Chapter 64
This is truly shocking. I came because Toten Madam asked for help, but I had no idea the situation was this dire. It's not just a succession dispute—Dies, the late marquis's brother, was wielding an axe trying to kill the child.
One maid was hiding in the room, hugging and protecting the child, but the butler, nursemaid, and other mansion staff weren't stopping the marquis's brother. With no one in the mansion to rely on, that's why Toten Madam came to me, an outsider and third party.
"Now that you're back, that's enough, right? You must be tired from the trip to the marquisate—go rest."
"Yes, I will. But... sister-in-law, isn't it strange? Amid all this commotion, my nephew doesn't even twitch, sleeping so deeply. He sleeps just like he's dead, doesn't he?"
"Didn't I say? After five days of fever, he finally fell into a deep sleep. He must be that exhausted, so he won't hear the noise around him."
The marquis's brother threatened to hand over the child, while Toten Madam tried her best to calm Dies. But he wasn't someone you could reason with. Dies rested the axe on his shoulder, acting threateningly, and demanded to check on the child.
"What are they doing with a dead kid?"
Jelly clicked his tongue in pity. What? Who said he's already dead? Rider?
"Jelly, what do you mean?"
Hena asked, her voice trembling. That's exactly what I wanted to ask. What are you suddenly talking about?
"Can't you tell? There's no breathing. Ah... you can't hear it? Then look closely. The skin is pale, no tension in the hands, but the jaw and neck are stiff."
I hurriedly peered through the broken door. Rider was wrapped tightly in blankets, so I couldn't properly verify what Jelly said. All I could see with the naked eye was his complexion. The child's face was unusually pale—not just from illness? Hena paled, then looked at Toten Madam worriedly.
"Toten Madam..."
Hena's mutter was drowned out by a loud voice.
"Tell her to open the door. Why won't you check? Aren't you worried about your son, sister-in-law? Come in with me."
Dies deliberately provoked Toten Madam. Even as he scratched at her like that, she didn't utter a word demanding to confirm Rider's safety herself.
"Toten Madam already knows the child is dead."
Hena sighed. That's what I thought too. Toten Madam knows Rider is dead, so she's refusing Dies's demands. As I heard before coming here, if Rider dies, the marquis's title succession goes not to Toten Madam but to Dies.
Toten Madam is struggling to avoid that.
"That's why she came to you in the first place, Owner. To revive the dead child. You're the only one in the world who's come back from death."
So that's why she came to me? That's why Toten Madam asked if she remembered what I said. When we first met, when I foolishly excused myself to the butler grandpa that there was no way to cure him, I must have said something similar.
"Hey, the madam is here—why aren't you coming out? If you don't come out soon, you're fired. If that's not enough, I'll call the guards. I'll hand you over to them for kidnapping and imprisoning the marquess heir, so know that."
In the meantime, Dies switched his threat to the maid, who was lower in status and seemed easier to bully.
"Pl-Please help... Lady."
Toten Madam looked around anxiously, then spotted me and reached out her hand. She looked just like someone standing on the edge of a cliff. If it were others, I might have pulled her inside to safety, but not me. All I could do was push Toten Madam's back.
"Toten Madam, do you want to revive the child?"
"Yes... yes."
"Even if it's not your son revived? Even if it's someone else borrowing his shell?"
Just like me. Toten Madam pondered my question, then gritted her teeth and answered.
"Yes. That's fine."
I can't revive a dead child, but I can protect the marquisate. At this crossroads of losing everything or saving at least something, Toten Madam chose the latter. She's set aside her grief and resolved herself, so I have no choice but to help with the next best option.
"Jelly, go call Melek."
"Melek?"
I'm a possessor. I had no will in possessing this novel body, and I don't even know why. Plus, I don't know the original story and am navigating by guesswork alone, so reviving Rider the same way is impossible.
But by coincidence, there's another type of possessor right beside me. Melek, who can possess an empty body because he's a ghost.
Melek was summoned by Jelly right away. Now, all I have to do is convince him.
"You called?"
"Melek, see that child? Will you enter his body?"
"Pardon? But... I can't do that."
Melek was extremely flustered by the sudden situation. It was amazing how his expression was fully readable despite the pitch-black blindfold covering his eyes.
Come to think of it, didn't Melek say he doesn't know how he possessed? I don't know the method well either... As a ghost, shouldn't he instinctively know how to enter a human body?
And that wasn't the only problem, apparently.
"How could I do that to a person? It's a child. Using someone else's body without permission feels like committing a grave sin."
Well, he couldn't even eat animals or kill a single mouse, so he'd value and respect human life even more. He seems to inhabit his body somewhat accidentally.
But isn't that a high-level dig? I'm doing the exact same thing—using someone else's body without permission. Not intentionally, of course...
Toten Madam looked at me with desperate eyes. I get what Melek is worried about. He doesn't want to disrespect the deceased by using their body without permission. So, if I make him realize that's not the case, it'll be fine.
"Melek. The child's mother wants it. If things stay like this, Rider will be infamous for dying from a curse. No one will mourn him—they'll say good riddance. But if you help, Toten Madam can protect the marquisate. Rider can escape that stigma too."
I said it, but it's too much gaslighting. I over-immersed in Evangeline after so long, trying to speak like the villainess, and went too far. But it worked well on Melek.
"Is that true?"
"Look at that guy. Even though he's blood kin, he's desperate to devour his nephew."
While Dies was whispering with me and Melek, he was still straining to open the door. He didn't mourn the child he thought was dead—instead, he seemed eager to display Rider's death and claim the marquis's position now that the heir was gone.
"Bastard."
Melek spat in anger at Dies. Burning with a sense of justice, he seemed ready to enter Rider's body immediately, but then hesitated as something occurred to him.
"Lady. But... how do I act like a child?"
"You don't have to particularly. Toten Madam knows the truth, and Rider was a mature child anyway. And it doesn't need to be perfectly the same. Ultimately, it's just so Toten Madam can maintain the marquisate and have someone to inherit the title."
Melek seemed resolved. His body blurred. So this is his ghost form. I can only see black smoke because I don't have something like ghost-seeing eyes. I regret lacking spirit affinity a bit, but I'm glad I don't have ghost sight. Better off without it.
The black smoke swirled and seeped into the child. Melek successfully possessed Rider.
"The young master moved!"
Hena quickly shouted to draw everyone's attention. Right as her words ended, Melek wriggled and began moving. Dies looked extremely flustered watching it.
"What? Why is he alive?"
Dies asked blankly. This guy knew Rider was dead too. That's why he was so persistent. Serves you right, you bastard. Why is he alive?
Melek soon opened his eyes and looked around confusedly.
"M-Mom..."
He looked awkward calling "mom" because Melek's from the orphanage.
"Toten Madam, move."
Toten Madam was dazed at the sight of her dead son seemingly alive again. I advised her to quickly sort things out by tapping her shoulder.
"Weather, open the door."
"Y-Yes. Okay."
The maid holding Rider opened the door confusedly. Oops, from her perspective, it must look like a dead person suddenly revived. Since Toten Madam entrusted her son to her, she must be deeply trusted. I'll explain separately later.
The half-ax-smashed door opened, and Melek, released from the maid's arms, hugged into Toten Madam's embrace.
"Did you sleep well...?"
Toten Madam's voice was full of moisture. Even knowing it's not her real son, seeing Rider alive and moving again must have overwhelmed her with grief.
"I finally slept deeply after so long, but weird noises woke me up."
His sulky complaint sounded just like a child that age. He said he couldn't act, but this is method acting. Is he better at it than me? No one would suspect the soul changed.
Ah, except the crazy guy who was rampaging with the axe.
"You're lying now, right? You were clearly dead just a moment ago!"
Dies yelled. He looked around as if searching for the axe again. By the way, when the axe rolled to Toten Madam's feet earlier, I signaled Jelly to remove it. I've learned since the Donau incident.
"What trick did you use? Sister-in-law, resorting to evil deeds now?"
Unable to find the axe, Dies asked with twitching eyes. He was so agitated that spit flew with every word.
Since a ghost possessed him, it was technically evil. Toten Madam was crying and couldn't defend, so I had no choice but to step in. Since I decided to help, I have to see it through.
"Why are you so sure?"
Dies, distracted by Melek for a moment, shut his mouth upon seeing me. Scared of me? Even a thug like him fears Evangeline's notoriety. Sometimes I'm glad to be possessed by the villainess.
"Who are you... This is family business—outsiders stay out!"
"I'm not an outsider. Toten Madam is my chaperone."
Not the sociable, kind smile from Dolliné's lessons, but my raw villainess smile after so long. For reference, this smile subdued Donau, made my mansion servants faint, and even made smitten Gabriel flinch.
"You didn't confirm the heart stopped yourself or see up close. So how were you so sure the young marquess was dead?"
"Exactly..."
"I just thought he was sleeping."
I deliberately listed plausible reasoning to voice doubts, and a few watching servants agreed with me.
"Only two people can declare the young marquess dead. The maid who held him closest, and the one who desperately wished for his death and tried to kill him."
What was the maid's name? Toten Madam just called it.
"Weather, was it?"
"Y-Yes, Lady."
"Was the young marquess dead? Did his heart stop and start again? Or is there a puppeteer here manipulating a dead body with strings? You held the young marquess the whole time, so you can answer."
"No. The young master was just tired and fell asleep."
Without any prior instructions, Weather quickly gave the answer I wanted. She must be deeply trusted if Toten Madam entrusted her son to her. She got it right away. To me, she's like Kanna, Hena, or Daisy.
Now I turned the arrow back.
"Sir Dies, why were you so sure the young marquess was dead?"
I thought I could corner him into admitting he tampered and strip his succession rights, but the butler jumped in.
"It was me."
"Butler!"
"I'm not saying I harmed Young Master Rider. I just mentioned lately that Rider's health has weakened sharply, and there might be a funeral. He must have misunderstood my words."
"R-Right. That's why I just believed it."
He seemed to take all the blame to protect Dies. But the charge weakened greatly. It became a mere misunderstanding mistake. As I thought before, this grandpa's rhetoric is top-notch. No wonder I fell for his kindly face and polite demeanor!
"How impertinent."
As I pondered how to respond, a sharp, curt voice scolded the butler. The voice belonged to Toten Madam. Unbelievable—a high-pressure, sharp rebuke from someone always polite and respectful.
"A mere servant predicting the viscount's death? And spreading rumors on top? How disappointing. Butler, why were you so impertinent?"
"For the Toten Marquisate."
"You've forgotten your duty. You should be loyal not to the marquisate, but to me and my son."
The marchioness gripped Melek's hand tightly, stood tall. Not in her usual perfect attire, but she looked nobler than anyone. Everyone, look! That's my chaperone!
"Confine the butler to the basement. Three of you guard it. The most diligent will inherit the butler's position."
Those hesitantly watching raised hands eagerly at "butler." Toten Madam roughly picked three and sent the butler away. Seemed random, but probably intentional?
"Confine the nursemaid and Dies to rooms first. They're criminals who could have harmed Rider. Anyone helping them until I return will be accomplices."
The nursemaid realized her position and went quietly, while Dies raged wildly.
"Let go! Do you think I'm like you servants? Daring to confine me now?"
It took four adult men piling on to finally subdue and drag Dies away.
Toten Madam sorted the remaining two, then looked at the maid last.
"Weather. Good work. I promised a reward—tell me what you want."
"R-Really? Can I ask for what I want?"
Weather's eyes sparkled, as if she hadn't expected a real reward. Her curly hair bounced with excitement, showing her elation.
Why so surprised? Is Toten Madam stingy usually? Then seize the chance. She walked home to me, so go big without hesitation!
Weather fidgeted with her wrinkled apron hem and rough hands, hesitating long. After much deliberation, she took a deep breath and spoke resolutely.
"If Madam permits, I want to stop being a laundry maid."
Weather protected Rider even while injured, yet wished so modestly. I'd demand gold and jewels... Are loyal maids all like this? My maids get burdened by gold coins too. Of course, Kanna happily accepted.
Toten Madam seemed to think the same, asking puzzledly.
"That's enough? Not gold or jewels? You... saved my son..."
Toten Madam's voice caught, trailed off, then cleared her throat and lifted her head elegantly.
"You practically saved my son. And that's all you want—to escape laundry duty?"
"Yes..."
"Then I'll make you head maid."
"Me, head maid?"
Shocking appointment. After rewards and punishments, Toten Madam dismissed the crowd of servants. She took only the still-dazed Weather to the powder room.
Toten Madam collapsed to the floor only after closing the door. Before I could step in, Weather caught her.
"Madam!"
"Weather... You saw Rider die and revive, yet ask nothing."
Melek in Rider's body hid behind me guiltily. Melek, I made you do it—no need for guilt.
"Don't you find me repulsive for caring for a dead child?"
"Not at all. Madam, in my village, there was a grandma carrying a doll. Her son went to war decades ago and never returned. She's senile but remembers only his name, raising the doll like a child. And... she's my grandma. Even if villagers call her a mad old woman, I understand her. So I don't find you strange at all, Madam."
"...Thank you."
Weather comforted Toten Madam while sharing her past. What romance fantasy has such dark backstories for everyone? Daisy had her trusted director as a slave trader, Kanna nearly died kidnapped, now new Weather brings tearjerker drama.
Frankly, not just maids—Toten Madam or Gabriel have gloomy, dark, bleak stories too. It's because this is a wasteland romance fantasy world.
Toten Madam, relieved now, turned to me.
"Thank you, Lady Rohanson."
"Glad I could help."
"And what should I call you? ...Melek?"
Toten Madam's next thanks went to Melek. He peeked out from behind me and spoke.
"That's the name of my previous body. The name Lady Rohanson gave me is Mer...!"
I clamped Melek's mouth at his odd words. Don't say meringue! Naming a ghost something so cute makes me seem weird! Explaining it's like naming a typhoon cutely—would she get it? Probably not!
Melek nodded, realizing from my eyes, so I released him.
"Call me Melek."
"Alright. Melek, thank you for helping."
"No... s-sorry. For taking your son's body..."
"That was my choice. You're a better person than I thought."
Because he inhabited Rider's body, Toten Madam looked at Melek with warm, motherly eyes. Melek seemed relieved by her reaction.
A faint camaraderie sprouts from overcoming the same trial. So heartwarming I wanted to sniffle, but Hena checked the time and called me.
"Lady, we should depart now."
Already? I checked my watch. Wow, only an hour left? We have to go now to not be late. But we can't leave immediately—Toten Madam can't go like that. For now, Hena and Weather would help her primp. Luckily, Hena's makeup skills are top-tier, acknowledged even by Misha.
"Then excuse us."
Under Hena's touch, Toten Madam gradually regained her original look. Her soaked, flattened hair was neatly pinned up.
"Like it?"
"Yes... thank you."
Lip color finally brought life. Toten Madam wanted to keep the shoes, so we picked a dress only. The deep green suited her subdued mood today.
"Your maid has great skill."
"Right?"
My shoulders puffed at Hena's praise. Not just her—my mansion maids are all top-level. Seeing them recognized outside makes my lips curl up.
"Ready? Shall we go?"
I stood thinking, 'Yeah, let's go!' but suddenly spotted Melek in Rider's body.
"What about Melek?"
"Exactly. With butler and Dies confined, no big issues, but... can't take him to the banquet."
Then Weather cautiously spoke.
"Madam, I'll stay with the young master."
"You? You watched closely, so you know—this child... is no longer Rider. Still okay?"
"I'm fine."
Toten Madam asked flusteredly at Weather's unwavering answer.
"Why..."
"If my father had returned like Young Master Rider, Grandma would have been so happy. Better than a doll, right?"
Toten Madam smiled faintly.
"Thank you. Please."
Melek would stay with Weather watching during the banquet. Toten Madam was relieved, but my worry remained unsolved.
If Melek stays at the marquisate, who's my coachman now?
I got used to Melek driving—even another carriage might make me nauseous. From now on, endure bumpy motion sickness boxes with sore butts? No thanks!
And my carriage? Go to the Imperial Palace in Toten Madam's? How to return home? Full of worries, I went outside to an unexpected person.
Ah! That beastkin, sharing memories with Jelly and Daisy—the coachman!
"Use him as you like."
Jelly disappeared after fetching Melek, but brought the coachman sensibly. You cutie! Today you're as cute as Pudding! Secret from Pudding!
Meanwhile, Melek grieved losing his spot. Core is Melek, but appearance Rider—teary eyes made me want to coax him.
"Coachman is my role..."
"Yes. Just filling in until you return."
"Right? Gamigin... Lady, take good care of Gamigin until I return."
Melek bid farewell with words and tears. He must stay possessed until the marquisate stabilizes—no set return date, sadly.
"When can I return?"
"When the marchioness's position solidifies. Stay only until she can stand alone without Rider."
"Yes... Oh, Lady. What about my meals?"
Ah, right. Meals too. But why horse first, then meals...? Isn't it usually reverse?
Ghost priorities backward? Like ghosts clap with backs of hands, wrap lettuce outside meat. Meat wraps sound tempting, but Melek can't eat anyway.
But Melek possesses an ox beastkin needing flowers? Eating habits don't change with bodies...? Anyway, while he stays, pluck petals and send to Toten Madam. So many things to handle.
We should discuss how to wrap up today's events en route, so Toten Madam rode my carriage too. Jelly fled tired. He came for potential marquisate trouble, secured coachman—job well done. Good, go home.
"Then I'll head home first."
Jelly vanished via teleport. So jealous. I can't learn magic. Rock-bottom spirit affinity means mana talent's probably nil.
Toten Madam stood dazed at Jelly's sudden disappearance. Oops, forgot. Should've hidden it? But with Melek in Rider and vanishing Jelly... I nodded nonchalantly for us to go.
