Chapter 87

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 87

Chapter Title: Still That Strange Guest (1)

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The mansion's atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, unlike the usual calm.

The maids had gathered in little clusters, chattering away so animatedly that they could barely focus. Even the normally diligent ones kept stealing glances toward the door, lost in their own thoughts. The air was thick with unusual thrill. They got scolded by Audrey for it, but even then, they seemed fixated on the entrance.

Puzzled but with no clue why, I just threw myself into cleaning. It had been a while since I'd joined the cleaning crew, so I put on a good show today.

I'd finished scrubbing the hallway and was heading back with the bucket full of dirty water. Behind the staircase railing, three maids were huddled together. They were all peeking toward the door and giggling. Curious, I crept closer and caught their hushed whispers.

"Wow, I can't believe we actually get to see him."

"Oh my god, he's even more handsome in person."

"You think? He kinda scares me."

Their conversation sounded like they were sizing someone up, so my gaze naturally followed theirs to the door. Standing there were three people. The first I noticed was Vincent. Audrey was right behind him. And across from Vincent was...

"Lord Ethan?"

I'd figured there was a guest coming since everyone kept glancing at the door, but I never imagined it'd be Ethan.

"Oh, you know Lord Christopher too?"

"You must've heard the news and come running."

The maids in front of me perked up instantly at my words, delighted to meet a fellow fan. Flustered, I forced a smile and looked back toward the door.

The man talking with Vincent really was Ethan. It had been five years since we'd last met. He looked thinner than before, and the lines on his face showed the passage of time. Unlike the playful, easy-smiling guy from back then, his expression now seemed stiff and unfamiliar. He wasn't even cracking a smile while speaking with Vincent.

Vincent wasn't one for smiles either, so a solemn air hung between them. Still, it wasn't entirely rigid.

Of course, Ethan's been doing well.

"But he does seem as scary as the rumors say."

"Rumors?"

"You haven't heard? He's famous for it."

All three shot me looks like I was clueless. I blinked in confusion. One sidled up close and whispered conspiratorially, as if sharing a secret.

"The rumor that he killed off his entire family to become count."

What...? Ignoring my shocked reaction, they kept going.

"He killed his brother, right?"

"I heard it was his older brother."

"No, it was his father. Remember? The previous Lord Christopher died under mysterious circumstances. They never caught the killer."

"Oh! So he really is a murderer who killed his own family for power!"

They chattered excitedly. Most of it was baseless gossip tearing Ethan down. I had no idea why such rumors had spread, but knowing the truth, the more I heard, the worse I felt. Oblivious to my reaction, they bickered on, agreeing and disagreeing.

"No, that's not true."

I couldn't take it anymore.

"So he killed them all? For power?"

"Wow, really?"

"Told you he was scary."

"I said it's not true!"

I snapped, and they all jumped, staring at me. I quickly clapped my hands over my mouth. A quick glance at Ethan—he thankfully hadn't heard my shout.

I let out a relieved sigh and spoke low enough for just them to hear.

"I don't know where you heard that nonsense, but it's all rumors. Baseless lies."

"How would you know?"

"Didn't you see the papers? The previous Lord Christopher was arrested for murdering his own family."

"That was never proven."

"Right, he died before they could clarify."

"And they said it was murder."

"Wasn't it just suspicion?"

"Come on, it's obvious. A dirty power struggle between brothers."

"I heard it was his adopted son."

So the rumors had twisted that far. Facts Ethan had deliberately hidden came spilling from their mouths. It was clear the world had picked apart every detail over the past five years.

Rumors warp the more they pass from person to person. Truth or lies didn't matter in the process. I knew that, but as someone who knew the full story, it was frustrating and infuriating. Ethan Christopher might not be a saint, but being branded a family-killing murderer was too unfair.

How much he'd cherished his brother, his family.

He shouldn't have to hear this.

"Please don't say that."

"Say what?"

"I don't know where you're getting this, but it's wrong to trash someone without knowing the facts."

"What?"

One of the maids scowled.

"He might not be a good person, but he's not someone who'd kill his own family."

"And how exactly do you know that?"

"Does it matter? Let's just drop the gossip and focus on our jobs."

"Hey!"

Finally, one lost her temper and yelled. Her sharp glare met mine without backing down. Another maid waved her hands in panic, urging her to keep it down, but the angry one ignored her.

"Everyone says it—why pick on us? There must be some truth to rumors that widespread! How do you know if he killed his family to become count or not? Did you see it? Huh? Did you?"

Her voice grew louder. Another maid glanced around nervously, then suddenly shot to her feet. Our eyes followed hers.

"M-Master."

Vincent and Ethan were standing there, watching us. No idea when they'd approached.

The maid who'd spotted them first bowed hurriedly. The other two followed in a fluster.

I looked at Vincent's startled face, then met Ethan's eyes. His brown gaze locked with mine as if he knew nothing, and I belatedly bowed too.

"Get back to your posts right now!"

Audrey's shout sent the three maids mumbling apologies and scurrying off.

"Sorry."

I turned quickly to follow them.

I'd first heard about Ethan on an especially cold winter day. The Christopher family's end made headlines.

[James Christopher Ends Life Young Amid Murder Suspicions]

[Heir with True Claim Emerges as Next Lord Christopher]

That revealed the winner of that long saga. But even the victor was wounded. I didn't care if James Christopher's death was suicide or murder. What worried me was Ethan. He alone had to shoulder everything from then on. It was heartbreaking.

Back then, I'd thought at least he had Lucas. But with Lucas's fate uncertain now, maybe Ethan had lived much like Vincent. They weren't blood brothers, but he'd once been family. I could imagine how hard losing him had been without even trying.

And yet... to call a man like that a family-killing murderer.

"No way that's true."

We shouldn't belittle him like that...

"Are you crazy?"

Alicia's sudden hand waving snapped me out of it. I stared blankly at her. The flailing arms from both sides jolted my wandering mind back.

"You've been mumbling to yourself like a lunatic."

"It's nothing."

"Doesn't look like nothing."

I ignored her narrowed-eyed glare and kept sweeping the floor with the broom. Realizing I wasn't answering, she dropped it.

Alicia had joined cleaning today too, not just me. Most of the staff were assigned to prep for the guest. But Alicia was half-assing it. Maybe I should rat her out to Audrey.

"Stop staring."

And she'd been giving me these intense looks nonstop. Her gaze burned so much I couldn't pretend not to notice. Lately, she'd been staring like this more often.

"You saw the guest today, right?"

"Yeah."

"What do you think? I heard he's friends with Lord Vincent."

"Lord Vincent?"

I recoiled at the casual name, and she shrugged.

"He's gonna be my man soon—gotta get comfy calling him by name."

"You're insane. Watch your mouth."

"Relax. I stick to 'Master' normally. Won't be long before that changes."

Where on earth did that confidence come from?

Absurd as it was, Alicia was dead serious about seducing Vincent. Every time he had tea with Joelli, she'd hover, asking if it was to his taste or not too hot, slipping in subtle comments. Vincent mostly ignored her or gave curt replies, but she seemed thrilled anyway. To me, her chances still looked nil, yet her confidence grew daily.

"I'm really curious—how exactly do you plan to snag him?"

"I've got my ways. My special method."

"That work for sure?"

I asked out of genuine curiosity, and surprisingly, she grinned triumphantly.

"Probably? I just feel like I'm his type."

"His type how?"

"Ah, doesn't matter—you wouldn't get it. I'll handle it, so butt out!"

"Just don't cause trouble. Please."

"You're not getting cold feet and interested now, are you?"

Her ridiculous question left me sighing instead of answering, so she prodded me to spill.

For some reason, Alicia eyed me warily. Did she think I'd interfere? As if—Vincent had zero interest in either of us.

"You wouldn't understand, but he's super into me. Keeps asking me all these questions whenever he sees me. It's getting annoying."

She tossed her long hair behind her ear and tilted her head haughtily, confidence radiating. I mumbled agreement vaguely. I knew reacting fueled her glee. Her cockiness puzzled me, but without answers, I'd just watch.

Moments later, a maid entered the storeroom we were cleaning. She exchanged quick words with Alicia and hurried out. Alicia immediately tossed her rag on the floor, looking eager to bolt.

No way, in the middle of cleaning.

"Finish wiping first."

"Joelli's calling for me."

She emphasized it with a snide edge.

"You can handle the rest alone."

"..."

Her hair-toss irked me, so I turned away. Listening to her footsteps fade, I swept the already spotless floor again. Guess it really was all about looks. The thought soured my mood.

All I managed while sweeping was sighs. Why was I even bothering here? Sudden self-pity dragged me down. I stopped sweeping altogether and stared blankly at the floor.

Then came a sudden knock-knock at the door. I whipped around in surprise, only to face an even bigger shock.

Ethan stood in the doorway.

Stunned by the unexpected visitor, I gaped. Why was he here? Ignoring my bewildered stare, he leaned against the frame with arms crossed. His brown eyes scanned me up and down, like he was studying me.