Episode 4
Seeing that they did not hesitate to carry out an attack so severe it was life-threatening, bribing a spy must have been easy.
Uncle Pascal’s interference was rougher than expected.
I continued to eavesdrop on the conversation with an equally grave face.
“There are no suitable candidates left, My Lady.”
“What should we do?”
“How about we try to find a trustworthy person from the outside instead? Someone who wouldn’t fall for Lord Pascal’s tricks….”
“Is there such a person?”
“We would have to look for one starting now.”
Mr. Christopher replied in an uncertain tone.
“Let’s just find a reliable person through an information guild.”
“Sigh.”
Mother held her forehead with a reluctant expression. I looked down at my still steaming hot chocolate and sank into thought.
‘Actually, I do know one person who fits the criteria.’
Even though I looked like this, I was someone who had read the original novel that formed the foundation of this world. I knew a few people in the novel who could be trusted no matter what.
They were the close associates of the so-called male protagonist, ‘Erwin Othello.’
‘Based on the current timeline, Erwin is around my age. And at this time, Erwin’s teacher, Marcus, was by his side.’
Marcus is a commoner-turned-mercenary and the head of an underground information guild who travels throughout the empire searching for the son of his deceased friend. As everyone might have guessed, that deceased friend’s son was Erwin.
Marcus cared for Erwin exceptionally, treating him like his own son.
A figure who is reliable, can be hired via contract, and won’t be swayed by Uncle Pascal’s schemes.
There was only one reason why I hadn’t stepped forward actively despite having this perfect candidate.
‘Is it okay to intervene in the original work?’
I read many romance fantasy novels in my past life.
A common theme among them was the female protagonist possessing a character inside a book, and without fail, the moment they got entangled with characters from the original novel, their lives began to become turbulent.
I had been reincarnated as an extra in the original work, and I didn’t want to volunteer to be swept away by a storm.
However.
‘If things continue like this, my life will end up being a mess anyway. If that’s the case, I’d rather….’
I looked at Mother and Mr. Christopher, who were still talking seriously. The two were now debating whether they should go to the capital to find an information guild.
‘Besides, though Mother and Mr. Christopher haven’t mentioned it, there is a true last resort.’
A method that even Uncle Pascal probably hasn’t thought of yet.
It was for me, Mother’s daughter, to get married.
‘I just need to bring in a son-in-law to maintain the Arno surname. If that happens, my inheritance rank becomes higher than Uncle Pascal’s.’
I was a direct descendant of Arno anyway, and if the inheritance conditions were met, I would be second in line.
Of course, it wouldn’t be easy. Mother would never allow it.
But I was also considering a method where, in the worst-case scenario if I couldn’t negotiate with Marcus, I would find Erwin myself and make him my husband.
‘Of course, it would be much better if Marcus accepts my proposal before that.’
Having made up my mind, I asked with an innocent face.
“Mother, are we going to the capital?”
“Hmm?”
“I want to go to the capital!”
Of course, it wasn’t only because of my words, but our trip to the capital was decided quite suddenly like that.
* * *
“Wow!”
I couldn’t help but shout at the scenery visible outside the carriage window. Mother laughed as she hugged my body, which was leaning toward the window.
“Is it fascinating, Vivi?”
“Yes! It’s so amazing! There are so many people!”
Elden, the capital of the Rosild Empire, was much more vibrant and bustling than I had imagined. The people passing through the streets were also wearing noticeably colorful outfits, so my eyes naturally wandered.
‘Oh right, this is not the time for this.’
I composed myself.
Even though I had memories of my past life, it was quite embarrassing because if I wasn’t conscious and focused, I would revert to the mind of a child.
‘Remember, Vivi. Your goal is to find Marcus and have him marry Mother.’
While recalling the now-faint details of the original work, the carriage ran on and on until it stopped in front of an inn.
The Arno family did not have a separate mansion in the capital. So, we decided to stay at an inn located on the outskirts of the capital.
It was quite large and clean, but it wasn’t a luxury accommodation. This was also due to the adults’ interests.
Sadly, in order to come to the capital, Mother had to sell all the jewelry she owned. Although the inheritance left by Grandfather was enough to live on comfortably for a lifetime, not a single penny could be spent until it was formally inherited.
I heard that the vassals, including Mr. Christopher, also contributed money.
‘It must have cost quite a bit to use the Mana Gate. Besides, since they have to save money to commission an information guild, they won’t be able to spend much on the inn.’
Still, Mother’s and my room was the best room in the inn, located on the top floor. Even so, Mother felt sorry for me.
“Vivi, Mother is sorry. I wanted to get you a room with a view of the Pale River.”
“Mother, I’m fine!”
I spoke brightly to reassure Mother. Whether my efforts worked or not, Mother smiled faintly along with me.
* * *
For about three days after arriving in the capital, we lived quietly. Mother didn’t leave my side, worrying that I might have a hard time with the sudden change in sleeping environment. She didn’t believe me no matter how many times I said I was fine.
And today, Mother finally felt relieved enough to leave the inn with Mr. Christopher after eating breakfast.
“Understand, Vivi? Mother has to go out with Mr. Christopher for a bit to do some work, so you must listen well to Sir Dean.”
“Okay.”
“Yes, good girl.”
Mother hugged me several times, still looking worried, before she finally left.
As soon as I saw Mother and Mr. Christopher leave in the carriage, I hurried Dean.
For reference, Dean was the knight Mother had assigned as my guard before coming to the capital.
He was a young man in his 20s with reddish-brown hair and impressive freckles on the bridge of his nose. He wasn’t that old, but they said his skills were good.
“Dean!”
“Yes, My Lady.”
“I want to go outside.”
“Hmm.”
“Mother didn’t say I had to stay only in the room.”
“But she didn’t say it was okay to go out either.”
Dean, I didn’t see you that way, but you’re quite a stickler for rules.
I glared at Dean and then pulled his arm.
“It’s okay. Mother won’t scold Dean just because I went out.”
“But….”
“Let’s go, let’s go!”
I left the inn recklessly. Dean, who followed behind, sighed and asked the inn staff to call a carriage.
After hoisting me up and seating me in the carriage that arrived shortly after, Dean spoke to the coachman.
“Take us to Elden Street, please.”
I heard Elden Street was the most bustling place in the capital.
I went to the side of Dean, who was about to close the window connected to the driver’s seat, and spoke again.
“Not there, take us to Hutson Street instead.”
The coachman asked back with a puzzled face.
“Little girl, there’s nothing for you to see on Hutson Street. Why don’t we go to Elden Street like your brother said?”
“No, I want to go to Hutson Street.”
“My Lady, what on earth is on Hutson Street?”
“There was a restaurant I wanted to visit. Let’s go!”
What would be there? Marcus is there, of course!
* * *
In the end, Dean couldn’t win against me. The coachman, who had once suggested going to Elden Street, didn’t add anything further and drove the horses toward Hutson Street.
He said he only needed to get the money he was owed anyway. He just told me not to cheat him out of his money for dropping us off at a strange place.
Receiving Dean’s uneasy gaze, I reviewed the original content I had recalled over the last three days.
‘It said the shabby pub on Hutson Street is the headquarters of the Falcon of the Waning Moon guild.’
The Falcon of the Waning Moon was the guild run by Marcus. If my memory was correct, I would be able to meet Marcus if I went there.
‘I even know the code to commission the guild. The problem is how a little kid like me can persuade Marcus….’
I wasn’t confident, but it wasn’t like I had come recklessly. I had my own hand to play.
While I was agonizing over it in my head, we arrived at Hutson Street. Dean looked at the street with a flustered face.
“My Lady, why on earth did you want to come to a place like this?”
To clarify and prevent any misunderstanding, Hutson Street wasn’t a place like a dark back alley or a den of cancer.
It was just a quiet, ordinary street. It’s just that it wasn’t the kind of place a kid like me, visiting the capital for the first time, would say they wanted to come see.
But who am I?
I, Valery Arno (with an estimated internal age in my 20s), have already prepared all the excuses!
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