Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 23: A Nobleman’s Guide to Overthinking

Chapter 23: A Nobleman’s Guide to Overthinking

Katherine was busy preparing for the symposium, yet no matter how many times she went over her checklist, an unsettling feeling nagged at her.

Something was missing.

She had even consulted Aunt Yevon about it, only to receive an assuring wave of the hand. "Everything is taken care of, dear. Including a personal maid for you once you leave."

Which, fine, was great and all.

But what stood out was how pleased Aunt Yevon had looked when she said it. Unusually pleased. Suspiciously pleased.

Has Aunt Yevon ever been this enthusiastic about hiring staff before?

Katherine tapped her quill against the parchment. Maybe her aunt had finally found a new hobby: matchmaking between mistresses and maids.

Before she could dwell on the oddity, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in."

Philemon stepped inside, offering a polite bow.

"Lady Katherine, I hope I am not disturbing you."

"Not at all," she replied, setting down her parchment.

A young woman, about her age, stepped forward to stand beside Philemon. She carried herself with quiet confidence—not the stiff precision of a well-trained servant, but an easy grace that made her immediately approachable.

"I would like to introduce Ariane," Philemon said. "She will be your personal maid here at the residence."

Ariane curtsied. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Katherine. The marchioness was very kind to entrust me with this role. My mother has spoken highly of you."

Katherine tilted her head. "Your mother?"

"Yes, my lady. I am Gledis’ daughter."

Katherine blinked. "Oh!"

Well, that explained why Aunt Yevon was so pleased. She had mentioned Gledis to her aunt before—mainly when discussing ingredients for her sweets. And now, Aunt Yevon had personally chosen her daughter as Katherine’s maid.

This feels... suspiciously thoughtful. What’s the catch?

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "That was very considerate of Aunt Yevon... or maybe she’s secretly plotting something. I suppose I’ll find out soon enough."

Ariane chuckled. "She did seem rather pleased when she spoke about me coming here. But I assure you, my lady, I have no hidden motives."

"Mm-hmm," Katherine hummed. "I’ll take your word for it... for now."

Ariane only smiled, unruffled.

"I shall do my best to serve you well, my lady."

"I’m sure you will. Please send my thanks to my aunt. This is a wonderful surprise."

"Of course, my lady," Philemon said with a nod. "I shall take my leave now and let you two get acquainted."

As the steward departed, Katherine turned her full attention to Ariane, eyeing her with playful scrutiny.

"I didn’t know Gledis had a daughter. You’re not some hidden secret, are you?"

Ariane’s lips twitched. "Oh no, my lady. My family is quite ordinary. I have two older brothers who assist my father with his merchant business, while I spent most of my time helping my mother. When Mister Philemon spoke of an opportunity to serve the marchioness and yourself, I thought it would be a wonderful experience. My mother has always spoken fondly of you, and I wished to be of service."

Katherine grinned. "I see. Well, I should warn you—I tend to go on little... adventures."

Ariane’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "So I have heard, my lady. But I shall do my utmost to assist you."

Katherine laughed. "That’s good to hear! You may find your duties more exciting than you expect."

"I shall be ready, my lady."

"I’ll be leaving for Athens in a few days. Are you coming with me?"

"Yes, my lady. My family has given me their blessing."

Katherine sighed in relief. "That’s wonderful. I was starting to worry I’d have to make the journey alone."

Ariane straightened with a composed nod. "You need not worry, my lady. I am here to assist you."

Katherine beamed. "Thank you! Actually, there’s somewhere I’d like to go today. Can you accompany me?"

"Of course, my lady. Where would you like to go?"

Katherine leaned closer, lowering her voice like she was sharing a secret. "The Magic Tower."

***

Roiselin had been by his young master’s side for three hours, watching him stare at the portal in their private office. The silence in the room was heavy, only interrupted by the occasional scratch of a quill against parchment—a quill that never seemed to finish writing a letter.

Adolfo was upset. That much was clear.

At first, Roiselin assumed it was because Florante had bested him in the exams—by only two points. While Adolfo excelled in magic and philosophy, Florante had outperformed him in most subjects. Even in magic theory, they were evenly matched thanks to Antennor’s tutelage, though Adolfo still had the upper hand in practical applications.

Roiselin had expected his master to be agitated, even furious. But this time, Adolfo wasn’t seething in frustration—he was dejected, staring at the portal, lost in thought.

I’m going to have to work overtime again, Roiselin thought, resigned to his fate.

Despite his internal complaints, he was devoted to Adolfo. His master had personally ensured that Roiselin was accepted into the family when he had nowhere else to go. To Roiselin, Adolfo wasn’t just his master—he was family, the one he had sworn loyalty to.

And as someone who had served Adolfo for years, Roiselin knew the real reason for his master’s melancholy.

It had been three days since Lady Katherine responded to his last letter. Ever since she had sent him a package, she had yet to write back. And each passing day without a response only seemed to weigh heavier on Adolfo.

Adolfo was ambitious. He sought recognition, validation for his hard work—something his father had failed to provide, being too consumed with his duties at the magic tower.

Even Antennor had rejected him.

But Adolfo worked tirelessly, pushing himself beyond expectations. If only someone besides Roiselin could see that... perhaps Lady Katherine?

"Master," Roiselin said carefully, "why not send a letter inviting Lady Katherine to meet you this weekend? You can set a date, then use the portal to go to Albania right away."

Adolfo turned to him with a sharp look. Why would I do that?

You clearly want to talk to her, Roiselin thought but held his tongue. Instead, he gestured toward the portal. "You’ve been staring at it all day, young master. Lady Katherine isn’t going to suddenly appear just because you keep looking at it."

"Be quiet," Adolfo muttered, sulking. "You told me she liked me... but she hasn’t written back."

Roiselin sighed. "I said she might like you, young master."

Adolfo fancied Lady Katherine—that much was obvious. But for him, she held no political advantage. She had no noble power that could help him rise in status. And yet... he was clearly bothered by her silence.

For the first time, Roiselin saw something new in his master’s eyes—hesitation, uncertainty.

The portal before them pulsed softly, its energy humming in the stillness. Most people could only use it sparingly. It required both stamina and mana—resources that weren’t infinite, no matter how talented a mage was. For someone like Adolfo, who had mastered the art of mana control, the portal was still a rare tool. He could manage a trip once a day at most.

Sending a letter or package used up about half the energy required for full travel. Given that his master had been exchanging letters with Lady Katherine frequently, Roiselin couldn’t understand why Adolfo didn’t just meet her in person. After all, traveling through the portal to Albania would take nearly the same amount of effort.

And yet, Adolfo hesitated.

Was it pride? Doubt? Something Roiselin couldn’t quite place?

Adolfo hovered his quill over the parchment but didn’t write a single word. "But I am her contractor," he mumbled. "Perhaps she might need something from me..."

"She is also busy with her business," Roiselin reminded him, glancing at the untouched documents on Adolfo’s desk. "She could just be preoccupied."

Adolfo didn’t respond, still lost in his thoughts.

Just as Roiselin turned back to the documents scattered across Adolfo’s desk, the communication orb flickered to life with a soft, melodic chime.

"I’m sorry to disturb you, Master," came a familiar voice.

It was Devrien, Adolfo’s half-elf apprentice, whom he had left in the tower to manage affairs while he was in Athens. Roiselin’s shoulders tensed instinctively—he knew what was coming.

"What is it, Ren?" Adolfo answered, still sounding dejected. "I’m quite busy."

"He’s not busy, Ren," Roiselin muttered under his breath.

"Be quiet, Roi," Adolfo shot back.

"Should I just tell the lady to return when you’re here?" Ren asked.

"Lady?" Adolfo’s eyes snapped back into focus. A change came over him in an instant.

"Yes, Lady Katherine is here and wishes to speak with you."

Before Roiselin could even react, Adolfo was on his feet, moving faster than Roiselin had ever seen him in such a state.

"Tell her I’ll be there in a few minutes. Lead her to the room, Ren."

"Where are you going, Master?" Roiselin asked as Adolfo moved swiftly.

"I’m using the portal. You stay here, Roi. If anyone asks for me, make something up—I’ll be back for my afternoon classes."

Roiselin watched in stunned silence as Adolfo swiftly changed his appearance, altering his hair color with a practiced flick of his fingers. The young nobleman was already moving toward the portal, intent on leaving without a second thought.

"Master—"

Before Roiselin could finish, Adolfo had already disappeared.

Roiselin stood there for a long moment, staring at the spot where his master had stood just moments before. He sighed deeply, shaking his head.

"So much for conserving mana. Not that he cares right now."

With another resigned breath, Roiselin turned back to the scattered papers on the desk.

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