Chapter 13
I'm a Homebody, But I Possessed a Dark Confinement Novel
Episode 13
“Hmm…”
No, it wasn't something I needed to ponder for long.
After all, my mind, which had spent all its free time at home even in the past, was already filled with countless K-content.
Among them, wouldn't <Safety Guidelines for the Haunted Duke's Castle> appeal to their tastes?
Recalling the blood and corpses vividly depicted in the biographies, I nodded inwardly.
“I think I can provide an interesting story.”
“Oh, it seems the young lady is also equipped with literary knowledge.”
Slightly embarrassed by Sir Brown's admiration, I shook my head, conscious of my flushed cheeks.
Even if the most crucial story was settled, many problems still remained.
“By any chance, who was in charge of the direction? The rough sketches for the biography, or rather, <The Blale Chronicle>?”
“My best disciple did it… is there a problem?”
It was Sir Rovid who answered the question. However, a hint of displeasure lingered at the end of his words.
“There’s no problem. In fact, I think it would be best to leave the direction to him in the future.”
There was one thing I felt while reading <The Blale Chronicle>.
Despite the terribly uninteresting content, the composition and direction of each panel were exceptionally outstanding.
Of course, the combination of low-quality content and excellent direction didn't create good synergy; it only amplified the sense of disconnect. But I found potential within it.
“Hmm, is that really true?”
Sir Rovid looked at me with a gaze of disbelief.
“That kid has been learning under me for 18 years, but his skills just don't seem to improve.”
“Hmm…”
But the directing ability I saw wasn't an illusion.
How many people can express a scene where wings sprout from the armpits without making it look ridiculous?
At my indifferent reaction, Sir Rovid lowered his voice slightly.
“It’s true. That child is only capable of doing simple sketches.”
“Ah, if it’s like that, it doesn’t matter.”
I cut him off.
Even without hearing the rest, I could tell. Everyone wants to draw, but since their skills are lacking, they were pushed into directing roles, right?
“I really want to ask that person to handle the direction. We can ask those with excellent drawing skills for the illustrations.”
Everyone has hidden talents; they just might be wearing the wrong clothes.
Maybe I should make an impression while I’m at it.
After all, to prevent the birth of another flop like <The Blale Chronicle>, it was necessary to meet everyone involved in its production at least once.
“It’s almost lunchtime anyway, so it would be nice to have a meal together.”
“Ugh, alright.”
Leaving Sir Rovid, who seemed to have a lot to say, behind, I returned to my room and organized the story.
I decided on the title <Safety Guidelines for the Haunted Duke's Castle>.
Hoping that a title typical of K-romance fantasy would work in this world too.
How much time had passed since then?
The one who came to find me at lunchtime was a being far beyond my expectations.
“Hello, Miss!”
I had naturally expected Liam, the old painter… or perhaps a knight.
Instead, a young lady in a maid's uniform, with curly, carrot-colored hair tied up high, was beaming.
“…Who are you?”
“I’m Bonita, your maid starting today! Please speak to me casually. Oh, I didn’t realize from afar, but you have truly lovely eyes. Mine tend to turn upwards, so people think I’m angry. Hahaha!”
What, what is this energetic extrovert?
As I stood there, unable to comprehend even half of the barrage of words that hit me, Bonita sent an eager gaze my way, as if expecting something.
Unable to bear the pressure, I stammered a short reply.
“N-nice to meet you…”
“Oh, how kind! I’d love to offer you a refreshing cup of tea, but it’s almost lunchtime. I’ll escort you to the garden. The weather is so lovely today, I’ve already guided the painter who will be dining with you there!”
Saying that, Bonita immediately turned and began to lead the way.
Meanwhile, I filtered through the torrent of information she had poured out and, unable to resist a sudden curiosity, opened my mouth.
“Did you say you’d be my personal maid starting today?”
“Yes, that’s right. And it’s by the order of the assistant! The other girls were so jealous when they heard I’d be attending to the new guest. Marina’s expression was quite something. Oh, Marina is…”
So, this young lady would be my dedicated maid from now on.
This was a luxury I had never experienced at the Salt Kingdom. Was this also part of the 'compensation' the Grand Duke mentioned?
“I see. I look forward to working with you. I’ll take my time getting comfortable with you. I’m a bit shy…”
“Yes, please feel free to be yourself. My duty is to make you comfortable.”
Bonita talked a lot. It seemed her inherent disposition was lively and chatty.
Thanks to her, I managed to gather some information on the way to the garden.
First, that Bonita was the most experienced among the maids of similar age.
Second, that she was in a rivalry with Marina, another maid.
And lastly, that among the maids, I was nicknamed the 'Suspicious Young Lady'… and so on.
“Now that we’ve talked, Lady April, you don’t seem suspicious at all; you seem kind and gentle. Well, we’ve arrived. Please sit for a moment, and I’ll bring your meal.”
“…Thank you.”
My soul, which had half-escaped my body from listening to her incessant chatter, finally returned as I regained my senses.
In the center of the garden, at a pretty wooden table, sat a rather mature-looking woman.
She had been watching me from the moment I appeared, and as our eyes met, she hastily stood up.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I am Ashley, a disciple of… no, Sir Rovid.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Ashley.”
After a brief greeting, we sat down, and as if waiting, a delicious-looking lunch began to be served.
“You must have been surprised by the sudden invitation to meet.”
“Ah, no.”
Despite saying so, Ashley seemed very uncomfortable with the situation, not touching her food and repeatedly adjusting her clothes or looking elsewhere.
Giving up on eating comfortably myself, I put down my spoon and got straight to the point.
“The reason I asked to meet Ms. Ashley is…”
“I know.”
A sudden voice broke the silence.
Her trembling tone held an unknown anxiety.
“Yes?”
“I was informed in advance that you would ask me to be in charge of the direction. I understand completely. After all, my skills are significantly inferior to others…”
Ashley, uttering such words, looked dejected.
“You probably think that if I get involved, even a masterpiece will turn into a failure. Everyone thinks that way, so it’s not a unique thought.”
Seeing her sink deeper into the pit, I hastily denied it.
“No, I didn’t ask you to direct for that reason…!”
“Then is it out of pity?”
“What?”
“I, the perpetual last-place disciple, am pointed at, laughed at, and ridiculed for not improving… I’m the laughingstock of everyone. According to rumors, you have a noble character, my lady. You must have taken pity on me.”
Just as one pit was filled, she began digging another.
“So you were going to give me some kind of role… sob… I understand. If I touch the paints, the coloring of the painting becomes a mess, and my teacher gets so angry he often tears up even the expensive paper.”
“U-um…”
“In fact, I might have to give up being a painter. A painter with such trash-like senses! It’s absurd! Sob!”
Staring blankly at Ashley, who burst into tears, I finally found a handkerchief in my pocket and handed it to her.
Like Sir Rovid, Ashley had completely misunderstood my intentions.
What should I do? Carefully choosing my words, I slowly began to speak.
“Ms. Ashley, that’s a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding? Sob What misunderstanding are you talking about?”
“I am truly asking you this favor solely based on your ability.”
Ashley’s expression wavered. Seeing her look half-believing, I quickly drove the point home.
“I’m serious. I was captivated by your incredible ‘directing ability’.”
At that, Ashley’s tear-filled eyes slowly began to widen.
