Surviving As An Obsessive Servant Chapter 72

‘A bug drawn to Lobel like a moth to a flame…’

Edric wore a faint smile, but his gaze shot daggers at Manellano.

The sentiment was mutual.

Manellano maintained a refined, aristocratic expression, yet his discomfort was palpable.

Edric allowed his lips to curl into a sly smirk.

Even being in the Stell family’s residence twisted his stomach.

But he reminded himself he would be leaving by the end of the day. There was no need to waste his energy on anger.

[Other nobles are no match for Denkart.]

He recalled the haughty teachings of Count Clant.

[Only the royal family warrants caution.]

‘That’s right. This fool is no match for me.’

The man had come all this way, desperate to curry favor with Denkart.

Getting riled up over someone like that wasn’t worth it.

Instead, ensuring Lobel could naturally receive treatment from his personal physician was a far more valuable endeavor.

Lost in thought, Edric quickened his pace. Even the brief time away from Lobel made him feel uneasy.

But as he neared the garden, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.

Manellano was the first to speak.

“…What is that?”

For once, their thoughts aligned perfectly.

They stood dumbstruck, staring at Lobel and the princess seated on a pastel-toned picnic mat in the corner of the garden.

The two wore matching flower crowns atop their heads, sharing a scene so friendly it was almost surreal.

Pretending to feed one another in mock play, they seemed like long-time friends.

Edric had never met the princess before, but her platinum hair, cascading to her waist, was unmistakably the symbol of the royal family.

Yet the sight felt unbelievable, given her infamous reputation for being difficult to approach.

Even Count Clant had repeatedly emphasized extreme caution when addressing her.

Manellano seemed just as perplexed.

“Well… it seems Her Highness is extremely fond of Lobel.”

His tone was dripping with disdain, as though something dear had been stolen from him.

Edric shared the urge to pull Lobel away immediately, but he maintained his composure.

“Was Her Highness’s attendance part of today’s plans?”

“Of course not. If it were, we’d have brought in the Stell orchestra to perform. She’s the future mistress of Denkart, after all.”

Not needing to hear Manellano’s sarcasm any further, Edric strode forward.

The princess, fully engrossed in her pretend play, finally raised her head.

The gazes of the two—embroiled in engagement rumors—met, and nearby maids exchanged excited glances.

“May the goddess’s blessings be with you. Edric Denkart greets Her Highness the Princess.”

But the princess transformed in an instant, her once radiant smile reserved for Lobel disappearing entirely.

“Are you blind? Can’t you see we’re playing house right now?”

She snapped at him with a sharp tongue, treating him like an unwelcome intruder.

Edric knew he was obligated to apologize. This was a royal, after all, and he had disrupted her mood. Count Clant had endlessly stressed the importance of respecting the royal family.

But even knowing this, the words wouldn’t come.

If anything, he felt he was the one owed an apology.

Playing house with Lobel—something even he hadn’t done—and right before his eyes?

Even the most precious bloodline in the empire couldn’t be forgiven for this.

Edric finally spoke, his gaze fixed on Lobel, who awkwardly removed the flower crown from his head.

“With all due respect, Your Highness, Lobel is my personal servant and has a scheduled engagement.”

“Hmm. Bel already told me. You’re here to see the duke, aren’t you?”

Her tone, implying he should just leave and get on with his business, made Edric grit his teeth.

He had heard of Princess Delilah’s infamous willfulness, but this was beyond his expectations.

‘Trying to steal Lobel…’

Seething, Edric forced a smile.

The maids admired his beauty, but Lobel could sense his growing irritation.

“Lobel must have been mistaken. Unfortunately, Your Highness, he has personal obligations with me.”

The blatant lie rolled off Edric’s tongue without hesitation.

He delivered it so convincingly that even Lobel, who knew the truth, was momentarily taken aback.

Young and innocent, Princess Delilah appeared somewhat skeptical.

“…Is that true?”

“Yes, it seems so. My apologies, Your Highness, for forgetting my prior commitments,” Lobel chimed in smoothly, reading the mood.

The princess, visibly dissatisfied, pouted. Meanwhile, Edric’s expression brightened.

But her next words quickly erased his brief moment of triumph.

“Fine. Then I’ll come by tomorrow and play house with you myself.”