Surviving As An Obsessive Servant Chapter 130

Got you.

Edric keenly sensed the change in Lobel’s behavior after he had pleaded with her.

From years of experience, he had learned that she never responded harshly to someone who approached her with humility.

Rather than confronting her head-on, it was much better to take a submissive, vulnerable approach.

Especially now—when he had acted remorseful and reflective upon returning to her room—she had lowered her guard and softened significantly.

Edric found himself having an odd realization.

He had always wondered how Rober, Lobelia’s one and only brother, had fallen for such scams. But now, he understood.

Though he had never seen their parents properly, he could easily guess what kind of people they were.

Rober’s case was more severe, but ultimately, both siblings had been born with naturally kind and gentle hearts.

For example, like now—

“…You’re saying you want to take me to the Merchant Guild’s grand assembly?”

“Yeah. You know more about it than I do, so I’d like to ask for your help.”

Lobel hesitated at the word ask, even though she had initially been ready to refuse outright.

Once again, Edric was reminded of the power of bloodlines.

If his father, the duke, had been a gentle and good-natured man like Lobel’s father, he wouldn’t have been able to say his next words.

But as the shameless son of a shameless duke, Edric could speak without hesitation.

“I’ve only just returned, so I don’t know much. Your merchant group has always been led by exceptional people, and you know nearly everything about its operations.”

Lobel’s expression wavered, as if to say, That’s true, but…

Then, as if something had suddenly occurred to her, her eyes widened in realization.

“Wait… don’t tell me you investigated my merchant group!”

Before she could question him further, Edric swiftly added,

“I won’t kiss your hand there.”

“…….”

“I mean it, Lobelia. I’ll only be there to work.”

“…Young master.”

She bit her lip in frustration.

“No one’s listening, so don’t worry. I even blocked the drafts coming through the door.”

Lobel still seemed uneasy as she cast a wary glance at the closed door behind him.

“…Fine. I’ll trust you.”

Even then, she muttered to herself with a deeply troubled expression before letting out a long sigh.

“Hearing you call me by that name feels incredibly awkward. I mean, I know I’m the one who messed up, but still…”

Edric ignored the irrelevant details and focused on what mattered most.

She still hasn’t said she hates it.

As he held back a pleased smile, Lobel rubbed her forehead in frustration, lost in thought.

They had agreed—during that time locked in a sealed room—to take some time to confirm things.

Of course, Lobel hadn’t accepted everything unconditionally.

She had set her own terms.

[ I’ll be checking as well, so you have to do the same, young master. ]

She had firmly reminded him that attachment and romantic feelings were two different things.

Edric had thought to himself that Lobel really didn’t understand anything about him, but outwardly, he had obediently nodded.

And so, despite the uncomfortable tension—like someone wearing clothes and shoes that didn’t quite fit—she had stayed.

Occasionally, she glanced at the closed window, but she didn’t seem to be considering jumping out.

And… she kept sneaking glances at him.

…She really is conscious of me now.

Feeling a deep sense of relief, Edric took quiet but definitive action.

First, he burned every last one of her packed suitcases.

After securing her agreement, they headed toward the carriage prepared for the confirmed schedule.

Edric extended his hand to escort her inside, but Lobel deliberately ignored it and hurried into the carriage on her own.

Then, she abruptly changed the subject.

“You apologized to Brother Rimson, right?”

Retracting his hand without any sign of discomfort, Edric answered smoothly,

“I did. Just like you said—I didn’t just compensate him, I also patted his shoulder and apologized.”

“That’s… very good of you.”

Despite her words, her eyes still held a hint of disapproval, and Edric felt unfairly accused.

He had done his best to follow her wishes.

He had even kicked out that incompetent fool, Fedric, while making sure he was well-paid—an effort for the future of the Denkart estate.

And truthfully, outside of Lobel, no one else really mattered to him.

As Edric was thinking this, he noticed Lobel glancing out the carriage window, exchanging a brief greeting with Arif.

Her tense expression visibly relaxed for a moment, and Edric caught it immediately.

Like most people, Lobel was naturally drawn to beautiful things—both objects and people.

Especially men, rather than women.

So when she had once claimed to like women in an attempt to discourage him, he had known it was a lie.

And thus, Edric made a decision.

I need to keep Arif out of sight for a while.

Shifting his focus back to Lobel, he noticed the things that made her uncomfortable.

The Denkart servant uniform, while elegant in its black fabric and fine embroidery, had a waistcoat that seemed too restrictive.

She would probably be more comfortable in just a shirt and trousers. Or, if she wished, even a dress…

It was her choice, of course, but Edric wanted to make it easier for her to decide.

When he asked, Lobel scratched her head and answered,

“I’m fine wearing this. I’m more comfortable in pants now. And besides… if I suddenly start wearing skirts here, it wouldn’t be good for you either, young master.”

“No one—whether the emperor or anyone else—can control me anymore. Don’t worry about what others think. Just think about me.”

When he told her to do whatever she wanted, Lobel’s face brightened.

And because of that, he was happy.

Now that she no longer had to be mindful of anyone’s gaze, he knew that going to the northern strongholds had been the right decision.

“Ah… so the imperial family is truly not a problem anymore.”

She murmured in a relieved tone before continuing,

“Still, you need to be mindful. The people in your territory should respect you, young master. Your tax system and policies are already better than most lords’, but… image is important too. You need to act with responsibility.”

“That sounds complicated.”

Normally, Edric grasped things quickly, often picking up on far more than what was explicitly stated.

It was rare for him to say he didn’t understand something.

Lobel furrowed her brows, looking troubled.

“…Hmm.”

Then, Edric sealed the matter.

“So, you’ll just have to explain it to me until I understand. You’re the smartest and wisest person I know, after all.”

“I appreciate the compliment, but… you should be careful saying things like that. The advisors might feel hurt.”

“Really? Alright. Then you can help me fix that habit.”

“Ah… y-yes.”

Only then did Lobel realize he was deliberately dragging out the conversation. With a sigh of resignation, she gave a half-hearted reply.

Still, Edric preferred this to her avoiding him entirely.

As long as she was by his side, he could do something.

…Sion once told me something.

Remembering Sion’s advice, Edric hesitated before undoing a few buttons on his shirt.

Sion had claimed—with his life on the line—that Edric’s well-trained, sculpted body could captivate any woman.

Even the knights had nodded in agreement.

Desperate to appeal to Lobel in any way, Edric diligently unbuttoned his shirt—though it felt awkward, since Lobel was usually the one who handled his buttons.

“…Haa.”

Watching this with an unreadable expression, Lobel let out a deep sigh and stood up.

Since the carriage was moving slowly amid traffic, there was no immediate danger.

But Edric felt uneasy.

Why is she getting up?

Yet, as she approached, his heart pounded.

Could she really be planning to confirm things right now, as promised?

Lobel had a bold streak, after all.

Edric swallowed dryly and stretched his arms toward her—

Only for Lobel to brush right past them, sit beside him, and meticulously re-button his shirt.

“I don’t know where you got this idea, but… visual appeal doesn’t work on me.”

…Useless Sion.

As he cursed Sion internally, Edric quickly formulated a new plan.

If visuals weren’t enough…

Then he’d have to rely on something Lobel truly loved.

And in that moment, the answer struck him.

Yes, that would work.

With newfound determination, Edric grabbed Lobel’s wrist and asked seriously,

“Then… do you want to touch it yourself?”

 

 

****

 

 

The young master promised that once the confirmation was over, he would let me return home.

He also said I could send as many letters to my parents as I wanted… and that I was free to visit the merchant guild, as long as I took him with me.

The way he spoke—so serious, so earnest—made me hesitate in my decision to leave immediately.

After all, I had started this mess. I needed to see it through properly.

…I never expected things to be exposed like this, though.

Regardless of our individual circumstances and mistakes, I knew I had wronged him, and that made it difficult to look him in the eye.

But the young master, as if he understood my worries, told me that none of it mattered.

It was a statement that both weighed on me and, strangely, lightened my heart.

…He’s really grown up.

And yet, like a child desperate for attention, he still did the most unexpected things.

Watching him unbutton his shirt—like some kind of exhibitionist—made me feel lightheaded.

…I get that you want to show me how much you’ve grown, but your methods are way too bizarre.

Objectively, the young master was intelligent, but he wasn’t particularly creative.

Which meant that there was no way he had come up with this idea on his own.

Where had he even picked up such nonsense?

I need to make sure he stays away from that person…

And then, as if that wasn’t bad enough, he had the nerve to tell me—not just to look—but to touch.

…This was insane.

“I’m good, thanks.”

I tried to pull my wrist away, but he only tightened his grip, pinning it gently against the seat.

The strength he used was light enough that I could have pulled away if I wanted to—but I didn’t.

No, I couldn’t.

Not after hearing his next, even more ridiculous suggestion.

“If you don’t want to touch it, you can hit me instead.”