I Possessed As A Childcare Extra Chapter 24

Narkis let out a short laugh.

“Unfortunately for you, since you accepted the offer, there’s no other way.”

“You’re lying, right?”

“Do you think I have the free time to lie to you?”

If you’re so busy, then why come to a maid’s room in the middle of the night? I swallowed the frustration and asked:

“Are you abandoning me?”

Because I’m a hassle, right?

Propping his chin on his hand, Narkis shot the question back.

“Have you ever been something worth keeping?”

“I’m a member of the Trissen household!”

“I’ll think about it when I inherit the title.”

Don’t be ridiculous! This was a blatant contract violation. I’d spell it all out for him!

“You said no one would ever come after my neck!”

“And they won’t.”

“You told me to trust only you!”

“I did?”

“You said you’d trust only me!”

Okay, I did say that—but you told me to!

Instead of helping me out, you’re throwing me to the wolves? Saying it works out perfectly?

So you really didn’t listen, huh! I told you the young lady would be sad if you threw me away!

That I’d become the sacrificial victim for the lady’s growth! That her reincarnation buff would awaken! That this would turn from a child-rearing story into a revenge saga!

Even though I said I wasn’t angry, I was clenching my fists and fuming.

Narkis, who had been answering irritably, went quiet for a while.

“You need to figure out why Hillstern attended the Assembly.”

Then, out of nowhere, he started confessing.

“Whatever it is, we’re preparing to counter it. I’m not expecting you to be a distraction… but I can’t give the impression that I’m wary of her.”

The more he talked, the more it sounded like confidential information you should never tell a maid.

“If I interfere with what you’re doing, Hillstern will be sure of it.”

“Sure… of what?”

“That she chose correctly.”

Chose correctly? Was he talking about Freda calling me?

It was strange. I only became a maid because the young lady liked me. Anyone would know a person that close wouldn’t be swayed by some bribe—but she still chose me.

Did she not look into things properly? Or did she think our relationship was shallower than it looked?

Narkis didn’t give a reason.

“That’s why I have no choice but to send you to Hillstern.”

Silence followed those words.

His red eyes watched me closely. If we were standing in sunlight, I wouldn’t have been able to meet them for long.

That stare had bothered me for a while.

Why on earth was he watching me like that?

Unable to withstand his persistent gaze, I asked:

“Are you sure it’s okay to tell me this?”

“Do you think it is?”

“No.”

Narkis smiled faintly.

“Because you were whining.”

Whining, he says. It was a perfectly valid complaint. But strangely, I didn’t feel like arguing anymore.

Why was he trying to convince me?

I had no secrets to tell. If Narkis ordered me, I would obey.

Was he afraid I might actually side with Freda?

What does he think I am? This is the protagonist’s side. Why would I join a doomed villain?

“Well, fine… let’s say it was whining. If I pretend to die, you’ll save me, right?”

I didn’t like it, but I decided to accept it. When the time came, he’d have to fix it. If he didn’t want me sacrificed for the young lady’s growth, he’d better do his part.

“You really make a person want to leave you alone.”

“I’m sorry! Please save me!”

Rotten boy! Narkis chuckled.

Before I could get used to it, he wiped the smile away and said:

“If you want to stay safe, report to me first. And don’t use time as an excuse.”

We were back to square one. I told you that wasn’t an excuse.

The same situation might happen again, so I decided to try saying it.

“Um, but… do I really have to come find you in person?”

Trying to explain it left me speechless. How do I put this in words for a boy who never even considers such things?

“Someone could follow me and…”

The moment I said it, he cut in:

“There are no outsiders in the castle who could follow you without me knowing.”

It sounded like he meant he’d eliminate anyone who tried. With such a heavy-handed answer, I had no choice but to confess the real problem.

“It’s just… after sunset, it feels a bit… weird to go to your room.”

I couldn’t see Narkis’s whole expression, but the narrowing of his eyes told me enough. “What nonsense is that?”—clearly.

Do I really need to explain this? What’s a future duke heir doing not knowing something like this?

In a few years, he’ll be coming of age. What is Aeon even doing about educating his son? Does he do anything?

He had children with four different women—one of the greatest womanizers in history—and I’m the one who has to explain this?

It would be much better for his education, sure, but nowhere was it written that a maid had the duty to educate the heir of a ducal house.

“Um, it’s just that… well….”

I really should have shut up.

If I had just said, “Yeees, I’ll report promptly,” I wouldn’t be in this ridiculous situation.

I mean, I walk around confidently no matter what rumors start anyway!

“Sooo….”

Narkis tilted his head as he watched me wriggling only my fingers.

After several seconds of silence—

“Ah.”

And then—

“Ha.”

The laugh was short and sharp.

“You’re so considerate I don’t even know what to do with you.”

Okay, okay, I get it—it was just me getting ahead of myself. Enough already…

Even though putting my hands together and praying wasn’t going to make this moment pass any faster, I somehow squeezed out words.

“A-and! And also!”

“And also?”

He tossed my words back at me, as if daring me to continue.

My brain, which had been working overtime lately, was forced into another sprint.

“I-if I’m supposed to make it look like we’re not wary of her! Then me going in and out of your room would not help!”

Yes! This was as important as protecting both your reputation and mine!

“Oh, really?”

Narkis responded in a tone befitting a nobleman’s son, and continued:

“I was worried it might get dangerous, but if you say so.”

His voice was… strange.

Wait. No way. Absolutely impossible, but… was he pouting?

“I appreciate it, but…”

“Well, you have Kyle, so I guess you don’t need me.”

“Kyle?”

Why is he suddenly coming up?

“He was checking earlier to make sure you got back safely.”

So he hadn’t actually gone home?

A Sword Master secretly watching over a lowly maid—honestly, that was touching.

But I hoped he hadn’t seen me taking fancy two-steps because I was distracted by a jeweled bracelet. Surely he didn’t follow me, right?

Let’s just assume he waited politely. I should at least thank him later.

“You two must be close?”

I had hidden my power level for three years, but I didn’t hesitate.

“He’s a precious friend.”

“I see.”

Narkis repeated the words slowly, with distance.

“A precious friend.”

Why did that sound ominous?

Ah—I get it!

“Don’t worry. Kyle’s priority is Lady Edel!”

He’s such a little sister-obsessed fool! Kyle will always protect the young lady first—there’s nothing for you to worry about!

“Of course it is.”

His reply sounded… irritated.

Does he not believe it? Kyle would gladly give his life for the lady he serves.

“Give me the reports on paper when I meet Edel. Write what you told Hillstern and how she reacted.”

He didn’t seem pleased, but he accepted my suggestion. Feeling like I was in a spy movie, I asked:

“Should I slip it into your sleeve when I open the door?”

I expected him to recoil, but Narkis answered dismissively:

“Do as you like.”

“Wow, it feels like being a double agent. My heart’s racing.”

This time, he let out a small laugh.

“You said you didn’t want to be a spy.”

“You said there was no choice.”

Since he claimed to be drawing up some grand plan, I decided to behave for now. He’d better pay me back with a huge reward—hehehe…

As I let out a greed-filled little chuckle, the silence stretched.

Did he notice? I hurriedly arranged a soulful expression in my eyes.

“If this body of mine can be sacrificed to help the Trissen family, then gladly…”

“That’s enough. I’ll compensate you plenty.”

As if he’d already seen straight through me, Narkis held out his hand.

“Give it.”

“Give… what?”

“What Hillstern gave you.”

“Ah…?”

“Hurry.”

“W-why…?”

Why was he taking my precious bracelet…?

“There could be something suspicious hidden in it.”

“…You’re going to check it and return it, right?”

“If there’s nothing wrong.”

For a moment, I forgot my place.

Right. I’m just Maid No.1, who might be killed off at any moment. Even if it looks like an expensive jeweled bracelet, it could be poisonous, cursed, or enchanted to sway its wearer.

With trembling hands, I took out the bracelet I had tucked deep into my clothes. I felt like crying.

“While you’re at it… could you appraise it too…?”

“Why would I?”

Narkis shamelessly confiscated the bracelet and ordered:

“If you get another one, hand that over too.”

“Okaaay…”

“Why the long face?”

I forced my lips upward. Someone like you, raised in a cradle of jewels, would never understand how I feel.

“You wanted to keep it that badly?”

“Well, yes… it’s my first time touching something like that…”

In my second lifetime, at least.

“Just because it has some stones on it doesn’t make it high quality.”

Calling those dangling jewels “some stones”—Narkis walked toward the window.

Whether high quality or not didn’t matter. I only cared about the appraisal value. What would you know anyway? You’re only a ducal heir…

While I struggled not to cry, Narkis pulled the curtain aside. The night sky appeared, letting in a bluish glow.

Holding the bracelet up toward the moonlight, he recited calmly:

“Everything except the center ruby is synthetic. The workmanship is sloppy, too. The design is… something you’d see in a great-grandmother’s portrait. She wouldn’t be satisfied with just one ruby, though.”

I didn’t care if it was something his grandmother’s grandmother would wear—just tell me the ruby’s market price.

Unable to speak my true thoughts, I simply watched the shimmering ruby disappear into the black glove.