daisy lives, I could visit.”

“Why? Business with her?”

Jelly returned perfectly timed from a walk.

“Jelly.”

Right, Jelly has history with Daisy. Might know?

Pudding leaped from Jelly's arms to my lap. Kneading paws vigorously. Claw marks on Jelly's face—another romp today? Good werewolf healing.

“Jelly, know where she lives?”

“No? How would I? But she knows I'm here, so she'll come if needed.”

Is this the sub-male lead who overcame hardship with Daisy…? Handsome and werewolf confirm lead status, but seems like a total dud. Or stray mutt?

Jelly shifted to wolf form, curled on bed. Clear nonverbal: Nap time, don't disturb. Raising a moody teen, not sub-male lead.

Can't ditch it. What now? Ask Gabriel? Useless furball…. Clicking my tongue, Kanna suggested.

“Daisy worked at the mansion before, right? Ask the Butler?”

Pudding meowed agreement. Our Kanna's so smart—bravo. Unlike some unhelpful fluffball.

“Kanna. Thanks.”

“Miss….”

Strike while iron's hot—ask now.

“I'll prepare to go out.”

No need for two to ask Butler. Kanna preps outing, I investigate. Perfect division.

Standing, Pudding trailed. Scooped it up, tucked into Jelly's arms.

“Wake Jelly while I ask the Butler?”

Beastkin communication's handy. Petting, Pudding purred contentedly. Ah…. Cats are pure healing here too.

“Don't tell Hena.”

“Yes. Just say outing.”

Going to grill Daisy on what she told Hena—can't bring her. Also ask about Gabriel's. Give money. Perfect.

Worried she'll hate seeing me? In reality, yes. But rom-fantasy world—Daisy's obstacle role means frequent appearances. No issue. A bit guilty, though….