🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter : 11
This Time, I’ll Change the Male Lead
“Ah, but Your Grace, if the slave’s face is exposed outside, the location of our caravan could also be discovered…”
The merchant replied with a troubled voice.
“That’s why all the slaves wear magical masks.”
“But if this slave runs away before I come to pick him up… how would I find him? I don’t know his face.”
I lightly waved my fan in annoyance.
“It takes a whole month for the slave documents to be completed, doesn’t it?”
“Ah… Your Grace, you don’t need to worry about that part.”
At a quick signal from the merchant, the man who had brought Messis produced an antique jewelry box.
A key…?
When I opened the lid, inside was a crystal orb embedded in a key, shimmering with a mysterious light.
“This key can unlock the slave’s mask, and it also functions as a communication device. You can contact the slave anytime you want.”
“Hmmm… I see?”
“Normally, the key is given on the day you come to collect the slave, but I’ll give it to Your Grace first.”
He held the jewelry box with both hands and presented it to me.
“As long as you have this key, you are connected to this boy at all times.”
Connected…
I looked back and forth between the key and Messis, then accepted the jewelry box.
They’re being really meticulous.
Perhaps because this caravan is used to hiding their existence until the very end, everything was precise, complicated, and thorough—even when it seemed there might be a gap, there wasn’t one.
“Your Grace, we hope this gesture shows our sincerity, so please don’t be angry.”
“Bring a pen.”
“Here it is!”
Though I accepted the jewelry box willingly, I hesitated for a moment when I picked up the pen.
If I inscribed my name here, I would truly become Messis’ master.
Then, how would the story of the original timeline change?
“Step aside for a moment. I have something I want to discuss with him alone.”
“Yes, of course.”
As the merchant tactfully left, only Messis and I remained in the room.
“Your name is Messis, right?”
“…”
“I wish I could greet you face to face. Well, I guess we can take that slowly.”
He didn’t answer, but his eyes clearly asked how I knew his name.
The more he looked, the more I forced my voice to remain casual, as usual.
“Wait a little. I’ll burn the slave documents.”
“…”
“But until then, you must protect me. In return, I can give you freedom.”
Freedom to live solely for himself, for no one else.
“Spend the next month preparing your mind. After that, you will have to devote your sincerity to me.”
After signing, I slammed the pen down and said firmly,
“Of course, I’ll do the same for you.”
“…”
Messis stared at my signature on the contract for a long time, lost in thought.
“Tch, you’re way too thin.”
I lifted the torn hem of his shirt with the tip of my fan, revealing his collarbone. His body was clearly strong, but covered with scars.
“…”
What drew my gaze more than Messis’ strange expression pushing my hand away was something else.
Near the heart.
A thin, long scar remained over his left chest.
How did such a clear wound end up over his heart…?
“Good. You’re smart.”
“…”
“From now on, if anyone bothers you, that’s what you do.”
But I looked away as if seeing nothing and rang the bell.
“Oh, thank you, Your Grace.”
I handed the contract to the returning merchant.
“Ah, there are still some conditions left.”
“Eh… oh dear!”
The merchant stomped impatiently as I pulled my hand away just before turning the page.
“Just tell me.”
I had already stirred things enough that he wouldn’t just blindly obey, but…
“Whatever it takes, heal all the wounds on his body.”
By that, I meant absolutely no one should touch him until the day I return to collect him a month later.
“Of course. Now you are his master.”
The merchant, understanding, lowered his back and watched me carefully. Only then did I hand over the contract.
“Thank you very much. Please make sure to come again.”
As I turned away, Messis’ toes twitched as if following me.
“Why? Do you have something to say?”
“…”
I smiled slightly, and his blood-tinted lips moved.
“Really…”
Finally, after a long pause, his voice was low and calm, like someone who had waited a long time.
“You will come to fetch me, won’t you?”
“Of course. I’m your master now.”
“Then… please tell me your name, Master.”
A name… I hesitated, unsure how to answer suddenly. Even the signature I wrote on the contract was fake…
“Well, just remember me as Bella for now. My real name…”
I took a breath and continued.
“When the day comes that I can truly trust you, I’ll tell you then.”
“…Yes.”
The boy mulled over my words, a mysterious expression flickering across his face.
“I will wait, Master.”
It was a rather clear smile.
“Burn these clothes—dress, gloves, and hat—because I’ll wear the new ones I bought.”
“Yes, yes! Understood, of course. Milady.”
I went into the worn-out salon I saw first and changed clothes.
Everything—the long, dark coat, hat, and gloves that had been covering me—gone.
“Take care, Milady!”
The salon’s madam at the outskirts bowed at the door as if this was a windfall.
Now no one will guess I’m that woman from the slave house.
Unlike before, I now looked like a noble young lady casually enjoying shopping.
As I left the alley, I recalled Messis’ last look.
By the original timeline, he would be around 18 or 19 years old.
I will wait, Master.
I couldn’t believe such a gaze could belong to a teenager.
“That’s enough.”
I shook my head to clear the distraction. Soon, a carriage from the royal palace would arrive, so I had to move quickly.
“Excuse me, which way is the square?”
“Keep walking east.”
“Thank you.”
Thinking of Emma, who was waiting, made me quicken my pace.
Something’s off.
I hurried, but the central square never appeared. Instead, it felt like I was trapped in a more complex maze.
“Milady! It’s me, Emma! Where are you?”
I heard Emma’s voice clearly—she was looking for me nearby.
“Emm—huh!”
I shouted in relief, but suddenly my breath was cut off.
“Ugh!”
A strong force from behind pressed against my mouth and nose.
“Mm! Mm!”
“Please stay still, Milady.”
Milady? Does he know who I am?
I struggled hard, but the stranger didn’t budge.
“This isn’t dangerous. Just cooperate briefly.”
How could I trust someone sneaking up from behind!
I stomped on his foot with my sharp heel.
“Ugh!”
“Let go!”
Still, I couldn’t overcome the strength holding me.
“Ugh, what a stubborn personality.”
The stranger cursed as he dragged me somewhere. I felt so unfair that I could have cried.
Why do I have to go through this?
Was it because of that crazy Karl? Or the Crown Prince?
“Hmph!”
Only when we reached the end of the alley did the stranger stop and push open a worn-out door.
A mask?
Through the hazy view, I saw someone wearing a mask.
“Huff, huff… I’ve brought Milady as instructed.”
Perhaps exhausted, he dropped me roughly on the floor.
Even hitting the cold floor didn’t hurt.
“I told you not to handle her roughly.”
“Apologies, Milady resisted so violently…”
Not handle roughly? That was nonsense. He shouldn’t have dragged me here in the first place.
I wanted to scream, but my tongue felt paralyzed.
“Moreover, something is strange. An ordinary human would have lost consciousness immediately…”
The man said, looking puzzled.
“Milady’s magic power didn’t affect her.”
