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I am an Object
We had less than 30 minutes before the guest’s visit. First, I stopped by the bathroom and hurried back to my room to take care of another task. I take out a dark outfit different from the one for the morning greeting from the closet and rush straight to the bathroom. Even though it was called ‘bathroom’, there was no hot water. Accurately speaking, there was hot water at certain times, but at other times it was just normal water.
I immediately took off my clothes and took a bath. It was now the month of Jasper and since summer was still a little way off, the water was cold. But, there was no time to feel cold. I take a bar of soap worn down small from use, and I quickly wash my whole body. My head too. I should not expect it to get completely dry anymore.
Once I return from taking a bath, I first gargle. I had been running all over the place and am thirsty but I am gargling while enduring it. Then wipe my whole body as much as possible. After wiping as much moisture as possible from my hair, this time I thinly spread the perfumed oil provided to us. Then I changed into the dark clothes I was wearing earlier. I could no longer make any movements that make me sweat.
Walking down the corridor as calmly as possible, I finally arrived at my destination. It was probably the closest place to the entrance of the Suzuran room among all the entrances in the mansion.
「You’re late」
A sharp voice stabs me. Nagia holds a bouquet and hands it to me while scowling at me. She was also dressed up and wearing a white, long kimono.1
Soon, I could hear footsteps coming from behind. It was the young man responsible for the facility management from earlier who works behind the scenes.
「The guest is at the gate. Stand by」
We did not reply. We also did not nod at him. We just stayed quiet and looked forward. This was a tacit understanding among us. Right now, and from this moment on, we started our performance.
That’s right, my other task was.....to become a decorative object.
Now, remember how I look. I did not want to say it myself, but I am a handsome boy with black hair. I am wearing a pitch-black outfit. And my partner? She was a beautiful girl with silver hair. She was wearing a pure white dress. Around the gate where we were standing were flowers of various colors, arranged in overwhelming abundance. A peculiar smell was drifting from the incense burner at our feet, it seems clear that a lot of money had been spent on it. All these were decorations to show a warm welcome to the Baroness.
And that was why we must not ruin the atmosphere of the place. Staying like this, no matter what happens. Becoming a painting.
……I braced myself and stood frozen in place for what felt like tens of minutes.
There was no need to be surprised. The Baroness’s carriage just entered the mansion’s grounds. Since we had received that information, we still didnot know when she might arrive here. However, it was possible she was just loitering on the way.
Even if they visit frequently, it was at most once a month. This was also the second time for me to welcome the Baroness. In the meantime, the season was changing. Last month was the height of spring, it was now the rainy season and the flowers in the garden had changed. As a noble of Forestia who loves the earth, grass, forests, and fertile farmland, they could not help but praise each of them. If someone acts a bit pretentious, they would not be satisfied until they come up with a poem on the spot. And as the master of the mansion, it was almost considered a matter of etiquette to prepare a splendid garden with which to receive guests.
In passing, the madam was just waiting during that time. She was relaxing near the Suzuran room while drinking tea. The person attending the Baroness was most likely the head maid. This was permitted since the butler was currently outside, and furthermore, the guest was a woman,and also due to the informal situation.
If this were the usual official business then the atmosphere would become a bit more tense. A meeting would be held to work out the details in the waiting room while waiting for the guests. On the other hand, depending on prior information received and if it was necessary, they may had to delay the visitor to their room as long as possible. Even if it was just a tea party, there were always political maneuvers going on. Moreover, before noble daughters had their debut in high society, they gain experience in these settings. The adults around them gave them detailed instructions in order not to be rude to guests when receiving them, and at the same time not to show any weakness.
And, in the meantime. We continue waiting, motionless, just like objects. We were just standing. Simply standing. Doing nothing.
I ran all over the place, passing on messages to the various departments and cleaning, but even when I got thirsty, I did not drink any water. This was the reason. What if I need to go to the restroom in the middle of my post here? We were not allowed to leave our post. Naturally, wetting ourselves was an out.
This task was unfit for normal children. All things considered, even Nagia - who treats me harshly - was surprisingly tolerant. She remains motionless with a smile on her face. Seeing her like this, I feel like giving her a bit of credit.
From the entrance where Nagia and I were standing, we could see the clear blue sky. This was unusual in Forestia at this time of the year. The sunlight was also gradually getting stronger. I felt cold when I took a cold shower earlier, but when you stand here and wear such a black outfit, I could feel a faint sweat beginning to form on my back.
I wish she would come as soon as possible. It would be a problem if my complexion changed due to the heat. Even if I collapse due to heatstroke, that would be the result of standing too long due to dehydration and that would not be my fault but such logic did not work here. I am going to be subjected to a cold, condemning look as a slave who had ruined the scene and shamed his master.
I wonder how long we had waited? I could hear the sound of women laughing approaching us from afar. I finally pull myself together.
I know because I saw her once. Baroness Hekity. Just like the madam, she was in her late 20’s and still a beautiful woman. She was wearing a bright green dress and a wide-brimmed hat of the same color. Rather than elegance or dignity, the most striking of her features was her friendly smile.
But, she was indeed a noble. You would understand if you follow her gaze. I lowered my face a little to avoid looking at her directly but I could somehow tell what she was looking at. The Baroness did not see us as people, or rather, children. The scene of a cute young boy and girl standing here was just appreciated as part of the gate. So, after taking a cursory look at us, she quickly entered. At that moment, I heard what she said.
「……as always, she has a nice hobby」
She said without worry. For this ‘nice’ hobby, children had to stand up under the sweltering heat for nearly an hour.
Once the Baroness and her attendants enter the room, our role would be over. Of course, when she returned, we had to stand still again.
Now, this was where it gets tough.
The Baroness lives on the outskirts of Pyris. The neighboring countryside was Baron Hekity’s territory. So if they take a carriage, it would take around an hour and a half. It was almost summer now and the days were getting longer, so we should be staying here until around 5 in the evening.
In other words, I had nothing to do for a whole 4 hours. Understandably, I am not told to keep standing here the entire time. I could pretty much rest in the servants’ waiting room. But....
「I think you already know this, but you can't sleep」
Just as I sat down to catch my breath, Nagia’s cold voice came from above.
I know. Dozing off was not allowed here. There were several reasons why.
First. It would be a huge problem if these fine clothes get wrinkled. Second. We had not seen the guest out yet. So when we got called, we had to rush over immediately. Third. Our attitude toward the task here would affect the evaluation made by the reception staff. What was important was one’s conduct. Since it was working hours, I could not just do as I pleased.
I would like to emphasize this again. I could not move around on my own accord. Unless it was really unavoidable, I could not leave this room, such as going to the restroom. As for meals, of course, they did not just give us breakfast and nothing else, but all that was provided was a sandwich of sorts and a cup of lukewarm tea. All the while wearing gloves and a paper napkin. Moreover, we could not had any unnecessary conversation here. What if our voices got leaked outside and were heard by the madams? Well, realistically, we were not close enough to the point they would be able to hear us, but in any case, there was no one here to talk to in the first place.
So, I had no choice but to sit still. I had to sit.
I could say this with certainty. The difficult part was not when I cleaned in a hurry. It was not when I had to stand still under the heat to welcome the guests. It was the time when I had nothing to do and just sat still.
That was the reason I asked. I wish I could at least read during this time. The more I study, the more I would be useful to the master, I said. But that request was immediately rejected.
The reason? Although printing techniques technically existed, books were still expensive items. Therefore, it would be a problem if the books were accidentally soiled or damaged. First of all, how could a slave boy think he would be allowed to touch the books of the Viscount House? If he wants to study, you would eventually be given the opportunity. After spending a few years in your current role, you would be taught the basics once you come of age -reading, writing, and whatever knowledge the post requires - if I end up as a merchant or assigned to internal affairs. So be patient, they said.
Ridiculous. Those were such ridiculous answers, right? It was still fine to be strict with me. That was also part of the duty. Standing still doing nothing was also part of the job. At first glance, it would seem like a silly act, but it actually has an important meaning. Simply by standing nearby the upper class, knowing their face, remembering their name, or learning their manners.....you were given that opportunity just by standing there.
But, what was this? They did not even check what I could do. And yet, was I really to waste my youth, years that should stretch and flourish the more they were tested, like this? Had I been crushing the other children’s potential in the same manner until now?
But, Nagia did not seem to have any complaints. If anything, the other servants were outside doing manual and physical labor under the sweltering heat. While she just has to see them from inside the cool room. Moreover, she wears a beautiful dress just like an ojousama from somewhere. It was certainly a privileged position. And I, a former slave, had also carved out a place for myself in such a privileged position. I see, she could not stomach that fact.
Stupid. I felt like I was getting more and more useless with each passing day. Every single day, there were careless paperworks and shoddy information communication. Being made to wait pointlessly, being rushed unreasonably, and being unable to make use of or develop my skills. And whenever people said something to me, it was always just warnings about my way of living.
I would really end up becoming a useless person if I stayed in such a place for several years. I could not think of it any other way.
After seeing off the Baroness in the evening, I changed into casual clothes again and cleaned the Suzuran room. And once again, the head maid has to check it. But, she had gone out to see people off at the gate, and her current whereabouts were unknown.
The surroundings were already starting to get dark. I would like to call her here before dinnertime. Calling the young man in charge of facilities, I had him lock the room for now and hurried to the office. But, there was no one in the office. Someone, anyone would do, I had to get a superior somewhere. Could it be that they were beside the Viscount’s family members? If I were to enter the back of the mansion - which was the master’s space - then this outfit was inappropriate. I went back to my room. There was also no one there. It was free time before dinner. The children were probably playing outside right now.
After changing into the pseudo-suit, I stepped into the area usually reserved for the high-ranking servants. Inside the wide mansion were old, roofed connecting corridors lit by candlelight from candles placed here and there.
In the first place, the governor of Pyris holds a considerable position. After the Wars of the Nations, all 6 kingdoms were divided. Countless small countries had formed in this situation but even this Pyris was once the base of an independent force. In other words, this governor’s mansion was once the Pyris royal palace. Of course, the structure had been reduced compared to the past, and the buildings had been rebuilt.
And it was there that Viscount Tviety - a poor noble when judged by the size of his land - took up his new post. He could not get more personnel than necessary. And furthermore - unusual by nobles’ standards-, he did not have concubines. As a result, a considerable part of these wide grounds remains uninhabited and neglected.
While walking down the completely silent corridor, I come to realize that, of course, no one would be here. And it seems that I got a little lost. As could be seen, since there were candles lit one by one, it was clear that the place was not entirely unused. There was also security. Originally, this place would probably have been the concubines' space, but since there were now no concubines, it was now only used occasionally.
There were milky-white marble arcs at regular intervals. Orange light candles were on the pillars. Beyond that was a darkness that feels like carved out in a semicircle. Even though there should had been a lot of people in the mansion, this place starts to make me feel like I had visited a deserted ruin.
It was the moment when I thought about turning back.
There was a noise.
It came from a room. The light of the candles from the roofed connecting corridors did not reach the back. For an instant, the worry that it might be an intruder crosses my mind .Please spare me from getting caught up in an incident in such a place. Silencing my footsteps, I quietly peered into the room.
I saw a person’s silhouette. But, it was really small. That person moved and came forward. The orange light illuminates his face.
It was the Viscount’s eldest son, ウィムWym. He was still 2 years old, but he was already the heir to the Viscount’s house. Why was he wandering around in such a place where there were no servants or his wet nurse?
In any case, there did not seem to be any danger. I let out a sigh.
Wym just stood there frozen, looking at my face with a puzzled look. I also stare intently at his face.
I wonder what I looked like to him. Maybe a servant? No, had a 2-year-old already aware of things like status? Only, it seems that he recognizes the women around him were protecting him, and he simply took it for granted. In that case, for him, I should be someone unfamiliar.
The surroundings remained as quiet as before. There was no one else here. No one.....
I silently stuck out my hand.
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Wym Enbio Tviety (2)
・Material Human Form
(Rank 6, Male, 2 years old)
Empty (2)
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Daily chores. A situation where there were no learning opportunities and possibilities to climb the ladder. On top of that, the number of people I meet if I want to steal their abilities was extremely limited.
As a person responsible for welcoming people, I often just stand receiving important people such as nobles, but I could not lay my hands on them. There were people around so taking their bodies was out of the question. As for the abilities, it was normal that there was nothing worthwhile, and even if there had been, if someone noticed a change right after visiting the Viscount’s house then.....considering that Myluc and Tamaria had nearly discovered my secret, I could not afford to be overconfident about keeping my ability hidden.
In other words, right now, my days are completely pointless, bringing me nothing at all. If I were going to spend my time like this....perhaps it would not be so bad to just go ahead and try to become the son of the noble family here.
But, what would happen then?
Wym - whose body taken by me - dies. Certainly, he would not feel any pain or be aware of it. In fact, her parents, wet nurses, and maids, probably would not notice anything. If I had one concern, it was that I, as the young slave called ‘Fay’ would be missing. But, for the Viscount house, that would be a trivial problem.
I would be raised as the heir to a noble house and spend a prosperous court life. No one would know my true identity. And as long as I had Piercing Hand, I would rarely fall behind. If I feel like it I could reach for the throne.....
I lowered my outstretched hand.
Wym was looking at me with a puzzled look on his face.
Before long, I could hear the sound of several footsteps from behind. Looking back, there was a female servant holding a lantern with the wet nurse and head maid behind her.
「……really, why did you take your eyes off of him」
「I’m sorry」
「But, where could he.....ah」
I called out to those women.
「Excuse me, I was just looking for you」
「Umm.....Fay? That’s right, the report is still pending.....but, we were in a hurry right now, I’ll see you later」
「Wym-sama is over here」
「Eh......what did you say?」
After they came running over to me, they saw the direction my finger was pointing. There was Wym smiling shyly over there. From his perspective, it might had felt like a bit of a game of hide-and-seek.
「Aah, thank god!」
「Come, let’s go back, Wym-sama」
The wet nurse and female servant run over, crouch down, and catch Wym.
The head maid turned around and asked me, while looking at that scene.
「Well done finding him」
「No, it was just a coincidence. Actually, I was looking for someone in charge of the confirmation of the room I cleaned.....」
「I see」
The head maid seemed to think for a while and then spoke shortly after.
「Very well. I will check on Suzuran's room later. I will not be looking for you unless something comes up so you can rest today」
「Understood. Thank you very much」
I bowed and turned my back to the women. I went back to my room to get changed and it was finally time for me to have dinner.
I did not take Wym’s body. Why?
The reason......there were several. First, all my abilities slots were already filled. In that case, I would had to discard some kind of ability to take Wym’s body. Also, I was concerned about how the situation of Fay’s going missing would be handled. Besides, I would not be able to act freely for a while if I were to continue my life as Wym. There was no way a kid only 2 years old was able to speak Fores language fluently, let alone read. And could I really endure such a boring life?
There was more. While the status of Viscount Tviety was attractive, it was not something to be obsessed over. There were a lot of nobles with higher rank, and the Viscount was receiving the crown prince’s favor right now so his position was not bad but there was a possibility he would fall to the bottom if the situation suddenly changed.
Above all, the Viscount’s personality. Although he looks impressive, I did not rate that man highly. The thought of growing up with that man as my father makes me feel a bit fed up.
……no.
That’s not it.
There was no need to argue about it, I hesitated in killing Wym.
At this point?
I could clearly remember the murder of both of my parents back in Linga village. It was a terrifying experience, but once I got through it, it was really nothing much. Although I don’t enjoy killing, I would not hesitate to do it if necessary.
But, was there a 「necessity」 to do that here?
I ended up missing a great opportunity. There would probably not be many chances of Wym being left all alone again in the future. Since something like a ‘personality’ has not yet taken shape in him, I could slip into his life without anyone knowing that the person inside was actually someone else. The more time passed, the clearer Wym’s consciousness became, and his behavior was etched into the memories of those around him. It would become harder to impersonate him.
In any case, this was the result.
I glanced back once and then walked straight ahead. Let’s relax a bit after having dinner. After taking a bath, I would sleep in the corner of that children's room again today. www.ihavesinnedtranslation.com
TL Note :
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白無垢, Literally white kimono, but more of a traditional one. You can look it up to have a better image
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