Inside the Blackdahlia Mansion’s reception room.
“Sir Ian, thank you so much for coming.”
Squeeze─
Frederica tightly held my hand as she expressed her gratitude.
“No, it’s only natural. I’m sorry I couldn’t co more often.”
“Oh, there’s no need to say that… I know how much both you and Lady Yuris are doing for the lady. Every ti you visit, you stay up all night without rest. …I’m truly sorry I can’t be of more help.”
“….”
Every ti I heard Frederica’s words, my conscience stung.
While Yuris and I were doing our best to drive out the ‘Devil of the Scales’ from Estelle, the process was probably far different from what Frederica imagined.
“Sir Ian, as I’ve said before, whatever you need, whenever it is, don’t hesitate to ask. Just tell .”
Squeeze─
Frederica tightened her grip even more as she said that.
“…It’s really fine. I don’t need anything. As long as Estelle gets healthy, that’s more than enough.”
“But if I do nothing, I won’t be able to bear it… Even if it’s sothing trivial, please let do anything for you. I’m just a re maid, but if it’s for you and Lady Yuris, I’ll devote myself completely.”
“….”
Having a beautiful, older, busty woman tearfully say she’d do anything wasn’t good for my heart.
“…Frederica.”
“Oh! Yes, Lady Estelle. What is it?”
“…Stop it. Ian said he’s fine.”
“Oh…! I’m so sorry. I made such a mistake…”
Swish─
Only after Estelle intervened did Frederica let go of my hand.
“Then, Lady, I’ll escort you to your room.”
“It’s fine. I can go alone. Frederica, you should rest.”
“What? Lady… but…”
“I said it’s fine. Rest. You haven’t slept since yesterday. It’s an order.”
“…Ah, yes, Lady. I understand.”
Frederica, having been ordered, reluctantly backed down, bowing so deeply that it was almost 120 degrees.
“Then, Sir Ian, please take care of the lady.”
“…Yes.”
She tried to bow every ti, and I had refused, saying there was no need, so she settled for bowing deeply instead.
Of course, I asked her not to do even that…
But she insisted that this was the one thing she wouldn’t compromise on, so I had no choice.
Creak─ Creak─
As I pushed Estelle’s wheelchair into her room, the familiar scent of powder gently tickled my nose.
“…Ian. I’m sorry. Frederica caused such a commotion. She’s usually calm, but when it cos to my condition, she loses control.”
“No, you don’t need to apologize. Honestly, it was nice.”
I wasn’t just saying that—it really was.
How could any man not enjoy a beautiful woman like Frederica holding his hand tightly and saying she’d do anything?
“…Heh. You liked it, huh?”
“….”
“…Ian, do you like things like that? Hmm.”
Suddenly, Estelle’s gaze, as she looked up at , seed just a little bit scary.
‘…I ssed up.’
To Estelle, Frederica was like family.
I hadn’t considered that my flippant remarks might upset her.
“No, Estelle. Thinking back, it wasn’t that great. Yeah, not great at all.”
“…Not great? Are you saying Frederica isn’t great?”
“….”
…I think I had made a huge mistake.
Sensing that no matter what I said next, it would feel like stepping on a landmine, I stayed silent for a mont, and Estelle burst into laughter.
“…Kuk… Hehe. …Ian, don’t be so flustered. I was just teasing.”
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