Chapter 22
Chaser took the pocket watch from his coat and checked the time. Then, with a slightly regretful tone, he spoke.
“It’s already this late? I only meant to stop by for a moment, but I was happy to see you.”
He turned as if to leave right away but paused and walked back toward Evelyn.
Just in case, he didn’t forget to give a short warning.
“Stay quiet. Unlike last time, the guards are standing right outside the door, so don’t try anything foolish.”
“…I won’t.”
Chaser smiled gently at Evelyn’s sullen voice.
“If you’re feeling restless, you can take a short walk around the estate. A bit of fresh air might actually help, as long as you don’t push yourself.”
“…”
“But don’t go running around too eagerly. I’d prefer to show you around the manor myself.”
Instead of sighing, Evelyn gave a weak nod.
Even though she had just woken up from a good sleep, she already felt strangely tired.
He’s definitely being kinder than before, she thought.
Still, he seemed a little cruel.
Well, he was always like that to begin with.
Chaser turned his back again.
Evelyn stared at his cold, retreating figure, and just before he stepped out the door, she called out to him.
“When will you be back today?”
“Hm?”
Chaser looked surprised, as if he didn’t expect that kind of question.
“It’s just that… I was hoping you could spare me a bit of time later.”
As she spoke, she gently touched her right wrist, hidden under her coat.
She knew it might sound like too much to ask, but Evelyn needed a chance to talk to him.
“I don’t think I’ll be back tonight,” Chaser answered with a pleasant tone.
She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes, but he seemed pleased that she had stopped him.
Evelyn nodded as if she understood.
Right, he’s a busy man.
But Chaser didn’t stop there.
“I can’t promise anything, but if I said I’d try to come back as early as I can, would that be enough?”
“You don’t have to push yourself because of me.”
“You’re saying exactly what I should be telling you. Don’t overdo it, and get some rest. I’ll see you later.”
With those words, Chaser finally left the room.
Only after hearing the door close did Evelyn let out a deep sigh.
It still hurts.
Whenever she saw his face, the memory of that tragic moment came rushing back.
It hadn’t been that long, so it was only natural.
Sometimes, she wanted to disappear into the pain tearing through her chest, but her will to live always pulled her back.
Chaser’s face reminded her of her most painful moment, but strangely, his presence also gave her the strength to keep going.
I never thought those words, “Don’t die,” would mean so much.
She no longer felt afraid of Chaser, so maybe she was slowly getting better.
Not long after he left, Maya and Lophy returned to the room.
“My lady, let’s get you changed first.”
“Oh, right.”
Evelyn snapped out of her thoughts at Maya’s slightly rushed voice.
By the time she changed into the loungewear they brought, the formal outfit Chaser had given her was already damp with moisture.
“I should return this to him, but it’s not really in good condition like this.”
“I’ll take it to the laundry and ask them to clean it thoroughly.”
“Thank you. It’s not a big deal, but I’d like to return it to him myself later, if that’s okay?”
“Of course.”
After Maya replied, Lophy quickly picked up the damp clothing.
“I’ll bring breakfast soon. Would you like to look around the manor after you eat?”
“Yes. By the way, is there a study in the estate? I’d like to spend some time there.”
The room was a good place to be alone, but not the best for finding information.
At first, I was too shocked to think clearly, but… no matter how I think about it, there was never any news about an outbreak in Luisa’s Garden.
Did that mean this world was different from the one she knew in the game?
Or was it something the game just never showed?
If I had known this would happen, I would have paid more attention while playing. I can barely remember anything now.
It was too late for regrets.
“Of course. I’ll take you to the study myself. Is there anything else you need?”
As Maya spoke, Evelyn suddenly remembered something and quickly added another request.
“Oh, could you also bring me a recent newspaper?”
“Yes, I’ll have one prepared for you. Please wait just a little while.”
With that, Maya and Lophy bowed politely and left the room.
Once they were gone, silence returned.
Evelyn leaned back against the headboard of the bed and slowly looked around the luxurious room with a blank gaze, as if she were trying to take it all in.
But… do I really deserve to live in this kind of luxury?
Was it really alright to feel so at ease in both body and mind, when everyone else had died in such agony?
The moment she was left alone, dark thoughts began to creep into Evelyn’s mind.
No, Evelyn. Don’t let yourself think like this. You have to find a way to live happily, no matter what.
But how?
Evelyn couldn’t easily find an answer.
She could tell herself to live happily all she wanted, but that didn’t mean she knew how to make it happen.
Her family, who had once given her a reason to live, had died in misery, and she had never imagined a future without them.
With everything she loved now gone, how could she possibly live a joyful life?
No, I just need to start finding new things from now on.
She didn’t want to fall into despair anymore.
That’s why Evelyn made a new vow to herself.
She would never again be afraid and run away.
“This is more impressive than I expected.”
The study Maya led her to was much larger and more spacious than Evelyn had imagined. She had assumed it would be a small, simple room.
Surrounded by shelves full of books and the heavy scent of old pages, Evelyn couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
“This could pass for a small library.”
A wide sofa sat on one side of the room, topped with soft-looking cushions and a thick blanket.
Next to it were some light refreshments and a newspaper, thoughtfully prepared for her. It was the perfect place to spend time.
I should start by checking the newspaper.
Evelyn sat down on the sofa and began to carefully read every article Maya had brought her.
After reading through several papers, she was able to gather the following information:
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- The first confirmed appearance of monsters in the capital’s slums came from infected individuals. When soldiers attacked by them began transforming into monsters in front of others, the issue could no longer be ignored.
-
- People who were bitten, clawed by the monsters’ sharp talons, or exposed to their blood began showing signs of infection.
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- Symptoms of infection begin within ten minutes to two hours. Once someone turns into a monster, there is no way to return to their human form.
-
- The exact cause of the transformation is still unknown. Magical tools are being used to prevent the spread, and while a cure is under development, there has been no clear progress.
Evelyn let out a sigh as she read the last line.
If there had been a cure, Chaser wouldn’t have acted that way. And the monster wouldn’t have been able to escape in the first place.
She stared down at the bandage wrapped around her wrist.
“If what this newspaper says is true, then why am I still fine?”
Even after reading everything, she couldn’t bring herself to remove the bandage. Fear held her back.
But she knew she couldn’t keep avoiding it forever.
“Avoiding it won’t change anything.”
Evelyn shut her eyes tightly and began unwrapping the bandage without hesitation.
Inside, on the inside of her right wrist, was a healing wound.
She swallowed hard and examined it closely. Though faded, the outline of human teeth was still faintly visible.
“The wound is healing.”
Did that mean she hadn’t been infected?
She remembered clearly—it was Jerry who had bitten her. That should have made her a carrier of the infection.
Then why was she unharmed?
How was the wound healing?
Was it because Jerry hadn’t fully turned into a monster when he bit her?
The newspapers alone didn’t provide enough information for her to be sure.
I really want to see Chaser and talk to him about this.
She felt like she wouldn’t be at ease until she had a proper conversation with him.
Still, a part of her heart filled with quiet fear.
What if I’m infected after all, and I end up turning into a monster?
It felt as though the heavens were toying with her, offering her hope only to take it away again.
Maybe this was punishment for everything she had ruined.
No, I promised myself I wouldn’t think like that anymore.
Evelyn pushed the crumpled bandage aside and stood up from her seat.
The sky outside the window had turned to a golden sunset.
Yet Chaser still hadn’t returned. Just as he had said, it seemed unlikely he would be coming back today.
Even so, knowing that didn’t stop her from staring out toward the manor’s main gate.
Honestly… I really want to see him now.
It was the kind of thought that would have made her past self-recoil.
Waiting felt unbearably long.
The room was dark.
Evelyn slowly opened her eyes.
There was no one around, only deep silence filling the space.
Looks like I fell asleep without realizing it.
She had spent the whole day in the study, struggling with heavy thoughts, and now her body was paying the price.
Even as the sunset faded and darkness settled across the surroundings, there was still no news of Chaser’s return.
She remembered refusing dinner, having no appetite, and lying down on the bed while Maya and Lophy looked on with worry in their eyes.
They say sleeping too much gives you a headache…
Evelyn held her head and slowly sat up. Just leaning back against the bed’s headboard helped ease the pain a little.
After sitting with her eyes closed for a long time to shake off the drowsiness, she was finally able to open them fully.
What time is it?
She shuffled over to the window and gently pulled back the curtain.
Faint moonlight was shining softly through the glass.
“So quiet.”
It seemed she had woken up in the early hours of the morning.
It would be nice if I could just fall back asleep…
Unfortunately, the sleepiness was already gone.
Evelyn let out a quiet sigh and took a sip of water that Maya had left on the table.
Chaser must be asleep by now, right?
On the bedside table was a fine piece of paper decorated with angel wings.
Maya had left it in case Evelyn needed help during the night.
I really must have lived like an ordinary commoner for a long time…
Things that had once been so familiar in her childhood now felt completely foreign.
Instead of calling for someone, Evelyn decided to move on her own.
She gathered herself and opened the door.
As Chaser had said, two knights stood guard outside in full uniform.
They looked a little startled to see the door suddenly open but quickly composed their expressions.
“Is something wrong, my lady? Shall we call the head maid for you?”
“Good evening. I just wanted to ask, could you tell me what time it is?”
“It just passed 2 a.m.”
“I see. Then Lord Chaser must have gone to bed already.”
So she would only be able to speak with him tomorrow.
Evelyn looked disappointed, but the knight shook his head.
“No, my lady. Lord Chaser has not returned yet.”
“He still hasn’t come back? At this hour?”
“Shall we inform him that you were looking for him when he arrives?”
“No, that won’t be necessary… it’s not urgent.”
Evelyn trailed off awkwardly.
To be honest, she had expected he might not come back, given how late it was.
He must be even busier than I thought. I wonder if I’ll even get to see him soon.
She reached for the necklace around her neck, only to remember again that it wasn’t there.
It shouldn’t have bothered her, but her chest felt heavy.
It was like being trapped underwater, unable to breathe.
Can I really find happiness?
Someone like you, who can’t even do anything properly?
The sharp, static-like whisper of self-doubt returned, sensing that her heart was weakening, and once again began to torment her.
