SCMBRN Chapter 25

Although the Marquis does not monitor my every move, it is only natural that he would take an interest upon hearing that I, who have refrained from all external contact during my period of reflection, have suddenly decided to send a letter.

 

“It’ll be a nuisance if he checks the contents.”

 

Understandable, considering the destination of the letter is…

 

“A magic tool specialty shop!”

 

Mia’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

 

“What are you planning to buy? I didn’t know you had any interest in magical tools, my lady. You used to say you disliked mages, calling them all gloomy and unpleasant.”

 

“Ha ha… I’ve had a change of heart recently. There’s something I want to inquire about, and I’m thinking of subscribing to their catalog, maybe even regularly. That’s what the letter’s about.”

 

“I see. Leave it to me, then. Shall I go deliver it right away?”

 

“Yes, please. And I expect that once you deliver it, they’ll probably write a reply immediately. Take a look around the shop while you’re there, and bring back the reply.”

 

“Yes, my lady! I’ll be off!”

 

With a spirited shout, Mia left my room.

 

I waved her off and promptly settled into a nap. It was time to catch up on the sleep I had lost the night before thanks to Eugen’s strange sleeping habits.

 

A couple of hours later, Mia returned to the Lyndsey Marquis.

 

“My lady, here’s the reply.”

 

“Thank you. You didn’t get bored waiting, did you?”

 

“Not at all. There were so many fascinating magical tools that I lost track of time while browsing. The shopkeeper was very kind as well. They even offered refreshments.”

 

Mia chattered cheerfully, laughing brightly.

 

“I overheard some of the customers talking, and they said all the tools there are made by the owner. They’re quite unique and perform very well, so the shop attracts a good number of customers.”

 

“I heard some rumors, which is why I sent the letter.”

 

“A good decision, I think. Oh! And did you know?”

 

“Know what?”

 

“The famous flirtatious mage is said to be friends with the owner! Apparently, both of them studied under the Tower Master.”

 

“Yes, I heard that too.”

 

“They say he drops by the shop now and then, though he wasn’t there today, unfortunately.”

 

“Why, were you hoping to see him?”

 

“N-no, not at all. I was just curious. I mean, what kind of handsome snake charmed so many women?”

 

Mia scratched her cheek, slightly embarrassed, then suddenly exclaimed loudly.

 

“Oh no! I just remembered, I was supposed to help prepare dinner tonight!”

 

“Oh dear, you’d better go. We’ll talk again later.”

 

“Yes, my lady!”

 

I sipped my tea, pleased, as I watched Mia disappear beyond the doorway.

 

“I like her.”

 

Not only is she diligent and courteous, but she shows no trace of the usual condescension I often receive for being of common birth.

 

Most of all, I was fond of Mia’s skillful massages.

 

I should ask the head Miad if I could have Mia assigned to me exclusively.

 

“Well then…”

 

I murmured to myself as I opened the letter Mia had brought.

 

“Let’s see what the handsome snake had to say in his reply.”

 

Some of what Mia said earlier was, in fact, incorrect.

 

First, the true owner of the magical tool shop she visited is someone else entirely.

 

Second, that means the person who crafted the magical tools sold there is also someone different.

 

Third, the flirtatious mage who is supposedly just an acquaintance of the shopkeeper doesn’t visit the shop occasionally, he visits very often.

 

In fact, when not on duty at the Imperial Palace, he practically lives there.

 

From these truths, it is easy to deduce that the person who received my letter and wrote back was not the shop owner, but the flirtatious mage himself.

 

The court mage Kyrie. The now-famous shop specializing in magical tools is, in fact, his side business.

 

That is why I sent the letter to the shop instead of Kyrie’s residence.

 

The novel mentioned that he spends more time there than at home.

 

Moreover, if anyone were to find out that I had sent a letter to Kyrie’s personal address, who knows what chaos might ensue?

 

I can already picture the furious expression of the Marchioness, convinced I’d been seduced by that womanizer.

 

Rumors might spread that, after being harshly rejected by Duke Hiclid, I had turned my attention to Kyrie.

 

That, above all, must be avoided. I don’t want my name on anyone’s lips again, especially in malicious gossip.

 

“For the sake of a quiet, peaceful life, I must navigate this carefully…”

 

Steeling myself, I began to read Kyrie’s letter slowly.

 

 

—

 

The following day, the Lyndsey estate was abuzz with whispers, subtle though they were.

 

After all, Charlotte Lyndsey, me, was stepping out after six whole months during which I had gone out only a handful of times.

 

In truth, over the past few days, I had attended the Emperor’s birthday celebration, gone shopping with the Marchioness, and attended a tea party.

 

So it wasn’t as if this outing was particularly remarkable. However, today marked a clear distinction.

 

“You mustn’t cause any trouble.”

 

“Don’t worry. I won’t.”

 

Standing at the entrance, I reassured the Marchioness, who had repeated herself several times already.

 

“I’m still not sure if lifting your probation is the right decision. You’ve behaved recently, and I agreed to this outing… but still.”

 

Yes, as of today, the probation placed on Charlotte Lyndsey has officially been lifted.

 

I brought it up at dinner the night before with the Marquis and Marchioness.

 

The Marquis agreed readily to lift the ban on my outings. The Marchioness seemed reluctant but eventually nodded.

 

I had even planned to give Jayden a meaningful look to back me up if necessary, but it turned out I didn’t need to.

 

“So where are you planning to go again?”

 

“I’m just out for some fresh air and a little shopping.”

 

“You’ve shown no interest in shopping lately. What’s gotten into you?”

 

“I used to enjoy it, remember?”

 

“Well, in any case, take care. And keep this in mind.”

 

The Marchioness fixed me with a searing gaze.

 

“I still don’t trust you completely. A year ago, you acted all penitent in front of us, then ran off to Duke Hiclid the moment our guard was down and made a complete spectacle of yourself.”

 

…Right. I wasn’t aware of Charlotte’s family background, since the novel didn’t go into much detail.

 

“You’ve behaved for six months, so I’m giving you another chance.”

 

She gripped my shoulder firmly.

 

“If you get involved with Duke Hiclid again, I’ll send you straight to the convent. Remember that.”

 

Yes. Without a doubt, the Marchioness is the most terrifying person I’ve met since coming to this world.

 

“Of course! You have my word.”

 

Hearing the sincerity in my voice, the Marchioness finally relaxed and introduced me to someone.

 

“Say hello. You’ve probably seen him around. This is Sir Calyx, a knight in service to our house. He’ll be accompanying you today.”

 

“It’s an honor, my lady.”

 

A man with a warm demeanor greeted me with proper form.

 

“Hello, Sir Calyx.”

 

I returned his greeting and glanced at the Marchioness.

 

“Mother, I’ll only be with the attendants. There’s no need for Sir Calyx to go out of his way…”

 

“No.”

 

But she was firm.

 

“You were pickpocketed last time. Sir Calyx is nothing like that rascal George, who was in league with them. He’ll see to your safety.”

 

“You can rely on me.”

 

With no further excuse, I accepted that I would be going out accompanied by Sir Calyx.

 

As we walked toward the carriage, Sir Calyx introduced himself cheerfully.

 

“Did you know? I’m usually in charge of the rear gate security at the estate.”

 

“I see. That gate is…”

 

“Yes, close to your quarters, my lady.”

 

With a fist to his chest, he declared confidently.

 

“You can rest assured. I always do my utmost to keep you safe.”

 

Safety, huh. Considering the Lyndsey estate’s guards have already allowed five intrusions that I know of, it’s hard to place much faith in them.

 

Sometimes I wonder if Sir Calyx might be the most overpaid man in the household.

 

Then again, what chance would a nameless background knight have against the powerful sub-male leads?

 

Besides, if Sir Calyx were too competent, it would only complicate matters for me.

 

“Thank you, Sir Calyx.”

 

I smiled sweetly at him.

 

“I’m in your hands.”

 

Please, stay just as you are.

 

The magical tool shop, Forest of Fantasies, was located just beyond the bustle of the capital’s Mian district.

 

After finishing my shopping in the lively part of town, I stood in front of the shop and said to Sir Calyx:

 

“You must be tired from following me around. If you have any personal errands, feel free to take care of them while I’m in the shop.”

 

“I appreciate the offer, but I cannot do so during working hours.”

 

It seems the Marchioness was right about him being nothing like George.

 

Well, fine.

 

I’d just have him wait in the sitting room while I met Kyrie.

 

But the moment I stepped into the shop, I was met with an unexpected obstacle.

 

“You…”

 

I was face to face with a familiar person.

 

“Charlotte Lyndsey. You again.”

 

The male lead of the novel and one of the most powerful figures in the Rehenberg Empire, Cedric Hiclid, frowned deeply at the sight of me.

 

Why on earth is he here?

 

It was a shocking coincidence from my perspective, but Cedric seemed to think otherwise.

 

“I thought you were lying low. Seems you’ve finally shown your true colors.”

 

He had been speaking with someone in the back of the shop, but now he strode toward me with heavy steps.

 

This is bad…

 

My vision went dark. Not because of Cedric, but because of the Marchioness.

 

Loyal Sir Calyx would no doubt report this incident to her.

 

Will the Marchioness, who warned me repeatedly not to get entangled with Duke Hiclid, believe this was just a coincidence?

 

Of course not. If I were her, I wouldn’t trust Charlotte either.

 

In other words, I’m doomed.