Chapter 40

Considering Hermann’s violent and reckless nature, it was no surprise he had amassed a long list of grudges, big and small, among a variety of people. It wasn’t far-fetched, then, that he’d be attacked in broad daylight by an unknown assailant, even in the midst of a crowded plaza.

However, for someone to strike so openly, they’d need a purpose compelling enough to match the considerable risk. Who would go to such lengths just to break a couple of bones?

Last night, Odelliana had been certain the culprit was Matthias, yet she chose not to summon and interrogate him. She didn’t want to keep someone who was preparing to leave bound and waiting into the early hours, so she decided to wait until dawn.

It wasn’t as though she had deliberately stayed awake all night; she simply couldn’t fall asleep. Though she was usually more inclined to eat, sleep, and idle the day away like a cat prowling around the annex, her mind grew sharper as the night wore on, leaving her restless until first light.

Awake earlier than usual, she did something unusual for herself—she tidied her bedding and changed out of her nightwear without assistance. Then, after picking up her cane, she rose. Since she was already up, she thought a walk in the annex garden might help clear her mind.

But as she opened the door, she collided directly with a broad chest blocking her way. She stumbled slightly, but a firm arm steadied her.

“And where are you off to so early, Master?”

Matthias looked down at her with a grin, his expression almost absurdly innocent, especially given that he had been the one responsible for yesterday’s brazen attack.

“Just out for some fresh air,” she replied coolly.

“Allow me to accompany you,” Matthias said.

They left the building together, making their way to the garden pond. Nestled against a high stone wall, the small pond was Odelliana’s only sanctuary in her confined world—a hidden, almost stifling corner behind the annex, where she could avoid prying eyes. Perfect for a private conversation.

“Why did you do it?” she asked abruptly, her voice cutting through the quiet.

Matthias tilted his head, a look of feigned confusion in his eyes. “What are you talking about?” he asked, eyebrows raised.

“Don’t play dumb,” she shot back, irritation creeping into her voice.

Matthias maintained his innocent gaze, but Odelliana’s narrowed eyes remained fixed on him, unimpressed.

“You’re the one who broke my elder brother’s legs, aren’t you?” she pressed, her tone sharp.

“And what makes you so sure it was me?” he replied, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

“Who else would be reckless enough to do something so extreme?” she retorted, folding her arms.

“There could be someone else,” he said with a shrug, though his tone had an edge now, and the mask of innocence wavered.

“Are you planning to lie to me?” 

At her unwavering gaze and pointed question, Matthias’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he let out a sigh of surrender. “I couldn’t just leave him be,” he admitted, glancing away briefly before meeting her eyes again. “If I at least incapacitated him, he’d be bedridden—and wouldn’t be able to harm you in my absence.”

Odelliana studied him, her expression unreadable as she processed his words. She could sense the fierce determination beneath his calm exterior. For a moment, she let the silence of the garden settle between them, searching his face for any sign of regret.

“So that’s why you did something so dangerous?” she asked, struggling to keep her voice steady.

Matthias shrugged, his tone calm. “I was merely taking precautions in case of an emergency.”

She fell silent, at a loss for words.

“In fact,” he added, his tone casual but his words chilling, “I even considered a few times during the act whether it would be better to break his neck instead of just his legs.”

“Matthias,” she warned, her eyes narrowing.

“Master, that man isn’t even worth the mercy of only having his legs broken,” he said, almost as if he believed he’d shown restraint. His tone suggested that he’d wanted to kill Hermann but had refrained—for her sake.

A fierce glint flickered in his half-closed, golden eyes, like a predator waiting to sink its teeth into its prey. Feeling her mouth go dry, Odelliana instinctively moistened her lips.

“I told you to restrain yourself while staying here,” she replied, her voice tense. “Nothing good can come from getting involved in troublesome affairs. What if someone had seen you? In a busy, bustling street in broad daylight?”

“No one would suspect it was me—except you, Master,” he replied with a hint of amusement.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Where’s that confidence coming from? Your striking looks make you stand out, even if you’re just standing still. Are you unaware of that?”

He gave a slight smile, unbothered. “Do you really think I’d handle this so openly? Most people likely wouldn’t even realize I was there.”

She understood what he meant. His agility, surprising for his powerful build, was legendary in his past life. To those without a keen eye, his movements would be a blur, leaving them unable to catch even a trace of him in action.

“Even now, you worry about your disciple, Master,” Matthias teased, a mischievous smile spreading across his face as if delighted by her concern.

Odelliana squinted at him, unimpressed. “What kind of madman would dare attack the heir of the Grüsewald family? You’ve done something seriously reckless; how could I not worry?”

He shrugged, unbothered, as if he didn’t grasp the gravity of the situation. She sighed, realizing that despite his flashes of maturity, he was still just a boy at heart—unpredictable, like a ball bouncing in every direction.

“Would I ever willingly put you in a difficult situation, Master?” he asked, his tone almost innocent. Odelliana stared at him.

“I only did it because I knew I could handle it,” he continued, a hint of pride in his voice.

“You really…” She shook her head.

“It will take at least a month for the bones to heal,” Matthias added, his tone serious. “Please think of it as my way of preventing any ‘accidents’ from happening while I’m away.”

Odelliana felt her frustration melting. He was about to leave for a long time, and instead of scolding him, she wanted to send him off with a smile. His loyalty and intent, misguided though they might be, were undeniable. She realized his actions came from a genuine desire to protect her, no matter how questionable his methods.

How will such a kind soul survive in this harsh world… Odelliana thought, reaching out to pat Matthias’s head.

He leaned into her touch, his mischievous grin softening as he nestled closer to her, enjoying the comfort. The sun had started to rise, casting a warm glow over them.

“It’s time for you to go,” she said softly.

Matthias sighed, a rare hint of reluctance in his voice. “Yes… I really don’t want to leave.”

She patted his back, comforting him. “But you still have to go.”

“…I know.”

Reluctantly, Matthias pulled himself away from Odelliana’s embrace. His eyes, filled with a quiet sorrow, gave him the look of a puppy abandoned by its owner, making her heart ache for a moment. The depth of his reluctance softened her resolve, and for a brief second, she felt a twinge of guilt.

But she quickly reminded herself. This was for his future, for his brilliance, and for her own safety. It was the right thing to do.

With a final glance at her, Matthias entered the annex to gather his belongings. Odelliana remained by the entrance, watching the scene with a mixture of emotions. As she stood there, Malena approached, appearing beside her without a sound.

“You’re here to see him off too?” Odelliana asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Malena replied with a slight shrug.

“I thought you didn’t like Matthias?” 

“I don’t,” Malena said flatly.

“Then why are you here?” Odelliana tilted her head, confused.

“I wanted to watch him go, like a lamb being led to slaughter,” Malena said with a wicked grin.

Odelliana blinked in surprise. “So you got up at dawn for something as petty as that?”

“Petty?” Malena scoffed. “This might be one of the most satisfying moments of my life. And besides, I always wake up early.”

Amused by Malena’s strangely excited demeanor, Odelliana smiled, shaking her head. While she felt a bit sorry for Matthias, Malena’s excitement over his misfortune was oddly charming. There was something almost endearing about her, mismatched with her imposing figure. 

Just then, Matthias emerged from the annex, carrying his meager belongings. The sight of his minimal luggage struck Odelliana—it was almost comically sparse. He had only a small bundle of dried meat, a water bottle, a flint, and a few pieces of kindling.

Odelliana felt a pang of guilt. “I’m sorry I couldn’t even provide a horse for you,” she said quietly.

“That’s alright. You don’t need to worry about me, Master,” Matthias replied.

“And that’s all the luggage you’re taking?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“This is more than enough,” Matthias said with a small shrug.

Odelliana sighed, feeling the weight of the moment settle between them. “…Take care, then.”

The words felt final, though they didn’t carry the same finality she had expected. Her chest tightened, a strange, restless sensation beginning to grow inside her. As she stood there, Matthias stepped closer, his gaze locking with hers. He studied her quietly, then gently pressed his forehead to hers.

For a long moment, they stood there, suspended in time. Then, with a small, reassuring smile, Matthias lifted the corners of his lips. “Just wait for me a little while. I’ll return, after securing the first step on the right path.”

“I’ll be here, waiting for you,” Odelliana whispered in reply, her heart a little heavier than it had been moments before.

Watching their dramatic farewell, Malena let out a disappointed sigh. The scene between Matthias and Odelliana felt overly sentimental, as if they were star-crossed lovers exchanging a tearful goodbye instead of simply parting ways for a while.

“What exactly is that boy to you, my lady?” she asked, the question slipping out before she could stop it. It was something she’d wondered for a long time, though never dared to voice.

The bond between Matthias and Odelliana wasn’t like any typical master-servant relationship. It was something deeper—more tenacious, and at times, it seemed almost obsessive. They had a connection that made them appear as though they could only see each other, as if they were the only two people who truly mattered in the world. Even now, the way they interacted felt more intimate than the usual hierarchy of their roles.

Odelliana, as if sensing Malena’s thoughts, looked over at her with a serene, almost distant expression. “Matthias to me is…”

“Yes?” Malena prompted, curiosity edging her tone.

“My one and only savior, lifting me out of this wretched life,” Odelliana said quietly, her voice tinged with a hint of something both wistful and grateful.

Malena blinked, caught off guard by the confession. She stood frozen for a moment, at a loss for words. Odelliana’s response was so unexpected that Malena could hardly process it.

Odelliana chuckled at the expression on her face. “You look rather foolish.”

“Well, I didn’t expect you, of all people, to have such a girlish sense of romance,” Malena remarked.

“Romance?” Odelliana repeated, amused.

“A savior? Hearing such a corny word come from you!” Malena scoffed. “Are you really planning to turn him into a knight in shining armor?”

The words reminded Odelliana of that moment when she’d impulsively shouted at Hermann, filled with a raw, protective energy.

Odelliana smiled, but didn’t answer the question directly. Instead, she simply turned and began walking back inside, her pace slow and measured, as if lost in her own thoughts.

Malena watched her, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. She followed her, her mind still swirling with questions. She couldn’t help but wonder if that boy, with his strange, unassuming presence, might one day bring Odelliana something more than just salvation—a title or a destiny rarely granted to someone with nothing.