I Became the Lady of a Perished Noble Family in a Horror Novel - Chapter 4

***

“Ugh… So heavy.”

Isabel threw Adolf onto the bed, then collapsed beside him, exhausted.

She was panting as if she had run a marathon, astonished once again by her poor stamina.

Her legs were shaking, and her arms felt like they would fall off, all from merely moving him to the next bedroom.

They say being a novelist is all about stamina, and she had been confident in hers…

‘Damn this useless body.’

Isabel lamented over her frail condition, prone to fevers and exhaustion at the slightest provocation, and tried to get up.

Dong, dong, dong!

An eerie bell sounded, signaling midnight.

As the bell’s echo faded and silence returned to the bedroom, Isabel noticed the atmosphere had shifted.

It felt like a ghost might jump out at any moment.

‘Hmm, must be my imagination.’

Even if it wasn’t, facing a ghost was the least of Isabel’s worries at the moment.

Her gaze, which had been fixed on an old grandfather clock, naturally shifted to the man on the bed.

Adolf, the culprit behind all of this, was sound asleep.

‘I’d hate to say it in this situation, but… he really is handsome.’

Isabel had to admit that his appearance was flawless—except for the bump rising on his disheveled platinum hair.

‘It… it couldn’t be helped. He almost killed me.’

Of course, knocking someone unconscious wasn’t something to be proud of, but it had been self-defense.

And thanks to that, she had learned something new.

Isabel opened the book beside her, her expression darkening.

‘So the situation earlier really did happen.’

The original novel had ended, yet a new story had begun to write itself, based on recent events.

‘Could this be a clue to returning to my original world?’

It wasn’t an absurd thought—in fact, she wanted to believe it.

Maybe, just maybe, if the empty pages were filled and the true ending was reached, she could return to her original world. Which meant, like it or not, she had to help Adolf and finish the book.

“Ugh… This is driving me crazy.”

Isabel tangled her hair with her fingers in frustration, glaring at Adolf.

Her ordinary life had been turned upside down overnight because of this man! Yet, she couldn’t give up on the possibility of returning home.

Once he woke up, she would apologize and resolve the case as quickly as possible so she could get back.

Deciding that she would beg for forgiveness until her knees were worn out if needed, Isabel stood up. She didn’t have the energy to think about this any further; she just wanted to go back to her room and rest.

Dragging her weary body, Isabel slowly started to walk away when…

“…Don’t go.”

A deep, husky voice stopped her in her tracks.

‘When did he wake up?’

In her view was Adolf, barely sitting up, his head drooping as if still half-asleep. He acted all high and mighty, but his sleeping habits were terrible.

Forcing a fake smile, Isabel approached him. “Your Majesty. Are you alright?”

“……”

“Is there something wrong?”

Isabel tilted her head as she reached out to him.

Swaying like a gentle breeze, his body suddenly went still, and Isabel’s hand froze in mid-air.

Wait, something isn’t right.

A sinister chill crept up from her toes.

‘This feels bad. I should put some distance…’

Suddenly, his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist.

“…Ack!”

The strength of his grip was no joke—it felt like he intended to break her wrist. A pained groan escaped Isabel’s lips.

“Your Majesty, let go of me!”

“……”

“Can’t you hear me!?”

Isabel struggled with all her strength, but he wouldn’t budge.

‘Is this another fit of madness?’

No. No, it wasn’t. This felt different from his previous episodes.

It was more like…

Isabel’s eyes met Adolf’s, her brow furrowing. For a brief moment, her gray eyes flickered with a faint purple light.

His previously vacant red eyes suddenly regained their focus, and a bright smile spread across Adolf’s face. Then, an unexpectedly gentle voice came from his mouth.

“Is this the first time I’ve seen you, darling?”

“…Pardon?”

…D-darling?

Before Isabel could even process her surprise, Adolf pulled her closer, tapping her sharp nose playfully with his free hand.

“What’s with this dreary dress? A vampire costume or something?”

“……”

Isabel’s expression grew colder by the second.

Adolf’s behavior was alarmingly out of character, and his hands were uncomfortably bold.

His wandering fingers, which had been stroking her pale face, soon moved past her shoulder and waist, stopping at her lower back.

“You have fair skin, darling. Black suits you well, but next time, why not wear something cuter? Like a maid outfit.”

“……”

“Hmm? Why are you smiling like that?”

Ha. Does this look like a smile to you?

Forcing her lips into a strained smile, Isabel tightened her grip on what she held in her hand.

What were the odds that she’d be holding a thick book while being harassed by the emperor?

So, this was self-defense again, right?

Before the dangerous thought could finish forming, a heavy sound filled the bedroom.

Thwack!

The book in Isabel’s hand sailed through the air, striking Adolf squarely. He collapsed without resistance, unconscious once again.

Picking up the fallen book, Isabel looked at Adolf, whose right cheek was now bright red, and yelled, “You perverted bastard!”

***

The Herpeldeir mansion was bustling with activity for the first time in ages.

Clients occasionally visited, but most consultations were one-on-one, so having so many people gathered here was rare.

Granted, it was only three people, including Isabel, but still…

‘Damn. This is so awkward.’

Isabel, never the sociable type, kept stealing glances at the two men seated across from her.

They looked identical. There were minor differences if you looked closely, but at first glance, it was hard to tell them apart.

The two men stared at Isabel with completely different expressions.

The one in the elegant frock coat was smiling excessively, while the one in the silver knight uniform glared at her as if he wanted to kill her.

‘Well, I can guess why…’

Then, the one with the snake-like grin—Kezef—spoke, “I must say, I was surprised. I never imagined you’d knock His Majesty unconscious.”

“Ah, that was…”

“Had it not been for His Majesty’s order, I’d have cut off your head immediately! How dare you lay a hand on him?” Hutman ground his teeth as he interrupted.

“But it was self-defense…”

“Well, what’s the harm? He’s not dead. I think it’s a refreshing memory. When else would His Majesty have the experience of being knocked out by someone? Twice, no less.”

“Kezef, even you cannot be forgiven for disgracing His Majesty.”

Hutman half-drew his sword, threatening Kezef.

“You’re well-trained, as expected of the emperor’s loyal dog. Little brother.”

“Shut up, Kezef!”

Kezef laughed quietly, finally introducing himself. “Apologies for the late introduction. I am Kezef, Chancellor of the Celesio Empire. This here is Hutman, captain of the imperial knights. As you can see, we’re twins.”

“Ah, I see…”

“Hmph! You didn’t need to introduce me to someone like her.”

‘Argh, can I just get a word in?’

Isabel’s patience finally wore thin at Hutman’s contemptuous glare.

This was how it had gone several times now. She’d try to speak, and they’d cut her off. Again and again! And then they had the nerve to say…

“By the way, Lady Herpeldeir, are you always this quiet?”

…Do you think?

“Well, it seems like I haven’t had much chance to speak.” Isabel forced a smile as she replied indirectly.

It’s because you two keep interrupting me.

“Oh dear, being quiet must make social gatherings challenging, doesn’t it?” Kezef asked sympathetically, giving her a pitying look.

Just as she was about to answer, Hutman snorted. “A cursed woman whom everyone avoids has no business at social parties. I heard she’s even hiding her identity while working as a detective. Maybe she does have some shame.”

“Hutman, watch your words.”

Isabel clenched her dress, then released it, responding calmly, “No, it’s true. There’s no point in letting everyone know.”

Feeling her energy drain from the brief conversation, Isabel decided to cut to the chase and brought up the request. She already had a good idea of what it might be, so there was no need to drag things out.

“I’d like to hear about the request now.”

“It’s not something we can explain easily. Once His Majesty awakens…”

Isabel interrupted Kezef, “Is it about the ghost possessing His Majesty?”