Chapter 32

The King, who had been giving instructions with a serious expression, suddenly let out a chuckle. Fiona, puzzled, looked up at her. The King spoke playfully.

“I just thought it would be quite entertaining if Larisa Moore and Evelyn clashed.”

“If the two collide, Evelyn will be in danger.”

“I know. I just imagined Larisa Moore with a dazed expression because of Evelyn’s absurd actions.”

A faint smile appeared on Fiona’s face as well. However, she quickly shook her head and spoke firmly.

“We cannot let Larisa Moore harm the Duke’s people again. Even if it’s a decoy.”

“I know. Evelyn just needs to buy some time.”

The King didn’t have high expectations for Evelyn. Although she had forced Evelyn into the role of a maid, it was only because the Duke wasn’t willing to utilize the decoy.

‘Evelyn is quite adorable and eccentric, but she doesn’t have the ability to confront Larisa Moore.’

Evelyn’s role was merely to make it widely known that the Duke had a fiancée. The more famous Evelyn became, the harder it would be for Larisa Moore to act freely.

“Will you keep Evelyn in the Wardrobe Department then?”

“That’s the safest place. It’s too dangerous to place her in the Bedroom Department or the Office.”

The plan was to let Evelyn gain a few months of experience in the Wardrobe Department, then reveal her at an official event. Afterward, she would gradually attend salons and parties.

This was the King’s plan.

“Until then, make sure Evelyn doesn’t get involved in unnecessary trouble.”

“Yes, I’ll keep an eye on her.”

Of course, Evelyn didn’t follow their plans.

***

Evelyn swallowed hard and looked at Fiona.

After meticulously checking Evelyn’s homework, Fiona nodded in satisfaction.

“It’s clear you put effort into it until the very end. I’ll let this matter slide for now. Make sure this kind of unpleasant incident doesn’t happen again.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Yes! I passed! 

Evelyn maintained a polite expression but clenched her fist behind her back. She dedicated this glory and joy to Seth, who had helped her with the homework.

‘Honestly, I was surprised that he forged my handwriting so perfectly…’

Seth had managed to replicate her handwriting after just one glance. If he weren’t a Duke, he could have become a major figure in the underworld. Evelyn prayed that Seth would continue to walk the path of light.

“Now, head to the waiting room and stay with the others.”

“Yes, then I’ll take my leave.”

After bowing politely until the end, Evelyn left. Her steps were as light as if she were flying.

But as soon as she stepped outside, someone grabbed her body abruptly. Startled, she was about to scream, but a large hand covered her mouth.

“It’s me.”

Who’s ‘me’? 

Frowning, Evelyn was shocked when the hand released her. Before her stood the King, cloaked in a black robe.

“Y-Your Majesty!”

“Shh, I snuck out, so keep quiet.”

The King whispered, placing a finger to her lips. Evelyn immediately shut her mouth. Looking around cautiously, the King grabbed her wrist.

“Follow me.”

An unfamiliar sensation traveled up her wrist. It felt like a frog hopping around. Half-dragged by the King, Evelyn spoke urgently.

“Your Majesty, if you tell me where you’re going, I’ll follow you.”

“Oh, stop talking and just follow quietly.”

Despite the intimidating tone, the King smirked. That was incredibly ominous. Evelyn didn’t usually read others’ thoughts for the sake of privacy, but she really wanted to read them now.

‘She’s not going to lock me up somewhere, is she?’

Despite her unease, Evelyn followed the King hurriedly. Her pace was so fast that if she hadn’t practiced running, she might have tripped.

The King finally stopped when Evelyn was out of breath. She hadn’t even had time to look around, but when she did, she saw a wall made of roughly hewn stones. A square hole gaped open, pitch black inside, revealing nothing. Its crude appearance didn’t match the gilded palace.

“This is…”

“It’s the entrance to the Royal Vault.”

“What?”

Had the King not explained, she would have thought it was a storage room for junk.

The King stepped forward and placed her hand in the empty air. Then, a sound like gears turning echoed from the square hole.

‘Is this magic?’

In her previous life, there had been no magic, so she was always startled by such things. Then came a loud thud, and damp, heavy air flowed out from within the hole.

The King, seeing Evelyn’s wide eyes, grinned mischievously.

“You’re probably the only maid to be guided here by the King himself. Consider it the honor of a lifetime.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

But why did you bring me here?

Before she could ask, the King strode inside the hole.

“If you’re late, I’ll leave you behind.”

“Ah! I’m coming!”

Evelyn hurried after him. As she passed through the entrance, she felt something like a thin membrane brush against her face. But it happened so quickly that she wasn’t sure if she had imagined it.

Inside the hole was a seemingly endless corridor. Dim lights faintly illuminated the path. Yet the King, who had entered first, was nowhere to be seen.

“Your Majesty?”

“Over here.”

The King’s voice came from beside her. Startled, Evelyn stepped aside, nearly colliding with a suit of armor in the corner. The King teased her.

“Careful. If you break anything here, you’ll be a slave to the Royal Family for life.”

“Ah!”

“Well, now that I think about it, that might not be so bad. Want to try breaking something?”

Evelyn felt chills run down her spine and shook her head. Clicking her tongue in mock disappointment, the King resumed walking. Evelyn followed closely, careful not to touch anything.

The long corridor was lined with what appeared to be rooms. Though it was too dark to see inside, silk, gold coins, and golden armor spilled out into the hallway. Seeing the dusty gold coins, Evelyn cautiously asked.

“Did you bring me here to organize this place?”

There’s no way I can clean all this by myself. 

The King glanced at her trembling figure and replied.

“This isn’t the real vault; it’s a trap to deter intruders. Everything here is cursed with ancient spells, so don’t touch anything.”

“…Understood.”

“In fact, only items whose curses couldn’t be lifted were left here, but fools kept touching them, so it naturally became a trap.”

Evelyn quietly walked down the center of the corridor, holding back tears. She missed Seth.

“This is the real Royal Vault.”

The King abruptly stopped and pointed to a room. It looked no different from the ones they had passed. Unsure if the King was joking, Evelyn blinked.

Then the King turned to her and said.

“Evelyn Gran, I promise you. If you pass through the vault’s door, you may take any treasure inside.”

“What?”

“The treasures inside hold immense history, value, and mystery. Whatever you choose, you won’t regret it.”

Her words were almost seductive. Evelyn blinked in confusion, her mind a whirl of uncertainty.

What if she’s lying? What if the real vault is elsewhere, and she’s pushing me into a fake one?

It did seem like the perfect opportunity to get rid of her. 

But if the King’s words were true?

Then she might have just received the chance she desperately wanted. Hesitating, Evelyn cautiously spoke.

“Your Majesty, instead of a treasure, may I ask for something else?”

“Something else?”

“Yes, something more valuable than treasure.”

Her words were audacious, even as she spoke them. She worried the King might get angry. Fortunately, she seemed intrigued.

“There are ancient artifacts inside. What could be more valuable than that? Aren’t you being too greedy?”

“To you, Your Majesty, it might hold no value, but to me, it’s the most precious thing.”

“What is it?”

Placing a trembling hand over her chest, Evelyn answered.

“My life.”

The King fell silent, seemingly taken aback. Evelyn continued, hoping she wouldn’t be offended.

“Just once… Even if I upset you so much that you want to kill me, please spare me just once.”

“…”

Until now, Evelyn had thought she wasn’t particularly attached to life. She didn’t want to die because it hurt, but she didn’t have a desperate will to live either.

But when Seth kissed her forehead, listened to her past seriously, and promised it would never happen again…

She wanted to live longer. To stay with him until he no longer needed her. That’s what she thought.

But it was just a thought. Her life held no value, and if someone found her annoying, she would disappear. If that someone was Seth, she wouldn’t mind, but if it were anyone else, she would be terribly sad.

Seth would be sad if she disappeared suddenly. He might even suffer from grief. To prevent such a tragedy, she had to persuade the King here.

“Do you think I’ll kill you?”

The King’s voice turned cold.

Saying “yes” outright would be a bad idea. Evelyn racked her brain for an appropriate answer.

“Even if you don’t want to, a situation might arise where you have to, Your Majesty.”

“And you want me to spare you then?”

“Yes!”

Evelyn clasped her hands together and looked up at the King pleadingly. The King smirked and said.

“That’s a wish incomparable to any treasure. You’re asking me to prioritize your life over the nation’s interests.”