Chapter 133: A Bittersweet Farewell

“Is the Young Miss looking for me? I should hurry over then!”

Nomnom’s eyes widened, and she grinned foolishly, appearing adorably clumsy.

This was her usual feigned expression, one she had perfected over time. Even someone as astute as Krokor couldn’t discern a single flaw in her act.

The head maid sighed, a hint of helplessness in her tone.

Despite being a clumsy maid who couldn’t even hold a teacup steady, she inexplicably enjoyed the Young Miss’s favor, which honestly often stirred a touch of jealousy.

However, gazing at her large, watery eyes, seemingly brimming with wisdom, made it impossible to truly resent her.

“You’re leaving today, aren’t you? The Young Miss is very fond of you. Spend some more time with her while you still can,” the head maid said, her voice softening.

“I know…”

Nomnom replied, her tail swaying beneath her skirt as she scampered up to the second floor.

“Young Miss, it’s me!”

“Come in.”

After knocking a few times and receiving permission, Nomnom pushed the door open.

The room was quiet. The afternoon sun slanted in, casting a golden glow over the desk.

Luluti sat at her desk, propping her chin on her hands, gazing out at the sky through the window. Her small figure was enveloped in a shroud of loneliness.

The golden strands of hair that framed her ears still looked noble, though they were now somewhat disheveled and split. Her eyes, usually vibrant and as beautiful as emeralds, now appeared dim and lusterless.

It seemed the events of recent times had dealt a significant blow to this Young Miss, who had always been pampered.

“You’re here. Just sit wherever you like.”

“Ah, alright…”

Nomnom approached Luluti and obediently sat on the rug beside her.

“Young Miss, did you need something from me?” Nomnom asked, blinking her eyes.

“You’re leaving today, aren’t you?”

After a moment of silence, Luluti spoke.

“Yes, I truly apologize for not being able to continue serving the Young Miss…”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize.”

Luluti shook her head, lowering her gaze as she said self-reproachfully, “It’s all because I insisted on having you do those things, which led to this outcome.”

“N-no, that’s not true!”

Nomnom exclaimed, flustered and anxious, her tail wagging incessantly, as if desperately trying to prove her words.

“The Young Miss did nothing wrong at all! I did all of those things willingly!”

Luluti’s lips moved, as if she had made up her mind. She looked at Nomnom and spoke earnestly.

“Actually, you don’t have to leave. It’s fine if you stay here. I can handle Krokor, and the family too…”

Nomnom looked at Luluti, touched, but ultimately shook her head with a bitter smile.

“Thank you, but please, let me leave… In truth, it was my fault. I forgot to call a carriage to pick you up that day, which is why you faced such danger…”

“If the Young Miss hadn’t interceded for me, I should have received a much harsher punishment. I would have deserved to be killed…”

Her voice grew softer and softer, and her tail, which had been wagging moments before, now drooped limply to the floor.

“Although the Young Miss could use her status to protect me, doing so would only deepen the family’s conflicts. I cannot continue to cause more trouble for you.”

The maid beside her sighed softly.

In truth, how could she not understand these reasons herself?

“Honestly, you’re always so foolish, yet you only become a little smart at times like these.”

She stood up, retrieved a small cloth pouch embroidered with a rose pattern from a drawer, and handed it to Nomnom.

“These are for you, consider them compensation for your departure.”

Nomnom carefully accepted the pouch, feeling its considerable weight. She opened it to find it filled with glittering jewelry—all gold and pearls. Even someone completely unfamiliar with such items could tell that each piece was incredibly valuable.

“Y-Young Miss, I can’t accept such precious things…”

“Just take them. They’ll only gather dust if they stay with me anyway.”

Luluti said stiffly, turning her face away and letting out a huff.

“You foolish cat, leaving the family, who knows if you’ll even manage to live well? These things will at least ensure you won’t have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of your life. Be careful, don’t let anyone trick you out of them.”

“Young Miss…”

Nomnom’s nose stung, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears. She hugged the cloth pouch tightly to her chest. “Please rest assured, Young Miss, I will guard these things carefully and pass them down through generations!”

“No, who told you to treat them like family heirlooms? I told you to sell them for money, so you don’t starve on the streets again like before. Don’t expect someone to pick you up every time!”

Luluti rolled her eyes at Nomnom and sighed helplessly.

Nomnom put the pouch away, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but after a moment’s hesitation, she finally pressed her lips together.

“Thank you, Young Miss. Becoming your maid was truly the happiest thing in my life! Although I’m always so clumsy, and can’t really be considered a good maid at all…”

“Actually, I never thought of you as my maid.”

Luluti suddenly interrupted her, speaking softly. Nomnom froze, her perfect, feigned smile stiffening on her face.

However, the other girl did not pursue the topic further. She simply turned away and waved her hand.

“Alright, you can leave now. If you’re going, try to go before dark.”

Bidding Luluti farewell, Nomnom slung her luggage over her shoulder and exited the villa gates.

Krokor brushed past her, casting a cold glance, but said nothing. Although he deeply disliked this maid of unknown origin, she had the Young Miss’s trust. If she was leaving for good, he saw no need to interfere.

The setting sun painted Ailanmia in shades of orange and red. The streetlights had not yet come on, and vendors were tidying their stalls.

The warm scent of roasted chestnuts permeated the air. As Nomnom strolled through the streets, a strange sensation washed over her. Raymond wasn’t controlling her, nor was she experiencing the agonizing pain of the curse mark.

Could it be that she was truly free?

The wealth Luluti had given her was enough to take her anywhere. If she could escape far enough, the curse mark should also become ineffective, finally releasing her from the shadow of death.

After all, it was all over.

Nomnom suppressed her surging emotions and hurried to the station, buying a ticket for the magic-powered train on the spot. She would leave tonight, no matter where she went. She would go somewhere no one knew her, and never return.

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