Surviving As An Obsessive Servant Chapter 146

Rimson was convinced.

Lobel had finally lost her mind.

“Ah… What the hell. What the hell. What the hell! Why?! Why do I keep thinking about it?!”

She had made a big show about packing her bags, insisting that she had to leave—

But the entire time, her face was flushed red, and she was completely losing it.

Her symptoms only worsened.

She kept smacking her suitcase with her fists, burying her face between the open flaps, and—

Even screamed out strange things like—

“Aaaaagh!”

“I was fine just a moment ago, why is this happening now?!”

“It’s so embarrassing!!”

‘…He’s always been a bit insane, but he’s completely gone off the deep end now.’

It was so ridiculous that Rimson almost felt bad keeping it to himself.

Edric should’ve skipped work today just to witness this.

‘Looks like all that worrying was pointless.’

Yawning, Rimson stretched.

He had stayed up all night by the stairs after hearing rumors that Edric and Lobel had fought.

Truthfully, he had arrived at the mansion late last night, intending to intervene.

Even Wayne had come with the master key set, and several servants—who cared for Lobel like their own—were anxiously pacing.

But they had all been blocked—

By none other than Arif, who had stationed himself at the foot of the stairs like some ancient imperial gatekeeper from legend.

And so, when morning came and the second-floor bell rang, Rimson was the first one up the stairs.

Despite his massive frame, he moved fast.

And what he saw was,

Edric.

Fussing over Lobel like she was made of sugar glass.

[Are you sure your arms don’t hurt?]

[You shouldn’t be standing. Shouldn’t you be sitting?]

[You must be tired. Stay here and rest. I’ll take care of everything, okay?]

…It was obvious.

They hadn’t fought.

They had just… made up.

Or rather, it had been an all-night lovers’ quarrel.

“Ugh… Am I seriously a pervert?”

Well.

It was about time she realized.

Still, he patted her on the back.

That’s when she finally noticed him.

Eyes widening, she turned her head in shock.

“Huh…? When did you get here, Brother Rimson?”

Rimson was genuinely surprised.

He had always been hard to miss because of his size.

But judging by how deep she had been in her own thoughts…

Yeah. He could guess exactly what kind of things were running through her twisted little mind.

“Just now.”

He answered curtly—then narrowed his eyes.

…Was it because of what Cray had mentioned earlier?

Because for some reason, Lobel’s face—one he had seen a thousand times—

Looked different.

The way her eyes shined, the faint blush dusting her cheeks—

It was weird.

And also familiar.

‘Wait. This is…’

The same way Tilly used to look when we first started dating.

Back then, she had been radiant—overflowing with the unmistakable glow of someone in love.

Of course, she was still beautiful now.

But back then, she had shined.

The memory alone made Rimson smile fondly.

And with that thought, he spoke up.

“Hey, Lobel. While you’re out, get your hair trimmed. The gardener’s been busy lately.”

“Oh, no. My hair…”

Lobel twirled a strand around her finger, laughing awkwardly.

“Actually, I was thinking about growing it out.”

So she had been keeping it long on purpose.

Most servants kept their hair short for a cleaner appearance, but plenty also grew it out and tied it up.

Rimson simply nodded, not questioning it further.

By the time she finished packing, Edric had returned—personally carrying her luggage before Rimson could even offer to help.

And he was hovering.

Asking if she had packed everything she needed.

“It’s a long trip. Eat this before you go.”

He handed her medicine for motion sickness, along with her favorite chocolates.

He had also prepared extra cushions and blankets for the carriage.

Watching from behind, Rimson had a strange feeling.

‘…Their dynamic has completely changed overnight. The young master seems more… mature.’

Even with so many people watching, Edric’s focus remained solely on Lobel.

They looked like a pair completely separate from the rest of the world.

The air itself felt different—almost sweet.

Knowing Edric’s usual ruthlessness, Rimson involuntarily shivered.

Outside, a grand carriage awaited.

One only Edric or the Duke himself would normally use.

Lobel glanced at it, looking utterly baffled.

Clearly, this hadn’t been her request.

“You expect me to ride that? No way. I refuse.”

Edric’s tone suddenly became dead serious.

“Lobel. To be honest, I don’t like this carriage either.”

He exhaled as if he had been enduring something.

“I made sure to pick the biggest and sturdiest one… but the color doesn’t suit you. You look better in brighter shades.”

Denkart’s signature black—too dull in the eyes of its heir.

And from his expression, he meant it.

“I’ll have them prepare a new one—something bright, but still comfortable.”

“…I’m sorry, I take it back. I’ll just take this one. It’s fine. Really, it’s fine, don’t worry—ugh, seriously. I said it’s fine!”

Rimson’s jaw dropped.

‘…This lunatic has completely lost it. He just dropped all formalities in front of everyone?!’

But Edric didn’t seem to care.

Instead, he gently took both of Lobel’s hands.

His expression was tragic—

Like a wife sending her husband off to war.

“I’ll wait for you. Come back… safely.”

His face was so breathtakingly beautiful that even the blind would have turned to stare.

Rimson—along with several nearby knights—watched in stunned silence.

Even Lobel seemed momentarily spellbound.

Then, suddenly—

She reached out through the carriage window, cupped Edric’s face, and pulled him in.

Their kiss was brief but deep.

“…I love you. I’ll be back soon.”

…What did I just witness?

Rimson stood there, utterly dumbfounded.

He spotted a group of maids in the distance—

The same ones who had just been complaining about their crazy young master.

And yet, now, they were waving their handkerchiefs, crying as if this were the most romantic moment in history.

Rimson sighed.

Women.

He would never understand them.

As chaotic as it had been, the carriage finally departed.

Even long after it had disappeared from sight, Edric remained rooted in place.

Once Lobel had undoubtedly left the capital—

He murmured under his breath.

“…I went too easy on her.”

Even after treating Lobel that well, Edric still looked like he was carrying the weight of the world.

Rimson seriously wondered if Lobel had learned some kind of dark magic and cast a spell on him.

Lately, the household staff had been buzzing about Edric’s behavior.

Lobel was unaware, but for years, all of her food, clothing, and personal belongings had been secretly replaced with the finest quality items.

All under Edric’s orders.

And it was everyone else who had carried them out—led by none other than Wayne.

Knowing the sincerity behind it, many of the servants envied Lobel.

Some of the men were especially suspicious.

‘…Not that it matters. They can’t get married anyway.’

Even Tilly had sighed over it.

Unless Edric was willing to give up his title and live in another country, Lobel would inevitably end up hurt.

Then, suddenly—

Edric asked something strange.

“Rimson. How was your wedding date decided?”

“…Mywedding date?”

“Yeah. I need to set one, too.”

Edric rarely spoke carelessly, but today, his words felt even heavier than usual.

‘…Must be some kind of arranged marriage with a noble. Or maybe a political contract.’

Tilly and Rimson had already predicted this.

After all, Edric and Lobel’s relationship had deepened.

So that’s what they fought about yesterday…

Rimson sighed.

The moment Lobel returned, he’d have to comfort her.

Still, since the decision had already been made, he hoped it would go smoothly.

“I don’t know much about noble customs… but in Terua, the groom’s side usually chooses the wedding date.”

“So I have to decide? Even though Lobel and the parents are the ones getting married? Why should I decide?!”

Rimson flinched.

Why was he suddenly getting yelled at?

Wait—Lobel? And his parents?

A wild thought crossed Rimson’s mind.

A thought so absurd he immediately dismissed it—

But he still had to ask.

“…Wait a second. Are you saying… you’re marrying Lobel?”

“If not her, then who else would I marry?”

…Had Edric secretly changed the law while no one was looking?

He was so confident—so blatantly certain—that it must mean there was no issue with the marriage.

Rimson wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or worried.

He also started mentally calculating how much money he’d have to put into two separate wedding gifts.

“Well. Then I guess there’s no need to worry about that part. Lobel’s parents will choose a date that’s convenient for them.”

“Mhm. That makes sense.”

Rimson nodded along—while side-eyeing the Duke’s office downstairs.

Edric did technically have a father.

But from the way he spoke, it was as if that man didn’t even exist.

Edric, back to his usual, composed self, asked seriously,

“What did you bring when you visited your in-laws?”

As soon as they returned to his chambers, Edric began writing things down.

He stared intently at his list, fully immersed in his thoughts.

And for a moment—

Rimson saw something rare.

Edric, who was usually so somber and tense—

Looked happy.

The heavy gloom that always followed him was gone.

It put Rimson at ease.

But the peace was short-lived.

Soon, Edric started looking around the room—his desk, the window, the door, the floor—before finally burying his head in his hands.

His face was bright red.

On top of that, he started coughing.

‘First Arif, now him… Is there a cold going around?’

“That’s enough for now. Get some rest.”

“Just a little more—”

“You need to be healthy when Lobel returns. You know how she gets when it comes to your health.”

As expected, that was the magic phrase.

At the mere mention of Lobel, Edric immediately climbed into bed.

Rimson, satisfied, blew out the bedside lamp.

Edric had always been a light sleeper.

During the brutal years in the Northern strongholds, it had only gotten worse.

Even the faintest noise or light could wake him.

So Rimson was always careful.

Especially today—since Lobel had begged him over and over to “Take care of the Young Master.”

“Rest well.”

Click.

As Rimson left, Edric remained alone in his room, staring at the empty space beside him.

His gaze lingered—

As if Lobel were still there.

Even though he was wide awake, he felt like he was dreaming.

He had never felt like this before.

Not even when he had taken his first steps.

Unable to contain his excitement, Edric let out a few quiet laughs.

And finally—

A long while later—

He drifted off into sleep.

A peaceful, sweet sleep.

A soft, happy smile remained on his face, even as the fever bloomed across his cheeks.