Chapter 80

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 80

Chapter Title: To You, Whom I Couldn't Erase Even If I Tried (4)

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"Are these all candies?"

"No, not exactly. I... I have a favor to ask."

"A favor?"

The question came from behind the servant. Vincent, who had been leaning against the wall and staring at me like I was some lunatic, strode forward. I took a step back, matching the distance he closed.

At that moment, the candy slipped from my hand and rolled across the floor. I couldn't bring myself to look up, so I fixed my gaze on the ground.

"What kind of favor?"

"Two of these letters were written by Robert himself. One is for you, Master, and the other is for Madam."

"By Robert?"

"Yes. I'm asking you to deliver them personally."

I clenched my hands tightly the whole time I spoke, trembling so much. I wasn't the nanny—I was just a lowly servant, far beneath him. I wasn't sure if I even had the right to ask him directly. That's why I'd tried to go through the servant.

But it was done now. Since I had to say it anyway, I emphasized "personally" in case he decided to send someone else. This only had meaning if he handed them over himself.

"And the other two?"

"One describes Robert's daily life, and the other was written by Nanny. I didn't expect you to come in person, so I was planning to make the request by letter."

A rustling sound came. Vincent had shifted to the side, and the tip of his shoe touched the servant. It looked like he'd taken one of the letters from the servant's hand.

I felt his gaze boring into the back of my head. His eyes stung, as if he were pondering why I was asking such a thing.

"You want a reply, then."

"Yes."

"You could have sent them through the nanny."

"Nanny said Madam has gotten busy again lately, so she's not sure if we'd get a response. But I thought you, Master—you could meet Madam in person and get one."

"Why?"

"You've let Robert stay in this mansion, and you check on whether he's comfortable or feeling lonely. So I assumed you two are close."

That was why I'd half-jokingly asked last time if he'd become his foster father. He seemed so kind. And I figured he already knew why I was making this request. Sure enough, he fell silent for a moment.

"Do you know why Robert climbs onto the horse's back?"

"Yes."

"Then you know why he didn't choose the safe option of just writing letters."

"Yes. I heard."

"Is it because of that last accident?"

He knew about Robert's accident too, then—trying to climb onto the horse.

"Yes. I thought if he got a reply, he might stop doing such dangerous things."

"Do you think this will ease Robert's loneliness?"

"No."

"Then why should I waste my time on such a pointless request?"

In that instant, my mind reeled.

"Tell me. Why do you think I'd so easily grant a servant's request?"

A strange pressure emanated from his words. The servant beside us kept glancing nervously between us as he listened. I had no answer. Tension seeped into the silence, washing over me. He was openly showing his displeasure. My clasped hands grew slick with sweat.

I knew he'd overlooked my attitude that time we ran into each other in Robert's room. But five years ago, I'd never felt anything like this.

It was the attitude of looking down on a mere underling.

No, even five years ago, he hadn't exuded this level of intimidation. Was it because of how he looked back then? He'd seemed more pitiable than intimidating. That's why I'd confronted him despite the fear. Because of that memory, I'd thought he'd grant this request easily too.

I'd overlooked that the Vincent now was a different man.

He wasn't the one who hid away in his room anymore. This Vincent was Count Vincent Bellunita. Just like any other noble. Someone I couldn't even speak to casually, who naturally looked down on servants, who had the power to dispose of anyone who slighted him even a little.

Throwing an object at hand would be child's play. He could even pull a gun and shoot.

Now I felt his authority.

He was a noble too.

"That's..."

For the first time, I felt crushed by an overwhelming pressure. But I could endure it without crumbling because of my past experiences. I knew there were times when you couldn't back down, no matter the fear. Just like five years ago—and right now.

I moistened my dry lips with my tongue and straightened my back a little. I lifted my gaze slightly from the floor. Being short had its advantages in moments like this. You had to look up at them whether you wanted to or not.

"Because you're the one who would get a reply somehow."

"The reason?"

"Because you said you didn't want Robert to feel lonely here in this mansion."

"..."

"So I thought you'd do it."

For a brief moment, I met his eyes steadily. Then I lowered my head again. I half-expected him to argue, but Vincent offered no rebuttal.

"What's in that box?"

Vincent pointed to the box on the floor.

"Ah, this."

Inside the box was the flower bouquet Robert and I had made. Nanny had suggested putting it in a box so it wouldn't get crushed. I quickly picked one up.

"There's a flower bouquet inside. Robert made it himself. Please deliver this too."

The servant took the box.

"This one's for you, Master."

There was one more box with a bouquet—the one Robert had meant for Miss Carrot now went to Vincent. I worried he might be disappointed if he was the only one without one, while making the request. That was Nanny's idea too. She'd deftly turned Robert around with her skillful words, honed by years of experience.

I started to hand it to the servant but hesitated, changing direction. Still keeping my eyes on the floor, I took a step toward Vincent. The tip of his shoe nearly touched my toe.

I could imagine his face watching my every move. I swallowed dryly and extended the box straight to him, bowing deeper. As politely as I could.

"Please."

"..."

He fell silent again. I worried he might refuse the flowers or toss them aside after taking them.

Thankfully, contrary to my fears, Vincent slowly took the box from my hands. I stole a glance as he immediately opened the lid and pulled out the bouquet inside.

It was the only one of the three I'd made myself, short on time. The tightly packed blossoms tickled Vincent's face. His impassive eyes gazed down at them quietly. He touched them this way and that, but showed no real emotion.

Still, he couldn't tear his gaze away from the flowers for quite a while.

"Tell him I received it well."

"Ah, yes. I'll make sure to pass it on."

"No issues with Robert?"

"No. He's doing fine."

As if to lighten the mood up to that point, Vincent asked about Robert's daily life. The discomfort from moments ago had vanished. As I answered, I glanced at the bouquet in his hand. Holding it felt like his answer to my request.

"I'll take my leave now."

With my goal achieved, there was no need to stay longer. Afraid he might change his mind, I opted to flee quickly.

Vincent nodded as he took the letters from the servant, signaling his permission. I bowed immediately and turned. With each step away from him, I tried not to let my haste show in my gait.

I'd entered the mansion with the softest steps possible. Only when I felt out of his sight did my chest loosen. I let out a sigh and relaxed my tension-stiffened body.

Exhausted. As I brushed my weary face—

"Eek."

My body spun suddenly. Someone had grabbed my arm and yanked. In my abruptly shifting view, Vincent appeared again. His face was strangely rigid.

"Where did you get this?"

"Pardon?"

He shook the letter in his hand. My eyes locked onto it, then dropped to the hand gripping my arm. My wrist hurt from how tightly he held it. I winced as his grip strengthened. Like he was determined not to let me escape.

Vincent took another step toward me. I tilted my head back instinctively. His body loomed over mine—taller than before, now filled out to look robust and imposing. His rigid expression slowly twisted. His brows furrowed deeply, anger apparent, yet oddly, his eyes wavered.

Why? I couldn't understand his expression. His emerald eyes scanned me urgently.

"You..."

"Count? Ann?"

A sudden voice made us both turn. Nanny stood there, eyes wide. She looked from me to Vincent in turn and hurried over, flustered.

"Is something wrong?"

Nanny's sudden appearance startled me too.

"Nanny, what brings you here? Didn't you go out this morning?"

"I just got back and saw the Count and you..."

She trailed off, glancing at Vincent's hand on my wrist. Realizing, I quickly shook it off and stepped back. Vincent stared straight through me.

I waved my hands at Nanny.

"It's a misunderstanding. Nothing's wrong."

"Really? The atmosphere seemed off..."

"No, no. I asked him to deliver the letters and bouquet on my way out, and Master had something to ask me, I think. Right, Master? What was it you wanted to ask?"

I turned to Vincent, forcing calm. I felt Nanny's worried gaze and tugged my lips into a smile.

But irritation etched deeper into his face than before. His sharp gaze made it hard to hold for long.

I wiped the smile away and lowered my eyes. Avoiding his stare was becoming habit.

"Did Ann make some mistake?"

Sensing the odd mood, Nanny asked on my behalf. He glanced at me and sighed, as if I'd erred. This time, Nanny eyed me.

"No. Nothing."

Fortunately, no strange words came out.

Nanny continued gravely.

"Did our request upset you? I'm sorry. He said he wouldn't come himself but send a servant, so I went with the letter. My mistake. But it's important, so let me ask you directly. Do you have a moment?"

Vincent glanced at me again without answering. Nanny smiled at me too, telling me to go. I looked between them and bowed.

This time, I couldn't hide my urge to flee. I turned and quickened my pace. I felt eyes on my back. It couldn't be, but it felt like Vincent watching. No way.

As I went, I rubbed my wrist where he'd grabbed it. Red handprints marked where he'd gripped hard, still tingling.

My heart pounded just as painfully.