Episode 4
There were rumors that Carolina made more money than any noble in Shairo.
“Royal-level pay?”
My jaw dropped. I couldn’t hide how excited I was.
If it’s royal-level pay, this isn’t just running away—it’s true independence! I could finally live my own life!
“But… there’s one small problem.”
A problem? Who cares? If the pay is that good, I’d work for the devil himself.
“A problem? What kind of problem?”
“You’d be working for Frederic. From the Feredi family.”
“Feredi…?”
I stared hard at Carolina. She gave me a look that said, You seriously don’t know?
“Feredi? Must be someone important in this world. I don’t remember them being in the novel though… but that story focused only on how frustrating Leo was.”
“Frederic of the Feredi family. Frederic Feredi!”
Carolina lowered her voice and leaned in a bit.
“You really don’t know him…? Well, I guess it makes sense. Frederic hasn’t left his house in years.”
Huh? Sounds like he has a backstory. Maybe a shut-in? But honestly, I can’t afford to be picky right now.
“I don’t care who it is. Frederic, Freak, even a monster!”
Carolina looked a bit concerned about my attitude.
“Really…? Well, if you say so.”
“Yep, I’m totally fine with it. So, what kind of job is it?”
“You’d be helping him organize his library. Since you like books, I think you’ll enjoy it. And he’s looking for someone to live there while working.”
“That sounds perfect!”
Carolina still looked a little worried.
“If you’re really okay with it, I’ll write you a recommendation letter. Our families have some connections, so going through me will make it easier to get the job.”
“Really? Thank you so much!”
Carolina rested her chin in her hands and looked at me. She still seemed uneasy.
“If anything strange happens, tell me right away. I’ll help however I can.”
“Thank you…!”
Having such a reliable friend made me feel like maybe Delphine’s life wasn’t so bad after all.
“So, can you go to the Feredi estate tomorrow morning? I’ll send the letter this afternoon. It’s better for you if everything moves quickly, right?”
Carolina smiled softly.
“Delphine, this is going to be fun. Earning your own money, living outside your home for the first time—it’s all going to be new.”
“Thanks, Carolina! I’ll never forget this!”
She let go of her chin and grabbed her teacup with a grin.
“Oh, and one more thing.”
“Hm?”
Carolina looked like something was still bothering her.
“There’s a small clause in the contract that’s a bit unusual. Not dangerous or anything, just… not common.”
“What is it?”
“Well… it’s kind of hard to explain. The contract is confidential. Only people selected by the Feredi family are allowed to see it.”
“Come on, I’m so curious. Can’t you give me a hint?”
Carolina looked troubled.
“Hmm…”
She stared off into the distance for a moment before making up her mind.
“I don’t think I should say. It’s something that needs to be dealt with between the employer and you. But once you read the contract, you’ll understand what I mean.”
“I see…”
“But Delphine, remember—you can always refuse the job if that clause makes you uncomfortable, okay?”
I nodded. Carolina’s eyes wavered slightly.
“Now I’m even more curious. What could it possibly be? Still, this job is a perfect fit. It lets me leave the Plerin family, and the pay is great. I’m in no position to be picky anyway.”
I gave her a big grin.
“Don’t worry, Carolina. I’ll do my best!”
2. Young Master… What’s Wrong With Your Personality?
The Feredi family held the lowest noble title: baron. Their status was low, but they had bought several trade ships to Asia and had become one of the richest families in Shairo. Some said they were just as wealthy as Leo’s family.
“No wonder their mansion is enormous.”
Three years ago, the Feredi family bought a castle from a ruined noble house. It was the biggest castle in Shairo, with three main buildings: the main building, west wing, and east wing. Apparently, they only used the main building now.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
“It’s taking over 20 minutes by carriage just to get from the gate to the main building.”
I looked out the carriage window, admiring the estate gardens. At first, I only saw thick forests, but the further we went, the more beautiful landscaping appeared.
“Living here wouldn’t be so bad, even if I never left the house.”
Frederic apparently hasn’t left this place in six years. When he was fifteen, his parents died in a trade ship accident. After another mysterious incident, he locked himself away, and no one knows what really happened.
“What kind of event could keep someone inside for six years?”
I turned my gaze from the window and placed my hands neatly on my lap. I was feeling nervous and desperate.
“I shouldn’t go in feeling this desperate.”
The truth is, if I didn’t get this job, my chances of finding another were almost zero.
In this world, the only job a duke’s daughter like me could get was… marriage. Rarely, some made it into the royal academy as scholars, but I missed that chance.
“Delphine came straight back to Shairo after graduating, thinking she’d marry Leo.”
If it were me, I’d have thought it through more. But Delphine’s entire life was wrapped around Leo.
“I get it, though.”
I stared at the green scenery outside, trying not to think about anything, just to calm my racing heart.
“Chyah!”
With the coachman’s shout, the carriage came to a stop.
Outside the window, I saw a massive castle. It was so tall, I couldn’t even see the top.
“This is probably bigger than Leo’s mansion.”
I straightened my back and looked outside. A group of servants quickly came running. The coachman got down and opened the door. As I stepped out, I saw them bowing politely.
An older woman stepped forward and spoke.
“Welcome, Lady Delphine. I am Ecor, the housekeeper of the Feredi family. I’ll guide you inside.”
She gave a polite bow. Ecor gave off the aura of someone strict but fair—someone experienced and trustworthy.
“So she’s the housekeeper.”
I quietly followed behind her.
The mansion was made of gray stone, giving it a calm and solid appearance. It didn’t look flashy, more like a fortress than a castle. You could tell it had stood strong for hundreds of years.
I tilted my head back to look up at the building. Ecor glanced over her shoulder and said,
“Your first impression might be that it’s plain or dull. That’s because there are no fancy decorations. But after living here, you’ll see how practical and beautiful it truly is. It matches the Feredi family perfectly.”
“I see.”
I gave a small nod and looked around again. Ecor was right. It wasn’t flashy, but clearly built with care.
“That’s probably why it’s lasted for centuries.”
I suddenly realized how different Leo’s mansion was compared to the Feredi estate.
“Now that I think about it, Leo’s house suits him—fancy, beautiful, but kind of uncomfortable.”
“……”
I started wondering what kind of person Frederic was, living in a place like this.
“I really don’t know anything about him. Was it reckless to come here without knowing more?”
Maybe I was just nervous, but my throat felt dry. I kept remembering Carolina’s worried face.
“Please don’t be a creepy weirdo… He wasn’t mentioned in the novel at all, so I have no idea what he’s like.”
As I walked a few more steps, a question popped into my head.
“Wait, why wasn’t he in the original story at all? This seems like a pretty major role.”
Creeeak.
A heavy wooden door opened with an old creak. The housekeeper walked a few steps ahead and motioned me to follow. The first thing I saw when I stepped in was a staircase.
“Huh, this is a weird layout.”
Most noble houses show off with a grand staircase or ballroom right at the entrance. Something big and impressive.
But this place was different. The first thing I saw was a simple stone staircase.
Ecor stood formally with her hands folded over her stomach and said,
“The Feredi family values practicality above all. That’s why young master Frederic chose this place. It’s not a showy castle, but the structure was designed for the people who live here.”
“I see. I like it!”
And I meant it. It was a beautiful home. The sunlight streaming in through small spiral windows on the staircase, the cozy divided spaces—it felt mysterious, like a secret place.
“It’s a little dark, but it feels magical and comforting at the same time.”
This place and I… we might actually be a good match.
Ecor smiled at me and slowly started climbing the stairs.
