Life as a Tower Maid: Locked up with the Prince - Chapter 283

Chapter 283

Translator: Yonnee

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Upon entering the room, I saw Mercy sprawled on the sofa, Liam standing upright, and Schubert bustling about the surroundings.

Mercy, engrossed in a book on one side, seemed unaware of my arrival, murmuring softly to herself.

“Why doesn’t work ever end…”

Her voice, drawn out like a sigh, bore a touch of melancholy.

Indeed, up until Rosé Artius’s disappearance, she had been relentlessly burdened by her duties.

Even now, she continued to search for a way to reverse that woman’s fading existence, despite Albert’s assurances that it was unnecessary.

With Mercy being second only to Albert in sheer power, she still remembered Rosé Artius. However, this memory wouldn’t last much longer.

I approached Mercy and gently soothed her shoulder.

“Mercy.”

“Did you come, Sister? I’m really busy, so can I go ahead? I think I might find something if I look a little longer.”

Things I hadn’t noticed before now became apparent. The face I had thought was strong and charismatic still held traces of baby fat.

Perhaps because Mercy had always shown such competence in her tasks, I sometimes forget how young she still was.

Mercy’s past had also significantly shaped the person she was now.

“I’m sorry, but today we really need to have an important discussion.”

At my words, Mercy nodded reluctantly.

Albert was still yet to arrive. As Mercy was just about to open her book, she suddenly looked at me as if she had just remembered something.

“Sister, the dresses are ready! We should go pick them up. When will you be back? We should go together.”

On official records, Albert and I were going to visit the Dragon’s Nest to find a way to prevent the disappearance.

It was tricky to give her an exact time, so I answered vaguely.

“…Maybe I’ll be back before this week is over? I’m not sure.”

“Please let me know by telegram or something once the schedule is set. I’ll be waiting.”

Her words, ‘I’ll be waiting,’ resonated deeply with me.

Mercy believed in a future together with me. Reluctant to lie, I responded with a smile instead.

Right. Even if she eventually forgets me, there will be another chance for us to meet.

“Thank you for always looking after me.”

Mercy looked surprised by my sudden gratitude, then shook her head.

“I should be the one thanking you for humoring me. What with having to dismiss people around and weed out the Tower’s mages… it’s been hard to hang out with anyone at all.”

Eventually closing her book, Mercy smiled at me.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to have someone I can call ‘Sister’. Don’t worry. I will definitely find a way.”

Moved by the warm atmosphere, Schubert quickly inserted himself into our conversation.

“So, what does His Majesty have to tell us?”

Seeing Schubert’s twinkling eyes, Mercy groaned.

This guy really couldn’t read the room… Mercy muttered softly enough for only me to hear, rolling her eyes.

Her expression made Mercy look unusually like a girl of her age.

“Seriously such a fool, this fanatic for His Majesty. Don’t you have anything to say to Sister?”

Startled by Mercy’s comment, Schubert stared at me, then awkwardly cleared his throat.

Avoiding my gaze, he coughed loudly and, after beating around the bush for a while, finally sighed and bowed his head to me.

“I’m sorry for monitoring you all this time.”

His voice was as solemn as when we first met, and his demeanor was fittingly respectful.

“That’s alright, Schubert. You were just following orders.”

“Still, I should have thought it over before I accepted the command. I just can’t help but obey His Majesty’s orders…”

At my words, Schubert, looking somewhat awkward, shook his head and muttered.

“Um, what I’m saying might sound like an excuse.”

“It didn’t sound like that to me.”

After a pause, Schubert replied softly.

“Thank you, then.”

Was it such a big deal to monitor me for Albert, who had saved Schubert in his youth and had become his idol?

Now that the surveillance was over, I could accept it with grace.

“But I wonder if we’re leaving tomorrow.”

Liam, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, spoke up.

“Departure will be later at midnight.”

We only have a week to stop the changing time caused by Rosé Artius’s disappearance.

As the time begins to turn back, we have about three days to return and be affected by the flow of time.

“I’m also helping Mercy to find a way. Don’t worry too much.”

It was surprising to hear him reassure me like this. It truly felt like Liam had now acknowledged me.

Liam’s gaze, warmer than before, seemed more fitting for spring than the harsh northern climates.

With such people by Albert’s side, he was able to overcome difficult times.

“Thank you, Duke.”

“I have made enough mistakes to deserve such thanks. If we resolve this matter safely, we will be even.”

“What wrongs have you done to me?”

“…I won’t deny that I had some prejudices at first.”

When I asked again in confusion, Liam didn’t hesitate to answer me. Though he was a typical Duke of the North as he answered with a refined tone, he was warm in his own right. Clearly, his memory was exceptional as he remembered even our very first meeting.