laffytaffynoveltranslations

A Way to Avoid the Death Route

Askan’s face, which had been expressionless until now, suddenly twisted.

This time, the change in his emotions was so noticeable that anyone could tell he didn’t appreciate my kindness.

He parted his lips and let out a small sigh.

“…. Hah.”

It was such a small sound that one wouldn’t notice without paying close attention.

But he didn’t say any words of rejection.

It was understandable. Regardless of his true feelings, I was a noble lady, and he was a lowly servant.

“Ahem.”

I cleared my throat awkwardly.

I felt a little guilty for manipulating him despite seeing his clear displeasure, but this was the only way to keep him by my side.

‘I’m doing you a favor, really.’

Askan looked at me as if wondering what scheme I had in mind this time, but I confidently pointed to the room where he had been staying.

“Anyway, pack your things and come out. I’ve decided to move your quarters inside the mansion.”

“…. Understood.”

Askan quickly returned to his expressionless state. He entered his current room without a word and packed his belongings.

Moments later, he emerged with a very small bundle of possessions.

It was so sparse that I doubted it even contained a full set of clothes.

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

For some reason, seeing that small bundle made my mouth feel dry, like chewing sand.

I knew how much Askan had suffered to survive in the novel <The Beloved Saint>.

To people, he was nothing more than a test subject. Even when he writhed in pain as if dying, he never received a single painkiller, let alone a question of concern.

Everyone’s interest lies in the results of the human weapon experiments. No one cared about Askan, who was undergoing those horrific tests.

He grew up like that from a young age, knowing only the cold laboratory as his world.

So, when he later wished for the world to be destroyed after gaining power, I thought I might have felt the same way if I had grown up like him.

Seeing Askan’s childhood, which I had only read about in the novel, made my heart ache.

The tiny bundle in his hand seemed to reflect his detached heart, which held no attachment to anything.

“Are you joking? What will you do when winter comes with just that?”

Maybe that’s why I couldn’t leave him alone.

“…What?”

“No way. We need to get you proper clothes immediately.”

Of course, I had some selfish motives to appear favorable to him.

“I’m fine.”

“I’ll refuse your rejection. As I said earlier, I plan to treat you very well.”

Askan’s expression turned peculiar. While I couldn’t guess what he was thinking, it was clear he still regarded me with caution.

But I didn’t mind. From what I knew, no one disliked a gift.

“Follow me.”

I walked ahead first. Then I remembered something and turned back.

The butler, who I had called to discuss room assignments, was following us from a distance.

“The butler will carry Askan’s luggage.”

“What? Me?”

“Do I need to say it twice?”

“Oh, no, My Lady.”

The butler, looking bewildered, took Askan’s light luggage.

Askan gave me a strange look, but I quickly turned my head forward and walked on.

From now on, I plan to show him through actions rather than words.

*** *** *** *** ***

Upon returning to my room with Askan, I announced to the maids.

“From today, Askan is my attendant. He will be with me in everything I do, so take note of that.”

The maids’ expressions varied, but there was a common sentiment among them: sympathy for Askan.

They looked at him with pity, curious about what I might do to torment him this time.

‘What kind of image do people have of me?’

From what I knew, Thanasia had been timid when she was young. But judging from the reactions of the people around and the fact that she had whipped Askan, she already seemed to have a villainous streak.

Shaking my head, I spoke to the maids again.

“Where is the tailor I called?”

“Yes, My Lady. He just arrived.”

“Let him in.”

At my command, the tailor entered the room. He approached me but I stopped him with a gesture and pointed at Askan.

“Not me, measure my attendant.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

The tailor looked momentarily flustered but soon approached Askan to take his measurements.

Askan seemed uncomfortable with the situation, but his expressionless face made it hard to read his thoughts.

I selected the fabric for Askan’s custom-made clothes and bought several ready-made male outfits as samples.

Shopping is always enjoyable, whether for oneself or others.

Time passed smoothly, and I instructed Askan to try on the sample clothes I had purchased as a temporary measure.

When the fitting room door slid open, everyone’s eyes widened.

“Wow—”

I heard someone exclaim in admiration, though I couldn’t tell who it was.

Dressed in luxurious attire, Askan now looked so noble that it was hard to believe he was the same person from moments ago.

I had thought he was handsome even in shabby clothes, but now that he was properly dressed, ‘handsome’ seemed an understatement.

Everyone’s gaze, including mine, was fixed on Askan. Even the tailor who had recommended the outfit seemed astonished by the transformation.

“It looks like the clothes have found their rightful owner.”

“Indeed, it was worth the investment.”

Smiling contentedly, I signed the purchase agreement for all the clothes I had chosen so far.

Askan stood expressionlessly like a doll being dressed up, but he looked dazzlingly different.

“Move all the remaining clothes to Askan’s room.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

The maids energetically carried the clothes I had bought for Askan.

I had instructed the butler to prepare a room as close to mine as possible, but it was still some distance away.

Watching the maids bustling about, I turned my gaze to Askan. He stood like a mannequin, staring at me.

“Are you hungry?”

It’s natural to feel hungry after shopping.

This time, I headed to the dining room with Askan.

Some people looked at us with curiosity, but most seemed to accept the situation, perhaps having heard that I had taken him as my attendant.

The meal was served in courses as usual.

Starting with appetizers, countless dishes appeared and disappeared from the table.

Askan’s awkward grip on his fork and knife showed he wasn’t used to this setting.

It made sense. He had been subjected to experiments in the Kalua Empire from a young age and suffered as a slave here. He wouldn’t have had the chance to enjoy such meals.

I cut the steak in front of me into bite-sized pieces and offered them to Askan.

“For now, eat this. Later, you’ll need to practice. You’ll have to get used to eating with me.”

“Yes.”

Without a word, Askan accepted the plate I handed him.

I thought he might refuse, but that worry was unnecessary.

However, he didn’t express any thanks. It felt like he was dutifully fulfilling his role as a slave.

‘He’s already so emotionally dry. What will he become after being captured in the laboratory again?’

He seemed used to hiding his emotions. I couldn’t imagine him becoming even more withdrawn.

I stared at Askan for a moment before focusing on my meal.

I never expected him to open up to me easily. I planned to consistently show him kindness without rushing.

Fortunately, that wasn’t difficult for me.

Treating someone well meant sharing what I liked with them.

In other words, I just had to include Askan in what I wanted to do.

Suddenly, an idea struck me, and I spoke to Askan.

“Our family owns several villas. Would you like to visit one sometime?”

“With me?”

“Yes. Whether it’s the sea or the mountains, tell me where you want to go.”

“I don’t have a particular preference…”

“There’s no need to choose. We can visit both.”

“……”

“Do you know how to swim? If not, I can teach you. It’s not hard.”

A subtle crack seemed to form in Askan’s stoic expression. It was clear my words were completely unexpected for him.

I looked straight at him and smiled.

“Why are you so surprised? Life is about enjoying yourself. What’s the big deal?”

I realized this even more after experiencing death once.

While my goal was to survive long, I didn’t intend to waste the process in misery.

Having reincarnated into a character with a silver spoon, it would be a loss not to enjoy it.

“Well, everyone has different tastes. Just because I like something doesn’t mean you will. But if you don’t tell me, I won’t know. So, from now on, if you don’t like something, speak up.”

Askan’s golden eyes darkened slightly at my words.

“How could I possibly say such things?”

For some reason, it sounded sarcastic. It was understandable that he couldn’t trust my sudden change of behavior after years of mistreatment.

But I was sincere.

“Whether you believe me or not is up to you. You can judge based on my actions from now on. Either way, it won’t be a loss for you.”

Askan remained silent. However, I didn’t find his silence uncomfortable. I might be getting used to his taciturn nature.

I didn’t need his permission for my affection. Not knowing what he liked, I had no choice but to push my way.

Looking at Askan, who seemed to have finished eating, I spoke again.

“How about a walk to aid digestion?”

*** *** *** *** ***

The sun had set, and it was dark outside.

The mansion’s lights made it less gloomy and more splendid, but the night view wasn’t what I wanted to see.

“Hmm, maybe we need to go further inside.”

Muttering to myself, I walked towards the garden away from the mansion.

Askan followed me silently. While I didn’t intend to treat him as a slave, he seemed to take my suggestion to walk as an order.

I wasn’t satisfied with our relationship, but there wasn’t much I could do about it now.

As we continued deeper into the dark garden, Askan, who had been quietly following, finally asked in a puzzled voice.

“How far are we going?”

“We’re almost there. Ah, over there.”

I pointed to a bench in the garden. It was like a sunbed, perfect for reclining.

“Why here…?”

Ignoring Askan’s wary look, I sat down on the bench first.

Looking up, I saw a sky full of stars.

It seemed like nothing, but I could count the number of times I’d actually gazed at the night sky.

I glanced at Askan, who stood stiffly nearby, and patted the seat next to me.

“What are you doing? Come sit here.”

Askan looked at me as if he didn’t understand but eventually sat next to me without a word.

Sitting upright and staring straight ahead, he looked so absurd that I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Who just sits when told to sit? Look at the night sky; it’s beautiful.”

Finally, Askan’s gaze lifted to the night sky.

His eyes, which had seemed indifferent, suddenly widened.

For the first time, he looked like a boy his age. I watched him for a moment before looking back at the endless night sky.

People are often moved by seemingly insignificant things.

For me, it was the night sky. It was something I passed by daily without a thought, yet sometimes, it left me feeling strangely overwhelmed.

“Have you ever looked up at the night sky like this?”

“…No.”

“So, this is your first time?”

“Yes.”

I was surprised by his answer, but considering Askan’s past, it made sense.

“I’m glad I brought you. If you want to see it again, you can come often. Stars aren’t visible in bright places. You need to be in the dark to see them clearly.”

“Why?”

“That’s just how stars are. They shine only in the darkness.”

Askan didn’t respond, but I could tell he was still gazing at the night sky without turning my head.

“Isn’t it beautiful?”

“…Yes.”

“I’ll teach you more good things from now on. I promised to show you how to enjoy life.”

At my words, Askan turned his gaze from the night sky to look at me. His deep golden eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Without realizing it, I smiled back at him.

“Let’s have fun together from now on.”

And don’t forget to save me in the future.

But contrary to my expectations, Askan’s eyes grew darker as he looked at me. The expression that had softened into that of a young boy moments ago returned to its original state.

Feeling puzzled by the sudden change in atmosphere, I heard Askan’s voice, now much lower.

“Have you changed your approach?”

“Approach?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. No matter how sweetly you talk, I truly know nothing.”

“Wait, that’s not…”

“You asked me to tell you how to take away Lady Noxia’s powers.”

“What? What?”

I was speechless.

Did I really say that?

Thanasia, you must be out of your mind!

It was almost like she had advertised her hatred for Noxia everywhere.

I held my head in my hands, feeling a headache coming on.

“Just beat and trample me like you usually do. This… is just unsettling.”

Askan stood up slowly. He bent over and bowed to me, who was still frozen in place.

“With your permission, I will take my leave.”

I didn’t know what to say. But there was nothing I could do to keep him here.

As I forced my head to nod, Askan walked back to the mansion without looking back.

I could only watch his cold figure in disbelief. The road to avoiding the death route seemed long and arduous.

Episode 2 – Episode 4