Chapter 25
“M-My Lady!”
Pennel and Emily came running towards me. It was already morning by the time I arrived at the gates of the Eckart mansion with Eclipse.
“Lady Penelope! Just where…”
Pennel stammered.
“Where did you go in the middle of the night?!”
Emily shouted the rest of the question the Butler couldn’t bring himself to finish. Based on their reaction, and the obvious fact that my night time escapades were found out, I realized it would be impossible to secretly sneak Eclipse into the mansion.
“…Does Father know, too?”
I asked.
“Of course he knows! Everything was such a disaster! The Young Masters both went out with a squad of knights to try and find you, and then a slaver came in the middle of the night!”
I slapped my forehead upon hearing Emily’s words. That slaver bastard doubted my identity so much that he came to get paid the instant the sun rose. And to think that Derrick and Reynold would go that far?
Shit. I really shouldn’t have brought those two with me.
“Quick, go in, Lady. Hurry!”
Emily didn’t waste a single second before pushing me through the gate.
“Lady, who is that?”
The butler finally took notice of Eclipse, blocking his way to the mansion as he tried to follow me.
“He’s going to be my personal bodyguard from now on. Show him to a room, and prepare it so he can rest there.”
I instructed.
“M-My Lady! That’s…”
The butler panicked while scanning Eclipse from head to toe. He continued with his objections,
“You can’t do that, Lady! How can we allow someone whose identity isn’t even known into the mansion.”
“Butler. Only a few days have gone by since that day, but it looks like you’re already starting to disregard my instructions.”
I cut him off. I was very tired and with my exhaustion came a short temper. The only thing I wanted to do was throw myself into bed. Unfortunately there were mountains of things I had to take care of before that, and arguing with the servants was not something I planned on wasting time doing.
“I’m instructing you to prepare a room, and prepare well, so that it is comfortable for Eclipse.”
I said sternly.
“…Understood, Lady.”
Pennel bowed, having no other choice but to obey. I was glad he agreed before I really had to threaten him.
“Hey! You!”
I heard a shout the moment I stepped through the entrance. Reynold, who had been pacing back and forth, was the first to notice my arrival. The Duke abruptly stood from his chair.
“Penelope!”
The Duke cried out.
“…Father.”
I answered. I unconsciously took a few step backs because of the Duke’s sharp glare. He looked like he would shout at me at any moment.
“…Come to my office, now.”
He said. If he had intended to shout, he held it back. I let out the breath I hadn’t been aware I was holding as I watched the Duke walk away.
Ugh. How should I beg for forgiveness this time?
I thought. I was going through all of that just so I could get Eclipse. I felt a bit resentful as I turned to glare at Eclipse. However that resentment melted the moment I saw what was above his head.
[Favorability 18%]
I had to contain myself. He was the only hope I had. It was then that Reynold noticed Eclipse standing behind me.
“What’s that filthy beggar doing here?”
He muttered with disgust.
“Follow the butler, Eclipse.”
I quickly commanded, scared that Reynold would cause commotion.
“Follow the butler, my ass! This is the Eckart mansion.”
Reynold looked as if he had a lot to say at that moment, but he restrained himself. He probably held back because he knew I had to go to the Duke’s office right away and could not be delayed by listening to his complaints. Eclipse mimicked Reynold in a way; he opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something but did not.
“Hurry up and be a good boy, now.”
I gently encouraged him. I didn’t have time to listen to either of them then. I gave Emily the mask I had been holding onto until then and followed after the duke who had departed a little while before.
Please let me know if there’s anything inconsistent or that needs further editing/corrections!!
-emrld
Scarlett Shoujo 