Chapter 457 – The Gardener in Black (4)

Lost in the enchanting fragrance of the flowers that filled the garden, the girl offered a delicate smile.

The Garden of Spring (Descanso Garden) remained a haven of beauty amidst the turmoil of the world. This land belonged to a young girl who had just come into her own this year. Yet, no one could deny that this place was truly hers. Everyone placed their trust in and followed this girl, who was beset by hardships. It might seem absurd, but it was evident when looking ahead.

Seated at the center of the flowerbed, the girl welcomed a white butterfly that came to rest upon her head. It was a common sight for bees and butterflies to be drawn to her, for her scent was even sweeter than the flowers themselves.

“Miss,” a voice called.

It was her maid, Camellia.

“…Miss?”

The girl, unable to remember the face that belonged to the voice, momentarily lost herself in thought. Then, she moved her gaze upward, but there was no maid in sight. Despite this, her body instinctively reacted to the call.

“I’m sorry. I was lost in thought. What’s happening?”

A voice that was mixed with fierce energy, yet held a certain strength.
The girl possessed the power to lead others.

“The knights will arrive soon.”
“…I see.”

Upon hearing Camellia’s words, the girl lowered her head and nodded.

“Then… shall we go?”
“Yes, Miss. Let’s go.”

*Squeak. Squeak.*

As soon as the girl finished speaking, the wheelchair began to move.
The body of the girl, relying on a pair of machines, moved along with it.

*Thump, thump.*

As the wheelchair turned,

The view wavered and the scenery changed. At least, that’s how it appeared to Camellia.
She saw the pillars of the mansion, then the flower garden once more.
But the girl could only see the same darkness, no matter where she went.

*Rattle.*

Even when the wheels shook, she had no idea where she was. The anxiety born from such uncertainty constantly gripped and shook the girl’s heart.

“…Camellia?”
“Yes, miss.”
“…I’m sorry. I’m a little scared.”
“It’s all right. I’m by your side.”

What if Camellia wasn’t here?

I don’t even want to imagine. The thought struck fear in the girl once again.
In front of her right now. Darkness. The feeling of looking into the deep sea.
If something happens and I’m dragged somewhere, can I resist?

A blind person cannot see and believe.
Even partial blindness is a fatal flaw for the aristocracy, which eventually led to the issue of trust.

If I had been blind from birth, it would be different.
A body that has lost its light after having seen it.

With the last remaining eye now useless, even the world I longed to see has vanished.

Unable to hold onto people, unable to reach out, unable to stand on solid ground.

– Thump.

My heart aches.

“…Uh.”
“It’s all right. Take a deep breath.”

The girl would sometimes succumb to panic.
Camellia gently patted her trembling body. As she took deep breaths repeatedly, the convulsions finally subsided.

– Drip.

Tears from the girl’s chin moistened the soil in the garden.

‘How much longer…’

Must she endure living like this?

The girl was utterly exhausted.

It felt as if she still possessed both of her arms and could walk as before, but in reality, she could do nothing herself.

The emptiness that surpassed her regrets could not be overcome, no matter how much she clawed at her own heart. She couldn’t look in the mirror and thus remained unaware of her own condition.

If someone were to give her poison, Camellia would have no choice but to accept it. If someone groped or caressed her body, she would have to endure it. Even if they aimed for something beyond that.

“…!”

– Flicker.

Camellia regained her senses and caught her breath.

One, two. One, two. She counted in her mind and swallowed her saliva, barely managing to escape the grip of her negative thoughts.

“Lady… Are you all right?”

Camellia expressed her concern, and Melia rested her head on her arm. The faint scent of skin soothed her body.

“…I’m fine.”

A body targeted by the king. Perhaps she was the most unfortunate person in the world.

Having lost her parents, her body, and her sight. And now, facing the threat of a violent death.

“…Let’s go.”

Yet, Melia did not relinquish hope. She feigned composure, attempting to sound strong.

“Whew, shall we postpone our next outing until tomorrow?”
“Why don’t you take care of yourself… Lady?”
“I’m fine.”

At least for now, she could still savor the fragrance of this garden.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

They say the hardest meal to eat is one served with apprehension.

“Enjoy your meal, everyone.”

With the girl unable to use her arms and legs before her, Shiba struggled to find delight in the food.

“……”

Being assigned as a guardian for their first mission, it was natural to receive such treatment. However, seeing the girl’s condition, their heads bowed instinctively.

“…Everyone?”
“We’ll enjoy our… meal!”
“Yes!”

As Camellia spoke with a slightly uneasy tone, Shiba and Saku responded in surprise. Only then did Camellia smile, her face relieved.

“Phew, I hope it suits your taste.”

Shiba genuinely hoped so as well. She lowered her head and looked at her bowl. The cast iron spoon, a familiar mix of ingredients within. She had grown weary of the sprout bibimbap and wanted to close her eyes, offering a silent prayer before indulging.

‘…Why.’

At this point, the bibimbap seemed to have become a relentless stalker.

The food’s lack of appeal wasn’t solely due to being placed in front of Camellia.

“Since there are three Koreans here, I brought a dish that’s commonly enjoyed.”
“I see.”
“Bibimbap! It’s absolutely delicious.”

As Soo-yeon and Saku calmly responded, Dong-baek’s smile grew even wider. Seeing her smile, it was impossible to be too picky about the food.

Squinting her eyes, Shiba stared at the table with a somber expression.

At that moment, a woman behind her quietly spoke to Shiba.

“Excuse me, Shiba?”
In a voice so soft that Camellia couldn’t hear.

“Hm? Yes?”
“If there’s something you can’t eat, please try this…”

The pink-haired woman who had been closely standing behind Camellia until now. Her name was Camellia, wasn’t it?

Camellia discreetly offered another plate, collecting the unappetizing sprout bibimbap. A well-cooked piece of meat was placed before Shiba’s eyes.

“Miss Maid…!”

Tears of emotion filled her eyes.

At Shiba’s emphatic words, Camellia gave a thumbs up and returned to Dongbaek’s side.

The difficulty of the meal had decreased threefold. Shiba quickly placed the sliced meat in her mouth and chewed, soon reveling in the bliss of the savory juices.

Time passed.

As the meal concluded and tea was served, Soo-yeon asked Dongbaek, “Have you experienced anything unusual lately?”

“Yes, currently.”

Had she decided it was time to discuss the mission? The conversation progressed with Soo-yeon asking questions and Dongbaek answering, as they began to deliberate on which direction to take.

“The king is dangerous. He managed to sweep through the entire cradle without a scratch. If I had my way… I’d want to summon the Fortress of the World Tree.”

“…That’s not possible.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“I’m sorry. It seems… that my health deteriorates when I leave this place.”

“I understand.”

Soo-yeon nodded once and turned to ask Dongbaek’s maid.

“What are the defenses in place here?”
“Entry is restricted to employees and authorized individuals.”

Melia immediately responded to Soo-yeon’s question.

“Card keys and passwords are changed daily, and even employees are not allowed to enter at night. The mansion’s exterior is protected by seven types of artifacts, and we have defense agreements in place with certain guilds in case of emergencies.”
“What do these defense agreements entail?”
“In exchange for compensation, we employ a select group of hunters as guards.”
“I see. If it’s not too presumptuous, may I offer some suggestions regarding the security measures?”

Melia fell silent. It wasn’t her place to answer this question.

The intrusion of outsiders into one’s domain, let alone their involvement in the security system, could be perceived as offensive by the lord of the estate. However, Bam casually nodded her head in agreement.

“Of course.”

Surprised by the amicable response, Soo-yeon widened her eyes, rose from her seat, and bowed her head.

-Kik!

Dongbaek couldn’t see Soo-yeon in that state, but he seemed to have deduced it from the sound of the chair, and he rounded his mouth as he spoke.

“If you’re bowing your head, it’s alright. You’re here to protect me, so naturally—”
“No.”

Soo-yeon spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

“I have come on a mission from the Tree Knights, and I swear by the sacred tree that I will protect the lord.”
“… It’s astonishing to hear such words from someone who supports an entire nation.”

Dongbaek trembled as if he were dumbfounded. However, he didn’t appear displeased.

“Then, I’m counting on you. All of you.”

To avoid being targeted by the king, and to be able to defend against it if necessary.
The three ‘cotyledons’ who had been observing the situation stood up from their seats and bowed their heads in the same manner.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Two weeks had passed since I stealthily infiltrated the garden.

Just as I began to wonder if it was time for something to unfold, my path crossed with Dongseon and Camellia for the first time.

“Weeden? You’re out a bit early today, aren’t you?”
“Haha, I just couldn’t wait to take in the beauty of the garden.”

The pseudonym ‘Weeden’ had gradually gained recognition among the servants here. Known for being highly competent and occasionally assisting others in their tasks while lending a sympathetic ear to their concerns, my reputation had grown quite favorable. Although only two weeks had passed, it seemed as if everyone knew me now.

Hardworking Weeden and clumsy Harry! The name Harry signifies Ebony.

“Ah, Weeden! Thanks for helping me out last time.”
“Mhm. Did the task go well?”
“Haha, all thanks to you.”

All of this was part of the process.

If it had properly seeped in, that would be good, and even if suspicion arose midway, there were still holes from which the truth could emerge.

– Thud, thud.

Having cut off a few branches, I subtly turned my head, sensing a gaze from behind me.

Camellia, who had just arrived, was crossing the road right beside me. She sat in a wheelchair being pushed by a pink-haired maid. The maid whispered something to Camellia, and suddenly spun the wheelchair in my direction.

“Excuse me, Mr. Weeden?”

The maid asked me. I reacted as nonchalantly as I could.

“Yes?”
“My name is Camellia, the lord’s exclusive maid. The lady said she wanted to see you for a moment.”

The time had come.

Occasional servant interviews. I descended the ladder and moved everything that might be considered a weapon, such as scissors, behind a tree.

After waiting like that, Dongbaek soon approached and asked. Hesitant, yet familiar with this process, she asked in a rather pleasant voice.

“…Um, Weeden?”

“Yes, my lady. Pleased to meet you!”

Upon hearing the spirited reply, Dongbaek was caught off guard.

“Please, don’t be so loud.”

Her maid was immediately scolded.

“It’s alright, Camellia.”

With a bashful giggle, Dongbaek asked, looking away from where I stood.

“…Are you enjoying your work?”
“Indeed, I am. I can’t express how grateful I am for having an assistant to work alongside.”
“Haha, I’ve heard quite often. You’re working exceptionally hard. If you have any difficulties… Are there any issues with your salary?”
“Absolutely not.”

There seemed to be a reason why Dongbaek was rumored to be kind to her servants. Her voice was sweet and pleasant, like a young girl’s.

“I’m relieved to hear that. It’s a shame that I can’t see Widen at work.”
“……”

How should I respond to this? Glancing at Camellia, she silently pushed Dongbaek’s wheelchair.

“What about Harry?”

“Oh, my assistant is working in a different direction.”
“Is that so? That’s quite unfortunate.”

Camellia genuinely seemed regretful, her lips curving downward. Upon conversing with her, it became clear that she was a far kinder person than initially assumed. Her inherent goodness was evident in her tone and facial expressions.

She was incredibly spirited. However, at the same time, one could observe her breaths coming in quick, labored gasps, as if she were fatigued from the heat of her body.

“My lord, are you alright?”
“…Hm? What is it?”
“It’s nothing. Just take a moment to catch your breath.”
“Ah, this is normal for me. Haha. I apologize for causing you concern. Withen-nim, your heart is truly pure.”

Rather than being perturbed, Camellia apologized and even slightly bowed her head. Although there was a significant difference in their social standing, it did not seem to matter. Her disability may have played a part in shaping her character, or perhaps she had always been this way.

“My lady.”
“Ah, I should be on my way now.”

Upon hearing Melia’s words, she gently shook her head instead of her hand. It seemed to be her unique way of greeting.

“Take care, Widen.”
“Yes.”

Melia moved along with Melia’s wheelchair. I subtly shifted my gaze from Melia to Camellia.

‘…A Hunter.’

From the magical structure within her body to her muscle density, it was evident at once. She was a Hunter, and quite a skilled one at that.

-Kiririk.

The wheelchair turned. As I intently watched her, Camellia caught my gaze and observed me closely.

“Widen.”
“Yes?”
“Your hair has grown quite a bit since I saw you two weeks ago.”

My hair?

The disguise was perfect, but there might be some differences. Absentmindedly touching the back of my head, I replied naturally.

“It’s about time I trimmed it.”
“I see. Coincidentally, tomorrow is the weekend… Oh, I’ve taken up too much of your time.”
“Not at all.”

Ha ha.
Though her laughter was awkward, her keen perception was quite remarkable.

It was unclear why Camellia bothered to ask that. One thing, however, was certain: that woman would become a significant thorn in her side. Her pure skill was hard to gauge, but for now, she resolved to keep an eye on her.