~Chapter 51~
“Surprisingly, people make a lot of mistakes.”
“Eh….”
“And life is about forgiving and being forgiven. Children like you especially should be forgiven more.”
The gravekeeper tapped the cocoa cup.
“Spicy, then sweet. Isn’t that the truth of life?”
“……”
Could it really be that simple?
In my past life, I never experienced such a thing.
One mistake meant the end. I probably made two mistakes—and lost two families.
The shame and despair I felt when I returned to the orphanage after being disowned stayed inside me as a dark lump.
“And besides, I don’t think you made such a big mistake. So, isn’t it too sad to push away such a good friend just because you’re scared?”
“Uh… I’ll give you a license.”
“A license?”
“For psychological counseling…”
“Hahaha. You’re cute.”
The older sister laughed loudly and ruffled my hair.
This time we sat side by side, drinking cocoa together.
After dinner and even dessert, I felt like I’d been treated to a full-course meal. Maybe that’s why my heart felt lighter.
After emptying my cocoa cup, I stood up.
“I’ve made my decision.”
“Really?”
“Later, after I finish everything I need to do… I’ll tell my friend the truth and apologize.”
It might turn into a very long story. I would have to start from my past life.
Would Uncle believe me? I wasn’t sure yet.
“But I’ll ask if I can still stay by their side… even then.”
I canceled my plan to leave.
“When I finish my goal, I’ll confess everything I hid.”
And then I’ll beg them to still be my family.
I was still scared of being abandoned. But it was better than before.
Even if they ended up hating me, I didn’t think the love they gave me right now was fake.
‘It’s okay.’
For the first time, I really felt okay.
And then I thought—maybe now I could finally call Uncle.
“Um… I should go back now!”
I hopped down from the chair. Outside, the sky was already getting dark.
“Alright. Take care! I won’t see you off!”
The gravekeeper waved from the table, smiling brightly. I waved back.
Just before closing the door completely, I hesitated and added:
“By the way, I’ll definitely spread the word that you’re not an old witch!”
At that, the gravekeeper chuckled softly.
See? How could anyone call someone so kind and beautiful an old witch!
I ran back up the hill.
‘…Huh? Wait a second.’
I suddenly stopped. Tilting my head, I thought,
‘Did I… miss something in that conversation just now?’
What was it? Maybe just my imagination.
“Ruby! Where are you coming back from?!”
“Ah! I’m coming now!”
At Void’s angry voice in the distance, I started running again.
Well, it’s probably nothing.
Right now, all I wanted was to hurry back and finally call Uncle.
Tap. The door closed. Outside, a small child could be seen running away with little steps.
The woman rested her chin in her hand, watching for a long while.
A smile naturally appeared on her lips.
“Girls really do feel different.”
Whose daughter could she be?
Sir Eugen? Sir Hector? Or maybe one of the knights who just joined brought her?
“Looks like she came to the castle with her father.”
Maybe she got lost?
According to Eurice, children that age were always found in the strangest places. Busy exploring everywhere, busier than adults.
The round face that had been crying popped into her mind, and she couldn’t help but smile sadly.
What kind of secret made that small child cry so sorrowfully?
“Ah, I should’ve at least asked her name!”
She regretted not doing so.
Who knows how much time passed.
Darkness had completely settled over the memorial, and the fire in the fireplace was dying out.
The old hut’s door opened silently.
“Welcome.”
The woman finally stood. The inside of the hut quickly filled with shadows wearing black masks.
“It’s been a while, Hazel.”
Hazel, standing at the front, bowed shortly.
“You’re back earlier than expected, my lord. I thought it would take longer.”
“Yeah. Liam opened a path, so I came first.”
“What about Young Master Liam?”
“He said he wanted to buy a monster guidebook or something. Ugh, really. Why are boys that age always interested in such things?”
Rosetta Jebert sighed faintly, though affection showed behind her words. Hazel smiled with her eyes.
“By the way, Eina. I heard you’ve been called an old witch?”
“Is that so?”
One of the shadows tilted their head.
This hut was the secret hideout of Rosetta Jebert and her mercenary maids. Few knew about it.
To keep people away, they spread dark rumors—and apparently, it worked.
“You dyed your hair.”
“Yes. Doesn’t it suit me?”
Hazel nodded with a smile. The disguise hiding her pink hair was now familiar.
“But… who was here earlier?”
Rosetta nodded.
“Oh, just a little girl. Looked like she wandered into the garden by mistake.”
“A girl?” The maid’s eyes sharpened.
“Now that you mention it, I saw some knights bringing children with them today. Some kind of silly gathering, it seems. I’ll give warnings to be careful.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Kids are good, nothing to worry about.”
Rosetta stretched and spoke lightly.
“So Hazel, is Rubian really that lovely? Your face looks completely different.”
Hazel glanced down shyly, scratching her forehead.
“…Yes. Very much.”
Rosetta smiled warmly at her.
It had already been more than ten years since she rescued women from an illegal guild that used them as assassins, and made them her maids. Rosetta herself had once escaped from that guild, and after many struggles, was adopted into a count’s family as an illegitimate daughter.
Without Leviathan’s help, none of that would have been possible.
‘Yeah, I was right. I’m glad I didn’t kill him when we first met.’
Rosetta thought as she polished a long arrowhead, recalling her dear husband’s face.
Then suddenly, she became restless.
“Why did Levi bring Rubian here? Just what kind of child is she? I’m so curious! I even dreamed about her because I was too curious!”
Of everyone, Rosetta was the most eager to meet Rubian.
The maids, used to her behavior, laughed and enjoyed her excitement. Hazel especially spoke the most about Rubian’s cuteness and charm.
“I just want to meet her soon and hug her tightly.”
Even though she spoke with longing, Rosetta only packed her things.
“Alright then, shall we get going? Ipsun, wasn’t it?”
“My lord, are you really not going to the castle?” Hazel asked.
“His Grace must miss you terribly.”
“Eh, I don’t like overprotection.”
Her answer was firm. Rosetta twirled her finger on the table and smiled.
“I want to go to the Green Festival too, but he’ll just tell me to rest. Doesn’t he realize I’ve already recovered? I’m not some glass doll.”
“……”
“And the real reason I came here first was… because I wanted to spend some time with my baby again.”
Her blue eyes looked toward the small garden in the distance.
The maids knew what lay there, and stayed silent with sad faces.
Rosetta cheerfully put on her outer coat.
“Let’s go. If I clear out all the monsters on the road to Ipsun, won’t our kids be able to enjoy the festival safely?”
She pulled a long bow hidden in the wardrobe.
The moonlight shone on its string, reminding her of the silver-haired child she had just seen.
Would she meet her again?
Rosetta smiled softly at the thought.
“Well then, time to do some housecleaning, like a proper housewife~”
Yes, she hoped to meet her again.
Next time, she would make her even sweeter cocoa.
