IWMHWD 48

Chapter 48 – To Forecast Delrim

December 18, 2023

After completing their preparations, the group headed straight toward Forecast Delrim without rest.

“There are some things we need to coordinate before arriving at the capital.”

“Like what?”

“Things like how we met. If people find out you’re my disciple, they’ll swarm around us and start interrogating.”

“Can’t we just be honest—ah…”

Cordelia stopped mid-sentence. She had been about to speak without much thought, but on second thought, it might sound suspicious if people knew Leonard had entered her late husband’s body and then taken her on as his disciple. From another perspective, it could make her look morally dubious.

“Yeah, people won’t exactly think innocently about it. If they find out I took over your dead husband’s body and made you—his widow—my disciple, all sorts of nasty rumors will start.”

“You’re right. I’d probably be called the dirtiest woman alive.”

They’d say she seduced him with her body.

It wasn’t exactly a funny subject, but she couldn’t help finding it absurd.

The memories came rushing back—how she had entered Leonard’s bedroom every day trying to win his favor, how she’d endured all his cold remarks without giving up.

She never imagined it would come to this…

“So, what should we say then?”

“Let’s say we met about a year ago near the Abrams estate. I had some business up north around that time, so it’s not a lie. We’ll say I secretly took you as a disciple there.”

“Can I go around telling people you recognized my talent and begged me to become your disciple?”

“My disciple clearly doesn’t care about her life. Go ahead and try it.”

At Leonard’s mock-gentle words, Cordelia burst out laughing.

From a distance, the first walls of Forecast Delrim came into view. Cordelia leaned out the carriage window, gazing at the scenery.

“Close the window. It’s cold.”

“Oh, come on. It’s not cold at all. It’s proper spring now—fine, I’ll close it. You’re wearing more layers than me and still say you’re cold the moment I open a window.”

“You’ve got a lot to say about one window.”

“Master, could it be that you’re just getting old? I heard that even a spring breeze makes your bones ache when you age.”

“Want me to show you what real bone-aching feels like?”

Cordelia shrank under his sharp glare and quietly shut the window.

Between all the special training and assignments, she had almost forgotten—but it was probably time to deal with Craig’s corpse lying atop the carriage. She would have to think of a solution once they reached the capital.

Though the city gates looked close, it took them half a day more to arrive. Just as the sun was about to set, Baron pulled the reins and asked:

“Shall we head straight to the Atillay townhouse?”

“Before that, we need to convene the Assembly.”

“Ah, I’ll send messengers to each noble house the moment we arrive.”

“No need for that.”

Leonard opened the carriage door and stepped out. The gates bustled with people, but no one recognized him as the head of the Atillay family who was believed to be dead.

“W-Wait, is that…?”

“That’s the White Serpent!”

“Is that Atillay?!”

Light began to pour from Leonard’s fingertips, forming a distinct white serpent in the sky, like fireworks. The meaning was clear.

Only the head of House Atillay could summon the white serpent sigil—he had returned. By morning, everyone in the capital would know.

Baron was speechless for a moment.

“…Well, no need for messengers after all.”

“Let’s go.”

The carriage passed through the city gates. As expected, a group of startled servants had gathered in front of the Atillay townhouse.

Alex, the head butler, was the first to recognize Baron.

“Baron! Then, that means… inside…”

“Alex. It’s been a while. Open the gate.”

Before Baron could finish, Alex hurried the gatekeeper and flung the main gate wide open. All the staff, having heard the news, rushed to the entrance.

The carriage came to a gentle stop. Baron opened the door.

Leonard was the first to step out, completely unharmed. The staff looked as though they might faint.

“Master!”

“Heavens! The Lord has returned!”

“I knew he couldn’t be dead!”

“Then what about the second son?”

“Quiet, all of you! Show some respect in front of the master!”

Alex sharply scolded the servants. Only after some time did the excitement begin to calm.

Under the watchful gaze of all, Cordelia stepped down last, with Loti in her arms. The sight of a woman following right after Leonard piqued everyone’s curiosity.

Baron quickly stepped forward to introduce her.

“This is the Master’s one and only disciple—Lady Cordelia Abrams. Treat her with utmost respect.”

The servants looked even more shocked.

“His disciple?!”

“But the Master always said he’d never take one…”

“Goodness, I might faint for real today. The Lord took a disciple!”

“Enough. Everyone return to your posts.”

Alex clapped his hands, dispersing the staff. Once most had left, Baron approached Alex and spoke quietly.

“There are two large crates at the back of the carriage. Take the one with the black circle to the drawing room, and store the other one deep underground.”

“What are they?”

“It’s better if you don’t know. Be sure to assign only the most tight-lipped servants.”

“Understood.”

Though puzzled, Alex didn’t ask further—he was a seasoned butler of a noble house, after all. He quietly assigned a few servants to move the cargo.

Just then, a middle-aged woman approached Cordelia with a friendly smile.

“Welcome to House Atillay’s townhouse, Lady Abrams. I’m Anna, the head maid. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Oh, please, I don’t like formal titles. Just call me Cordelia.”

“As you wish, Lady Cordelia. Let me show you to your room.”

As she followed Anna, Cordelia glanced around, admiring the lavish decor—ornate ceilings, fine furniture, and expensive wallpaper. And this was just a seasonal residence used during social events. How grand must the main estate be?

In contrast, the Vasquez townhouse had been sold off long ago due to financial trouble.

“By the way, this dog’s name is Loti. I treasure her, so please make sure she’s well cared for.”

“Of course. I’ll let the staff know.”

Anna led her to a particularly grand room. Cordelia was stunned by the door alone.

She assumed it was a guest room—until Anna added:

“This was the former Lady Atillay’s chamber.”

“I-It’s too nice for me…”

Cordelia was flustered. She thought she’d get a guest room, not the lady’s chamber—it felt like too much.

“You are the Master’s one and only disciple. The room is currently unoccupied, so please feel at ease.”

Of course, Anna had received permission from Leonard beforehand.

After politely bowing, Anna left. Soon after, three maids entered and greeted her.

“I’m Layla.”

“I’m Emma.”

“I’m Talia. We’ll be attending to you from today. Please let us know if anything is lacking.”

“Nice to meet you all. I’m counting on you. For now… I’d really like to take a bath.”

“We’ll prepare it right away.”

Despite the late hour, a large white horse came to a stop in front of the Atillay townhouse. The gatekeeper recognized the rider and opened the gate.

Alex came out to receive the guest.

“Welcome to House Atillay.”

“Is it true? That Leo’s returned?”

“We were instructed to escort you in if you arrived, Your Excellency Elfenbaum. Please, this way.”

Rozanbler could barely contain his excitement. He threw the reins aside and strode quickly inside. As he climbed the stairs to the second-floor drawing room, he took them two at a time.

A servant tried to open the door, but Rozanbler beat him to it and flung it open himself.

Leonard sat calmly at the center, one leg crossed over the other.

“News travels fast, I see.”

“Leo! You—You’re really alive!”

With a bright smile, Rozanbler rushed forward and hugged him tightly.

“Gross. Let go.”

Leonard shoved him off roughly, but Rozanbler was too overjoyed to care.

“You’ve been alive this whole time, haven’t you? Do you know what’s happened while you were gone?”

“Oh, I know. Apparently, everyone—except Elfenbaum—betrayed me and quickly approved Maximilian’s claim to my title once the rumors of my death spread.”

“Saracen opposed it at first… but that didn’t last long. If you were alive, why didn’t you show yourself?”

Leonard smirked as he recalled each traitor’s name.

“Oh, that? Well, let’s start with how Maximilian stabbed me in the stomach using my mother’s remains as bait.”

“…What? What did that bastard do?!”

Though it hadn’t been long, so much had happened that Leonard took quite some time explaining. Just as he was recounting the events from Dilroana’s estate, the drawing room door opened again.

“Master, about my room—it’s really too mu—ah, Lord Rozanbler?”

“Cordelia?”

She spotted him and ran over with delight—but didn’t make it. Leonard immediately snatched her and sat her beside him.

“Stay back.”

“Why? I want to talk to Lord Rozanbler too.”

“What do you have to talk about with him? I said stay back.”

With his most intimidating glare, he made sure Cordelia stayed planted at his side, only peeking her head out next to him.