Chapter 11
The servants of Valdormer were shocked when they saw the large shipment of goods arriving at the estate.
Even with a quick glance, you could tell the food was high quality. There was also alcohol, various spices, and expensive decorations—things they might see once in a year, if that.
The head butler, who led the other servants, was just as stunned.
“W-What? All of this was delivered within our budget?”
While the confused butler stared, a man—who seemed to be the merchant representative—walked up to me with a list in his hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, madam. I’m Jacques, the one in charge of transporting goods from the Bas Trading Company to Valdormer.”
“Nice to meet you, Jacques.”
“I’ve brought the list of delivered items. Please check it and let me know if anything is missing.”
“Alright.”
As I took the papers from Jacques, I noticed that something else was tucked in between them.
Pretending not to notice anything strange, I calmly accepted the papers and kept them close to me.
Then, once I was alone in my room, I quietly opened the hidden envelope using a letter opener.
It was the report I had requested from Bas—the one about the orphanage and the criminal.
The report said the orphanage was built long ago and had been supported financially by Valdormer for nearly 20 years.
What stood out was that many children from the orphanage ended up working in Valdormer or serving its vassals.
I knew the Helloica Orphanage was within Valdormer’s territory, but I hadn’t realized their connection was so close.
Then came the most important part—the information on the criminal.
I tried to ignore the sweat forming in my hands as I calmly read the note.
[Unfortunately, we couldn’t uncover any solid information on the man you described. However, we did find one clue—there are rumors of a man with a scar on his face visiting the Helloica Orphanage from time to time. He is extremely hard to track.]
There was no clear information about the man.
Just a weak lead that someone with a scar might be visiting the orphanage.
And yet, my heart pounded wildly.
Unlike my past life, where the orphanage had burned down and I couldn’t find any clues, this time, the place was still intact.
That man might still be visiting there.
In my previous life, Denian was murdered, and I was attacked about three years from now.
But this time, I might be able to catch the criminal before that.
No, I had to catch him.
I still didn’t know who he was.
But…
There could be more clues at the Helloica Orphanage.
Normally, orphanage records are hard to access unless you’re an official or family member. But I was the Lady of Valdormer—the main supporter of the place. That should be enough reason.
I sorted out my thoughts and stood up without hesitation.
I had a good excuse to go.
✧ ✧ ✧
“You’re going to inspect the Helloica Orphanage in person?”
Kallion asked with a frown.
“Yes.”
“There’s no need to go that far.”
“The orphanage has been receiving funds from the estate’s budget for twenty years. It’s our duty to make sure that money is being used properly—and not wasted.”
“Then why not send someone else?”
I expected him to say that.
“That’s not the only reason. For the common people, orphanages are like open wounds—sad, painful places they try to ignore because they can’t help. If the Lady of Valdormer personally visits such a place, it’ll change how the people see us.”
Kallion raised his eyebrows, as if surprised by my words. I met his gaze and continued firmly.
“If I look after what others turn away from, it’ll improve how they see Valdormer.”
He stared at me with an unreadable expression.
“You’re doing this… for Valdormer?”
His question sounded more like doubt or even suspicion.
But I wasn’t surprised.
You wouldn’t understand—but I’ve lived through you too many times before.
“I told you. I’ll do my best.”
That was the same promise I had made before our marriage.
Back then, my goal was you. Now, it’s Denian.
If it’s for him, I’ll do anything—even become the perfect Lady of Valdormer.
I must do it, no matter what. So that no one can doubt or threaten me.
Not the criminal. Not even you, Kallion.
“Do your best, huh…”
He finally turned his gaze away and replied,
“Do as you wish.”
He agreed more easily than I expected.
But then he added coldly,
“Though I wonder if the people of Valdormer will see it that way.”
He thought I was doing this just to gain power as the lady of the house.
Well, he’s not completely wrong.
“I’ll make sure to return before the banquet.”
“Suit yourself.”
He didn’t even look up from his papers.
I stared at him for a moment longer, then left the room without regret.
Even though I could feel his eyes on my back, I pretended not to notice.
✧ ✧ ✧
“I’m so sorry! The wheel froze and broke!”
The coachman’s voice was filled with panic.
The Helloica Orphanage was located in the northernmost part of Valdormer’s territory.
It was a very cold region, so both the carriage and the servants had a hard time with the weather.
“It’ll take at least two hours to fix the wheel.”
The coachman looked troubled, but I said nothing and stepped out of the carriage.
It would be easier for them to work if I got out.
Layla also stepped down beside me.
By now, I wasn’t surprised anymore.
She claimed to be here to assist me, but really, she was here to watch me—to make sure I didn’t try anything.
“The soldiers and servants are very tired.”
Layla said, watching the others rest as the wheel was repaired.
Her tone hinted that this was all my fault.
But I replied calmly.
“At least they’re doing something useful instead of sitting around the mansion.”
If I was paying them, they needed to earn their meals.
Layla looked horrified at my bluntness.
That was one of the side effects of living through so many lifetimes.
I couldn’t sympathize with other people’s pain anymore.
To be honest, I didn’t have the energy to care.
The more I repeated my life, the duller my feelings became—and the sharper my mind.
Honestly, it was a miracle I hadn’t gone mad.
I could’ve used my flame ability to help everyone in the cold. But I didn’t.
Sure, it might win their favor briefly.
But that would be a mistake.
I stared coldly at the servants shivering in the snowstorm.
In my first life, I had used my powers freely.
I used them in hopes of being accepted—by Kallion, by the people of Valdormer.
And yes, they didn’t openly hate me.
But they didn’t truly accept me either.
They feared me—because my ability came from House Heister, their enemy.
Still, I tried to be a good lady. I used my power to warm the mansion in winter, to light it at night.
How foolish.
A woman with a special power like mine… should’ve known it could turn against her someday.
Maybe Denian died because of me.
“Wheel’s fixed! Please get back in the carriage!”
The coachman’s voice brought me back to the present.
I slowly stood up.
We’d reach the orphanage in half a day.
It was time to face the past—and the clues it might still hold.
