Published: August 15, 2025
“――And that’s how it all happened. That’s how I ended up joining Granado Castle,” Tunica said cheerfully.
I was listening in stunned silence until suddenly, I let out a strange, drawn-out sound, “Fuwaaaah,” and slumped down.
Because… this… this was unbelievable. When I casually asked Tunica about her past, I never imagined I would hear such an incredible story!
“Haaah, I feel like I asked way too many things I shouldn’t have,” I said.
“Oh no, that’s not true! Why would you say that?” Tunica replied.
“B-but your father… he ended up getting arrested, right? And you have a criminal record too…”
“Yep. Even though I wasn’t really aware at the time, I was heavily involved in making drugs. After serving time in prison, I was deported from the country. Now, I have no idea where he is or what he’s doing.”
“I-I see… I thought so…”
“Actually, I was convicted too.”
“Convicted!?”
My loud voice echoed through Granado Castle. Tunica covered her ears and said, “Shut up,” then went on to explain the details.
After that, Tunica was taken to the knights order’s fortress and subjected to a harsh interrogation. However, since she had ‘defense lawyers’ on both sides, she wasn’t treated roughly and was processed properly according to formal procedures.
Still, she wasn’t acquitted. Although she avoided prison time, her entire estate was confiscated and she was hit with a huge compensation amount.
Tunica was released right in front of the fortress gate with nothing but the clothes on her back—not even a bag. She stood there dumbfounded, unable to think about how she would repay the compensation—the debt to the country. Or even how she would survive the next day.
Then, a luxurious carriage pulled up in front of her. Sitting atop the coachman’s seat was a familiar face I had seen so many times before—a small woman dressed in black with braided hair.
“Having trouble finding a job?” she asked nonchalantly.
Tunica half-closed her eyes and replied slowly on purpose.
“Well, yes. But I’m a convicted criminal, and all I really know how to do is make beauty soap.”
“What a coincidence. We happen to have a lady here at the castle who’s at the age where she’s concerned about beauty.”
…And with that, Tunica came to this castle.
That was five years ago. So, Tunica has been here repaying her debts all this time. I thought she was happily working, but perhaps those days were actually very tough for her—
“…Tunica…”
When I asked, she looked off into the distance and tilted her head.
“Well… once all the debt is cleared, I might want to try working somewhere else. But honestly, there’s nowhere that pays better than here. Plus, they take care of my food, clothing, and lodging, so I don’t need money…”
“How much debt do you still have left?”
“Hmmm? Lady Mio pays it directly from my salary through automatic deductions. I think she said it would take about three years to pay off, or so she said five years ago.”
…………Wait? Doesn’t that mean Tunica might have already finished paying it off…?
As I stared blankly, Tunica chuckled softly. She took a comb and ran it lightly through my hair with nimble fingers.
Joyfully, as if singing and dancing.
“Well, if I ever get tired of this life, I’ll leave. Someday, someday soon.”
Her slender fingers braided my hair at an incredible speed.
As if by magic, my appearance began to change. I tilted my face slightly and nuzzled her fingers.
I made a wish on those magical fingertips.
May Tunica Pendragon’s days be full of happiness. Always, forever.