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 9

“I-I can’t believe this has happened… I have no way to apologize… I feel like I should properly apologize, but I…”

As I desperately apologized, the silver-haired man furrowed his brow and waved his left hand dismissively, making a “shh, shh” sound.

“Enough already. Looking at your appearance, I can tell I shouldn’t expect a proper apology. I can only think of it as an unfortunate accident. …However, from now on, be careful when you walk. Jumping out from the shade without noticing the horse, for example. You could have easily died.”

“Y-yes… I’m sorry…”

It must mean that I should go somewhere else. It’s incredibly painful, but judging by this situation, it’s clear that this person doesn’t want to be involved with me.

Feeling as if I might be crushed by my own guilt, I slowly turned my back and began to walk away. Suddenly, my vision wavered. …I felt a bit breathless.

“Hey, wait a minute.”

At that moment, a silver-haired man called out to me from behind. I stopped in my tracks and turned around. My body felt incredibly heavy, and a strange sweat began to form all over me.

The silver-haired man handed something to the young man with orange hair and pointed at me. Then, the young man with orange hair swiftly came over to my side. …As expected, his movements are quick.

The young man’s eyes, seen up close, were a vivid green. They sparkled with curiosity. He was also a handsome young man with a well-defined face.

“Here, this is from your husband. Accept it.”

Saying that, they placed a silver coin in my hand.

“Th-this is……”

“Don’t hold back. It’s the master’s goodwill. I don’t know where you came from, but go back home and buy something to eat at the store.”

Even so, I can’t just stand by and walk away quietly.

At the very least, I must go before that noble once more and express my gratitude.

Thinking that, I clenched the silver coin that had been handed to me and tried to walk over again to the silver-haired man who was still sitting under the large tree, looking concerned about his arm injury.

However.

Huh, what…? My vision is kind of flickering…

The moment I thought, “This is strange,” my bl00d suddenly ran cold, and all the strength left my body. My knees buckled, and right after that, my vision went completely dark.

“Whoa!? H-Hey! What happened to you!? Get a grip!”

I felt like I heard such a voice in the distance.

◇　◇　◇

(──────…………。……Hmm…?)

Huh…?

I wonder what’s wrong with me. I feel kind of good… My body feels really fluffy.

In a gentle sensation as if wrapped in soft cotton, I had been dozing for a while. Gradually, my consciousness became clearer, and I slowly opened my eyes.

What?? Where is this place……?

When I looked around in surprise at the unfamiliar ceiling, I noticed something that looked like a bed canopy. It was then that I finally realized I was lying on a bed. I hurriedly sat up.

And then, I look around and gasp.

(…a clean room…)

The spacious room was neatly organized and filled with a sense of cleanliness. The numerous pieces of furniture looked luxurious, adorned with elegantly patterned, heavy curtains. The bed I was lying on was also very large, with a soft blanket draped over my body.

Not understanding the situation I’m in, I desperately rack my brain. Um… I was kicked out of the Count Everly’s mansion with nothing but the clothes on my back. Not knowing where to go, I decided to head towards the royal capital for now… and then I entered the forest just before the Duke Harrington’s territory…

Oh right, I…!

The face of the silver-haired and orange-haired man from earlier flashes through my mind. At that moment, the door to the room suddenly clicks open. Startled, my shoulders jump.

“Ah… I’m glad. You were awake.”

The person who entered the room through the open door was a young woman. …Could she be a servant here? She was dressed like one. She was holding a basin in her hands.

The woman came over to me with a smile on her face.

“I just had the doctor examine me, and he gave me a nutrient injection. You haven’t been eating properly for quite a while, have you? They say you’re malnourished. It’s a good thing your husband brought you back.”

The woman with bright chestnut-colored hair spoke to me so kindly.