Subliminal Wayfarer

 

* * *

 

Verdic had made his choice.

Once he had decided, there was no hesitation in his actions. Verdic shamelessly planned to actually live in Raymond’s mansion. Until Raymond returned, he intended to continue searching his mansion.

Carynne was speechless, but there was nothing she could do about it. Verdic had called people in, and they were thoroughly searching the mansion. He even brought documents stamped with the royal seal to make it difficult for Raymond to object upon his return.

“This ensures that my stay here is not an issue.”

“Shouldn’t you consider it a breach of etiquette rather than law?”

“We’ll clean up afterward. If suspicions are cleared, it will be good for Baron Raymond too. And for you.”

Verdic dismissed her words.

Carynne was incredulous, but she had no means to rebel against Verdic. And she thought it better to comply rather than resist vehemently, hearing the conversation between Verdic and the other men.

 

“Just in case, I have to say that you shouldn’t lay a hand on that lady, Mister Verdic.”

“…I’d appreciate it if you’d stop entertaining unpleasant thoughts.”

 

Verdic retorted, and the man laughed.

 

“That’s not what I mean. I’m saying that you shouldn’t leave any marks.”

 

And the man glanced at Carynne and said,

 

“His Highness has a deep interest in Catherine’s daughter.”

 

Carynne sighed.

So, her mother’s leftovers also had its uses. In her past life, if Crown Prince Gueuze had shown interest in her earlier, maybe she wouldn’t have suffered as much under Verdic. Verdic’s eyes now showed such eagerness to bring out a whip and lash Carynne multiple times, but he refrained due to being conscious of Crown Prince Gueuze.

Whether being in the crown prince’s favor was good or bad was hard to judge at the moment. But now, Carynne knew his favor was precariously on the favorable side.

Verdic couldn’t touch Carynne right now. Either because Carynne might know clues about Isella, or because the crown prince was paying attention to her.

The crown prince also couldn’t abduct Carynne right now. This was because Verdic was frantically searching for Isella, and Carynne was considered a key clue to the girl’s disappearance. Even if the crown prince wanted to summon Carynne, Verdic was also an important cash cow for him.

As a result, Carynne, amidst various vested interests, managed to live quietly in the mansion.

Like her previous life, peace had come even though she was under the same roof as her enemy.

 

* * *

 

“Miss, wake up. Your meal is ready.”

“Thank you. But I am a maid, too. You don’t need to do this.”

Carynne rubbed her eyes and got up. Ironically, Verdic had even assigned a maid to her. Verdic seemed to have decided to lure her with kindness since whipping didn’t work.

As Carynne got up, another maid came with a basin so she could wash her face, and yet another followed with a tray of food.

“Would you like to eat in bed?”

“Yes.”

Carynne gestured from her reclined position. She remembered saying she was also a maid, but since it was a lie no one believed anyway, she decided it was better to indulge in a bit more laziness.

“Would you prefer tea, milk, or water?”

“Let’s start with milk, and please also brew some tea. I’ll have milk tea after my meal.”

“Understood.”

She looked down at the meal and chuckled softly.

It wasn’t bad. In fact, it was quite good. The similarity to her past life amused her.

The breakfast consisted of thick pancakes drenched in maple syrup, blueberry scones, and toast topped with fruit.

“…I might gain weight.”

But Verdic’s maids said nothing. Carynne smiled bitterly as she picked up the cutlery and began to eat slowly. The taste was indeed good, and she was satisfied with it.

 

* * *

 

“What are these clothes for?”

“We thought these would suit you, Miss Carynne.”

“My name is not Carynne. It’s Carrie.”

“…My apologies, Miss Carrie.”

Trying to test the waters, Carynne thought. She looked at the maid and then at the clothes.

Ironically, the dress was a sky-blue one, similar to what Isella used to wear. It was certainly luxurious and fitted her perfectly. But dressing her in such clothes was either Verdic’s or the maids’ choice—a rather distasteful inclination.

 

* * *

 

Carynne lounged in the garden, sipping orange juice.

Verdic was diligently searching for traces of Isella, and whenever Carynne passed by, he tried to engage her in conversation about Isella. It seemed he had changed tactics, now attempting to appease and awaken guilt in Carynne.

But Carynne was much too tired to feel any semblance of guilt towards Verdic. The only person she felt any guilt towards was Raymond.

Therefore, Carynne simply enjoyed the various conveniences provided by Verdic to the fullest.

“I wish there’s some ice in this.”

“I’m sorry, Miss. It’s a bit difficult to bring ice all the way here.”

“That’s alright.”

“…We shall try our best to accommodate.”

The maids spoke cautiously and began to squeeze more juice from oranges taken from the cold stream.

“And the bird you brought last time flew away. Could you let me know if you find a new canary?”

“Yes, Miss.”

Carynne laughed.

“I told you, don’t call me ‘Miss’. I’m a maid just like you.”

“Would you prefer a red canary?”

“I like yellow ones. Or rather, gold.”

“Yes, understood, Miss.”

“I told you, I’m a maid.”

Sarcasm laced her tone.

This conversation would also reach Verdic. Carynne smirked, picking up the book she was holding. Cold revenge was a very tasty thing, and it was good for killing time.

 

* * *

 

“What is this?”

“These are gold coins you will receive if you cooperate with me.”

Verdic sat Carynne down and spoke in a serious tone from across from her.

“Baron Raymond Saytes is definitely hiding something.”

“…You’re mistaken. There must be some misunderstanding.”

“Don’t say another word. If you want me to stay rational.”

It seemed like too insincere a lie.

Carynne looked down. She knew it herself. She had been continually telling lies even she herself didn’t believe. If Carynne hadn’t been Verdic’s long-time enemy, in such a situation, she might have divulged at least a little of what she knew. Verdic had people clean daily, provided meals, and even brought various jewelry for her.

Carynne hadn’t touched the jewels, but she could tell Verdic was desperate in trying to persuade her. If she really were an amnesiac Carynne, a simple girl who fell for Raymond and became his accomplice, she might have already succumbed.

“Raymond Saytes was my daughter’s fiancé. And then one day she disappeared… The last place she was seen was with Raymond’s subordinate.”

“……”

“And my daughter’s hair was sent to me in a parcel. It was sent by someone from this region.”

How could Verdic so faithfully move according to Raymond’s plan?

Verdic was persistent, had initiative, and moved more flexibly than expected.

“I ask for your sympathy… Your father truly took his own life. That you have no concern about his demise… I just don’t understand.”

“……”

“Every night, I dream of my daughter returning. Her birthday passed recently, and while last year I pondered what gift to give her, this year I couldn’t think of anything… Why.”

Verdic’s voice trailed off.

“I wish to find any clue. Anything at all, please….”

And Carynne realized that his misery was also a gift Raymond had given her.

Ah.

Look at Verdic.

Killing him would be too easy a revenge. We will carry out your revenge in the most fitting way.

Carynne smiled bitterly.

Raymond was truly a man who would do anything for Carynne.

And as she had an obligation to gladly accept the gifts he gave her, she slowly opened her mouth.

“I don’t think I can help you, Mister Verdic Evans.”

Tears slowly rolled down Verdic’s eyes.

Carynne stood up and turned to open the door.

“Wait!”

“…I’ll take my leave now.”

Verdic called out to Carynne.

“I’ll give you the entire budget for a year’s business investment!”

“……”

“After I die, I’ll make you my heiress! How about that? Your father has died, so I’ll make you my adopted daughter! If you just find… If you just help me find my daughter!”