VIP Chapter 269 Iaar’s Hesitation (1)
“So, I’ve come here to tell you that you are free.”
Mr. Carver sat solemnly on the sofa, a very “polite” smile on his face, as if he were discussing business with a partner. He spoke thusly.
Outside, the sound of rain was blessedly absent. Clear moonlight streamed through the gaps between the crowded buildings into this small “Hysterm Family’s Capital Residence.”
Iaar placed the steaming black tea in her hands onto the table.
Her eyes widened.
“Master Hysterm… Master Hysterm, what are you talking about?”
“Hmm, the expected reaction.”
He seemed to have anticipated Iaar’s words and flicked his high-class cigarette into a dusty ashtray that had been there for a long time.
From Iaar’s perspective, the cigarette he was smoking was not strong; it even carried a slight fragrance.
Yet, instinctively, she took two steps back.
Young Master Will never smoked, even though it was quite common in noble social circles.
Although he had once said, “It doesn’t actually shorten one’s lifespan, so I could try,” he had always refused, saying, “Your sense of smell is a precious resource and should not be harmed by the scent of cigarettes.”
“While it may be surprising for you, you are indeed free. You will no longer need to choose the identity of ‘Hysterm Family Maid’.”
As if noticing the distance Iaar maintained out of aversion, Mr. Carver extinguished the half-smoked cigarette in his hand.
“No… Why? Iaar… When I came to the Hysterm Family, I was told… I was told I would serve Young Master Will as a maid for life…”
“Yes. That’s what he said.”
Mr. Carver interrupted Iaar’s trembling words with a very direct affirmation.
“Huh?”
“Simply put, that’s how it is. Will no longer needs you. Hmm… As the one who possesses you, he believes that you are not in an employment relationship with us Hysterm Family, nor are you a slave. Therefore, since he no longer needs you, you can embrace the freedom you’ve always dreamed of.”
Iaar understood Mr. Carver’s unspoken meaning.
It was just like when she was first adopted, only Young Master Will had told her that she was not a slave of the Hysterm Family, but a maid destined to grow up with him.
Mr. Carver wouldn’t say it, but he was willing to grant “freedom” to someone who was meant to be a permanent servant, or even a slave, of the Hysterm Family.
The only one who could convey this meaning…
Was…
Only Young Master Will.
Mr. Carver seemed…
To not be lying.
Young Master Will doesn’t need me anymore!
Young Master Will doesn’t need me anymore—
Young Master Will doesn’t need me…
He…
Doesn’t…
Need me anymore?
This didn’t seem like a task from “Blackening 300 Questions.” This was a kind of “not needing.” Will, as the one who “possessed her,” saying such words…
Was it…
Abandonment?
“Blackening 300 Questions,” First Question: First, check if you have this belief: He loves me, and he will never abandon me?
“Hmm… Are you crying because you’re too happy? Alright, I’ll leave immediately so you can process this.”
Mr. Carver interrupted Iaar’s “review.”
Iaar didn’t even notice that the tip of her nose was starting to feel sore and swollen, but her body seemed to be holding back tears, so her expression must have been quite unpleasant.
Will had said he didn’t like her tearful expression. As a wolf, she needed to have the strong resolve to overcome difficulties personally.
“Sir, did Young Master really… did he really say that? But… but I have nowhere to go…”
“No need to be modest. I’ve seen what Will has done. While his elite training in dungeons is quite interesting, you’ve also worked hard. At the very least, you can go to the newly built building of our Adventurer’s Guild in the capital tomorrow and apply for an S Rank assessment.”
Every word Mr. Carver spoke was filled with a sense of “business as usual,” and his tone seemed intended to guide her, to make her disregard her feelings for Will as much as possible.
“S Rank Shield Saints are very rare. Most Adventurers either climbed their way up through solo battles or learned in academies—both methods are better at cultivating offensive rather than defensive talents.”
He offered sincere praise, looking at the shield that sat in the very center of the room—it was evident that a weapon requiring such significant “financial investment” to craft must have been made for her by Will.
“After all, only those who have a partner to protect behind them from the beginning will choose a profession that requires and is needed by others.”
But…
Every word Mr. Carver spoke was filled with “hidden agendas,” always subtly reminding Iaar of “keywords” related to Will.
“Am… Am I very strong? Can I… can I really leave Young Master and… and live alone?”
Despite his confident words, Iaar asked with disbelief.
“You are strong.” Mr. Carver nodded. “The reward for a single A1 level dungeon is enough for you to rest for half a year without taking any missions… Thank him for his training.”
A trace of tears flickered in Iaar’s right eye.
“Of course… if you wish to stay with the Hysterm Family as an ‘experienced maid,’ that’s also an option. Aunt Susan has already retired, and as the maid who has been with the Hysterm Family the longest, you are qualified for the position.”
Mr. Carver took out a business card from his pocket and placed it lightly on the table—it was the calling card of the head of the Hysterm Family, not that of an Adventurer’s Guild administrator.
“Like this… can I see Young Master?”
“Sigh…”
Mr. Carver sighed, negating Iaar’s question with his sigh.
“He is already with the Royal Family. The Royal Family might not like the maids we raise. However… you can try.”
“It’s just that he’s getting married. I’m not sure if Her Majesty Treya would like a personal maid who grew up with him.”
Yes.
Young Master… no, Will was going to finalize his engagement with Treya.
He seemed very happy.
If there was anything wrong, it must be her own misunderstanding.
He had a new life.
She indeed…
“Oh, right. If you’re interested in the Head Maid position, you don’t need to come back to the old place to find me. You can ask at the Adventurer’s Guild.”
“…Huh? What happened to the old house?”
“We moved out a long time ago. It was originally just a place for Will to play around in. After he left, we gradually moved south. After all, in the past… being close to the capital meant being far from other businesses.”
Mr. Carver finished speaking and showed no intention of staying. He stood up.
“Sir… Mr. Carver, aren’t you going to stay? It’s late, you should…”
“Oh. I did have some business in the city, but I don’t live here. It’s too cramped here, probably only suitable for those who started from scratch and have ambition and patience.”
“Huh?”
Iaar felt that his words seemed to have a hidden meaning.
“The Hysterm Family does have a larger residence in the capital. I’m leaving now.”
“Consider the rest carefully.”
…
…………
“Madam? We’ve arrived. Unprepared cars cannot stop at the Royal Palace. You’ll have to walk a bit as before.”
“Mm.”
Iaar held her forehead.
The wooden door that Mr. Carver had closed when he left in her memory had become a small door on the carriage.
She… was still thinking about her conversation with Mr. Carver last night.
Since she was already…
Someone who could stand on her own.
There were some things she wanted to confirm with Will personally.
Even if…
He was now in the Royal Palace—
