I Became the Keeper of a Suspicious Forest - Chapter 87

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 87

“Even if I can’t collect the full 20,000 gold, I should be able to get at least half. I did work there for a period of time.”

Both the Employment Office and she had contracts regarding that.

Of course, the clause about penalty fees for early termination was a bit concerning, but quitting as the forest keeper wasn’t her choice.

If she met Jerome and explained things well, she could probably get some consideration.

‘If push comes to shove, I’ll even stage a protest involving the Imperial Palace.’

Unlike Ponia who spoke excitedly, Kustin calmly objected.

“There’s a problem with that, isn’t there.”

“Huh?”

“Miss, you would tenaciously collect any money that was yours. No matter how small the amount.”

“There’s no such thing as small money.”

“Yes, exactly. Then you must now understand why you’ve forgotten about that money all this time. Even why you’re still not living at the Manor.”

“Ah.”

Only then did Ponia collect her emotions. Her mood dropped rapidly.

Ponia certainly had wages she should receive.

But there was a problem with that.

Duke Devonham.

In other words, Sionel Devonham was the biggest problem.

After Ponia left the forest, she immediately went as far away from the forest as possible.

She had to hide so Sionel couldn’t find her.

She was convinced that if she stayed by Sionel’s side, he would die.

She had worried that Sionel might abandon everything, but fortunately he succeeded in bringing down Gideon safely.

And with two months left until the Harbel Estate’s bankruptcy, Ponia made her move.

Taking advantage of Sionel being frantically busy with Gideon’s affairs, she went to the Rambo Marquis Family with a piece of paper.

A written pledge signed by Gordon Rambo promising to repay 20,000 gold before the Estate went bankrupt.

Gordon, who was recuperating with a somewhat gaunt face, fainted as soon as he saw Ponia.

Ponia stubbornly collected the 20,000 gold and prevented her family’s bankruptcy.

And Ponia had calculated somewhat.

In six months, no, even just three months, Sionel would quickly forget her. Then she could collect her wages and return to her family.

Sionel had only known her for a short period of just three months.

But it was a hasty judgment and her overconfidence.

Even after a month passed, even after three months passed, even when nearly a full year had gone by!

Sionel never stopped sending people to search for Ponia.

He consistently sent people to Mirban Forest, nearby villages, and the Harbel Estate to look for Ponia.

Thanks to that, Ponia couldn’t even think of going near the forest. She couldn’t collect her wages or return to her family.

Ponia Harbel, missing in action.

That was the result up until now.

Even today she had carefully entered, checking if anyone was around the Manor.

“You were the one who said to live thinking of it as money that never existed in the first place, Miss.”

“Right, I said that.”

Not knowing she would desperately need that money now.

Ponia held onto futile hope and asked Kustin.

“Kustin, while searching for someone for a whole year, couldn’t his initial thoughts change quite a bit? Like searching out of stubbornness because she’s nowhere to be found.”

When he actually found her, his past feelings might already be faded and he might not think much even upon seeing her.

It would end with a mundane sentiment like ‘Ah, there was such a person once,’ and he wouldn’t pay attention to anything about Ponia.

Kustin naturally picked up on Ponia’s words.

“That could certainly happen. It’s difficult for human hearts to remain constant.”

“Right?”

“Yes. As you said, Miss, I think even I would search out of stubbornness. Fuming with anger thinking of all the manpower, time, and effort I’d invested.”

“…”

“And the moment I found them, I think I’d use every method to torment them in return for what I’d been put through.”

“Kustin, you are talking about the Duke, right?”

Kustin, who had been explaining enthusiastically, stopped speaking.

Remembering when she had left her family to Kustin and fled to the forest, Ponia awkwardly watched his reaction.

Kustin stared at her intently, then answered calmly again.

“That’s right. I’m just saying what I would have done in that situation.”

The plan to act crazy and reveal herself in front of Sionel was permanently scrapped.

Ponia collapsed onto the desk.

“Then, what the hell am I supposed to do?”

The longer time dragged on, the more the interest would pile up like a mountain.

‘Should I just send him to prison?!’

At least while he’s in prison, he won’t be able to cause any trouble. He might even come to his senses there.

Or maybe he’d be influenced by the people in prison and come out worse…

With Albio, the latter was more likely.

It would probably be most reassuring to keep him somewhere she could see him.

“I’ll look into finding a solution first, so why don’t you rest at the manor for once, Miss?”

“No, I should go back. You never know.”

What if Sionel, who was thoroughly enraged, decided to visit the manor today of all days?

Knock knock.

“Yes, come in.”

Still with her face buried in the desk, Ponia gave permission. Then Kustin spoke.

“That sound didn’t come from the door.”

“Then?”

“Someone’s knocking on the window.”

‘Who?’

Ponia raised her head.

And immediately spotted a person at the window.

It was someone she knew.

“Chad?”

Chad smiled brightly and waved his hand.

Hanging from someone else’s window, yet maintaining such a shameless attitude.

Kustin got up from his seat. Then he approached the window and unlocked it.

“Oh! Thank you for opening it, butler… Huh?”

Kustin immediately pushed Chad away. Chad disappeared from view.

Then he turned around and said nonchalantly.

“I’ve driven away the uninvited guest.”

* * *

Ponia couldn’t even look Chad in the eyes as she asked.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, well. I landed well.”

Even after falling from the fourth floor, Chad casually brushed himself off and spoke as if nothing happened.

‘What on earth is that body made of?’

Chad looked at Kustin standing behind Ponia.

“That butler really doesn’t seem to like me.”

“I’m merely preventing your rude behavior of trying to trespass into a noble household.”

Kustin replied coldly.

Kustin was a stickler for principles and liked making rules. There was no way he’d like Chad, who shattered all his rules.

“Really stubborn. Frustratingly so.”

“Your licentious behavior is pathetic.”

While Ponia was away from the manor, the two must have encountered each other often, as their evaluations of each other were harsh.

‘Come to think of it, Kustin mentioned in his letter that Chad frequently visited the manor.’

After leaving the forest, Chad had been watching her back to prevent Sionel from finding her.

His visits to the manor were probably an extension of that.

If it weren’t for him, Ponia would have been caught by Sionel long ago.

In the forest and outside, Chad remained consistent. Both his attitude toward Ponia and his appearance.

Perhaps that’s why Chad felt more comfortable to her.

“When will you return to the manor? It’s burdensome for me to handle everything alone.”

“…Soon?”

Kustin looked at her with an expression that said he wanted to lecture her right then and there.

To prevent bankruptcy, Ponia secretly met with Kustin with Chad’s help.

And she confessed everything that had happened so far, telling him that she was being pursued and couldn’t return to the manor immediately.

Of course, she gave a vague excuse about why Sionel was looking for her.

She said they had met by chance in the forest, and it was because she had committed a great sin.

Since she had returned to her original position anyway, she didn’t want to talk about their past relationship.

Though it was a bit unfair when Kustin asked, ‘Did you perhaps forcibly assault Duke Devenham’s son?’

Ponia avoided Kustin’s gaze and looked at Chad.

“But why did you come here, Chad?”

“I had some news to share, so I visited Nia’s house, but she wasn’t there, so I came here.”

“News? What kind?”

“Hmm… It’s nothing much. What brought Nia back?”

Crack.

Thinking of that scoundrel she had momentarily forgotten made her anger flare up again.

She hadn’t said anything yet, but Chad clapped his hands.

“Oh! Did your family cause trouble?”

“How did you know?”

“Your expression looks like you want to kill someone.”

“I’ve already half-killed them.”

And she planned to kill the other half after Chad left.

“Who caused trouble this time? The Lord? The Lady?”

“…”

“Ah, I saw Harvel Yeongshik on my way here, and he looked terrible. Did some thug pick a fight and beat him up? If you haven’t caught the culprit, should I catch them for you?”

“You don’t need to catch the culprit.”

“It’s fine, leave it to me. From his condition, it seemed like the opponent was someone without any mercy.”

“I was the one who beat him.”

Chad paused for a moment, then asked.

“…Nia did?”

“Yes. That bas… I mean, Albio was gambling. And he went into debt doing it.”

“…He deserved to be beaten.”

Chad’s voice became quiet.

Ponia continued explaining.

“So we have to pay back 1000 gold.”

“…1000 gold, you said?”

It would be shocking.

Most nobles don’t spend more than 1000 gold on personal expenses in a year, yet Albio had lost that much money gambling.

“Haha.”

However, Chad laughed. And he muttered.

“Is this what they call fate’s prank?”

“What?”

Soon Chad pulled out a piece of paper from inside his coat.

“I said I came to share some news today. This was it.”

Ponia took the paper. And seeing the title, she couldn’t help but be surprised.

【The World’s Easiest Forest Exploration Recruitment】

It was a familiar yet different job posting.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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