Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 10
Thus, she fled overseas and lived in hiding for five years.
She made sure no one could find her, rarely going out.
Once she distanced herself from the protagonists, the terrible nightmares no longer haunted her.
That alone made faking her death worthwhile.
For the first couple of years, she consciously checked the news articles consistently.
The articles often featured the achievements of Genevieve, who had awakened as a Saintess. The subtle relationship between the Duke of Blanchard, who supported her as ‘the Knight of the Saintess’, was also a frequent subject.
‘Just as I thought, they’re living well.’
Adeline withdrew her interest after confirming that the world kept turning even without her.
It wasn’t exactly pleasant to realize that nothing had changed despite her disappearance.
But since everything had gone according to plan, she shouldn’t hold any unnecessary regrets.
It was the path Adeline had chosen for herself to live.
She had abandoned everything she had to secure a future.
The protagonists would safely marry and have their happy ending, and she had survived.
Receiving the death notice of her mother right after reading about the happy ending might have been her karma.
Adeline cried a lot after receiving the death notice.
She told herself not to think about returning to the family she had left for survival, as she had let go of that opportunity.
She thought long and hard for several days but ultimately decided to return to her homeland.
Still, she wanted to offer a flower one last time.
She wanted to convey a belated sense of atonement to her poor mother who had lost her daughter without understanding why.
*
After crossing the border and entering the country illegally, her journey took over a week.
Adeline disembarked from the ship in the morning and headed to a hotel that Lloyd had previously booked.
Having lived in hiding in a village so rural it barely had an inn, let alone a hotel, Adeline felt slightly overwhelmed by the luxurious facilities she was now experiencing for the first time in years.
Just five years in the countryside had made her completely forget her city life.
Now, her days in the city felt like a previous life.
Lloyd spoke up.
“If you need the restroom urgently, go ahead.”
“It’s not urgent.”
“You looked concerned.”
“Just lost in memories. Reflecting on my life…”
“Ah, memories.”
Lloyd smirked.
“Memories of conning the world?”
“…Don’t you know how to phrase things nicely?”
Adeline grumbled.
Words could differ greatly in meaning. It could be called a con, or it could be considered a brilliant performance.
Preferably the latter.
“I never learned such a thing.”
“Then learn by watching me,” she rebutted.
“I can’t possibly learn just from watching you, Master.”
He really wouldn’t let anyone get the last word in.
What’s the use of calling her ‘master’? If he remained to act so callously towards her.
‘Might as well just call me by my name. Or maybe ‘Sister’.’
He would serve her because he owed her, but it didn’t mean he respected her. Adeline found that easier.
Despite his arrogant demeanor, Lloyd was an excellent servant.
As soon as they entered the room, he unpacked and began organizing everything. He was diligent and meticulous, handling even the tasks Adeline hadn’t asked for seamlessly.
Without Lloyd, Adeline’s reclusive life would have been terrible. She might have starved.
“Lloyd, I would have died long ago without you…”
“You know that’s not something to brag about, right?”
“Yes, you’re my pride and joy.”
Lloyd looked at Adeline, who only praised with words, with a somewhat pitying gaze. If Lloyd had been her mother, Adeline’s back would have been sore by now by all the hits she’d take.
Then, without a knock, the door burst open.
“Who is this?”
Adeline looked at the man who entered as if he owned the place.
‘Well, it’s practically his house after all.’
This hotel was one of the businesses owned by the man.
Since she had informed him of her arrival time through Lloyd, it was reasonable to expect him to show up.
But she hadn’t expected him to barge in right upon her arrival.
“Looks like you’ve been living well.”
“Thanks to you.”
The man with long auburn hair had a cold and composed demeanor. His green eyes and long, sharp gaze reminded one of cats and predators.
His tall stature, slender and lithe figure, broad shoulders, and long neck added an elegance.
He appeared so refined and sophisticated, as if he’d never utter a swear word in his life, but when his lips parted, 70 percent of what came out was sarcasm and curses.
“It’s been a while, Lucian.”
