EMDL 10

EMDL

Posted by george.adam, Released on October 23, 2025

Episode 10

“I’m just… nervous.”

Natasha stared straight at Céline.

“Hmph. Maybe Leon fell for that, but I’m not so easy. What did that guy say about me?”

“He didn’t say anything.”

“Then there’s no reason to be scared, right?”

…Plenty of reasons, actually.

“I’m just tense. I’m a bit shy.”

“Alright. Relax.”

Natasha gave her a few pats on the back.

“You’ll meet the attendant maids soon, but what will they think if the new lady they’re supposed to serve looks terrified?”

They reached the end of the long corridor, where a crimson door stood. When Natasha pulled it open, a sweet fragrance poured out.

Céline looked around in awe. From the wallpaper to the ceiling frescoes, everything was drenched in shades of pink. Even the expensive furniture was painted in different tones of the same color.

“Gorgeous, isn’t it? Leon hates it, of course. But it’s my room, so I get to decorate it however I want.”

Natasha dropped herself onto a sofa and rang a bell. A maid appeared almost instantly.

“You called, my lady?”

“Bring Aria, Elle, and Miriam. Right away.”

Céline expected it would take some time, but within minutes, the three maids were standing before them.

Natasha introduced each one carefully.

“And this is Céline Hunt. She’s a guest of our house. She’ll be staying in my quarters until her own attendant arrives. She’s very frail, so treat her gently.”

“It’s an honor to serve you,” the three said in perfect unison.

Céline tried to respond, but her lips wouldn’t move.

She knew all three of them.

In the hidden stage of the game, Natasha’s ghost was never alone. Whenever she appeared, it meant three other spirits would soon join in to attack the protagonist together.

What is happening…?

Fear and confusion wrapped tightly around her chest.

She’d thought coming north would free her from danger—yet reality was filthier than ever.

No, calm down. Calm down. You already learned through Leonhardt that this world doesn’t work like the game.

Céline forced a smile toward the three maids.

“It’s lovely to meet you all. I’ll be in your care for a while.”

Natasha immediately grabbed her by the hand.

“Come on, I’ll show you your room. These three will take turns keeping watch through the night.”

An hour later.

Céline slumped into a chair, utterly drained after touring the entire tower from bottom to top.

Natasha looked genuinely concerned.

“Leon was right—you’re really weak. Should I call for a doctor? Want something to drink?”

“…Just some water, please.”

A cool glass was pressed into her hand. Natasha eyed her openly from head to toe.

“You probably get sick because you’re not strong enough. Look at me.”

She rolled up her fluttery sleeve, revealing firm, toned muscles.

“I train every day. Want to join me?”

Céline only smiled faintly, but Natasha was serious.

“You need strength to live here! Oh, I heard women in the capital don’t even know how to ride horses. You’re not one of them, right?”

“I’m afraid I can’t ride.”

Natasha covered her mouth, realizing too late how rude that sounded.

“Sorry. In the North, riding is just… common sense. Well, then—do you like sewing or embroidery? Elle’s embroidery is incredible, honestly.”

“Uh… not really.”

“That’s fine, I hate it too. Then what do you like?”

For a moment, Céline thought how, two months ago, she would’ve said horror movies, horror novels, and horror games. She could only laugh at the irony.

She went with the safest possible answer.

“I like reading.”

“Ah, books.”

Natasha frowned.

“Sorry, I don’t really keep any here. But there’s a library. You can go anytime.”

“Thank you.”

Céline expressed her gratitude, knowing full well she’d probably never set foot there.

“Don’t mention it.”

They continued chatting idly until Aria reappeared.

“My lady, tonight’s dinner will be a welcoming banquet for Miss Hunt.”

“I see.”

Natasha sighed.

“That must be Father’s idea. He says every guest of the North must be treated with the utmost honor.”

“Should I prepare anything?”

“No. You just have to sit there quietly. Like you’re doing right now.”

Natasha smiled faintly.

“It’ll only be boring, that’s all.”

Three hours later, Céline realized that sitting quietly was anything but easy.

“Welcome. I couldn’t greet you properly earlier.”

The Grand Duke of Bernoui’s golden eyes glimmered as he addressed her. Céline exhaled in relief. Neither the Grand Duke nor the Duchess had ever appeared as ghosts in the game—at least, not in the parts she’d played.

The Duke formally introduced his family. The boy Céline had seen earlier in the Duchess’s study was their youngest son, Martin.

As the food was served, Céline tried to breathe steadily and cut a piece of bread.

It wasn’t fear or tension this time—

—it was the corset.

She’d never worn one before. Being dressed head-to-toe by maids had left her too embarrassed to speak, and now she could barely breathe. Her throat was dry, so she’d drunk too much water, leaving her stomach painfully bloated.

I didn’t know this could be torture!

The orchestra began to play. Céline struggled for breath.

“Haa… haa…”

“Are you unwell?”

Leonhardt, seated across from her, reacted instantly.

She shook her head. It was her welcoming banquet. Even if she knew nothing of northern etiquette, she at least understood it would be rude to leave early.

Besides, Natasha had told her earlier that this banquet was meant to officially recognize her as a guest of the Grand Duke’s house.

The Duke looked at her with concern.

“Is the food not to your taste?”

“No. It’s delicious.”

Céline forced a smile and took a spoonful of soup.

“You must eat more, Miss Hunt. You’re so thin, no wonder you’re frail!”

Suddenly, her head spun. The lights blurred, flashing like colored glass shattering.

She tried to suck in air, but her body felt like solid lead.

Thud!

That was the last sound she heard before passing out—from lack of air, thanks to the corset.

“…Linne!”

Céline blinked. The crushing pressure around her chest was gone.

Leonhardt was gripping her hand tightly, his face sharper than a drawn blade.

“If you’re uncomfortable, say something!”

“It just… happened, I guess.” Céline gave an awkward smile.

“Haven’t you ever had those moments where everything’s already over before you realize it?”

“…If you can still talk, you’re fine.”

Relieved, Leonhardt helped her sit up.

“I must’ve ruined the banquet.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

His voice was rough.

“You’re my guest. We never needed a banquet in the first place.”

Céline looked around. They were in a small room. In the corner lay the discarded corset.

“You undressed me?”

Her tone wasn’t scolding—just surprised. Leonhardt sighed.

“I didn’t know how to take it off. Natasha’s maids handled it.”

“You should’ve left me with them and gone back. Without the guest, at least the host’s heir should’ve stayed.”

Leonhardt smirked.

“Céline Hunt, something like this won’t shake your position. I’ll guarantee it.”

Céline stood. The maids had fixed her dress perfectly except for the corset, so she could return at once.

She hadn’t been out long—surely the banquet was still underway.

“Let’s go back.”

“…Are you sure?”

“Leonhardt, I’ve been through much worse deaths than this. Besides, I couldn’t even eat properly thanks to that cursed corset.”

Leonhardt didn’t argue further.

“As you wish, milady.”

When they reentered the grand hall, silence fell. Céline strode confidently back to her seat.

“Are you alright?” the Grand Duke asked.

“Yes. I camped outside last night, so I was just exhausted. I feel much better after some rest.”

“Father, I told you we should’ve held the banquet after Miss Hunt had time to recover!”

Natasha scolded him lightly, then asked the musicians to play a livelier tune she liked.

“I’m fine now. Actually, I’m starving.”

Céline smiled and took a bite of the tender veal steak.

“It’s delicious!”

And it truly was. The juicy meat was nothing like the cheap cuts she’d occasionally eaten before falling into this world.

“I’m glad you’ve got your appetite back. Eat as much as you’d like.”

The atmosphere around the table soon grew warm and cheerful—everyone except Leonhardt, who sat quietly, already dreading the night to come.

The banquet ended late that evening.

Exhausted, Céline let the maids help her bathe and change into a comfortable nightgown before collapsing onto the bed.

Before she drifted off, she noticed Elle sitting by the door, embroidering quietly.

Leonhardt!

Suddenly, Céline remembered something she’d completely forgotten until now.

Tonight, Leonhardt would once again relive his own death—in his dreams.

…What should I do?

She’d once asked him whether anyone in the North could wake him from those nightmares. He’d replied, How could I show such weakness to anyone for an entire night?

After all, the only reason Céline had shared his nightmares before was because Leonhardt had to protect her.

Now, with her own attendants watching over her, Leonhardt would have to face another agonizing night alone.

…That won’t do.

Céline bolted upright.

Elle looked up, startled.

“My lady?”

“I need to see… the young lord. Right now.”

“At this hour? If you have a message, I can deliver it for you.”

“No. I must tell him in person. It’s closely related to the reason he brought me here.”

Elle hesitated, clearly reluctant. Céline stood firm—she hadn’t told a single lie.

“Then at least allow me to inform him first.”

“I have to go now!” Céline shouted desperately.