PLOM Chapter 195 (END)

<Episode 195>

 

“…Rue?”

The fourth marriage partner wasn’t Count Serenier, but Lord Calepa?

Had the emperor truly gone mad?

 

No, that wasn’t it. No matter how crazy the emperor was, he couldn’t simply write the Calepa’s name on this paper. In other words, it meant that Rue had personally written his name on it!

 

“Is this… okay? It’s not written wrong, is it? It says Lord Calepa. Is it really allowed for the Calepa to get married?”

 

Rue, who had prepared black tea which hadn’t yet cooled down, handed me a teacup and calmly asked.

 

“Is there a reason why it shouldn’t be?”

 

That… he was being like that again.

Sipping the steaming tea, I, now feeling much lighter at heart, asked him.

 

“So, are we now getting married with the permission of His Majesty the Emperor?”

 

“Not permission, but consent. It’s not a marriage decree, but a marriage consent form. Don’t forget, the Emperor can’t give me orders. And let me tell you in advance, you better not think about running away. Even if we have enough trust in each other, it is only safe to be bound by the legal system…”

 

“I signed it.”

 

After I scrawled my name, I handed the marriage consent form to Rue.

He stared silently at the name ‘Daisy Weatherwoods’ written on the paper, and as soon as he accepted the paper, his eyes caught the signature again.

 

I asked cautiously, wondering if something was wrong.

 

“Should we take a photo?”

 

“…Daisy.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Allow me to chew you up.”

 

“Are you crazy? Is that something to ask to allow-!”

 

Rue threw the marriage consent form aside and pulled my face towards him, kissing me.

The kiss lasted a long time.

 

However, it was difficult to prolong it further here. Calming Rue down with the persuasion that ‘since we’re getting married, we need to make arrangements now,’ I picked up the fallen teacup from the floor and asked.

 

“So, what about the wedding date? Do you have any plans in mind?”

 

“Tomorrow.”

 

…Oh, really?

 

Bang!

 

At that moment, with a thunderous noise akin to lightning, the door swung open wide. Bernard, appearing suddenly with disheveled hair, shouted without any explanation.

 

“That’s not possible!”

 

What’s not possible?

 

‘The marriage?’

 

Perhaps because he reached the same conclusion, Rue gave Bernard a threatening smile.

“Are you out of your mind, Bernard?”

 

Flinching, Bernard hurriedly smoothed his hair and calmly replied.

 

“Oh, no. I’m not saying the wedding isn’t possible. I meant that it can’t happen tomorrow. It is absolutely forbidden to hold the wedding tomorrow! No matter what!”

 

His plea was so desperate that all we could do was nod obediently in response.

 

* * *

 

Four months.

It was the minimum period Bernard announced that should be guaranteed for wedding preparations.

 

“If you can’t respect these four months, then we have no choice. We will simply follow your will. Lord Calepa can take care of the first ceremony himself according to the Gods. But after that, we will all leave Calepa and live in seclusion!”

 

Although Rue regarded Bernard’s announcement, or rather, protest, as a child’s tantrum, he silently accepted it without saying a word.

 

With an endlessly pleased expression, Bernard left. Rue, upon seeing his departure, clicked his tongue saying that people who couldn’t even cross the fourth wall were causing more and more problems.

 

After about three days.

 

The Head Maid accepted Natasha’s proposal.

However, with my permission, she took all the members of the family, including the assassin-butler, to the palace.

 

The servants had a one-year contract as the Head Maid’s exclusive employees, which also meant that I would temporarily vacate the Weatherwoods Manor.

 

“Master, you’re right. They have always lived so freely that I worry they might cause trouble in the palace. But… I don’t want them to just protect the mansion while waiting for the master. It will be less lonely since we’ll have people to be with.”

 

The final words between the Head Maid and me felt like she was talking to herself.

 

Shortly after the head maid’s decision to go to the palace, Jean cautiously came to me and shared her thoughts. She wanted to go on a journey for a year.

 

“No, it’s not a sudden decision. Since returning from Astrosa, I’ve been thinking about experiencing a wider world. Even though it was a short time, I learned a lot from Calepa and experienced new cultures, gained a lot of enlightenment… What? Money? Uh, I’ll find a way, no matter what. I’ll work hard and make a living, even if I have to sacrifice everything!”

 

Jean quickly gathered her nonexistent belongings and left the next day, boarding a train to a distant place. She asked me to look forward to her strong return in a year… I could only think that it would be fortunate if she returned safely.

 

Perhaps it’s because I had developed affection for Jean.

The most unexpected decision came from Andert.

 

To be honest, Andert was a guy who could disappear without a trace and I wouldn’t find it strange. However, he surprised me with actions that exceeded my expectations. He returned to Berkeley-Gratten and started taking classes to succeed the Duke.

 

Thinking it was a judgment that didn’t suit his temperament, I asked him for the reason.

 

“Is it any of your business?”

 

Only that answer came back.

Well, considering the significant events he’d experienced, I thought he might’ve received some enlightenment. He might have felt the need for power or judged that it was best to be in a place that flattered and satisfied him.

 

The swordmaster seemed to sense something in Andert’s changed attitude, which was flipped like a card, but he didn’t seem willing to tell me.

 

“A man’s heart is always like a reed. Don’t assume everyone is as simple as you think. By the way, that was a compliment.”

 

The swordmaster’s thoughts were still hard to read.

 

Obviously, I received Dian’s legacy from him, broke the wall, and even saved Natasha with his help… But the existence of Jurian Berkeley-Gratten was still a mystery to me.

The swordmaster was a person who remained more independent than anyone else while still faithfully fulfilling the role of the Emperor’s sword.

 

The Iregiel terrorist incident was said to be a smokescreen to steal an artifact that allegedly belonged to Dian Cecht, from the Iregiel Imperial Report.

 

However, Natasha didn’t seem to care much about the swordmaster. Her concerns were elsewhere.

 

“Daisy, I’ll tell you my greed. I don’t want to drag you into this dirty mud fight. Being born and raised in the palace, I know better than anyone how terrible and pathetic the power of the throne, the imperial authority, can strife conflicts. We just want you to rest. It’s okay now… You can do that. No, please do so.”

 

I wasn’t sure if the plan to overthrow the Emperor was still valid.

 

But with the reappearance of Princess Natasha, the fragmented factions within the empire were entering a new phase. Raphael remained strong as the leader of the pro-Zenail faction, and the Emperor kept him in check.

 

Mephisto’s complete death only prevented the resurrection of the devil army. It was the natural outcome since only a handful of people, including the Emperor, Raphael, the swordmaster, and Natasha, were involved in the incident.

 

This was because everyone’s will and beliefs became entangled and unified under the pretext of eradicating a common enemy.

And Raphael stood at the center of it all.

 

“…I meant it when I said I would always be behind you. It’s not just a casual remark. I don’t expect anything else from you, so just know that.”

 

He promised to meet next time with a cautious kiss on the back of my hand.

For now, this is where we part ways.

 

Shall we talk about me and Rue now?

 

We are heading to the Northern Continent.

Our destination is a village of the Claw Tribe, where White was born and raised, a place far away in the outskirts of the Astrosa Kingdom. We plan to spend a long time traveling there.

 

With the Grey Hawks on the verge of extinction, the Claw Tribe is the only one left practicing the traditional art of falconry. I intend to learn as much as possible there and return.

 

And the scheduled starting point is right here, Queen Island.

 

Whooooosh.

The wind I encountered after a long time on the cliff was rough.

I stood in front of the stone tomb I had built 14 years ago, brushing off the layers of dust and gravel that had accumulated over time.

 

When I finally tidied up the tomb to my satisfaction, I opened my bag and checked the condition of the egg buried inside the blanket.

 

Alright, it’s doing well.

I took out the Naz that I had carefully placed next to the egg. The Naz, with the name ‘Ash’ written on it, was worn but still sturdy, just like 160 years ago. Like Dian.

 

As I pondered how to place it on top of the stone tomb, I eventually called for Rue’s help.

 

“Rue, the sea breeze on this cliff is so strong that I think the Naz might fall. Can you secure it with magic?”

 

Rue wobbled over, looked down at the Naz with a distasteful expression, and then turned to me with a mischievous smile.

 

“Maybe it’s better if it flies away.”

 

“Don’t be mean.”

 

“Oh, Daisy, how can I, your bad slave and handsome husband, refuse your request? But I’ll need to hear one answer before I fulfill your demand. Is it me or Dian Cecht?”

 

“God. Why pretend as if you’re asking for the first time? You’ve already asked the same thing thrice.”

 

“So is it me or Dian Cecht?”

 

Was the reason Rue had been asking such childish questions recently because he’d regained his memories from his youth or because the emotions he could feel had become richer?

The deeper I delved into this question, the more I realized how pointless it was.

Whichever answer it may be, ultimately, the essence of Rue remained the same.

 

“Even if you ask a thousand or a million times, my answer will always be you, Rue.”

 

I’m sorry, Dian.

If Rue asks, “Between me and Dian Cecht, whose personality is better?” I’ll definitely say your name.

 

With my response, I lifted my heel and kissed him lightly, and a gentle yet possessive hand reached out and hugged my waist.

 

He didn’t take his lips off me until I was gasping for air. Only after hitting his chest with all my strength did he reluctantly release me with a disappointed expression.

 

Was the already outspoken Rue becoming more proactive and unhesitating with things like this because memories of his youth had resurfaced, or because his emotions had become sharper…? That was also a pointless question.

 

We hung the Naz on the gravestone.

No matter how strong the fierce sea breeze blows or how sharp the typhoon rages, the unwavering name tag stared at Rue, never letting go.

 

Ash came back to Queen Island.

With my beloved Rue.

 

After stretching out for a long time, I held Rue’s hand.

Now, familiar blue hair, golden eyes, and a constant warmth that shielded me from the relentless ocean winds stayed by my side.

 

We are going to the northern continent.

No, we will go wherever our feet lead us.

Until the fallen stars lose their light.

 

Until we reach the end of eternity where we promised to be together. We’ll keep going, keep going.

 

“…Hmm, alright. Shall we go now?”

 

<The peaceful life of a maid who hides her power and enjoys it, complete>

---

 

 

 

Hello, this is the translator, Ami.

Even the author didn’t leave a two page afterword like me, the translator, lol, but I cannot help it. So stick around a little.

 

I wonder if it’s alright for me to say that the person who loves a story most and cares for it as their own after the author is the translator. I hope it’s not too arrogant of me to make the comparison, but I only say it out of my immense love for this story. I presented it to you with hopes and anxiety like it was my child, haha.

 

This is the first story I’ve completed translating from scratch. My affections for it are practically unbound. I feel like I might burst into tears this very moment.

 

Daisy will always be a special character for me, one I don’t think I will ever forget. She has formed a very strong corner in my heart, and the residence might be permanent. I don’t know about you, but this story never disappointed me. It helped me through dark times, I used it as a way to get through stuff, and I think I’ve done it justice. I at least desperately hope I have.

 

I wish Daisy and Rue eternal happiness. They are characters I would’ve done anything for. Daisy deserved the love Rue gave her, and Rue gave her love abundantly, a love unlike any I’d read about before. A love that didn’t require anything in return. Wow, the tears are pooling up already as I’m writing this.

 

Thank you for reading and supporting this story until the end. I would like to thank the author for writing such a brilliant story, and if I knew them in person, I would definitely speak a long while to express what a good job they’ve done with it.

 

If there is ever an official translation for this story, even if it’s paid, please try to support it. I have a lot more to say, but I can’t quite put my feelings right now in words. I feel like I might’ve said too much already, but whatever, I deserve a bit of a goodbye to the characters as well.

Rue and Daisy, be well.

Swordmaster, you remain shady to Daisy until the end, but just like her, I too have grown attached to you.

 

Raphael, you are also a character that did not disappoint me. 

He never pushed Daisy too far, and even if his affections for her aren’t too certain, he only wished for his friend’s happiness.

Raphael was truly Daisy’s partner and best friend.

Natasha, I hope you’ll still get therapy and in time learn to forgive yourself, but you’re a kind person.

Head maid, please don’t cut people’s salary at the palace. 

To all the uncanny and strange group of Weatherwoods mansion staff, please keep doing what you do.

 

To the Weatherwoods mansion, you hold so many stories, and I think it would’ve been very regrettable if I hadn’t gotten to know them.

 

To the Hero of War, Andert Fager-Ash Fager. I sometimes wondered what I’d do if I isekaied into this story, but I think I’ll just hug you.

 

Thank you all so much.

And for you readers,

 

To Astraxx, this story’s number 1 reader, I wonder if you stuck to the end.

To Vystas, who commented on every chapter, and whose comments I looked forward to – sometimes posting solely to see them.

To Oatmeal, for the theories.

To Oats, Lili, for the concern and the energetic messages.

Bee, MakHPE, Datsukai, Mr. Slowly/Thomas, Fumiohno, Baseg for the comments.

 

And so many I cannot name.

Thank you for all the support, the ko-fis, the messages.

My last request for all of you is to leave lots of (good) reviews on this story’s novelupdates page and rate it, hehe.

 

Let’s meet again in a different story.