When I got up, Vincent was calmly changing his clothes. Despite hearing the sound of me falling, he remained unperturbed. Seeing his calm face, I realized he had deliberately moved out of the way. I suppressed my rising anger with a sigh.
Bringing a new bedsheet and trying to put it on was a challenge. He refused to lift his buttocks, so I ended up just draping it over him.
Even this small task left me exhausted. When Vincent, now dressed, tried to put on the dirty sheet again, I quickly snatched it away and handed him the new one. Fortunately, he obediently put it on.
Good, done. I placed the laundry by the door and returned to tidy up the empty dishes. I cleaned up the dessert I had dropped earlier and the congee stains that remained on the floor. After organizing the scattered items, I finally started cleaning the floor.
In the silence, only the sound of the broom could be heard. Vincent was quiet. He must have realized I wouldn't bother him anymore. Compared to his initial loud demands for me to leave, this was a significant change.
"Why are you here?"
"Excuse me?"
He suddenly spoke, surprising me. Usually, he only spat out sharp words like "get out" or "leave me alone," but now he was trying to start a conversation. Was he feeling unwell? But he only looked pale, with no signs of pain.
"Why are you here? I asked."
"…Because I need to earn money."
"Then if I give you money, will you leave?"
"Why? Are you going to pay me to leave?"
"If I could."
Is he boasting about his wealth? His offer was appreciated, but if it were that simple, I wouldn't be here in the first place.
"If you chase me away, another maid will come to take care of you."
"I'll chase you out."
"Then you'll come back."
"You won't leave, then."
"Yes."
I resumed sweeping, and he turned to look at me.
"Do you like this mansion?"
"I don't know. I haven't thought about it."
"Then think about it. This isn't a place for idle dreams."
Idle dreams… I thought about it for a moment but then shrugged. I didn't have any grand aspirations.
"Where are you from?"
"From Filton."
"Filton… So you came from quite a distance."
"It's not that far. Just over one mountain."
Sometimes, I had to travel much farther on my father's errands.
After walking for days, my calves would swell, and I would find it hard to walk for a while. But even if I wanted to rest because of the pain, my father and Alicia wouldn't leave me alone. I was the only one who could do the household chores.
So, being away from home actually gave me some peace of mind.
"It felt adventurous, like being the protagonist in a fairy tale, embarking on a mysterious and beautiful journey."
"Sounds like a dream."
"Exactly. In reality, you can't have such a beautiful adventure. Still, it was nice. When I was young, there was the oldest bookstore in town, and I worked there for a while. The owner, an elderly man, let me read many fairy tales."
"You turned a child into a dreamer."
"Maybe."
But I still love books. I no longer read fairy tales as I grew older, but I enjoy stories. They tell tales of worlds I've never seen or imagined. Whether they are true or false doesn't matter.
Imagining the world in books was my only joy as a child.
"I remember a line: 'When God created you, you were so blessed by your mere existence that you should love without reserve. For all of this will shape your path.'"
"Love's Sorrow."
"Have you read it?"
Surprised, I asked, and he answered nonchalantly.
"It's a famous book that even children read."
"I didn't know that."
"You have poor taste."
"Is that so?"
"It's not a good story."
You're right. The ending is tragic. The protagonist doesn't die, but they choose to live alone, abandoning everything, even the person they loved.
'Ah, it's over now.'
The story ends with the protagonist walking alone across a vast sea. The ending, where they leave behind everything that tormented them, was strangely appealing.
If my life were to end, I would want to say the same.
Ah. It's over.
"I actually liked that."
"…"
After saying that, I suddenly felt awkward. I'm not usually talkative, but I was excited because he had spoken to me. I continued, trying to gauge his reaction.
"Have you read any interesting books, Master?"
"I don't read that stuff."
That stuff… Isn't it part of a noble's education?
Alicia often complained about the lord's son reading books to improve his education. When I worked at the bookstore, nobles frequently visited, and new publications sold faster than others.
When I looked at him, Vincent was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling. He seemed to be about to sleep, so I stopped talking and focused on cleaning.
"I haven't read since I lost my sight."
Ah, I realized. I looked at him again. His profile with closed eyes seemed a bit lifeless.
"There are books for the blind."
"Not all books can be read by the blind."
"Then hire someone to read to you."
"Are you suggesting I broadcast my condition to everyone?"
He mocked me again. He was a very bitter person. Even if he hired someone to read to him, he would likely chase them away for various reasons. He could ask someone who knew his situation for help… Ah!
"Can I read to you?"
I couldn't hide my excitement.
This large mansion must have a library. Why didn't I think of that before! But then his curious gaze made me realize my mistake. I tried to calm my trembling heart and maintain a composed demeanor.
"Of course, if Master wishes."
"With your pig-like voice?"
"…I've never been told my voice is bad."
"Then what else is bad?"
"…"
He immediately picked up on my words. I considered hitting him with the broom.
But I decided to step back. Now wasn't the time to confront him; it was time to persuade him.
"Isn't it boring to always sleep? You don't go for walks or even leave your bed. That's why you feel so listless. People need to do things, you know."
"Stop beating around the bush. What do you want to say?"
"Why don't you try reading a book?"
"I can't read."
"Then I'll read to you."
"I refuse."
His answer was immediate and without hesitation. I sighed deeply.
"I thought having a hobby might improve your temper…"
"Hey."
"You don't even consider the servants who work hard for you… You always yell and throw things around, causing injuries… I've been putting up with it, but… What makes you so special…"
"Hey."
"I'm so sad, so sad."
I took this opportunity to vent all my complaints. His hand fumbled on the table, but there was nothing left to throw.
Then I saw him clench his fist and smiled happily.
"Master, listen carefully."
I cleared my throat, but there was no response. He was lying on his side, and I could only see his back. But I opened the book with a joyful heart.
"It was a day when the warmth of the sun seeped into the body."
"Boring."
"The girl, yes?"
"Boring. Try something else."
I thought he was sleeping, but he must have been listening. But how could he say it was boring after just one line?
"I've only read one line."
"That one line didn't appeal to me."
"Maybe you should give it a chance…"
"Something else."
"Alright, I'll try something else."
I calmly put down the book and picked up another one. Since I didn't know his preferences, I had brought several books.
I cleared my throat again.
"The girl's day began with a walk in the garden."
"Boring."
"…"
"Something else."
Not even one line, you bastard.
My temper flared. Calm down. The person in front of me is my master, who pays me. I took a deep, silent breath to control my anger.
"Why aren't you answering? Something else."
"Alright, something else."
I put down the book and picked up another one.
"The boy."
"Boring. Something else."
"Are you really going to do this?"
I finally put the book on my lap and vented my frustration. But Vincent was shameless.
"Is it wrong to say something is boring if it is?"
"You haven't even listened properly."
"I know it's boring without listening."
"What criteria are you using to say that?"
"Are you talking back to me? A mere maid?"
"…"
His words left me speechless. How cowardly!
"I have no more books to read. I need to get more."
"Then go get them."
"…If there's a book you like, please tell me. I'll bring that one."
"I don't reread books I've already read."
"Tell me what kind of content you like. The genre, for example."
"There's nothing."
I sighed deeply. This was clearly revenge for my earlier kindness. How childish.
"What are you doing? Not going to get them?"
I finally got up.
I left the room, carrying three books I hadn't even opened, thumping my way out. The library was on the floor below. I was so angry that I took the central stairs.
Stay calm. I need to be calm, especially now. The master's temper isn't something new, so I needed to be more composed.
I entered the library and looked at the bookshelves, packed with books, trying to guess what kind of stories he might like. I knew he would complain about any book I brought.
Still, I carefully examined the shelves. Then I found something.