Chapter 69: The Reason She Knocked on the Door
Ta-da…!
The man you fell in love with at first sight was actually Geum Taeyang.
"Lies..."
Fiona's face turned pale.
I never tried to hide my identity, but I never openly revealed it either.
"You didn't know?"
Fiona's shoulders began to tremble.
"Yes… carelessly, I didn't even remember the face of the person I personally slashed…"
Was she unable to say it aloud?
"When the madam asks a question, you're supposed to answer."
"Kugh…!"
Fiona glared at me, looking as if she was ready to grind her teeth to dust.
Oh dear.
I quietly took a step back, just in case she pulled out a knife.
If an escort knight gets angry inside the castle and draws her sword, it would be a disaster.
"I didn't… know."
Verdia looked genuinely surprised.
To most people, it would seem strange that Fiona didn't recognize me.
It's not like the word "bug" was written on my face during my Heuk Taeyang days.
At least, that's probably what it looked like to her.
"So… you two were… kissing?"
Verdia's innocent curiosity shook Fiona to the core.
Her emotional wounds were clearly being reopened.
"Ah…"
Realizing she had made a mistake, Verdia covered her lips with her finger.
But the words had already been spoken. They couldn't be taken back.
And the image of Fiona clinging to me and chu-chuing was now burned into everyone's memory.
I licked my lips, just to rub it in.
"It was delicious. Fiona."
"Lies…"
Come on, let's go.
This time, I'll show you exactly what I'm made of.
The moment you draw your sword, I'll subdue you on the spot.
"...."
Suddenly, Fiona lifted her head and started crying. Big, silent tears rolled down her cheeks.
W–wait…! Crying isn't fair!
Shouldn't she be shouting something like, "You damn bug! How dare you toy with me!" while swinging her sword?
I was completely caught off guard.
My plan to provoke Fiona and stir up trouble had completely fallen apart.
"...Ah. No… Don't cry."
"Sob… Sniff… I'm sorry, Lady Verdia… My tears won't stop… I… just need a moment…"
"Fiona!"
Before either of us could react, Fiona ran away.
Ha… This is a disaster.
"...."
I exchanged a glance with Verdia.
She hurried after Fiona, her pace quick despite her usual composed demeanor.
The madam doesn't usually run.
I stood there alone, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions.
Did Fiona really fall for me?
With no other choice, I returned to the workshop.
To calm myself, I sat Cecil on my lap and gently stroked her hair.
"Oppa, what happened?"
"I made a woman cry."
"Didn't you go after her?"
"I couldn't. If I did, she might've jumped off the roof."
"So it was Oppa's fault, huh?"
"No…"
Was it my fault?
Now that I think about it, maybe it was.
Fiona not recognizing me was unexpected.
So the quiet tug-of-war between Verdia and me took a strange new turn.
Verdia, you clearly said it—you sent Fiona to greet me.
She didn't tell Fiona that Geum Taeyang had arrived. She just sent her to meet me, unaware.
Why?
Did she believe that was the polite thing to do?
Or maybe she thought Fiona would drive me away again?
If Verdia sent Fiona with the intention of using her, then this must have thrown her into disarray.
Because the assassin fell in love with me at first sight.
I scratched under Cecil's chin and muttered,
"It feels like the Lady of this mansion wants to get rid of me."
"Should I help, Oppa?"
"Then meow meow."
"Meow meow!"
Ahh♥ I feel healed…
I hugged Cecil tightly and rolled around on the bed.
"Let's stay like this for a while."
"We can stay like this forever, you know?"
Meeting Cecil made me feel like I could be a little more generous.
She was just too adorable.
I rubbed her soft cat ears to my heart's content.
"Aahh… Master! Your personal package arrived earlier."
"Personal belongings?"
Cecil jumped up and handed me a lavishly wrapped box.
There was a note on the box that read:
"Cheering you on as you open a new door." – Ostega
…The butt package has arrived!
It was literally a kit to open a new door.
"From now on, I'll call this the Blackhole Kit."
"Wow! Sounds powerful."
"Blackhole!"
As I raised the kit and shouted, Cecil dramatically collapsed on the floor.
"So… strong…"
"Aahh♥ Did you eat while I was gone?"
"Yes, the maid brought me food!"
Just then, a maid I didn't recognize brought in dinner.
"This is tenderloin, slow-cooked for a soft interior and grilled for a crispy outside. And…"
Ah! That's it!
I finally remembered.
The exquisite, high-end food I had been missing!
Even as she explained, my mouth started watering.
Noticing my reaction, the maid finished her explanation with a polite bow.
"I'll collect the dishes later."
"Thank you."
"I'm glad… you're alive."
…Huh?
Before I could respond, she walked away.
I couldn't judge others for not remembering faces.
Even I had no memory of the maid who brought me meals.
Of course, if she had looked like Peridot, I would've remembered her with full brain power.
"Master! Master! Can we eat?"
"Yes. Let's eat now."
Honestly, this was one of the main reasons I came back.
The cafeteria food was okay, but it couldn't hold a candle to dishes crafted by a skilled chef using top-grade ingredients.
I ate like I hadn't seen food in days and gulped down the drinks.
Cecil was just as enthusiastic.
"Can't we just live here, Master?"
She clearly loved the food.
Food really is important.
"If I win over the Lady's heart, this will all come naturally."
Cecil twitched her cat ears and stepped behind me.
"Master! I'll give you a shoulder massage!"
"Haha. You're such a small thing…"
Honestly, I didn't think her fragile hands could manage a proper massage—Kyaaah!
"Lightly! Gently! My shoulder's turning to dust!"
"Ah…! I forgot Oppa is delicate."
"...."
What was that?
Was that really human grip strength?
"Lightly… lightly… Just imagine glass not breaking."
"My shoulder was glass?"
Where was she hiding that monstrous strength in her slender arms?
"I believe in you, Master. I'll be cheering you on!"
"Haha, thanks."
For the sake of feeding my cute little family, I can't afford to fail.
But I'm not that worried.
In the past, I would've been swept up in the excitement and fallen hard.
But now, the ground I'm standing on is solid. It won't crumble easily.
Yes.
As long as I don't make any huge mistakes, it won't be a problem even if Verdia tries to push me away.
That's probably why she sent Fiona.
But… will we really stay enemies forever?
Verdia should think this through carefully.
Because if I make Fiona my ally, then there won't be anyone left in this castle who can protect her.
...
...
The next morning....
Even though we had finally secured a room with three beds, Cecil somehow ended up sleeping in my arms.
I tugged gently at her cheek. It seemed she really enjoyed cuddling while sleeping.
She just wanted to lie in a fluffy bed beside me.
"Mm… Master's butt… is shaking…"
Wasn't it time to let go of that weird dream?
I scratched my messy hair and got out of bed, letting out a big yawn. I paused in front of the full-length mirror, admiring my reflection.
I had to admit—I looked good. I even managed to seduce an elite knight just with my face.
Handsome, wasn't I?
Feeling confident, I hummed to myself as I entered the shower.
I shaved and washed up thoroughly. Given that my "partner" was also on the larger side, cleaning up took some careful effort.
After the refreshing shower, I glanced out the window and saw Fiona training alone.
I was surprised to see her there. I thought she might avoid coming out after what happened yesterday.
Her movements were aggressive, as if she was trying to forget everything.
Verdia wasn't around.
Was Fiona alone today?
Maybe Verdia felt guilty about yesterday and decided to give her space. She was kind like that.
She probably wouldn't blame Fiona for running away in tears. But relying too much on Verdia's kindness wouldn't be wise either.
"Haat! Ha!"
Even the soldiers, who usually sneaked glances at the knights' tight leggings, were unusually serious today. It seemed like they were aware of the mood.
Rumors must be spreading.
This was a castle, after all—closed off and filled with gossip. Anything could become a hot topic here.
Just like when I made money by spreading the story of me and Verdia being intimate.
"Trainer, may I come in?"
"Come in."
A maid arrived with breakfast. The aroma immediately woke Cecil.
"Mmm. Smells so good."
"Today's menu—"
"You don't have to explain."
The maid gave a slight bow.
"Yes. I'll excuse myself."
"Wait. I want to ask you something."
"If I can answer, I will."
"What's your name?"
"..."
"You're not going to say you can't tell me, are you?"
"No. My name is Jane."
"Can you tell me a bit about Fiona?"
To find out what was being said around the castle, the quickest route was to have someone on the inside.
Even if the Lord acknowledged me, I was still an outsider. No one would sell me information about Verdia.
But Fiona? That was a different matter.
She was just Verdia's escort knight, not royalty.
Jane hesitated but chose to talk about Fiona.
I ate breakfast with Cecil while listening to Jane.
Just as I suspected, Fiona and I had become the talk of the castle.
"Honestly, what do people think of us?"
"They hope you'll get along. Some of those who witnessed the bloody scene that day even quit."
"Hmm."
That wasn't quite the answer I was hoping for.
Jane looked at me and added quietly.
"Everyone says the Trainer tamed Fiona."
"Me?"
"I don't know the full story, but the men are envious of you, and the maids…"
"The maids?"
"To be honest… we're excited."
So basically…
In the imaginations of the maids, I'd become the lead in a romance drama.
A man and woman who once hated each other grow closer and fall in love.
It was straight out of a TV drama or movie.
On the other hand, the men couldn't understand how someone like Fiona—who had stabbed people before—could be subdued by me.
They were envious of whatever technique I used to make her melt and kiss me.
"Thanks. That was helpful."
I gave Jane two gold coins as a tip.
"It's a token of appreciation."
"Thank you."
"One last question. Were you excited too, Jane?"
Her cheeks turned a shade pink.
"…I'm a little curious. About what happens next…"
"Got it."
With that kind of anticipation, I needed to act accordingly.
Even if everything was a misunderstanding and Fiona still hated me… Saying that now would only ruin the fantasy.
Later in the day, Vatino paid me a visit—as expected.
It seemed the master of the castle was also present now.
I didn't say anything and simply sipped my tea.
Vatino, who had entered angrily, noticed my calm demeanor and softened his tone.
"I heard you met Verdia."
"Yes. By chance."
I felt no guilt. I hadn't done anything wrong. Verdia hadn't given me the opportunity to.
"…You didn't touch Verdia, did you?"
Vatino lowered his voice, wary of Cecil's presence.
"You don't have to worry about her. She won't talk."
"…Hmm."
"You asked if I touched your wife. I didn't. Surely you've heard the other rumors though?"
"Rumors?"
"About me and Fiona…"
Vatino, as if he had something on his mind, went quiet and sat across from me.
"What are you thinking?"
"I just ran into your wife while I was playing with Fiona."
"Is that really all?"
"Yes. Surely messing with Fiona isn't disrespectful to the Lord, is it?"
"No…"
Vatino, you'd rather like it.
Fiona, who's like your adopted daughter, got caught by a guy like me.
The more you think about it, the more excited you'll get. Right?
"Hmm… Not bad. As expected… just because you're a MILF hunter doesn't mean you only target MILFs."
"The lady will hear you."
"I'm only saying this because I trust you."
It already seemed like a long time ago, but Vatino not only offered his wife to me, he also wanted me to touch Fiona—he wanted to share his perverted interests.
Naturally, I'm the one receiving, and he's the one giving.
It seemed like our friendship had grown stronger.
"Sorry for yelling at you all of a sudden."
"What did your wife say?"
"She said it was unpleasant…"
"Hmm."
"She said I did something terrible to both Fiona and her and asked me to kick you out…"
Cute. Verdia.
Do you think I'm going to leave this castle just because you say so?
If you were planning to slander me, you should have at least pretended to seduce me and made some fake evidence to pin on me.
"Exactly. 'You did something terrible to me.' Did she say that?"
"Um… no… Now that I think about it, she seemed very flustered."
"Flustered?"
"When I brought up your name, she started rambling. Her words didn't even make sense."
"Haha. Your wife was just surprised. Don't worry about it."
"…Is that so?"
"If I had done it, I would've just admitted it. Why would I lie about not touching her?"
Vatino's expression noticeably lightened.
"Hearing that makes me feel relieved. Right. Why would you hide it? You'd have reported it to me right away."
"I'll wait until your wife is ready. But I need to stay sharp while I wait… You understand?"
"Fiona…?"
Chuckle.
"Yes…"
"Good… I allow it."
Vatino left with a satisfied look.
I was going to make a move regardless of his permission, but now things would be easier.
If courting Fiona was officially approved by the Lord, then I could proceed openly.
Later that day, Fiona no longer appeared at the training ground.
How was she feeling now?
By now, she would've heard what everyone in the castle was saying about her.
She must feel betrayed.
She might be blaming herself for not having a close friend to confide in.
Somehow, Fiona was caught between me and Verdia, unable to act.
These rumors might not harm me or Verdia, but for Fiona, they were critical.
She must have wanted to escape.
Hold on… just a little longer.
I waited patiently for her to come to me on her own.
Right now, she was probably wracking her brain, trying to come up with a reason to see me.
The next evening…
Fiona knocked on my door.
"Are you there…?"