KYDC chapter 41

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Throughout, they had maintained a calm and composed attitude, but now, upon hearing they’d have to stay another week, their obvious panic was quite a sight to behold.

“And why would you say such a thing…?”

Their tone was with reluctance.

As if I was thrilled either. It wasn’t even something I was doing for my benefit. It was purely out of meddling.

It wasn’t to win favor by doing something for the residents or for recognition. Just sheer interference.

I’m not particularly kind or a good person.

It just irritates me.

It’s infuriating to see people who exploit others and live comfortably without facing any consequences or with just a slap on the wrist.

And it bothers me even more when those who strive to live honestly are treated like fools.

That’s why I wanted to strike a blow in the most aggravating way possible.

But to do that, I needed the cooperation of the residents.

They’d have to leave the estate and inform the townspeople about the conditions of the servants inside. It would take more time.

“Come closer for a moment.”

Worried that someone might overhear from outside the door or beyond the walls, I pulled Hernan’s ear closer.

His soft white hair tickled my cheek, but it didn’t bother me.

“……”

When I whispered closely into his ear, Hernan subtly shifted his body away, as if feeling uncomfortable. I couldn’t read his intentions at all.

As I continued my explanation, Hernan listened silently before asking again.

“Isn’t that too much trouble? I believe we could secure enough punishment with just a few witnesses now…”

I firmly replied, making it clear this part was crucial.

“No. If there are more places like this in Baelon, we need to set an example from the start. To show that people can’t live freely after doing this, and that we won’t let them get away with it.”

Then, I added another line.

“I’ve always been like this, so if you find it bothersome or strange, feel free to withdraw your proposal.”

It wasn’t intentional, but since becoming Jurgen, I’d gotten a bit of a reputation for being meddlesome when I couldn’t stand seeing unreasonable things or when children struggled.

That’s just who I am. If you don’t like it, you can give up; I’d prefer it.

As I confidently expressed this, Hernan suddenly collapsed onto the floor.

“You can suggest staying not for just one more week but two if you wish.”

No way. That was not happening.

I let out a small, incredulous laugh and turned my back to Hernan, curling up to sleep.

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After enduring six more nights like this, the evening before the final showdown came.

I collapsed onto the now-familiar bed, utterly exhausted.

‘I’m dying…’

Lying there like a dried-up husk, practically surrendering my dignity, Hernan approached and covered me with a blanket.

Where had he gotten this?

It looked similar to what we’d received from the servants inside the estate, but the texture was on another level.

“……?”

When I opened my eyes and looked up at Hernan, he smiled mischievously, shrugging as if caught.

“You seemed to be sleeping, and I thought you might feel a chill.”

That wasn’t necessary.

I was already used to it; I’d actually be too warm with this now.

Silently, I started to fold the blanket to put it aside, but Hernan immediately grabbed my arm.

“What now?”

I looked up at him, puzzled, and Hernan narrowed his eyes before placing his hand on my forehead.

“Aberdeen, do you have a fever?”

“What? No, I don’t feel particularly unwell…”

Not wanting to admit I might be sick now, I quickly sat up.

But a cold sweat was already breaking out on my back.

“You do have a fever. You’ve been stubbornly pushing yourself in this cold…”

Hernan hurriedly tried to slip his hand under my thick shirt and vest, but I quickly stopped him.

“No, really, it’s nothing…”

But at that moment, I swayed, nearly losing my balance.

Damn.

I’d been feeling sluggish, but I thought I could handle it.

I’d been managing my health carefully this time, but the frozen north was beyond what I’d anticipated.

“Your forehead feels like it’s on fire. I’ll go get an ice pack.”

That was a problem.

In this freezing region, no one would need an ice pack unless someone was bedridden with a fever.

If Hernan went to the kitchen asking for one, they’d definitely ask if someone was sick.

Since Hernan appeared perfectly fine, I’d be the only one left to suspect.

‘I can’t let them know I’m unwell.’

I already heard apologies every time I intervened in things that weren’t my concern.

If word got out that I was sick, it might cause unnecessary worry among the servants and disrupt tomorrow’s plans.

“I’m fine, really!”

I hastily grabbed Hernan, who looked ready to rush out, and he gave me a rare, stern look.

“Stop being stubborn and wait here. You’re burning up.”

No. A good night’s rest would solve this. Desperate to stop Hernan, I grabbed his hand and pulled it to my forehead.

“I’ll be fine with this.”

I muttered weakly, eyes half-closed, and Hernan clicked his tongue.

“Ha.”

Then, reluctantly, he wrapped me in a full embrace.

The cool skin of his body against my feverish cheek brought instant relief.

Supporting my waist, Hernan slowly eased me back onto the bed, and I couldn’t help but tighten my arms around him.

‘…Such a nice smell.’

The familiar scent of sun-dried wood and crisp air filled my lungs.

My fingers, entwined behind his back, naturally laced together.

Even the awful mattress and dusty blanket didn’t bother me anymore.

I barely managed to open my eyes and glance up at Hernan, but my vision was blurry.

Is he up to something strange again?

The thought barely crossed my mind before Hernan gently closed my eyelids with his pale hand.

Other than the soft sound of our breathing, everything was still.

My labored breathing slowly synced with his, and I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke slightly earlier than planned.

Checking the pocket watch I’d stashed in my robe, I pushed Hernan, who was still draped over me.

“Ow.”

Hernan rolled towards the wall, blinking his eyes open and pouting as if he’d been wronged.

“Why are you still holding onto me at this hour?”

I jumped up, looking like I’d endured something unbearable, while Hernan squinted at me, mumbling in protest.

“You said you liked my face best… but perhaps you like the smell even more?”

At his bold and shameless question, I denied it vehemently.

“Stop saying weird things. If you’re going to be silly, I’ll join the servants first.”

Hernan chuckled and began spouting nonsense.

“Well, everyone has at least one taste they don’t want to admit. Yesterday, you were quite bold with your words…”

I quickly shut his mouth, signaling that I didn’t want to hear any more.

“I’ll go ahead. See you later.”

He has this knack for making my brief gratitude vanish instantly.

I should be the one grateful, but considering I ended up like this helping his territory, the one indebted is him, not me.

With a face full of annoyance, I closed the door and headed toward the busy kitchen where breakfast was being prepared.

Everyone’s forehead was dotted with sweat, thanks to the heat pouring out of the kitchen.

‘Today will be the last of this.’

Everyone’s expressions were slightly different from usual, with anticipation for what would happen in the afternoon.

I planned to quietly slip away once the residents gathered in front of the lord’s manor with the help of the dragon’s power.

After I disappeared, the stage would belong to Irina and Hernan.

‘Well… it’s a bit disappointing not to hear a single word of thanks after all my hard work.’

But I wasn’t here to receive thanks.

My goal was to manipulate the situation so the residents would accept the business without resistance.

‘Time to make my exit.’

Munching on the sandwich an old lady handed me in the kitchen, I headed toward the roof of the manor, chewing through the now-familiar hard bread.

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