How the Useless Me Became the Beloved of the Devilish Duke Knight - Chapter 10
Chapter 10 : The Hand That Tells Twelve O’clock
Elma headed home with a sluggish pace.
Afterward, Elma asked the staff and was surprised. She didn’t expect the payment to be settled so easily. She had intended to pay for her own tea, but maybe the man was ready to buy her a drink as soon as they entered the restaurant.
‘……My head hurts’
She has no intention of holding onto it, but he’s pushing aggressively from that side. The most important thing is now swaying under my clothes, asserting its existence in a small way.
‘The ring… it came back…’
It’s not just the first time, but also the second time for lost items (according to the person who dropped it). Maybe she should just go and return them herself.
At that moment, Elma realized that she currently knows absolutely nothing about the other person.
She was so shocked when she once again reminded that she hadn’t even asked for the person’s name,
Getting Lathy from someone she didn’t know at all, had his ring dropped, and now, she questioned whether she would receive Lathy once more today.
‘…My head and stomach hurt’
It’s not as if I have no idea at all about who he is, there’s a bit of a clue.
Based on his words, actions, appearance, and belongings, I can speculate that he is likely an important figure among the castle staff.
With that appearance and the nickname ‘Demon’, I think it’s possible ?or even easy? to find him, if I ask people around.
‘But, without a doubt, I’ll be given the cold shoulder’
And as she’s being turned away, there’s the possibility of having the ring confiscated, dragging her father and sister into it, or being taken to the dungeons for theft…
She feels it’s safer to wait for the man to come back rather than doing something reckless.
‘… My head and stomach hurt, and I feel like I’m about to pass out’
Is he really planning to bring Lathy today?
At least he seemed motivated. Moreover, he was actually the man who was standing behind Elma the day after she said, “See you again.”.
I should have realized something was off from the beginning when he could take out Latte from his pocket.
‘Aah, I don’t want to go home. But in many ways, I can’t not go home. Even if my mood stays down, as long as I keep walking, I’ll eventually reach home.’
As expected, Elma was scolded thoroughly for coming empty-handed. Additionally, the constant anxiety about when the doorbell might ring or if the man would suddenly appear behind her, resulting in her making even more mistakes than usual.
She keeps dropping things, mixing up orders, and, to make matters worse, even with Carolyn’s furious scolding, Elma remains unaware that her forehead is split open, with blood flowing down her face. But, surprisingly, this major disaster seemed to have had a positive outcome.
Seeing Elma in such an absent-minded state, it seems her father, Zeaden, felt that he might have gone a bit too far.
“Hey, you incompetent fool. You didn’t achieve much today, but the Lathy this morning wasn’t bad. So, I’ll let you off the hook for dinner at least.”
“Father, what’s going on! Sister, you’ve been acting so strange! Just like usual, slap her with the whip until she passes out! Come on!!”
“Caro, your magic has already caused some scars, right? Sometimes showing a generous heart is important for surviving in a noble society.”
With her eyes glaring fiercely, my sister reluctantly backed away after being comforted by her father.
Although he showers Carolyn with affection, but it’s more like being in charge of feeding a pet—handling only the easy parts and avoiding any troublesome responsibilities.
I wonder if Carolyn, too, vaguely senses that a daughter who doesn’t obey is considered worthless to her father.
Though she may seem to act selfishly, but when her father seriously tries to calm her down, Carolyn always obeys obediently. Once Elma is on the verge of breaking down, her father becomes “kind” in this way. Therefore, it can be said that Elma managed to survive despite being overworked.
Is it hard to get a maid who is willing to work without pay, or is this proof that they still think of her as family?
Elma doesn’t understand. She grew tired of thinking long ago. She is just relieved when no violence comes her way. It is a repetition.
Today, she’s only ordered to do the bare minimum of chores related to getting ready for bed. Normally, after her father and sister go to sleep, she’s told to clean the floors and dishes, but today, she was quickly chased away under the stairs.
Elma sat alone in the darkness for a while, but she felt the presence of the mansion being enveloped in sleep. Slowly, she stood up.
‘…In the end, no one came.’
The Lathy never comes and the ring is still in her hand. She got a small cut on her forehead, but she was able to take care of it, and she could eat dinner too. It was the most peaceful night since Elma moved in.
And yet, what is this feeling of something missing, like there’s a gaping hole in her chest?
‘Nothing happens. That should be the best thing that could happen…..’
Moving towards the entrance carefully, making sure not to create any loud sounds.
The wall clock was ticking away. It’s an old clock that she repaired today and set the time right. It was still not too late when Zaeden sent Elma away, but before she knew it, night had fallen and the clock was approaching 12 o’clock.
Quietly opening the door, the night breeze entered, making Elma body shiver. Her forehead ached from the cold, and she put her hand on the area where the cloth had been placed.
The sky I looked up at still has the moon floating in it today.
A long day comes to an end. Surely, starting tomorrow, the busy and monotonous days will return.
‘…… This was the right thing to do, I’m sure. I’ll deliver the ring to the lost and found next time. I should have done it today as well. I could have said I found it on the ground and…’
Elma’s body tensed suddenly. The echoing noise and the sound of the wind swaying the plants. Those should be the only sounds heard in this midnight.
‘…It’s not just my imagination.’
Although Elma’s heart wanted to stay in that place, her body slid outside on its own. Stumbling, she walked towards the source of the sound. Soon, a masked man appeared pushing through the plants in the garden.
“Thank goodness. I wasn’t sure if you were already asleep, or if there was anyone here, but— you waited until this late. Look, it’s last minute, but the date hasn’t changed yet. It’s Lathy, just as promised!”
He handed the basket he was carrying to Elma and uncovered it, revealing a basket full to the brim with Lathy.
Elma accepts it dumbfounded and stares at the unbelievable sight. The sound of the clock striking twelve echoed behind her.
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Translated by : Cutae30