Surviving As An Obsessive Servant

 While I was still flustered, the Denkart estate grew closer.Even as the carriage came to a stop, Edric continued to watch me closely and asked in a gentle tone,“What are you thinking about, sitting there in front of me like that?”It hit me a little too late.We were meeting again after ten years, and here I was, just staring off into space. No wonder he felt a bit miffed.I wondered how to explain it, then just blurted out the first thing that came to mind.“It’s just… you’re so handsome, my lord. You were always good-looking, but now you’re so handsome I can’t even find the words.”It was the kind of obvious, flattering compliment people throw around, but depending on who says it—and who hears it—it can feel different.Besides, it was the truth, so even to me, it sounded genuine.Luckily, the slight irritation that had been on his face seemed to ease a little. I mean, really, what man doesn’t like being told he’s handsome?With a noticeably more relaxed voice, he asked,“You like it?”“Of course, of course. Who wouldn’t?”“You like the renovations to the estate, too?”“Yes.”I nodded enthusiastically.It must’ve been about five years ago?Even though he was busy, Edric had ordered renovations for the Denkart estate in the capital. He said he’d already discussed it with the Duke.But the butler, Wayne, kept asking for my opinions, and so, based on my suggestions, the estate’s renovations were completed.Well, since I was the one who basically directed it, of course I’d like it.“Do you want it?”The passing years hadn’t just changed his appearance—they’d changed how he talked, too.‘…Want what? Did he bring another gift or something??’I didn’t immediately react this time because I had no idea what he meant.Then Edric gave me a harmless-looking smile and said,“If you like it, you should have it all. Just say the word. I’ll give it to you.”It seemed like Edric had gotten better at joking. I laughed and played along, responding with a joke of my own.  *****  It seemed like I was the only one who didn’t know Edric’s actual return date.As we approached the front gates of the estate, the overly decorated exterior came into view.So that’s why fresh flowers had been delivered by carriage from the crack of dawn—it must’ve been for this.‘Those traitors…’I cursed Wayne and the two attendants in my head.But Edric didn’t say a single word until we entered his room.There was no sign of happiness, emotion, or even relief.Knowing Edric’s personality, I hadn’t expected anything extravagant, but it still surprised me a little.From the way he skillfully smiled back at the imperial palace—and even at me—it seemed like he had become more expressive. Maybe I was wrong.I started to feel a bit sorry for Wayne, who had worked so hard decorating the estate. He looked slightly downcast too.It wasn’t until we stepped into his room that Edric finally spoke.“…This room’s the same.”Since I’d been the one taking care of this room, I felt quietly pleased inside.It seemed Edric liked his simple room better than the lavish decorations outside. Standing in the middle of the room, he looked around several times.I moved to prepare the clothes I’d set aside for him. The two attendants were still nowhere to be seen—I had no idea where they’d run off to.I was thinking I’d have to give them a serious lecture when a familiar scent wafted through the room.‘…It still smells sweet?’I sniffed the air instinctively.Even though he’d fully recovered, the floral scent Edric used to have as a child seemed even stronger now.It felt deeper… or maybe this was his natural scent after all.As I got lost in thought, a shadow fell over me.I instinctively looked up—and locked eyes with Edric, who was looking down at me.But that look in his eyes… it was like he was seeing something strange.Feeling flustered, I darted my eyes away and cautiously asked,“…Is there something you’d like me to do?”But what I heard was something completely unexpected.“You seem smaller, Lobel.”“I’m not smaller, my lord—you’ve just gotten so much taller. I don’t think there’s anyone taller than you now.”It wasn’t just flattery—it was the truth.Standing next to the Crown Prince, Sir Blivan, and the knights, Edric had looked especially tall. Maybe it was because of his long legs?Anyway, even though he’d met people as described in the original story, his appearance had taken a different turn.Hmm… No matter how I looked at it, his growth was impressive. And since I had contributed, even in a small way, to that growth, I couldn’t help but feel a little proud.“Maybe Lord Manell is about the same height,” I added.But as soon as I mentioned “Manell,” Edric’s whole demeanor changed. For a moment, it felt like he was brimming with hostility…Even after all these years, it seemed he still didn’t like him much.‘Or maybe… after I left earlier, Manellano actually went up and greeted Edric.’Knowing him, he would’ve forced his way in here even without Edric around. That would explain the reaction.“But you’re still the tallest, my lord. The tallest in the Empire.”I quickly added, and Edric chuckled softly, agreeing.“Yeah. I’m taller than the Duke now. Look—my hands have gotten a lot bigger too, right?”Suddenly, Edric grabbed my wrist and placed my hand on top of his.His fingers were at least half a joint longer than mine. His knuckles had thickened like a knight’s too…‘…You’ve grown way differently than I expected.’Seeing his physical changes up close, I realized I couldn’t treat him the same way I used to.“Really… You’ve changed.”I laughed awkwardly as I tried to gently pull my hand away.Edric, fascinated by the difference, widened his eyes like a curious child, comparing our hands back and forth.But just like the lingering scent, his touch brought back memories, and it felt like my hand was getting warmer.Come to think of it, I must’ve been influenced by Dif in various ways too.Over the years, I had gradually stopped needing bathroom breaks, and now I could go an entire day without needing one. It was honestly amazing.While I was lost in thought, Edric stared intently at my palm and asked,“Why are your hands so rough?”My hands had become worn from working on stone tablets, with the fingerprints and lines fading.It seemed the Duke hadn’t told Edric that I’d been helping with the underground work.That’s probably why he was asking. If he knew, he would never have asked.But honestly, I was glad he didn’t know.If I told him I had risked my safety to help break the curse, he’d probably feel guilty.So, I spoke lightly, as if it was nothing.“It’s no big deal. I just helped out the servants when I had extra time.”“…Why were you doing the servants’ work, Lobel?”For the first time, Edric openly showed his displeasure. His voice wasn’t raised, but his green eyes burned with anger.That expression was exactly like the Edric I remembered from the past. It made me relax a little.Yeah, that’s the kind of person Edric is—someone who even worries about his own servants like this. He’s practically an angel.‘Even though you’ve grown, your nature hasn’t changed. You haven’t turned out like the Duke after all.’Feeling a warmth in my heart, I smiled.“I had time, so I did what I could. I even helped out when they were busy preparing for your arrival.”Edric didn’t say anything more, but he still looked upset.But beyond any gratitude or emotion, my guilt only grew heavier.No matter how shameless or selfish I was, I couldn’t keep lying to someone like Edric.After everything he’d done for me—after still showing me kindness—I couldn’t keep deceiving him. It felt wrong. I didn’t want to hide it even one more day.But telling him I was quitting right after he arrived today didn’t seem right either.Edric had probably been traveling non-stop from the northern border to the capital, and now to Denkart.If I told him I was quitting the moment he arrived, how upset would he be?‘I’ll tell him tomorrow… I’ll talk to him tomorrow.’With that decision in mind, I left Edric’s room.Edric had said he wanted to rest without dinner or anything else.After such a long journey, he probably wanted some alone time. He must’ve had a lot on his mind.But honestly, my room was just a few steps from Edric’s.I’d recently changed rooms at Wayne’s suggestion. It was right next to Edric’s, just as he had ordered in the past.Plus, having a room to myself meant I could relax. Though… it did feel a bit uncomfortable.‘…He’s right there.’Half lying on my bed, I lifted my gaze to the wall separating me from Edric’s room.The fact that Edric was right on the other side of this wall didn’t even feel real yet.  *****   As soon as Edric entered the grand banquet hall of the imperial palace, he looked for Lobel.Just as the Duke had said, she was there.Her hair wasn’t as long as it had been in his dreams. It was longer than in childhood, but neatly trimmed, barely reaching around her neck.She was thinner than before and wore glasses he’d never seen. But unlike the hazy dreams, he recognized her instantly.Even if he were blind, Edric was confident he could recognize Lobel using every other sense.But he wasn’t the only one looking at her. Manellano and Ivo were already staring at her from afar.Seeing that irritated him immediately. He wanted nothing more than to chase those bastards beyond Terua’s borders—they were that annoying.However, Edric suppressed all his emotions and approached the Emperor.…I have to endure this.He resisted the urge to call Lobel’s name right away.He couldn’t afford to repeat the same mistakes.He even avoided meeting her welcoming gaze. If his eyes lingered on her for even a moment, it would attract unwanted attention.On the surface, Lobel just looked like a pretty attendant, so people would only give her casual glances at first.But once they spoke with her, they’d surely be drawn in by her sharp mind and kindness.It had happened to Manellano and the princess, who had grown up wanting for nothing.Even the Crown Prince occasionally asked about Lobel in his letters. Half of it was probably in jest, but it always left Edric in a foul mood.His head already hurt enough without adding more rivals to the mix. The thought of anyone else looking at Lobel and desiring her… It made his blood boil.Even while talking with the Crown Prince, his entire focus was on Lobel behind him.Then he noticed Manellano Stell making a move to approach her.So he immediately ordered Crimson to take Lobel out of the hall. It was a quick and smart decision—befitting the commander who had wiped out the barbarian tribes that had long plagued Terua.Manellano’s face, when he realized he had just missed her, was quite a sight to see.