Chapter 17

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 17

Chapter Title: The Count's Strange Guest (7)

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After that, it was practice after practice. Vincent, who had initially walked as if terrified, suddenly began striding forward with confidence. He even seemed to know what was around him after walking so much.

Walking alone was still difficult, though. Despite his first success, he couldn't reach the door on his own afterward. He kept tripping midway.

The problem was that tripping made him lose his confidence. Sometimes he cowered in panic, and other times he froze, propping himself up with his hands on the floor, unable to move for a long while.

Where was that fear-stained gaze fixed? Terrified, he crawled across the floor to the bed and pulled the sheets over himself, as if trying to hide.

"......Someone's there."

"It's just you and me here, Master."

"Don't lie. There was always someone there. They tried to kill me."

The past had left deep scars on him. Now I understood why he'd shut himself in his room. He wasn't afraid of walking—he was afraid of leaving the room. Terrified that someone might rush at him to kill him the moment he stepped out, that fear consumed him at every turn. Hiding under the sheets must have been his way of protecting himself.

"Master, how about thinking of it this way? Right now, you're on an adventure. Through pitch-black darkness. You don't know what's ahead or what might appear. It's truly frightening, but if you stay still, you'll be trapped in that darkness forever."

"......"

"Adventures require courage, right? Now's the time to muster it. Don't worry. There's a voice by your side that only you can hear. It can be your adventuring companion, your friend, your family—anything you need. It just doesn't have a visible form. You're not alone."

"If they try to kill me......"

"Trust me. That'll never happen. That's why it exists."

I took his trembling hand in mine. I pulled his huddled body into an embrace. I wanted to help him find his courage.

"You don't seem all that reliable......"

If only he wouldn't say such cheeky things.

Still, Vincent quickly regained his composure. He even gained some confidence walking alone. Now he reached the door without tripping midway. He swung his arms awkwardly in the air as he walked unsteadily, but I admired his refusal to give up.

"Just watch quietly."

"Don't trip."

I patted his back reassuringly.

"All done."

I untied the cloth wrapped around him and gathered the cut hair in one place. Vincent touched his newly shortened hair. I'd given it a light trim, but it didn't look bad at all. Neat, even. Of course, it would have been better with a professional barber, but given his condition, I'd taken the liberty of doing it myself.

"Was this really necessary?"

"It looks neat and nice."

Seeing him with the haircut made it even more striking. His appearance was definitely eye-catching. He must have been popular with women. It had been worth the effort.

"Bring me some clothes."

"Ah, pajamas are right here."

"Going-out clothes."

It was sudden. But he didn't take it back. For the first time since coming here, I opened a different dresser. Shirt, vest, coat, pants, tie, shoes...... Where were the shoes?

I rummaged around the room, gathered the clothes, and handed them to him. Vincent shed his pajamas and dressed piece by piece.

Now fully dressed, he looked every inch the Count Vincent Bellunita. A true noble. Just changing his outfit transformed his aura. He was a bit gaunt, but still quite impressive.

"Cane."

Lost in admiration, I snapped to attention as he held out his hand. Cane? I scanned the room again, found it, and handed it over. He stood still, gripping it. He probably planned to use it for support. Anyway, preparations were complete.

We stepped out and closed the door. Moments later, Ethan approached.

"Where's Vincent?"

"Waiting inside."

"Lots of practice?"

Ethan grinned mischievously. He seemed to know what Vincent and I had been practicing. What an annoying guy.

"Nice weather. Perfect for going out."

"It is."

"Buds are sprouting on the branches."

"Pardon?"

I looked at him puzzled, but he just smiled. That familiar smile suddenly felt off. Like something important had dawned on him.

Meanwhile, Ethan stood before the door. He hesitated to turn the knob. I could see the tension in his profile, glimpse his complicated emotions. I waited for him to open it.

"I'm worried. That nothing's changed."

"See for yourself."

"Right."

With resolve, he flung the door open. Awe gradually replaced the grim determination on his face. Watching his reaction, I peeked inside too.

As planned, Vincent stood in the center of the room, cane planted on the floor.

Ethan blinked.

"Vincent?"

Vincent raised his head at the call. His face was stiff. He looked fine outwardly, but I could see the tension he hid.

Vincent gripped his cane and started walking toward us.

We'd practiced countless times. I'd even turned his body toward the door before leaving. All he had to do was walk. I worried he might trip from nerves, but thankfully, Vincent strode forward confidently.

He reached the door quickly. And finally, he stepped out of the room. Ethan, watching without even blinking, spread his arms in感動.

"Vincent!"

His voice cracked with emotion.

I was thinking his reaction was unexpectedly intense when Vincent suddenly raised his hand. He held the cane. Taking one more step, Vincent swung it at Ethan.

It happened in an instant.

Ethan ducked in panic, and I stared wide-eyed in shock. The cane whistled through empty air and smashed into the hallway window.

Crash! Glass shattered everywhere. I gaped at the window. The pane where the cane had struck was in pieces. Shards tinkled to the floor. Over that brutal scene came a chilling voice.

"Threaten me like that one more time, and you're dead."

Vincent stared straight ahead, but it was as if he were glaring at Ethan cowering below. Ethan lowered his arms from his face and looked up at him.

"......I'm your friend."

"That's why you threatened me."

"......"

Caught off guard, Ethan fell silent. Vincent released the cane handle and turned away. Only then did Ethan straighten up and glance at the broken window. After staring blankly for a moment, he chased after Vincent, who spun around.

"Get out. Now."

With that, the door slammed shut. I was stunned by Vincent personally shutting Ethan out.

Ethan stared at the closed door.

"He's really angry."

"Obviously."

I pulled the cane from the window. Had he asked for it intending this? Pondering the broken shards, I heard laughter. It came from Ethan, chuckling to himself. He'd finally lost it.

"Yes. That's the Vincent I know."

Crazy, confirmed.

I shook my head at his smirking face. Ethan, beaming, knocked lightly on the door.

"Vincent, I'm coming in."

No reply this time either, but Ethan opened it anyway. Vincent stood nearby, his expression saying why hadn't he gone farther.

"Don't look at me like that. I have something for you."

Ethan pulled an envelope from his coat pocket and handed it to Vincent. A letter.

"It's from Violet."

Violet! The familiar name drew my eyes to the letter in Vincent's hand. He looked down at it too.

"They say you don't reply to Violet's letters either. She's worried sick. She insisted on coming to see you, but I promised to deliver a reply and barely calmed her down."

"How's she doing?"

"Fine. Healthy."

"Good."

Vincent didn't open the envelope. He just held it and turned away. After a bit of practice, he navigated straight to the bed and sat. Ethan followed.

"I guaranteed I'd bring back a reply, so write one."

"No."

"I'm not giving up. Oh, miss maid. Could you get some paper and a pen?"

Ethan turned to me. I glanced at Vincent's scowling face. I was curious about this Violet, but his displeasure stopped me from asking. I bowed and left the room.

That day, Ethan somehow got a reply.

Late at night, I couldn't sleep. Wanting some air, I stepped out. But light approached from the end of the hall. Ethan with a lamp.

"Why aren't you asleep?"

"And what brings you here, Mr. Christopher?"

"Couldn't sleep, so I was wandering."

"Same here."

I considered going outside but felt too lazy. Instead, I set the lamp on the windowsill and opened the window. A cool breeze made the flame flicker. Staring blankly, Ethan came to stand beside me.

"You're mad at me."

"Me?"

"I ignored your advice after all."

So he knew, and still went through with it. Well, he didn't need to apologize. Superiors ignoring subordinates was normal.

"No need to apologize. It's fine."

Ethan scratched his neck.

"I'm a bad guy, huh?"

"Can't say otherwise."

He laughed. I laughed too.

The brief laughter faded quickly. Silence hung in the corridor. I huddled in the eerie atmosphere.