Surviving As An Obsessive Servant – Chapter 185 – Evo (IF) Side Story Chapter 5

Author: Asternkm

As time passed, Evo regained his position as head of the Hornet Trading Company.

Having earned the trust of the Duke of Denkart, Evo returned home with the house’s permission and retrieved the insignia—symbol of the head—and continued to perform outstandingly.

He quietly dealt with the brothers who once again attempted assassination, just as they had in the past.

Now with the most trustworthy person as his new attendant, Evo nurtured both Elkatan and Hornet simultaneously.

And even amidst such responsibilities, he paid close attention to even the smallest details.

He had members from both of his trading companies undergo quarterly health check-ups by skilled physicians.

Since most of the merchants often crossed borders and endured difficult conditions, the goal was to detect any illness in advance and treat it.

“The head of the trading company is truly exceptional.”

Everyone admired Evo’s meticulousness and was moved by it.

Even those who had once expressed concern about a young boy becoming head of a trading company felt the same way.

Of course, the real reason was to check for signs of Pheras in Lobelia—but no one, including Lobel herself, had the slightest idea.

“There are no signs of Pheras.”

“…I see.”

After finishing his conversation with the physician, Evo stared out the window with indifferent eyes.

By now, the last of the stone tablets from the northern strongholds were being brought in.

It meant the Duke’s long-held wish was about to be fulfilled.

In the meantime, Evo had helped not only in retrieving the tablets but also in deciphering them.

He had once heard from Lobel about how to interpret them, which made this possible.

And Edric Denkart, now able to take steps on his own, was steadily improving. Thanks to this, the retainers of Denkart had grown very fond of Evo.

Although the Duke still couldn’t recall the events of the past, he seemed to share the same sentiment—empowering Evo and respecting his will.

So now, there were no debts left to settle in Denkart.

With that thought, Evo walked away from it all, without any lingering regret.

***

Today was the day to check out the goods that would be sold in the capital.

Evo said the Flor Merchant Group could be a trustworthy business partner, and Lobel was outstanding by anyone’s standards.

So it wasn’t strange for the two of them to spend time together for the sake of the merchant group.

Upon arriving at the capital’s main plaza, Evo calmly waited for Lobel. But even then, he glanced at a carriage parked on the road and checked his hair several times.

Normally, he wouldn’t do such a thing even for a large sum of money.

After going through that process a few times, Evo crossed his arms and fell deep into thought.

‘…I need to make sure today’s schedule doesn’t wear Lobel out.’

Of course, the schedule itself was so light that it felt half like a casual outing.

Besides, Evo had prepared thoroughly.

He had already scouted all the paths they would take, and he’d gone alone multiple times to check the places where they’d eat and rest.

Evo never did the same thing twice, so he found the process satisfying and even enjoyable.

As he smiled gently, women nearby stole glances at him.

But Evo was so deep in thought that he didn’t notice at all.

‘…What should I talk to Lobel about?’

He had seriously thought about it yesterday, the day before, and even three days ago—but he was still pondering.

Since he only got to see Lobel once a week, and for a very short time, he wanted to make her happy during those moments and leave her with good memories.

About ten minutes before their scheduled meeting time, Lobel appeared.

“Brother!”

Evo’s eyes widened as he spotted Lobel approaching from afar.

Today, Lobel had her long hair tied high in a ponytail and was wearing pants and a shirt.

He had seen her many times before, but this was the first time seeing her in a ponytail and casual outfit—it felt refreshing.

‘…Pants really do suit Lobel better.’

With her long arms and legs, just looking at her was refreshing.

It must’ve been obvious that he was genuinely admiring her, because Lobel shyly scratched her cheek.

“Looks like this style suits me, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Evo replied with sincerity.

“You look really pretty.”

“Oh, come on… You really are a merchant through and through. You sure know how to flatter someone.”

“I’m not selling you anything. Our agreement was settled long ago.”

He meant it literally.

Lobel felt flattered yet bashful at his firm response and raised an eyebrow.

As Evo took in every little reaction from her, he started walking alongside her.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. Just walking beside her made him happy.

Still, he kept his emotions in check, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

As they cheerfully toured the capital for a while, he suddenly spotted a street stall.

It was a place selling accessories. A hair ribbon with an amethyst charm caught his eye.

‘That would… look great on Lobel.’

Evo slowed his steps.

Normally, he would’ve just walked past, but today it felt impossible to ignore.

Though he had sent Lobel gifts under the name of Elkatan or Hornet Merchant Group, he had never given her anything personally.

He hadn’t wanted to put her at risk, since becoming the head of a merchant group made her a target.

But now, with both groups backing her… maybe it was okay.

He had seen countless items before, but this was the first time he had ever truly wanted to buy something.

Once he made up his mind, Evo acted boldly.

“Lobelia, wait here.”

Leaving behind a puzzled Lobel, Evo quickly bought the ribbon.

Even in that short time, he checked which group had made it. That way, he could identify the craftsman.

But, with her sharp eyes, Lobel had apparently seen everything.

She held out her hand, urging him.

“Come on, give it here.”

Evo let out a soft laugh and handed her the ribbon.

Then, she began to untie her hair to put the new ribbon on.

“Please wait for me.”

After saying that, Lobel loosened her hair.

Her long silver hair cascaded down like a waterfall, shining so brightly it almost hurt to look at.

It was so beautiful that Evo stared in a daze. Lobel laughed, the ribbon in her mouth.

Even though he knew she probably thought he looked strange, he couldn’t tear his gaze away.

It was his first time seeing Lobel let her hair down and tie it again—he wanted to remember it.

Evo felt like he was floating on air all the way to their meal.

“Um, Brother?”

Only when Lobel spoke did his thoughts break.

Evo was about to call the manager over.

But Lobel stopped him.

“No, no. I don’t want more food or anything.”

Then what is it?

As he looked at her curiously, Lobel hesitated for a moment before blurting out a question.

“What do you think of the young master?”

“…Young master?”

He usually avoided talking about Edric.

…Could it be she remembered something from the past?

Or had she come to this translucent world too?

The thought made his expression start to stiffen. But no—if she was talking about that, she wouldn’t be smiling so awkwardly.

Evo cooled his head and responded without revealing any personal feelings.

“He’s a fine man, fitting to be Denkart’s heir.”

“Mhm.”

“He has good morals and a proper set of values.”

“Mm-hmm.”

From her expression, it was clear Lobel had more to say.

So he waited patiently, and after sipping some water, she finally spoke.

“But, Brother… do you even see what’s around you right now?”

Evo glanced around.

There were well-dressed guests. The usual kind for a place like this. No one suspicious.

He waited for her explanation. Lobel gave a helpless smile.

“You’re being really dense today. This place is super famous as a date spot, you know?”

****

After hearing that, Evo felt guilty.

…What if she was offended?

Lobel didn’t see him as someone of romantic interest.

In the past, he was someone who protected and guided her. Now, a partner to learn and grow with.

Of course, he’d planned to express his feelings eventually—but not like this.

Especially not by using his status to bring her into a private outing. That was the worst.

He kept blaming himself for being careless the whole time, but thankfully, Lobel showed no sign of discomfort.

Then he noticed her shoes.

They were boots, so he hadn’t realized—but the heels were quite high.

Suddenly regaining his energy, Evo spoke eagerly.

“Want to rest here for a bit?”

Lobel looked at him closely, then nodded.

The two of them sat on a wooden bench on a quiet street.

‘I’ll let her rest for a bit… then send a message to have the carriage brought here.’

Just as he was thinking that, a smooch sound rang out.

Even though he clearly heard it, he didn’t think it came from near him.

It was the sound of a kiss, after all.

Again, he heard the sound—smooch.

Something warm touched his cheek.

Thinking it was odd, he turned his head—and saw Lobel looking away, blushing.

“My mom told me… If you’re on a date, and the view’s nice, the mood’s good, and the guy’s handsome—then be brave and follow your heart… Was that wrong?”

Lobel’s cheeks turned redder, and she looked uneasy.

“Wait… was that not okay? I thought we felt the same way.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s right.”

Evo gently took her chin and cheek, tilting her face toward him.

And before she could say anything else, he kissed her.

He usually hated moments when his thoughts became unclear. It made rational choices difficult.

But now, with his mind completely blank from the heat, he felt an overwhelming joy.

Her arms around his neck felt perfect. Her body warmth felt perfect.

Everything—was perfect.

After quite a while, their lips finally parted.

As Lobel shyly looked down, Evo pulled her into an embrace and whispered.

“I like you.”