I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 484: Breakthrough (2)

In the darkness of twilight, with my bag slung over my shoulder, I quickly made my way out of the Blackwood estate, taking steady steps.

Even at a fast pace, I knew it would be impossible to leave the estate by dawn, so securing transportation was my first priority. I briefly considered stealing one of the horses from the Blackwood stables, but doing so would undoubtedly give Harold an excuse to pursue me.

Harold had gone out of his way to let me leave without incident, and creating a reason for him to capture me would only increase my chances of being caught—and potentially punished. At this hour, borrowing a horse from the village was also impossible, as everyone would be asleep. That left me with one option for obtaining transportation: theft.

‘If I walk around this area, I’ll probably run into some bandits.’

Intentionally choosing a quiet, secluded mountain path far from the village, I strolled along, aware that a lone woman carrying a large bag would make an appealing target.

At my level, I could easily take down any ordinary group of bandits, and even if a wild monster appeared, it would hardly pose a threat. Remember that Hooked Tusks I faced at level 2? Even if a herd appeared in the woods, I’d wipe them out.

With that thought, I walked down the mountain path leading out of Blackwood territory, when suddenly I heard rustling from the underbrush, and something emerged.

Sniff, growl...

...Speak of the devil.

It wasn’t a Hooked Tusk, but a Wild Tusk—a boar-like monster. I gripped my daggers and drove one of the blades between its eyes.

With a final squeal, the beast collapsed as the short dagger struck its forehead.

If ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) it had been a Wild Kuirace or a mountain goat, I might have tried taming it. But I left its carcass behind, slightly disappointed that it hadn’t been a ridable monster.

For now, I wasn’t short on food, nor did I have the luxury of carrying heavy materials.

‘The Blackwood estate does seem well-guarded.’

In the original story, the estate would have been left poorly managed, divided by the actions of branch nobles after Ethan and Harold’s passing. But now, both were alive, and the territory was better maintained. Despite a twinge of regret at the estate’s security, I made my way down the mountain path. Soon, exactly as I’d hoped, the bandits I had anticipated appeared.

“Well, well. Alone, are we?”

“What brings you out on a night like this, miss?”

“Come along quietly, and I’ll make sure you don’t get hurt—”

“...What?”

“Hey, hold on! She’s got a knife—!”

As I neared the border, I started seeing characters like these. Perhaps I should be grateful that Blackwood’s reach didn’t extend this far.

There were five of them, but only one horse. Judging by the animal’s condition, it was probably used more for carrying supplies than riding, or perhaps it was stolen from a passing merchant. Given the nature of these guys, it was certainly acquired through theft.

Whatever the case, it didn’t matter. From now on, that horse was mine.

“Guh...!”

“Whew.”

Satisfied to have secured a mode of transportation before dawn, I quickly rummaged through the bandits’ pockets, then climbed onto the nameless horse. Your name, from today on, will be Geraon II.

The following morning, back at Blackwood Mansion.

As dawn broke, Duke Blackwood rose from his bed a bit later than usual, still weary from the previous night. The first thing he did was look beside him, expecting to find his personal maid, Lilith. But all that greeted his gaze was an empty space, with clear signs someone had left.

“...Did she get up first?”

Typically, she would either wait for him to wake up or be the one to wake him.

Whenever Lilith and he shared the night, it was usually Ethan who rose first, as she would often exhaust herself before he did.

“Well, last night was a bit much, after all...”

Nearly ten times in one night.

He recalled that over half of those times had involved her mouth and chest, making him wonder if, for once, he had expended more stamina than Lilith.

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Given that she had likely gotten up before him, she might have returned to her room early this morning. As a dedicated maid, she was generally an early riser.

Evidence of her early rise was clear: her clothes, as well as the garments he had discarded haphazardly the previous night, were neatly organized and even cleaned with a magic spell.

‘I’ll be wearing them again soon anyway. Today is the date I planned with Lilith.’

The options for a quick outing were limited to the Blackwood estate’s town, but that would be enough. After all, what mattered in a date wasn’t what you did or where you went, but who you were with.

As he put on his freshly cleaned clothes, Ethan noticed an unfamiliar sheet of paper on his desk.

“What’s this?”

He had already finished all his work the day before and hadn’t left any papers there. He wondered if Lilith had placed it there last night when she came in. As he picked up the letter, a familiar handwriting and tone greeted him in the opening line, and he immediately recognized the writer.

“To Young Master Ethan.”

‘Lilith wrote this.’

What could she have to say that required a letter? Normally, they spoke face to face, so this written message felt novel. Lovers separated by distance often communicated through letters; maybe this was what that felt like.

However, as he began to read, Ethan’s anticipation gradually shifted to unease, each line heightening his sense that something was wrong.

“First, I must apologize for conveying my thoughts to you in such an unfortunate way.

On this day, February 25th, Imperial Year 1351, I, Lilith Rosewood, have decided to resign as your personal maid and renounce the title of Rosewood Baroness. I will be leaving the mansion.”

“...What?”

The surprising statement hit him just moments into reading. Trying to shake off his grogginess, he continued to read quickly, convinced this might be some kind of joke.

“My decision to leave isn’t due to dissatisfaction with the working conditions or with you, Young Master. I’m leaving solely because of a personal desire, one that won’t allow me to remain if another woman is to stand beside you.

Though I know you have showered me with love in every possible way, I am selfish. It isn’t enough for me. Moreover, I am acutely aware that, as the fabricated Rosewood Baroness, I cannot be your only wife.

If I were to witness the appearance of your rightful fiancée by your side, or if I were to hear that you and she were to have children, I know I would not be able to suppress the ugliness in my heart.

Thus, while I can still smile as I say goodbye, I have chosen to leave on my own. I apologize for not discussing this with you beforehand, but I knew you would only oppose it.

The past decade with you, though not always easy, was the happiest time of my life, thanks to your presence.

I am sorry I won’t be able to graduate from the academy with you. Please pass along my regards to Agnes, Lora, or anyone else who might inquire about me. Tell them I’m doing well.

I truly wish for you to be in good health and happiness always.

With all my love,

Lilith Rosewood, your devoted maid.”

“......”

Ethan’s hands shook as he read and reread the letter, his eyes and fingers trembling as he clutched Lilith’s final words.