Episode 40

Upon the commencement of the royal banquet, an unparalleled tranquility descended upon the mansion.

The owners and their esteemed guests had departed, leaving behind an air of calm.

While the household staff reveled in their newfound liberty, there was one individual who could not share in their respite.

"Help... help this person trapped in a romance fantasy novel…”

Ute Velvet.

The stranger occupying the clinic at the end of the corridor emitted a low sigh.

Books of varying sizes were strewn from the floor to the desk.

‘Why did that rascal like these kinds of novels?'

No amount of reproach towards his younger sibling's refined tastes could alter the current predicament.

He needed to identify the female lead's illness and either treat or prevent it.

‘How many volumes is this already?'

His fingertips, chafed from incessant page-turning, spoke to his frustration.

‘If only I had a smartphone...’

Ute massaged the nape of his neck, lamenting the absence of modern technology in this world.

With internet access, he would have already sought wisdom from leading experts globally.

“I read this book in summer.”

“And this one—ugh, it’s an undergraduate thesis.”

“Worthless sources…”

Thud.

His round forehead met the desk with a muted thump.

Ute rubbed his eyelids lightly and muttered.

“I want to go home…”

Why me of all people?

The question had crossed his mind innumerable times.

There were countless crazy obsessed fans of romance fantasy novels, so why him?

‘The Emperor is in his 20s, the Grand Duke as well. Hey, are only young people involved in politics? The stability of power isn’t even secured, yet they’re fixated on romance. They need to establish a solid foundation first.’

‘Ah, brother! Seriously! This is a romance fantasy!’

He could still envision his younger sister’s exasperated expression.

His younger sister would mark the whole whiteboard in an attempt to explain the novel's plot.

‘I should have paid more attention back then.’

A heavy sigh escaped amidst the books.

The current love story between the female and male lead was unfolding more seamlessly than anticipated.

Thanks to Sonnet Posa.

‘I just need to fulfill my role.’

Although some narratives culminate in tragedy, his sister was an unwavering advocate of happy endings.

‘Why indulge in something sad?’

‘The current novel you’re reading has the male lead dying 108 times.’

‘That’s different!’

‘How?’

‘After hardship and adversity, there should be happiness! Even if he died 108 times, he deserves happiness on the 109th to uphold the principles of the martial world!’

‘Is this a romance fantasy or a martial arts story? Make up your mind.’

In reality, even if Ute Velvet did nothing, Clara Edwell would discover a cure and find happiness on her own.

‘That’s the plot.’

The only uncertainty was whether 'that day' would arrive in three or five years.

The period compressed to a mere ‘five years later...’ in the novel had to be endured by Ute Velvet in its entirety.

Thus, he couldn’t merely wait for the protagonists to resolve matters autonomously.

‘Three. Only three remain. Once they’re done, you will...’

The entity that transported him into this world would desire that as well.

“As soon as possible…”

A mirror at the corner of the desk reflected his delicate visage without distortion.

Shimmering silver hair and verdant eyes.

The image in the glass did not seem awkward.

‘I refuse to get used to this.’

Whenever he felt he was truly ‘Ute Velvet’, a sense of suffocation ensued.

‘Let’s finish this quick.'

As long as he executed his duties proficiently, nothing else mattered.

‘I have no regrets here...’

The floating sensation was familiar. His pale eyelids fluttered.

Knock, knock.

“Sir Ute.”

As the knock resounded, the door swung open.

Ute instinctively lowered the hand resting on his neck.

“What brings you here?”

“They’re arriving.”

“Who’s arriving... oh, don’t tell me.”

“Yes. Madam and Master are on their way.”

The footsteps receded swiftly upon delivering the message.

Ute leisurely followed Sonnet’s path after securing the door.

‘The last time I checked, it was around page 530.’

Most of the servants were assembled in the central hall.

As a physician, he discreetly concealed himself in the least conspicuous spot.

“Huh? The doctor...?”

“Shh. I'm just here to check their complexion for a moment.”

“As expected, you’re very considerate.”

Ute allowed the servant to misconstrue his actions and narrowed his eyes.

Soon, the grand door swung open.

His gaze, which had been unconsciously following the pale lavender hair, turned to the front.

‘Evangeline Menes isn’t present.’

She seemed to have headed straight to her territory without stopping by the mansion.

The implication was unmistakable.

‘Clara Edwell has seamlessly integrated into the central social circle.’

Of course, he was already aware of that.

Recent newspapers had been rife with stories centered around Countess Edwell.

Charming appearance! New dress! More adept at court etiquette than the courtiers of Selcing!

The princess of a small country had become a sensation within and outside the palace over several days.

“You’re back, Madam.”

“It’s been a while, Sonnet. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well.”

The mistress and the maid naturally ascended the stairs after a prolonged separation.

Three, two, one.

The distance at which Ute and Sonnet could precisely exchange glances.

Ute looked up and checked above the female lead's head.

Why Do You Keep Obsessing Over Your Terminally Ill Wife? (793/998)

---

A few days post-banquet, Countess Cavlette returned to her territory.

The count and countess exuded the atmosphere of a loving married couple.

Meanwhile,

“Take care, everyone!”

“See you next year!”

The final day of the year had arrived.

The back door was teeming with people carrying suitcases and struggling.

As I silently observed the scene, an unexpected person addressed me.

“Aren’t you leaving?”

“I’m not. What about you, Karen?”

“Of course, I am. I have some time before my train departs.”

Karen glanced at her wristwatch.

“I’ve done this for years, but you rarely get such an extended break.”

“I suppose so.”

Three-quarters of the servants had taken leave.

Only the bare minimum remained.

Ordinarily, it would be impossible due to the work schedule, but this year-end was somewhat special.

“His Majesty personally invited them. How often does such an opportunity arise?”

Every year-end, the Emperor invested a select few for a one-night banquet.

Though it’s termed a one-night event, they remain at the palace for at least a fortnight.

‘If you desire an extended vacation, this is the opportune moment.’

Especially for kitchen staff or personal maids like me.

“Why not request the head maid to grant you leave? I can speak to her on your behalf if you wish.”

“The head maid left on the evening train last night.”

“Goodness. That old lady moves swiftly.”

Karen left the mansion, strangely more disappointed at my stay than I was.

New Year’s Day.

There was only one person in the servants’ dining room.

“Sir Ute! You’re up early.”

“I didn’t sleep. Happy New Year.”

“May new peace settle upon us.”

The man who rubbed his nape and glanced at my side.

“What’s that?”

“A package from my mother. It was left at my old lodgings, so I retrieved it.”

“You seem close.”

“We’re average. Aren’t you visiting your hometown, Sir Ute?”

“No, I need to check my New Year’s fortune.”

“Fortune?”

“There’s a special fortune issued at four AM, only 500 copies. I can’t miss it.”

“Did you find it?”

“Of course.”

His dry lips, parched by the cold wind, curled upwards.

Ute appeared genuinely elated to have secured the New Year’s limited edition newspaper.

“Isn’t there something similar in the north?”

“There is, but the capital’s newspaper suits me better.”

“...”

“There are significantly more people in the capital. It’s a matter of statistics.”

“Hmm…”

“In an era where information is vital, one must go to such lengths to survive.”

I like Ute Velvet, but at moments like this, he’s really...

“What about you, Miss Sonnet? It’s a rare opportunity to take a vacation, aren’t you visiting your hometown?”

“My hometown is at the southern end. It’s more of a hassle to travel back and forth, so it’s better to simply rest. Besides, Sir Ute is here as well.”

That’s not the entire reason, though.

To lift my spirits, I opened the package.

After extracting all the items my mother sent, I realized the other person hadn’t uttered a word.

“What?”

He continued looking at me with a flushed face.

I could even sense the man’s jaw trembling.

“Um, Miss Sonnet.”

“Yes.”

“Please don’t misunderstand.”

“I won’t.”

“I’ve been half-suspecting, but are you, by any chance—”

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