Chapter 153
Milady, how much longer?
Not yet. Just finish organizing things a bit more over there.
Carynne was reading the documents her father had entrusted to her.
And let me finish reading this.
Everythings ready.
Nancy came forward with three big bags in her hands. As expected, she was strong. Shes robust and talented. Shed have been an impeccable maid if not for her itchy hands. Oh, and also if not the occasional brainwashing. That last parts a huge dealbreaker.
Setting down the last of Carynnes luggage, even a small purse atop the other bags, Nancy asked.
What must be done?
Ill have to pay Verdic Evans a visit and make him sign all necessary documents regarding his relinquishment of the business.
The immediate change that occurred in this iteration was that Isella and Verdic Evans were not coming to this residence. But of course, this didnt mean that Carynne wouldnt be meeting them at all.
Still, this alone was such an enormous change that it puzzled Carynne.
Go directly to Verdic Evans, have him stamp and sign it. Were already done discussing it, so all you need to do is go there and have him do that.
Despite everything, it would be unwise not to read through the contract properly. Maybe in this iteration, Verdic intended to lay a bigger business trap.
But I cant find anything.
Though she had scrutinized every single word, Carynne couldnt find anything wrong with the contract. It was just a neatly written document.
Why the hell?
Carynne knew everything about how the business would go. Its quite unthinkable that Verdic was pulling out now. Testament to this was how the man had gone on to adopt Carynne for the mere sake of continuing the business.
Even if it wasnt a place where money grew on trees, the Hare estate was renowned in its own way. And considering just how much Verdic had already invested thus far, its just too unlikely.
After all that, was he really going to throw it all away?
Has Verdic gone mad?
This move would just put him at a deficit. By all accounts, theres absolutely no sensible reason for him to do such a thing. Hes been preparing for this business even far before the point of time that Carynne would start the loop anew.
Milady!
Fine. Im coming.
Carynne put away all of the papers that she was reading. Its impossible to understand. And besides, its not as if she could do anything about it.
Has everything been packed?
At Carynnes question, Nancy nodded as though she was waiting.
Ive packed your clothes and belongings, Milady. It even seems like most of what you own has been packed But anyway, please check it.
You already did it personally so its fine. Did you pack enough socks?
Yes. Milady, Shall I pack the chestnut-colored dress as well?
No. Its too outdated so I dont like it. Ill get new dresses in town.
Carynne put on the fief lords signet ring on her finger. She herself was the proxy. It would be ever so simple to go to Verdic, stamp the documents and formally discard it.
I heard a rumor that the clothes there are nice.
This was a good thing. Carynne knew not only Verdics mansion in the capital well, but also Verdics villa in the countryside. The seamstresses and the fabrics they had were pretty good.
Just the thought of being able to get fitted for new clothes made Carynne feel better. She wouldnt have to grovel in front of Isellashe had the ability to purchase things through her fathers money.
Good.
Ill buy it aaall with money.
Thats swell and all, Milady, but will you be the one doing the signing? Not Lord Dullan?
My birthday has already passed. Im an adult already. Im qualified to be Fathers proxy. Its not like me and Dullan got married. Borwen, load that over there.
Carynne pointed out the large trunk to Borwen, who was standing by the door.
Dont say anything to Dullan.
Why would I do such a
If you dont, then good.
Carynne hit Borwen lightly. The mere sight of his face was giving her a headache.
* * *
The carriage ran for a long time, and Carynne gazed at the flitting scenery out the window. She had gone this road many times before, but it was the very first time that there was no one by her side. Not Dullan, not Raymond, not her father.
Milady, please bring your head back in. Well be entering the forest in a little while.
So?
Its dangerous because of the branches, of course.
Carynne leaned back again.
Its been a while since Ive heard your nagging.
What do you mean?
It wasnt you last time, but someone else.
You hired a maid other than me? When exactly?
In a past life.
Ahh.
Nancy had been in high spirits until now, but her mood soon dampened.
Carynne chuckled. Staring at Carynne for a moment, Nancy asked.
Theeen Why did you hire someone else?
Because I killed you. I got bored in that past life, so I tried to see what would change if you died. And really, the beginning changed quite a lot. What would change again if I killed you one more time?
Of course, Carynne didnt say that. She wasnt in the mood to do so right now. She chose to say the partial truth.
You died.
How?
Nancy asked back in a slightly shocked tone.
An accident.
What kind of accident?
Just something that happened. Why are you asking so much? You said you dont believe me.
When Nancy kept prying, Carynne replied nonchalantly.
Anyway, you dont even believe me. I wont give you the answer you want to hear.
Nancy grumbled back.
Even if I dont believe it, its still unsettling. I cast divinations as well, but I dont put my faith in it. But I do cast it once in a while out of curiosity.
If you dont believe it, why bother with the divinations?
Say, I eat tomatoes on one particular day and have a nightmare that night about dying, thatll be the reason why I wont like eating tomatoes the next day.
Carynne blinked. As expected, she couldnt understand.
It was Donna.
Donna who?
One of the laundry maids. Brown hair, one year older than me The one who braids her hair into pigtails.
When Carynne explained in detail, Nancy tilted her head to the side and soon remembered.
Ah, her. But why her? She cant possibly be better than me at this job.
Who knows.
Theres not much reason behind it. Carynnes father and Dullan knew that she had killed Nancy.
They assigned a slightly less capable, weaker young woman who was around her age as her personal maid. Probably a kid who just wouldnt be looked for if she ever disappeared and died one day.
Of all people, its Donna from the laundry area. It hurts my pride a little.
Why?
Everyone who works with her really dislikes her. Shes a good kid, but a bit tactless.
But shes braver than you think.
Even when one leg and one arm had been hacked off of her, she persevered until the very end to crawl forward and sink her teeth into the crown princes legwithout fear of guns and swords.
I see.
At that moment, Carynne felt a little lonely.
She felt that she wouldnt ever meet that Donna again, not unless shed repeat the same things as before. Kill Nancy, chop Thomas to pieces, watch her father die in a fire.
Is Donna still a laundry maid now?
Yes. If youd like, Milady, should I have her reassigned to you? Ill send a telegram to Helen when I go back.
No, never mind.
She didnt want to act the same way and see the same things. If she did that, the novelty would just fade. She wanted to leave that life to that iteration.
If it gets too hard, I can erase your memories.
Nancy reached out to hold Carynnes hand.
Because thats what Im here for.
However, Carynne pulled her hand back.
Dont. I just want it to stay this way.
Closing her eyes, Carynne folded her hands together.
Even if she was exhausted, even if she was sad, she wished to be intoxicated with sorrow.
* * *
Verdic Evans met Carynne as his hair was very disheveled.
Its nice to meet you, Lady Carynne Hare.
Its the first time Carynne was seeing him with his hair so messy. He always had it neatly sculptured with grease.
But now, his hair was disheveled, his clothes were crumpled.
Lady Hare, are you here as His Lordships proxy?
Yes, Ive come here on behalf of my father. Is it an inconvenient time for me to have come?
Ah, no. Its alright.
The current Verdic didnt even seem to notice that Carynne was staring at his hair.
You really do get to see all sorts of things the longer you live.
Carynne, who was staring at him, slightly pinched up the skirt of her dress and followed after him with a steady gait.
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