When the Mid-Boss Villainous Noble Recalls Memories of a Past Life and Gains Game Knowledge. I Will Never Accept a Future Where I'm Called the Jealous Earl - Chapter 13

I opened the door and stepped outside, allowing the Duke’s spy to glance inside the cabin.

“It’s a small space,” I said casually.

“Is that so?” the spy replied, sparing only a quick glance inside. It seemed they only needed a brief look; there was no attempt to enter.

“Greetings, Earl Khalil Dicaman,” the spy began with a formal bow. “I serve the Duke’s household in intelligence.

Unfortunately, I cannot disclose my name. I apologize if this causes any offense.”

“It’s of no concern,” I replied.

How strange. As a spy in service to a duke, I had expected a more guarded and intense conversation. Perhaps my earlier interaction with Namis had heightened my tolerance for pressure, but the atmosphere felt more like a trivial game than a tense negotiation.

“Enough with the formalities. State your purpose.”

“Understood. I shall relay the Duke’s message at once.”

Straightening his posture, the spy delivered the message with precision.

“‘Earl Khalil Dikaman, I appreciate your visit to my territory to provide treatment. There is no need for a formal audience, but I request that you compile a report and submit it soon. Additionally, would you consider visiting my daughter?’ That is all.”

I see. It’s safe to assume that the Duke is already aware of my reasons for coming to his territory and the events at the treatment clinic. As for the invitation to visit his daughter, I’ll treat it as a mere formality and ignore it.

“Understood,” I said. “I’ll prepare a letter explaining why I cannot visit in person. Could you deliver it to the Duke?”

“Certainly.”

Still, for such an inconsequential message, the timing of the visit felt suspiciously convenient.

“Wait here for a moment.”

I returned to the cabin, where the others looked at me with concern.

“Is everything all right?” Mina asked.

“Yes. I suspect the soundproofing spell I used earlier drew their attention. They probably just wanted to confirm who’s inside.”

If the spy’s purpose truly was to deliver a simple message, the timing was far too perfect. Likely, their goal was to identify everyone present. They would then investigate Namis and Noel, gathering information to ensure I wasn’t harboring any ulterior motives.

This is merely my conjecture, but it’s clear the Duke is closely monitoring my actions.

“Someone should stand guard outside. Stay vigilant, but avoid showing hostility.”

“I’ll do it,” Mina volunteered immediately, raising her hand before any of the guards could respond.

“…Very well. Do your best.”

“Leave it to me!” she replied enthusiastically, standing tall as she headed outside.

Even Noel seemed surprised by Mina’s sudden initiative.
“Paper and pen,” I requested.

“Ah, here you go,” someone quickly replied, handing them over.
The cabin fell silent, save for the sound of my pen scratching against the paper.

My name is Mina, a commoner whose family has served the Dikaman household since my great-grandmother’s time. My grandmother, in particular, was renowned within the household, earning a position of considerable respect among the staff.

I, too, serve the household, and because I’m close in age to Khalil-sama, I’ve been entrusted with the role of his personal attendant.

I’ve been by Khalil-sama’s side since I was a child, watching his composed and mature demeanor grow stronger over time. Though it feels odd to say about myself, I’ve become an exceptional maid—capable of handling anything he might need. Probably…
Recently, though, I’ve felt a little lonely. Khalil-sama has been spending all his time in the laboratory, tirelessly researching a cure for the disease ravaging his fiancée’s territory.

It’s clear how deeply he cares for her. He’s utterly smitten.
This devotion has caused his priorities to shift somewhat, but Khalil-sama remains an exceptionally kind and virtuous noble. His integrity is so rare among aristocrats that he’s admired by everyone in the household.

That’s why, when his fiancée arrived at the manor and immediately let out a heavy sigh, the staff—though outwardly polite—took an instant dislike to her.

Everyone in the household hoped that Khalil-sama’s efforts would be recognized and rewarded.

Then something odd happened. Khalil-sama started asking me questions about his relationship with his fiancée.
I answered honestly. I may have been overly blunt, but I don’t regret it.

Shortly after, Khalil-sama abruptly left the manor. When he returned, he announced his decision to go to the Duke’s territory. I barely had time to prepare before Bosco-sama instructed me to accompany him. In the rush, I forgot several items.

Upon arrival, I was stunned when Khalil-sama allowed me to ride in the same carriage.

For a noble to share a carriage with a commoner is unheard of. During the journey, he was incredibly kind—offering comforting words and taking the time to explain things in ways I could easily understand.

He truly is remarkable.

Not that I mean anything improper by it! I would never dream of such a thing. A commoner like me could never think of a noble in that way.

But when we reached the Duke’s territory, my admiration turned to anger. The townspeople greeted Khalil-sama with open hostility.

Seeing their behavior, I couldn’t help but think: Do these people even deserve his help?

After various events, Khalil-sama began treating the Bertona family—an extraordinary lineage, though I only half-understood the details. And now, here I am, standing outside the treatment cabin with the Duke’s spy.

“I have a question,” I said, breaking the silence.

“What is it?” the spy replied.

“Why do the people in this territory harbor such resentment toward Khalil-sama?”

The spy hesitated, then replied, “I cannot disclose the full details. However, I can tell you this: the animosity toward the Earl is necessary for the Duke’s domain.”

“…!”

I clenched my fists, struggling to suppress my anger. As much as I wanted to lash out, I couldn’t. This man was associated with Khalil-sama’s fiancée, someone he cherished deeply. But hearing this justification for their treatment of him made my bl00d boil.

“I see,” I said curtly.

That day, I came to loathe this man, this town, the Duke, and Khalil-sama’s fiancée.