The Obsessive Maniac Is Trying To Confine Me - Chapter 97

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

Episode 97

Once is enough for coincidence. At most, twice.

Once is already suspicious, but three times is usually inevitable.

Even if I could somehow understand Gilbert and the peanut incident, I couldn’t think of this latest incident as a mistake.

It wasn’t difficult to figure out that Gilbert and the Count had joined hands.

When I realized they had joined hands, I pondered a bit about what to do.

It would be difficult to do anything to the man guarding the North.

Although this man is struggling with food shortages, he’s currently the most powerful person in the North.

If the entire North wasn’t starving, the Count wouldn’t have gone this far either.

‘If I can’t touch him…’

Why not just make him my ally?

The peanut incident and today’s events are frustrating, but you don’t mix emotions with business.

Michelle agreed with that too.

The problem is that Gilbert and this man have joined hands…

And those measly hands…

‘I’ll just break them apart.’

It’s not difficult.

When comparing Seiblinn’s influence with mere Gilbert, anyone who isn’t stupid could easily come up with an answer.

‘Anyway, whether this way or that, the specialty crop cultivation method is as good as gone.’

Even if Seiblinn doesn’t tell him, Gilbert will hand it over.

From the moment Gilbert stole it, it was as good as gone anyway.

“Did Gilbert propose to you, Count, that if he takes over the trading company, he would take care of this North?”

“…”

“But what should we do? Unfortunately, if the Count dies, the trading company won’t go to Gilbert. I was planning to return to the capital and announce it, but the Count is planning to establish a successor to prepare for the future.”

“…A successor?”

“Of course, the Count isn’t at an age to have a successor. But he said he’d rather do anything than let it go to Gilbert.”

The Count seemed flustered.

Meanwhile, I sipped my moderately cooled tea and thought.

It’s a lie, but he believes it.

Well, it should be enough to shake up his alliance with Gilbert anyway.

“I understand what you’re worried about. But merchants value credibility.”

“…”

“It’s not a lie that we’ll provide you with the specialty crop cultivation methods and the conditions needed for the North.”

The successor part is a lie, though.

But there was no way the Count could know that.

“Our Seiblinn always keeps our promises. Always.”

“…”

“I’m telling you this after discussing it with the Count in advance.”

The Count remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

“I think I don’t need to say more now. What remains is your choice, Count.”

“…”

“Please think carefully about whether Gilbert can provide greater support than the current Seiblinn.”

I stood up from my seat.

The answer is obvious anyway, but there’s no need to rush him here and now.

I left the room without regret.

‘It’s already night.’

Time passes so quickly.

No, is it because so many things happened today?

It would be good to wrap up today’s schedule and return to my room.

Just as I was turning to leave.

“Ugh…”

A low groan came from somewhere.

At the sound of painful moaning, I headed in that direction.

That was the worst mistake.

I discovered Rihardt groaning in pain under the tree.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do for him, so let me go back before I’m noticed.

I coldly turned around immediately.

But then.

Thud.

Roll roll.

Something that fell to the ground and rolled hit the front of my round shoes and passed by.

What is this?

I reflexively picked up the bottle that had fallen in front of me.

It was a bottle containing a transparent liquid.

“Could you give that to me?”

Unlike his previous gentle voice, it was rough.

It didn’t suit the man who adorned himself with masks and kindness.

His eyes, which had always shown an artificially gentle light, flashed unusually like a beast.

“I accidentally dropped it.”

Rihardt’s complexion was pale like someone who was unwell.

His usually composed face had turned pale white, sweating coldly and breathing roughly.

“Quickly, Miss Shabrina.”

At his desperate tone, I hurried to hand him the bottle.

If only a thought hadn’t crossed my mind at that moment.

Could it be, this man…

“Miss Shabrina?”

I pulled back the hand that was about to give Rihardt the bottle.

“Come and take it yourself.”

“…”

There’s something I need to confirm before giving it to him.

I watched carefully as Rihardt approached me.

When Rihardt came close to me, I was about to obediently hand him the bottle.

At the same time, I placed my palm over his hand to confirm one thing.

Rihardt’s body trembled with a start.

He looked at me with puzzlement.

I stared into his blue eyes for a long while.

…Ah, could it be.

I almost wanted to laugh.

“Here it is. You seem to be sick, are you okay?”

“…I’m fine.”

“I see. If you’re sick, get treated by a doctor.”

Leaving those words, I turned around without regret.

If it wasn’t my imagination, Rihardt’s condition was definitely mana blockage.

【It doesn’t hurt when you smell the fragrance.】

Three years ago, Rihardt definitely told me that.

But why…

I turned around to look at Rihardt.

Rihardt opened the bottle cap and drank the medicine inside.

Soon his condition seemed to improve as his complexion got better.

‘Has that power disappeared from me?’

That’s the only way I can interpret it.

So if Rihardt couldn’t recognize me right away? If his condition doesn’t improve even when he comes into contact with me?

…That’s quite a plausible hypothesis.

Or maybe Rihardt can no longer smell my scent.

I don’t know what’s what, but one thing is certain – my power no longer works on Rihardt.

‘Then I can now…’

Can I avoid being of interest to the transcendents?

Without realizing it, a smile naturally formed on my face.

Is this damn worry that I’ve been desperately suppressing for 3 years finally over?

Oh, what should I do.

This is too good.

* * *

“What? Is that really true?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Due to this gap occurring…”

Gilbert couldn’t believe the information he had just obtained.

However, it was equally welcome information.

He had finally found a way to throw Shabrina into the mud without killing her.

Though she was a bitch who deserved to be torn apart and killed, the thought of that bitch rolling in the mud made him feel thrillingly good.

“So that bitch’s true identity is…”

Gilbert, who had been muttering, thought to himself. He couldn’t just sit still like this.

The pink-haired maid who appeared in Seiblinn 3 years ago.

The same pink-haired maid who caused trouble in Evantes 3 years ago and fled.

Up to this point, it could be called a coincidence, but…

Shabrina. What if that was a fake identity?

“Send a letter to Evantes immediately.”

Gilbert immediately wrote a letter to be sent to Evantes and handed it over.

“I must go to the Count right away.”

Gilbert hurriedly set out.

On his way to the Count’s reception room, he saw Shabrina.

Normally, he would have felt his stomach turn, but not now.

Rather, this encounter felt welcome now.

Gilbert approached Shabrina with a grin.

“Do you have something to say to me?”

How insolent.

Not knowing the grace of being taken in, clinging to Michelle and stabbing him in the back.

However, Gilbert smiled brightly.

“I’ve been wanting to ask since earlier, but what the hell is that appearance?”

Gilbert pointed out Shabrina’s appearance.

He couldn’t understand her appearance wearing a brown wig and mask. What was that bizarre outfit supposed to be?

“It’s none of Gilbert-nim’s business.”

“Do you really think so?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Shabrina.”

When Gilbert suddenly called her name, Shabrina reacted.

“Is that really your name?”

“…”

Shabrina was momentarily surprised by Gilbert’s words.

…As expected.

“If that’s not my name, then what name would be my name?”

“…Hmm, I see.”

Gilbert confirmed Shabrina’s agitation and walked past her with satisfaction.

Eventually, he reached the Count’s study.

“Count!”

“…Gilbert? What’s this sudden commotion about?”

Since this rudeness wasn’t just a day or two occurrence, the Count gave up on scolding and looked at Gilbert.

“I have a method.”

“A method?”

“A way to bring down that bitch Shabrina without killing her.”

At Gilbert’s words, the Count was silent for a while.

He seems quite surprised.

“Don’t worry, Count. Even if I handle Shabrina myself, I’ll teach you the special cultivation method as promised.”

He’s probably afraid of that.

Worried that if he handles Shabrina and Michelle himself, he might not receive what was promised.

However, Gilbert intended to keep his promise.

Not because he was someone who valued trust.

Since the Count before him was the real power holder of the North, he planned to keep him under his control.

Gilbert smiled pleasantly while thinking of the future.

Then the Count placed his clasped hands on the desk and gave Gilbert a meaningful smile.

“Don’t just stand there, sit down, Gilbert.”

“…”

“Tell me calmly what method you have to bring down Shabrina.”

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