25%

Eclise had the highest interest out of all the others.

However, something blocked me from getting excited over it.

Derricks and Rennalds rose only around 2-3% each time, and 5% at most.

But as of Eclise, who Ive met not too long ago, his interest was rapidly rising.

The faster something rises, the faster it drops.

Looking back to the time I played the game, the interests in the hard mode often dropped at unexpected scenes.

Thats why I cant fully depend on Eclise for my escape.

I should go for another in case things go wrong.

I felt the cold rain, drop onto my arms which helped to cool my head.

Yeah, thatll do. That now wasnt completely unexpected so no need to panic.

I calmed myself down. My rushed breathing gradually turned stable again.

Nausea I felt washed out with it.

Emily will freak out.

I looked down, feeling something cold, and saw my shoulders wet.

Tsk, I clicked my tongue and started walking.

I started to feel cold and tired now that Ive calmed down.

If I didnt hurry back in the mansion, I was sure that this weak Penelopes body would fall ill tomorrow.

***

All the informants that Emily went to find, finished what Ive requested them in less than 2 days.

Lady. Here, these are about what lady has requested them.

Emily set down the black tea and a piece of cake that I asked for on the table, then set down envelopes on the same tray the cake and the tea was set.

Each envelope had some beeswax to seal it, and it was stamped with their group symbol.

I closed the book I was reading and opened all the envelopes.

In each of the envelope was a single piece of paper with many names and the noble family names written on it.

A single or two names were the only differences between each paper.

Is this all?

I asked, scanning the paper lists.

Emily straightened her posture. She seemed to have thought that I didnt like the results she brought with her because she panicked and started explaining.

They said it would be helpful if lady explained a little more about that person. That way they can be more .

Emily glimpsed at the lists as her voice grew quieter by seconds.

Of course she would be freaking out. She left, so confident that shell find the person in no time, but a list with so many names came in return.

This wasnt Emilys fault though.

[A nobleman who attended the 2nd princes birthday banquet with a white handkerchief.]

The information Ive written on the paper I gave to Emily wasnt enough to be able to detect a person.

It was a basic of the basics to always have a handkerchief with them at a party.

I, Ill go find some other informants, lady.

No, its fine. This is enough of lists.

I shook my head at Emilys words. It wasnt like my real intention was finding a person.

Its the numbers of the informants you went to. You said that youve visited many places.

Ah .

Emily finally softened her once tensed expression.

Now I see, theres one missing.

She tilted her head, finding it strange.

I checked the envelopes again. None of the symbols were representing the White Rabbit.

I thought theirs would come immediately.

I was left in vain at Buinter not taking action.

There was only one way left as long as he didnt show himself.

I had to attend every party that he might attend and find him myself just like the heroine from the normal mode did.

How annoying.

I sighed.

Should I go to them again?

Emily asked me cautiously, noticing my disappointment.

No need. Anyways, how did the paying go?

Right. I gave all of them the right amount of gem.

Good job.

I said, thinking about the upcoming parties that opened in the normal mode.

Youve worked hard for a past few days, so you have the remainder of the gems.

Th, thats!

Emilys jaw dropped as if she thought the reward was too great.

No, Im fine, lady! Ill bring the box back after the cleanup.

Why? Dont you like gems? Then Ill give you some gold coi .

No, no!

Emily shook her head in big motions as she refused.

I! I dont want any of those, lady.

Those words made me stop thinking about other things and turn around to face her. She didnt look so well.

Dont people usually get excited and accept the rewards?

Emily didnt seem excited at all but rather looked as if she was victimized.

I dont need those rewards, lady. Instead .

Ah.

Then I remembered something I promised with Emily.

No need to worry. Ill get rid of the needle just as I promised.

Y, you dont have to! Lady can just keep it.

Hm?

I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

A person who freaked out about the needle, now wants me to keep it?

I slightly frowned at her unknown intentions.

Out with it, what do you want.

Emily hesitated at my cold gaze as she started speaking what she wanted.

I I, want to be ladys real personal maid.

.

I gazed at Emily to try and detect if this was what she really wanted, then spoke uncaringly.

You already are my personal maid. I cant do anything more about it.

Lady!

Emily kneeled to the floor.

I, Im sorry!

.

Ive done so many bad things to the lady up until now. How dare I Not knowing my place Its obvious for lady to not trust me.

Emily.

B, but if you give me just one more chance, then Ill prove it to you! Ill prove how useful of a maid I can be!

I was lost for words at her reaction.

So what youre saying is, you want to be my right hand?

Yes!

I couldnt understand. Up until now, Emily was always out for abusing Penelope.

That was how much Penelope was looked down on in this mansion.

An existence worse than the workers here. That was the fake gong-nyuh here.

Is she thinking maybe shell get rewarded bigger than this if she sticks with me from now on?

If thats it, then shame on her because Penelope wasnt given an allowance on money since she liked to waste them on unnecessary things.

She could only buy the jewels by calling over a jeweler and purchase through the butler or the duke depending on the situation.

Emily would know about this the best since she has been working as Penelopes personal maid for years.

What is she planning?

Emily spoke confidently when I stared at her, suspicious.

You can keep the needle with you and show it to the duke when you find me doing something suspicious.

Do you mean that?

Emily powerfully nodded her head at my question.

I didnt examine her face too hard but it clearly wasnt the face of a person lying.

I thought about it for a moment with Emily kneeling before me.

This was an unexpected situation. To think an extra, who I thought would take action if I gave her a reward worth it, would voluntarily say that shed side with me.

Is this one of the game episodes?

To be honest, this was something that wouldnt make sense if it were to happen in real life. However, it wasnt something that would negatively affect me.

Whatever it is, having one loyal maid would be useful.

My thinking didnt last for long.

Then take the jewelry box with the remaining gems back to where it was before.

Lady!

Emily rapidly rose from the spot with a touched face.

Thank you! Thank you, lady! Ill do my best to serve you from now on, too!

Take your leave now.

Emily didnt stop thanking me even when I hand-motioned her away annoyedly.

Click-. Just when Emily left my room, a white box appeared in front of my eyes.

Your fame has been +10 due to the reformation of your relationship with the people working in this mansion.(total : 15)

Interesting.

I casually read the sentence in the white box.

My fame that Ive already given up from the very beginning was surprisingly rising.

***

Brilliant sunlight was shining into my room through the big window in my room.

The table that was once set by the window was pushed off to the side and I was sitting on the floor as dozing off.

I thought of going out for a walk, but I was restraining myself from it since I didnt know where, when, and how I would meet the two Xs.

But sitting like this with the sunlight bathing me made my mood in place for going out for a walk.

How peaceful .

Actually it wasnt the time for me to be like this.

Ive waited for around two more days since I got the reply mails from the informants that were delivered to me through Emily, but still, no reply came from Buinter.

Thats why I had no choice but to request something to the butler.

Gather all the party invitations that high-ranked young noble men would attend to.

Just like that.

The butler seemed uneasy at the news that I was going to start participating in the social circle again.

(NOTE: Social circle, for example, will be things like parties/tea parties and other social meetings.)

Just how much of a fuss did Penelope make before that he would reflexively make a face like that immediately?

Phew, my happy timeout life. Now the peace have come to an end .

I pitied myself who was now about to attend all the possible parties to find Buinter.

Just then. Creak-.

The window I opened a little, suddenly opened wider, until it was open all the way.

Soon after that, a strong wind came through the opened window, into my room.

Foosh-!

_______

-CatLovesTowels -Lizette^^

NOTE: Sorry for making you guys wait for so long. I am going to be busy these days but I will do my best to upload this as much as possible within the shortest amount of time.

COMMENTS (On the raw):

If people who bullied Penelopes also a victim, then all the people who committed crimes are a victim. They cant be a victim.

Whatever happens, Id hate for all the people who bullied Penelope to make bonds with her in the future.

I started to notice Emilys route.

I wonder how crazy Buinter would be.

Just kill them all and lets see the happy ending.