The Black-haired Noblewoman, Who Disguised Herself, Seems To Have Been Doted On While Serving As The Caretaker For The Duke Who Dislikes Women - Episode 7

I was taken outside the gate and looked back at the mansion with lingering regret. The guards were glaring at me with sharp eyes.

I had no choice but to start walking away from the scene. And in the next moment, I realized that I couldn’t even bring with me the few mementos of my parents that were in my room in the basement of the mansion.

“……”

I feel so frustrated and sad that tears overflow uncontrollably. I just want to take at least the belongings that belonged to my father and mother. But the count will never allow me to get close to the mansion again, no matter the reason.

I started walking aimlessly.

What should I do from now on…? How can I survive…? The only place that might accept someone like me is…

Roughly and haphazardly cut, uneven and dirty black hair. A soot-stained face and a tattered dress. Worn-out shoes. …No matter how you look at it, I’m just a beggar. If I sincerely explain my situation, is there a place that would let me work in exchange for room and board? No, maybe I should look for a convent or a facility that protects people without relatives…

But first, I need to decide where I’m headed.

I picture the surrounding map in my mind. The Everly territory is located on the western side of the Hastina Kingdom. If you go northeast from here and cross the Harrington Duchy, the eastern side will lead you to the royal capital.

“……”

There is no one I can rely on. I felt like I wanted to go to the small town in the south where my father and mother lived, but as someone with no money, I probably wouldn’t be able to make it there.

I don’t know where to go. In that case… let’s aim for the royal capital for now. If it’s a big town, I might be able to find a way to make a living.

I don’t even know if I can make it that far……

Honestly, I was so exhausted that I felt like I might collapse at any moment. I hadn’t eaten anything from yesterday morning until now. The last time I put something in my mouth was the night before last. I had been continuously doing the tasks I was ordered to do, and on top of that, there was that commotion earlier. I had resisted Steve with all my might, been dragged by the count, and was mentally worn out. I was completely drained.

But anyway, I have no choice but to move forward. I don’t have any money to ride a horse-drawn carriage, and I don’t even know where to catch one. If I keep walking, maybe I’ll run into a kind person who might extend a helping hand…

Alright. Anyway, let’s go.

My chest was filled with anxiety, and I felt like my legs were about to give out and I wouldn’t be able to move. The thought that I might end up starving to death like this crossed my mind.

But I steeled myself. I repeatedly spurred myself on, telling myself I had no choice but to go, and started walking, holding back tears.

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Enduring hunger and thirst, I keep walking relentlessly. Combined with fatigue, I sometimes feel like I might faint. So far, there is no sign of anyone passing by.

As I continued walking for a while, I saw a dense forest with towering trees. I immediately felt uneasy. …That’s right. There was a small forest between here and the Harrington Duke’s territory just before the royal capital.

What should I do? There’s no doubt that cutting through here is the shortest route, but……

They say that there are ferocious beasts in the forest. If I were to be attacked by one, I would probably be done for in no time.

…but…

Whatever. Anyway, let’s go……

With a body and mind already lacking in nutrients, and hunger that had surpassed all limits, I had long lost any semblance of calm judgment. With no energy left to think any further, I staggered into the forest.