Eclis currently had an overwhelmingly high affection level.
However, there was a nagging discomfort that kept bothering her, making it hard to simply be pleased.
Derrick or Leonard's affection levels would at most increase by 2-3%, or at most 5%.
However, Eclis's affection level, despite having met only a few days ago, was skyrocketing like a runaway locomotive.
'What flies high falls fast.'
Reflecting on it, in Hard Mode, sudden drops in affection levels often occurred unexpectedly.
Therefore, while using Eclis as a means of escape, she shouldn't blindly trust him.
"…Just in case, it would be good to have some insurance."
As the cold rain hit her arm exposed outside the umbrella, her confused mind gradually became calm and organized.
"Right, that's fine. It was a predictable situation, so there's no need to be anxious."
I reassured myself. My rough breathing gradually became steady.
Then, the dizziness also disappeared as if it had been washed away.
"Emily will be in a panic."
Suddenly feeling cold, I lowered my head and saw that my sleeves were drenched to the shoulders.
Tsk, I clicked my tongue and started moving my legs.
As my mind settled, the cold I hadn't noticed before began to seep in.
If I didn't return quickly, Penelope's surprisingly fragile body would surely fall ill.
* * *
The merchant guilds Emily visited completed their tasks in less than two days.
"Miss. Here are the replies to the tasks you entrusted us with."
Emily, who had placed the requested tea and cake on the desk, discreetly placed an envelope on the side of the tray.
The wax seals on the envelopes bore the clear emblems of each merchant guild.
I put down the book I was reading and tore open all the envelopes.
Each envelope contained only a single sheet of paper densely filled with numerous names and family names.
The number of names listed varied only slightly, and all three lists were similar.
"Is that all?"
I glanced at them casually and asked.
Emily straightened her posture. Thinking that I was dissatisfied with the results she had brought, she hastily added,
"According to the messengers, Miss, it would be better if you could provide more specific information about the person you're looking for. That way, they can narrow down the list further…"
Emily's voice grew smaller as she glanced sideways at the papers in my hand.
She must have been surprised to receive a list with an absurdly large number of names, despite her confident promise to find the person quickly.
But it wasn't Emily's fault.
[The noble male who attended the 2nd Prince's birthday banquet with a white handkerchief.]
The note I had given her didn't contain enough specific information to identify anyone.
Carrying a handkerchief to a banquet was a basic etiquette for noble men.
"I'll try another merchant guild, Miss."
"No. This list is enough."
I shook my head at Emily's dejected question, as I wasn't really looking for a specific person.
"I meant the number of merchant guilds. You said you visited four, right?"
"Ah…"
Emily's tense face finally relaxed.
"Come to think of it, we haven't heard from one of them yet."
She tilted her head in confusion.
I checked the three sheets of paper in my hand again. There was no 'White Rabbit' emblem anywhere.
'I thought I'd get a response right away.'
I felt disappointed by the unexpectedly quiet response from Bunter.
If he didn't show up, there was only one method left.
Like the protagonist in Normal Mode, I would have to attend every ball where the Duke might appear and search for him myself.
'This is going to be troublesome.'
I let out a low sigh.
"…Should I go again?"
Emily asked cautiously, sensing my disappointment.
"It's fine. Did you pay for the information?"
"Yes. I gave the messengers the jewels they wanted."
"Good job."
I casually mentioned, recalling the upcoming balls from Normal Mode.
"Since you worked hard for a few days, you can take the remaining jewels in the box as a reward."
"Wh-what…!"
Emily gasped in surprise at the unexpectedly generous reward.
"No, Miss! I'll finish organizing and bring them right away."
"Why? Don't you like jewels? Then, gold coins…"
"No, no!"
Emily waved her hands frantically, refusing repeatedly.
"I…! I don't want that, Miss."
I stopped and looked at her. Emily's expression wasn't good.
'Don't people usually get excited when given such a reward?'
But her voice, appealing to me, sounded almost aggrieved.
"The reward is fine, Miss. I just…"
"Ah."
Her trailing off reminded me of another promise I had made as a reward.
"Don't worry. I'll remove your needle as promised."
"No, you don't have to remove it! Just keep it, Miss."
"…Huh?"
I was puzzled by her reaction.
'She was so anxious about the needle, and now she's telling me to just keep it?'
I frowned slightly, unable to understand her response.
"Tell me exactly what you want."
Seeing my cold expression, Emily hesitated before finally revealing her wish.
"I… I want to become Miss's real maid."
"…"
I stared at Emily for a moment, trying to gauge her intentions, then spoke indifferently.
"You're already my dedicated maid. I can't give you a higher position."
"Miss!"
Emily suddenly knelt beside the desk.
"I've made a great mistake! I've sinned greatly against Miss. I… I didn't know my place… It's only natural that Miss doesn't trust me."
"Emily."
"But if you give me one more chance, I'll prove how useful I can be as a maid!"
I was momentarily speechless at her response.
"So, you want to be my right-hand person?"
"Yes!"
I couldn't quite understand. Emily had contributed significantly to making Penelope's life miserable.
As a result, Penelope's influence in this house was at its lowest.
She was treated worse than the hired help. That was the position of a 'fake lady,' wasn't it?
'Does she think that if she sticks with me, she'll get a bigger reward than just a jewelry box?'
Unfortunately, the extravagant Penelope had no personal budget.
She would only call a merchant through the Duke or the butler when she threw a tantrum, and she had no personal property.
Emily, who had been Penelope's dedicated maid for years, would know this best.
'What's her plan?'
Under my suspicious gaze, Emily answered with a determined face.
"Keep the needle. If you feel uncomfortable, show it to the Duke."
"…Are you serious?"
In response to my question, Emily nodded vigorously.
I scrutinized her face but saw no sign of lying.
Kneeling before me, I pondered for a moment.
This was an unexpected turn of events. An extra character I thought I could easily manipulate with a suitable reward was now volunteering to be on my side.
'Is this part of the game's episode?'
In reality, this would be an implausible development. However, it wasn't a bad thing for me.
'Having a loyal maid wouldn't be bad.'
My contemplation didn't last long.
"Then, put the remaining jewels back in their original place."
"Miss…!"
Emily, sensing my answer, jumped up with a look of deep gratitude.
"Thank you! Thank you, Miss! I'll serve you with all my heart from now on!"
"Go now."
Despite my dismissive gesture, Emily continued to murmur her thanks.
Thud. A moment later, a white square window appeared in front of me.
〈SYSTEM〉 Your reputation has increased by +10 due to improved relations with the Duke's household. (Total: 15)
"Surprising."
I looked at the text in the square window with renewed interest.
My reputation, which I had given up on, was surprisingly on the rise.
* * *
Brilliant sunlight poured through the large window in the room.
I had moved the table from in front of the window and was squatting on the floor, dozing off.
I thought about going for a walk, but I was being cautious in case I ran into any of the people I had crossed.
Instead of walking, I was basking in the sun, which at least improved my mood.
'Peaceful…'
Actually, this wasn't the right time for it.
After receiving the replies from the merchant guilds, I waited for about two more days, but Bunter never contacted me.
Because of this, I had no choice but to ask the butler.
- Gather all the invitations to parties where high-ranking young noble men might attend.
The butler's face turned uneasy at the implication that I was resuming social activities.
How much trouble had Penelope caused outside for the butler to automatically react this way?
'Sigh, my happy house arrest life. Now even this peace is coming to an end…'
Thinking about the future where I would have to attend all kinds of parties to chase after Bunter, I felt so sorry for myself that I shed tears even while dozing.
That's when it happened. Creak.
The slightly open window suddenly slid open.
Immediately, a strong gust of wind blew into the room through the open window.