MPBGS 44💖

Chapter : 44

Daisy, I’m glad at least you’re happy.

“Did you manage to talk things through?”

“Yes… The butler said that the young lady instructed him to accommodate the children as much as possible. Thank you.”

When I told the butler yesterday that Daisy would be reinstated, he was extremely surprised. It seemed hard for him to believe she would return to work after quitting due to being treated so badly by Evangeline.

And when I mentioned that I brought three children with me, he asked me in a trembling voice if I had kidnapped them. Even though quite some time had passed since I was possessed, why hasn’t Evangeline’s reputation as a villain shown any sign of fading?

Only after I explained the children’s circumstances did the butler finally accept it. I almost snarked that the villainess does good deeds and still gets side-eyed for it. Of course, as a civilized person who respects elders, I didn’t actually say that.

“Miss, this is a letter from Sir Gabriel.”

Should I open it or not? After some hesitation, I decided to open it. As expected, it was a letter written in elegant cursive. The content wasn’t anything special—he wished to join me for afternoon tea. In other words, he would arrive at two o’clock. Looking at the clock, there was still plenty of time.

“Let’s get ready.”

I’d rather just dress casually, but since I needed to make a good impression, I should put in some effort.

With three people helping me, everything went much faster. When I had first been possessed, I didn’t even have a dedicated maid—but now I had three. I was doing quite well in this romance-fantasy life.

“You look absolutely radiant today as well.”

As Kana said, Evangeline was already beautiful enough to live up to her villainess reputation, but today she looked even more stunning.

Since Daisy had previously served Evangeline, her skills in styling were quite refined. She even brought accessories I didn’t know about and carefully adorned me with them.

After finishing preparations and idling around, a servant knocked on the door.

“Miss, Sir Gabriel has arrived.”

Descending to the reception room with Daisy, Gabriel rose from his seat. Wow… His appearance today was as flawless as ever. Even though I had dressed up carefully, I didn’t feel outshined at all.

The man who looked like he wouldn’t even groan if stabbed lowered his head politely.

“Miss Rowanson. I hope you had a peaceful night.”

No, I didn’t sleep a wink, you jerk.

“Thanks to your assistance, I was able to rest well.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

As I sat across from him, Gabriel also took his seat again. I glanced at him sideways. Just like yesterday, he appeared calm and composed, without a hint of disturbance. It was hard to believe he had been told by Daisy that I was a possessor.

No, don’t let your guard down. This might be a ploy to make me relax.

“As mentioned, the children have been placed in the temple orphanage. Sir Troy will stay for the time being, helping with miscellaneous tasks. A facility that can be shaken by about ten more children would be quite fragile, so you can rest assured.”

Gabriel began by explaining the aftermath.

“This is an entry pass to the orphanage for Ms. Daisy. Since access is restricted, you must carry this pass.”

“…Thank you.”

Along with a map of the orphanage, he also prepared an entry pass so Daisy could visit.

Troy had kept the gold coins he borrowed without spending a single one, and he planned to repay his debt today by bringing along a knight. Since they had already departed, they should have arrived by now. No matter how much of a loan shark they were, they wouldn’t dare deceive or intimidate someone in front of a holy knight. It was a very sensible arrangement.

After the initial investigation into the director and the basement, Troy intended to donate the orphanage to the temple.

“The priest involved in Merai’s dealings will be dismissed today.”

The other participants were nobles or merchants, so the temple’s influence might not extend as strongly, but the matter would be reported to the imperial family.

Given the hierarchical nature of this world, the punishment might not be very severe, but with the male lead involved, perhaps the penalties would be somewhat increased.

“Merai’s crimes are severe enough to warrant the death penalty.”

However, it would be execution by beheading—not burning at the stake.

One side would be dismissed, the other executed. Though both were involved in human trafficking, the severity of their punishments differed. Based on appearances, Merai seemed to bear greater guilt, so it was somewhat understandable.

“Execution…?”

“If a date is set, I will inform you in writing.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Daisy’s voice trembled. Even if they were human traffickers, she must have felt conflicted, given that they had raised her.

If I had known this conversation would come up, I would have brought Kana instead of Daisy, who had betrayed them. I had expected Gabriel to bring up my possession, so I thought Daisy’s presence would be useful—but this was unexpected.

“This should conclude matters regarding Merai. I will inform you as things progress.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

If Gabriel hadn’t handled things yesterday, I would have had to take care of all of it myself. Thinking that way, he almost seemed like an angel.

How did he manage to complete so much overnight? Meanwhile, I had barely slept. Is this the power of a male lead constantly burdened with overtime?

After finishing his explanation, Gabriel took a sip of his tea.

Ah. He’s about to say it.

My heart began to race violently.

What is he going to say? He’s not going to splash holy water at me and yell, “Begone, demon!” right? That would break character, wouldn’t it? Then would he cut my throat first? Or maybe even bind me with ropes and take me away…

I was so anxious I felt like I might die, but Gabriel paused deliberately, like a commercial break.

“And about my sudden visit to you yesterday…”

I hated this pace the most. Just get to the point!

“Though it is sudden, would you be my partner?”

Please don’t kill me, okay?

“Partner?”

What is he talking about…?

Huh? Wait—what? A sudden date invitation? Asking me to attend a ball and dance together? I had expected a suspenseful, shocking development, but Gabriel had suddenly shifted the tone into romance.

Was he serious? Was he going to pretend he didn’t know I was a possessor? No—maybe he was just timing when to reveal my identity. Did he expect me to just wait it out? Rather than live in constant anxiety, I might as well confront it head-on.

“You’re asking this knowing I’m not Evangeline?”

Unable to hold back my disbelief, I spoke first.

Gabriel lowered his gaze, his eyelashes fluttering slightly. Who was he trying to charm with that look?

Honestly, he didn’t even understand possession stories. If a dead body is taken over by another soul, shouldn’t he treat it as a ghost or demon? And he’s a holy knight, for crying out loud!

“Yes. I am fully aware.”

Gabriel adjusted the handle of his teacup. So he was asking despite knowing I was a possessor…

It’s a bit embarrassing to say this myself, but it seems Gabriel likes me more than I thought. I’ve reached the point where he’s fine with whoever I am. Well, I did play the field a bit, but still—what an easy man…

All the worry I had overnight suddenly felt meaningless. Why had I been trembling all day over a fish in my own net?

“To be precise, I would like you to accompany me as my partner to upcoming social gatherings.”

“Why suddenly?”

Since it really was out of the blue, I asked for the reason—and received an unexpected answer.

Apparently, rumors about my spirit summoning array were spreading among the upper class.

It seems he’s worried it might be misused. That’s understandable—both the priest and the orphanage director had used it improperly. So he probably intends to attend social events with me to identify suspicious individuals.

Wait—but do they really need me for dealing with spirits?

Of course, I wouldn’t stand by if someone misused my summoning array—but I don’t even know how to properly summon spirits myself! How does everyone else manage to succeed so easily?

A chilling thought crossed my mind. Could it be that I have absolutely no affinity with spirits? Maybe the summoning just requires drawing the array and calling them, and I’m the only one failing. Could Gabriel be asking for my help because my presence lowers the success rate of spirit summoning?

“Having you present will disrupt the influence of the array.”

Gabriel confirmed my fear. My eyes began to sting. This is too much. Not only am I ignorant of the original plot, and sometimes the “translation” (system?) fails me—but now I have zero spirit affinity too? Even as a villainess, this is too cruel.

“And it is also to avoid suspicion regarding your identity.”

That made sense. In this romance-fantasy world, Evangeline is a villainess, so even when I do nothing wrong, situations tend to spiral in strange ways. If things go wrong, rumors might spread that I command spirits.

Donau acted as if he had been kidnapped on my orders, and there was also a spirit summoning array drawn at Daisy’s orphanage. Without me present, all the blame could have been pinned on me.

At least with Gabriel beside me, such suspicions would be reduced. He is an upright holy knight, after all.

“If that’s the case, then I accept. I’ll gladly do it.”

And Gabriel had supported me despite knowing I might be a demon or something else, without even questioning my possession. I don’t forget kindness easily.

After finalizing the arrangement, Daisy cautiously raised an objection.

“Um… Miss, you haven’t even had your debut yet…”

What? Isn’t a villainess supposed to already reign as the flower of high society?

The dense lights gradually thinned as Gabriel walked, and by the time they descended into the underground, it became difficult to see without a lantern.

The underground, untouched by sunlight, was an ideal place to commit unspeakable acts beyond the eyes of the divine. For that reason, the empire had many underground spaces. Even the Grand Temple was no exception. The place Gabriel had come to was primarily a detention and interrogation area for criminals.

“Bishop Zabaniya?”

“We meet again.”

There were already guests in the underground: two priests, Bishop Zabaniya, and a middle-aged woman in a white veil who greeted Gabriel warmly.

“Knight Commander, it’s been a while.”