Chapter 13
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I possessed the body of a villainess locked away in a desolate tower. Chapter 13 "Hmm...."
Actually, there wasn't much to deliberate over. My mind was already brimming with countless Korean web novels and stories—the result of spending all my leisure time at home in my past life. Among them, wouldn't "Safety Guidelines for the Eerie Duke's Castle" suit their tastes perfectly? Recalling the vivid depictions of blood and corpses from the historical biographies, I nodded inwardly.
"I believe I can provide you with an entertaining story."
"Oh my, it seems the young lady possesses literary refinement as well."
Slightly embarrassed by Brown's admiration, I shook my head while conscious of my flushed cheeks. Even though the most critical story had been resolved, numerous problems still remained.
"By the way, the direction and sketches for the historical biography—or rather, the Blaire Chronicles—who was responsible for those?"
"My apprentice handled it, but... is there some issue?"
It was Robid who answered the question, though his tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.
"There's no issue. In fact, I think it would be best to continue entrusting the direction to that person."
There was one thing I had noticed while reading the Blaire Chronicles. Despite the unbearably tedious content, the composition and direction of each panel were remarkably superior. Of course, when mediocre content merged with brilliant direction, it only amplified the sense of discord rather than creating synergy—yet I found possibility within that gap.
"Is that truly so?"
Robid regarded me with obvious skepticism.
"That apprentice has been studying under me for eighteen years, yet their skills show no improvement whatsoever."
"Hmm...."
But the directorial talent I had witnessed was no illusion. How many people could portray wings sprouting from an armpit without making it ridiculous? At my lukewarm response, Robid lowered his voice further.
"I'm serious. That person can barely manage simple sketches."
"Ah, if that's the case, it doesn't matter."
I cut him off. I didn't need to hear the rest—I could already tell. Everyone wanted to draw, but lacking skill, this apprentice had been pushed into direction work by default.
"I really do want to request that person handle the direction. We can simply ask those with superior artistic skills to handle the illustrations."
Everyone possessed hidden talents; they were merely wearing ill-fitting clothes. Should I make an impression and meet them face-to-face? After all, to prevent the birth of a disaster like the Blaire Chronicles, I needed to meet everyone involved in the production at least once.
"Since lunch will be soon anyway, it would be nice to dine together."
"Ugh, understood."
Leaving Robid—who seemed to have much more to say—behind, I returned to my Chamber and organized the story. I settled on the title: "Safety Guidelines for the Eerie Duke's Castle."
Hoping that this distinctly Korean web novel style title would prove effective in this world as well. How much time had passed? The one who came to find me at lunchtime was far beyond my expectations.
"Hello, Miss!"
I had naturally assumed it would be Liam, the painter, or perhaps a knight. Instead, a maid in a simple servant's dress stood before me, her carrot-orange hair tied high, beaming with an enormous smile.
"...Who are you?"
"I'm Bonita, and I'll be attending to you starting today! Please feel free to speak casually with me. Oh, I didn't realize it when I only saw you from afar, but you truly have the loveliest eyes. My eyes turn upward at the corners, so people often think I'm angry. Ahahaha!"
What, what is this powerhouse extrovert? As I stood there, barely comprehending half of the words tumbling toward me, Bonita fixed me with an eager, expectant gaze. Unable to bear the pressure, I stammered out a brief response.
"I'm... pleased to meet you...."
"Oh my, how kind. I'd love to serve you a refreshing cup of tea, but it's already nearly lunchtime. I'll escort you to the Garden—the weather is so lovely today that I've already guided the painter there as well for your meal together!"
With that, Bonita turned and began leading the way. As she spoke, I found myself filtering through the torrent of information she'd unleashed, and a sudden curiosity compelled me to open my mouth.
"Did you say you'd be attending to me 'starting today'?"
"Yes, that's right. And it's by the Aide's direct order, no less! When the other maids heard I'd be attending to the new guest, you should have seen their jealousy—Marina's expression was absolutely priceless. Oh, Marina is—" So this young woman would be my dedicated maid going forward. It was a luxury I'd never experienced at the Salt Royal Palace. Was this part of the Grand Duke's 'compensation' he'd mentioned?
"I see. I look forward to working with you. I'll speak a bit more slowly—I'm rather shy around new people...."
"Of course, please be at ease. My duty is to make you comfortable."
Bonita certainly talked a lot. Her natural disposition seemed to be cheerful and talkative by nature. Thanks to her, I managed to glean some useful information on the way to the Garden. First, that Bonita had the longest experience among the maids of similar age. And that she and Marina, another maid, were rivals. Finally, that among the servants, I was apparently known by the nickname 'the suspicious young lady'....
"Now that we've actually spoken, Miss April Salt, you seem kind and gentle rather than suspicious at all. Here we are. Please have a seat, and I'll bring out your meal shortly."
"...Thank you."
After listening intently to her endless chatter, I finally collected my soul, which had half-escaped my lips, and regained my composure. At a lovely wooden table set in the center of the Garden sat a woman who appeared quite mature. From the moment I appeared, her gaze had been fixed on me, and when our eyes met, she hastily rose to her feet.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Lady. I am Ashley, the disciple of my master... or rather, Lord Robid."
"It's nice to meet you, Ashley." After our brief greeting and taking our seats, an appetizing lunch spread appeared as if on cue.
"I startled you by asking to meet so suddenly, didn't I?"
"Oh, no, not at all."
Despite her words, Ashley seemed quite uncomfortable with this meeting—she didn't touch her food and kept adjusting her clothes or gazing elsewhere. Eventually, I too abandoned any hope of eating comfortably, set down my spoon, and broached the main topic.
"The reason I wanted to meet with you, Ashley, is..."
"I know."
Her abrupt words brought silence crashing down. Her trembling voice carried an unmistakable undercurrent of anxiety.
"Pardon?"
"I was informed beforehand that you wanted me to take charge of the direction. I understand completely. My skills are clearly far inferior to everyone else's after all...."
Ashley, speaking such words, appeared visibly deflated.
"I suppose you think that if I laid a hand on it, even a masterpiece would become a disaster. Everyone thinks that way, so it's nothing particularly unusual."
Watching her spiral deeper into that pit of despair, I hastily denied it.
"No, that's not why I'm asking you to direct...!"
"Then is it out of pity for me?"
"What?"
"I'm the perpetual last-place student whose skills never improve—pointed at, mocked, ridiculed by everyone. According to the rumors, you're known for your kind heart, my lady. You must have taken pity on someone like me."
I'd barely plugged one hole when she began digging another.
"So you're trying to give me some role, any role at all... *sniff*, *sob*... I understand. Whenever I touch paint, the colors of that picture become a mess, and my teacher gets so angry he tears up expensive paper...."
"Wait, listen...."
"Maybe I should give up painting altogether. A painter with such garbage-tier sensibilities! It's absurd! *Sob, sob*!"
I stared blankly at Ashley as she burst into tears, then fumbled to find a handkerchief from my pocket and handed it to her. Like Robid, Ashley too had thoroughly misunderstood my intentions. What was I to do? Choosing my words carefully, I slowly opened my mouth.
"Ashley, that's a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding? *Sniff*, what misunderstanding are you talking about?"
"I'm making this request precisely because I saw one particular ability of yours."
Ashley's expression wavered. Seeing her half-convinced, half-doubtful look, I quickly drove the point home.
"I'm sincere. I was captivated by your remarkable 'directorial talent.'" At that, Ashley's tear-filled eyes slowly began to widen.
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