Guiding the Male Lead out of His Trauma - Chapter 36.1
The people of Valmoth have a fondness for birds.
Not only is the phoenix the national symbol, but the country’s climate is anything but mild, making it hard to encounter small, beautiful birds.
Because of that, there are many ornaments and artworks themed around birds, and the expensive cuckoo clock hanging in this room was no exception.
Seated on the bed, I quietly stared at the clock on the wall.
‘Should I head out soon?’
A tiny bird ornament at the very top of the clock signaled midnight.
As it fluttered its wings once and returned to its nest, I too put on the cloak I’d laid out earlier.
The Estra uniform I wore during the day was hardly suitable for wandering about at night.
Not only was it too brightly colored, but it made my affiliation obvious.
“It feels kind of empty.”
Wearing civilian clothes for the first time in a while felt odd, as if I’d forgotten to put something on, but it was also that much lighter.
I made sure the clasp at my neck was fastened tight so the cloak wouldn’t slip off my dark-colored shirt, then stood in front of the mirror.
Aside from my hair, there was nothing in particular I had to watch out for.
“Tying it up isn’t quite enough…”
If the tie came undone, my hair color would be revealed, so I decided to braid it loosely, even if it was a bit sloppy.
Once I pulled the hood over and hid my bright platinum hair, what looked back at me was a person broadcasting suspiciousness from head to toe.
‘This should be safe enough, right?’
After taking a deep breath, I stepped out onto the balcony.
There would likely be servants patrolling the corridors or tending to the candles, so it seemed wiser to head outside this way rather than through the hallways.
‘The duchess said her chambers are just upstairs. I’ll have to circle around to the other side, but once I’m up, the rest will be simple.’
Turns out the physical training I never wanted was useful for things like this.
I gauged the distance from the railing to the balcony just above.
The ceiling was quite high, making it a challenge.
Thankfully, in this lavishly built mansion, all the balconies were large. With a high enough jump, I could reach it with some effort.
With flat-soled boots providing stability even on the narrow railing, I tested my stance with a few hops, then jumped up with force.
My hands gripped the upstairs railing.
‘Good. Got it.’
Using the momentum, I hooked a foot over and pulled myself up. The air one floor higher felt cooler.
I’d heard that most of the third-floor rooms were empty unless reserved for VIP guests.
My room was the same; I slipped into an unoccupied room and cautiously stepped out into the hall.
‘Only a handful of people ever walk around the third floor. Any noise might wake the master and mistress.’
Keeping my footsteps silent, I quickly crossed the corridor where candle flames flickered.
After a moment—
“Head maid.”
“…Shh, come in.”
I was able to enter the duchess’s room.
For a space used by the lady of the house, the room was stark.
And dark. Only a few lanterns and candles were lit, and the air was laced with a crisp herbal scent. I assume it’s used for mental calm, but also a slightly peculiar aroma.
Somewhat sharp, and not the kind of combination the duchess herself would likely use.
“It’s neroli. Belled said it’s good for sleep and relaxation, so he brought it to me.”
“Ah… Sorry. I forgot to greet you first.”
“It’s fine. Why don’t you come sit?”
She was sitting on the sofa, her frame so slight it looked as if the furniture might swallow her whole.
When I’d first arrived here half a year ago, the duchess never seemed this withered.
But today, she didn’t look merely lifeless, only fragile, lacking the doll-like blankness she’d worn before.
“I wish I could at least serve you tea, but… I had to call you in secret. I apologize.”
“No, please don’t worry about it. I heard you weren’t feeling well… Are you alright?”
She looked puzzled at my question about her health, which I’d heard during dinner.
A moment later, she gave a faint, sardonic smile.
“Was that Acteon’s excuse? Even so, my husband can’t be bothered to send even a single person to check on me.”
Having inadvertently brought up a sensitive topic, I felt awkward.
But instead, the duchess’s expression softened slightly as she gave a small laugh.
“You’re probably wondering why I called you here, aren’t you?”
She laughed briefly, then turned to look out the window, her face growing hard.
“Miss Ortis. My husband will likely try to bring you into this house by force, if necessary.”
The moment she said that, I realized what she meant to advise.
“Do you not want me to come here?”
“That’s right. This house…”
Her previously desolate manner changed in an instant.
A will and clarity for something shone in her blue eyes. For the first time, I saw a glimpse of what kind of person the real duchess might be.
“This house is like a swamp no one has ever escaped.”
Her voice, sounding as if it would sink, grew clearer and sharper.
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