The Count’s Secret Maid - Chapter 34

The Count’s Circumstances (3)

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Huge thanks to rmhrpr for the kofis! (1/2)

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“Have you been here before?”

 

“Sometimes, when I was young. It felt suffocating being cooped up in the mansion. So, whenever I had the chance, I used this path to sneak out and play outside.”

 

“Secretly?”

 

“Yes, secretly.”

 

Paula chuckled softly, finding the image of young Vincent opening that door amusing. She could picture him with a sometimes annoyed, sometimes irritated expression, unlocking the iron gate and running out into the world beyond.

 

He gently tapped her forehead as she laughed, telling her not to laugh.

 

“This path is known only to family members.”

 

“Now I know too.”

 

“Okay. Now, it’s just you and me who know about it. No one else knows. It’s, like you said, a secret door.”

 

The notion delighted Paula. A secret door. She held the iron gate in her mouth and playfully explored it with her hands.

 

“Shall we go to the town now?”

 

“What? Why?”

 

“You said to go far away.”

 

“But the town isn’t that far. Besides, until recently, you were afraid to even step outside your room. Why do you suddenly have the courage for this?”

 

“You said I can’t always stay like this.”

 

“Well, that’s true, but isn’t it something you should avoid drawing attention to? You stand out, you know.”

 

“Right.”

 

“And it’s even worse. I just go for a walk in the woods.”

 

Paula firmly shook her head, showing her reluctance. She didn’t want to bother with it. What if something happened while they were outside? After expressing her refusal, she held Vincent’s hand and turned back to the path they came from.

 

“But how did you know about this place? I mean, you can’t see, but you managed to come here so confidently.”

 

“There are markings on the trees.”

 

Vincent stopped walking and guided her hand. He felt around the nearby tree and pressed her hand against it. There was a very small, stamp-like marking. It was easier to notice it by touch than by sight.

 

“If you follow the trees with these marks, they lead to that door.”

 

‘Wow, it sounds like a real adventure!’

 

“I love things like this. It’s exciting.”

 

“But it’s better not to use it at all.”

 

“Why?”

 

“It’s dangerous to use this road.”

 

That might be true. Paulla nodded and felt the stamp on the tree again.

 

“Aren’t you curious about the town? It’s quite big and famous.”

 

“I am curious, but it’s risky, so we shouldn’t go.”

 

“No one would think the blind man they see is Count Bellunita. Besides, you’re with me.”

 

Only then did Paula turn to look at Vincent. She couldn’t understand.

 

“Why do you keep insisting on going outside? It’s not like you really want to.”

 

“Right, I don’t want to. But… I want to try and be courageous. As you said, I can’t live like this forever.”

 

“Courage, right now?”

 

“Because there has to be a trigger in the first place.”

 

Why was the trigger now? It was just incomprehensible stubbornness. Lately, Vincent had been doing things he hadn’t done before, so differently that it worried Paula.

 

But as she stared at Vincent’s face, which looked firm, she could see that he wasn’t just saying it. He didn’t show a look of dislike on his face, but rather the opposite. It wasn’t easy for Paula to dissuade him. In fact, she also wanted to see the town, to go sightseeing.

 

“Alright, I understand. Then I’ll bring a hat.”

 

“Why a hat?”

 

‘That’s because… I usually wear a hat when I go out. Especially in crowded places, I need to cover my face more. Even though I hide behind my bangs, I still feel uneasy. Besides, I think it would be better if you wore a hat too.’

 

“I thought it would be less noticeable if I wore a hat.”

 

“We can go and buy it.”

 

“But it’ll be late. Please wait a moment.”

 

“Don’t go.”

 

He held her hand tighter. His once-composed face started to contort, as if being alone frightened him. Paula patted the back of his hand and tried to persuade him.

 

“It’s safe here, so it’s okay for you to stay alone. This place is unknown to anyone else. Just wait for a short while, and I’ll be back soon with it.”

 

“…”

 

“Is it really just a moment? I’ll run to the point where I can’t see my feet. Okay?”

 

“…”

 

“Alright, then count to one hundred. I’ll be back within that time.”

 

Vincent gave Paula a bewildered look. In reality, it was quite challenging to go and come back within the time it took to count to one hundred. However, Paula kept reassuring him not to worry, and eventually, he gave her permission to go quickly.

 

“Be back before I finish counting to one hundred.”

 

“Yes!”

 

Though reluctantly granted, Paula answered cheerfully and carefully released his hand. Fortunately, he managed to regain his composure, and the expression of unease from moments ago disappeared. She briefly glanced at Vincent and swiftly turned her body around. Behind her, she could hear him counting: one, two, three.

 

‘Wait, I can’t really go and come back within the time it takes to count to one hundred, can I?’

 

While he was counting, Paula rushed through the bushes as if possessed, heading towards the outside of the forest. Then, she immediately headed for the back door of the annexe. However, upon opening the door and entering, an unusual silence greeted me.

 

‘Why is it so quiet?’

 

Of course, the annexe was usually quite peaceful, but today, there was an inexplicable tension in the air.

 

Was it just her imagination, or did she somehow feel more nervous than usual?

 

Paula took a deep breath, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart.

 

Lifting her heels, she tiptoed down the stairs. She tried her best not to make any noise. She first went to his room to pick up the hat and then went to her room to put it on. After that, she heard a faint sound coming from somewhere. Her attention was drawn to it because it sounded like someone was speaking.

 

How could there be a person here? Moreover, the voice seemed relatively close.

 

Curious, Paula walked in that direction. The sound was coming from the lower floor. She carefully descended the stairs, moving towards the direction of the noise. A group of people had gathered between the entrance hall, where the door to the mansion was, and the central staircase.

 

The first thing that caught her eye was the back of a man with a large build. Beside him, she saw the butler. And on the other side, Isabella was standing.

 

The neatly swept-back black hair made him look like a different person. Was this a guest who came to meet Vincent? While looking at the man in puzzlement, her eyes met Isabella’s, standing on the other side. Isabella’s eyes widened for a moment, and then she quickly regained her composure.

 

“Where is Count Bellunita?”

 

“The master is out.”

 

“Call him.”

 

With a firm tone and a heavy voice that seemed accustomed to giving orders, the man commanded. As his attitude puzzled Paula, she couldn’t help but wonder who he was. At that moment, she quickly hid behind a corner instinctively, feeling the need to conceal herself.

 

After a moment’s pause, Paula cautiously peeked back at him. The man was looking towards the central staircase, squinting and scanning his surroundings. He tapped the ground with the cane in his hand, expressing discomfort. He exuded an imposing and somewhat dangerous aura as an unfamiliar guest.

 

He was like a snake, a venomous one at that, concealing its venom-dripping fangs and surveying the surroundings to prey on its victim. His deep brown eyes were full of obvious intent. He didn’t even bother to hide his presence in someone else’s mansion.

 

‘This will lead to trouble.’

 

“I just need to meet the Count. I don’t know where he’s hiding, but don’t just stand there. Go and fetch him.”

 

“….”

 

“How long are you going to make me wait?”

 

Then, it finally dawned on Paula. The reason Isabella sent Vincent out was because of this man. Was he someone Vincent shouldn’t meet? Was it because of his condition? No, there seemed to be a more crucial problem.

 

No way.

 

Could it be…?

 

Isabella’s gaze fell on Paula again. Paula quickly turned around and walked swiftly towards the back door, muffling her footsteps. A cold sweat ran down her back, and her heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst through her skin.

 

As soon as she exited the back door, Paula ran towards the forest, not daring to look back. She entered the woods and pushed through the bushes. She got lost midway, but by feeling the marked insignias on the trees as he had told her, she managed to find the way to the location of the secret path.

 

Vincent seemed startled by Paula’s approach but quickly focused on the surrounding sounds. Paula approached him, breathing heavily.

 

“Master.”

 

“You are over a hundred.”

 

Realising that it was Paula approaching, Vincent immediately put on a grumpy expression. Even so, as if he had been waiting, he hurriedly walked towards her.

 

“Wh-who is the person who came to the mansion?”

 

“…”

 

In an instant, his steps came to a halt. The sternness faded from his face, replaced by tension. Paula looked up at him and confirmed her initial suspicion.

 

“Who… who has come?”

 

“James… James Christopher.”

 

Ethan and Lucas’ older brother.

 

‘The man who blinded Vincent.’

 

‘The man came to the mansion. That’s why Vincent ran away.’

 

“Yes, that’s right. You’re here.”

 

He staggered. Paula quickly approached him and supported Vincent. His complexion was pale. They found a place to rest briefly, but there was nowhere to sit around. So Paula took off her coat and laid it on the floor, then gently helped him sit on it. Isabella had given it to her, so she hesitated, but she couldn’t just let Vincent sit directly on the cold floor.

 

She was worried that he might be having a seizure, seeing him breathing heavily, but fortunately, he managed to calm his breath soon. He pressed his forehead between his brows as if he was tired.

 

“What might be the reason for his visit?”

 

“He must have come to check on my condition.”

 

“Has he not come before?”

 

“This is the first time he has come personally in this state. He sent people a few times before. He probably heard about my recent encounter with Ethan, Violet, and Lucas. Did you see him face to face?”

 

“No, I only saw him from a distance. I had a feeling I shouldn’t approach.”

 

“I see… You did well.”

 

Vincent seemed somewhat embarrassed as he spoke. His faded eyes lingered on the floor, his face filled with complex emotions. Watching his expression, Paula quietly sat down beside him.

 

“Since you’ve got your hat, shall we head to the town?”

 

“I don’t want to go. I’m out of energy.”

 

Vincent leaned his head against Paula’s shoulder, and she sensed his mood.

 

“Then shall we go somewhere else?”

 

“Uncomfortable here?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“This place.”

 

Paula looked around the small space. Behind them was the secret gate, and the surroundings were surrounded by bushes. It was secluded, with no bustling noise or prying eyes. It was just him and her. That was comforting. The occasional chirping of birds added to the peacefulness.

 

“No.”

 

“Then let’s stay here, just like this.”

 

Vincent closed his eyes, and Paula placed the hat she was holding on his head.

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