Surviving as a Maid in a Horror Game

"It's okay. There are worse people than demons scattered everywhere. Even if you become one of them, it's nothing to be ashamed of."

"How about this person? The stablemaster. I heard he's been forcing himself on the female servants."

Finding myself at a loss for words, I pointed at Zed. Adrian had earlier excluded Zed for reasons I couldn’t remember. The reasons to exclude him must be trivial.

"After all, rape is an unforgivable sin even in the hells of demons."

"Right? So, this person..."

"But he is good with horses. He's the only person who can handle my father's horses. If we touch him, it will cause trouble."

"That's unfortunate. Then let's put it on hold for now. He said he would leave once we find a replacement, so we can target him then."

The fact that such a vile person can still be spared just because he has some skills really is like a stable version of 'I will repay you with music.' Well, you keep feeding the horses well as your way of repaying. After erasing 'Zed' from the list, I looked through it again, wary of selecting someone Adrian had excluded. Eventually, I sighed and folded the paper.

"Since there's no room for negotiation, it won't work inside the mansion. Let's maintain our honor and not touch anyone we've each excluded."

"Yes, that would be best."

"But let me ask you something. You said killing people restores a demon’s power, can you explain that more specifically? For example, if I brought someone nearly beaten to death and you delivered the final blow, would the kill count increase?"

"The final blow?"

"Yes, the last hit. I'm curious how the distribution of the last hit works."

I never imagined discussing this with Adrian just a few days ago. Life is indeed unpredictable. But if you’re going to do something, you have to do it right. It would be frustrating to go through the trouble of finding someone to kill and then not get any kill credit.

"I haven't tried it, but I don't see why it wouldn't count."

"What about the reverse? If you’ve done 99% of the killing and I deliver the final blow?"

"I would acknowledge your contribution."

"What about the method of killing? Whether it's burning them or stabbing them… does it count as one person either way?"

"It counts as one, but the more pain involved, the greater the power returned. Power accumulates, but the longer the gap between killings, the more severe the ailments."

"That sounds exhausting to live with."

I sincerely sympathized and etched what I had just learned into my memory.

Final blow acknowledged, kill stealing acknowledged, assist kills acknowledged, healing is the same regardless of the kill count, pain buff, debuff for killing gaps...

There weren't these conditions when playing games, but it's more detailed than I thought. Wait, if the gap between killings grows longer, how long has it been since Adrian's last murder?

"Sir Adrian... uh?"

I looked up to ask him this, but Adrian was already sitting at a table far away. He looked unwell, and sure enough, system messages began to appear.

「Adrian's chronic illness 'difficulty breathing' has been activated.」

「Adrian is expressing discomfort.」

「Adrian's chronic illness 'anemia' has been activated.」

Wait, I thought his only chronic conditions were headaches, asthma, and coughing?

"Sir, if you're not feeling well..."

「Adrian's chronic illness 'dizziness' has been activated.」

「Adrian's chronic illness 'seizure' is pending.」

「Adrian's chronic illness 'paralysis' is pending.」

Right, he didn’t take his morning medication!

"Medicine! I'll bring the medicine! Just wait here, I'll be right back!"

Adrian suddenly turned pale, clutching his chest and reaching out his hand. His usually unchanged face was now twisted in pain. Anemia, paralysis, seizures... such terrifying conditions were looming beneath.

Startled, I started running to the kitchen. It was past the time for his medicine. Someone said they would bring it instead of me, but they hadn’t yet. What were they doing?

"Gasping, gasping..."

I dashed to the kitchen to find Adrian’s medicine cabinet. Several servants were there, chatting and having fun, one of them holding a tray with his medicine. I hurried over and grabbed the tray. Meanwhile, system messages continued to broadcast Adrian's condition relentlessly.

「Adrian's chronic illness 'total paralysis' is pending.」

「Adrian's chronic illness 'skin rash' is pending.」

"What, what!"

As I attempted to snatch the tray, the woman panicked and pulled it towards herself. I gasped for air and narrowed my eyes.

"If you're not going to bring the medicine quickly, give it to me. Sir Adrian is in a lot of pain right now."

"Are you attacking me over the medicine service? If you have a complaint, go talk to Lady Letisha! She just ordered me to serve Sir Adrian's medicine! Can't you let go? Let go!"

I had forgotten. Serving Adrian's medicine was a coveted and jealousy-inducing position. She wouldn't let go, screaming as if it were life or death, but I didn't have time to argue.

I swept all the pills from the tray into my hand and started running. I couldn't chew the pills, so I didn’t forget to grab a large glass pitcher of water before leaving the kitchen.

"Medicine! She's taken Sir Adrian's medicine!"

"There! There! Catch Hilda!"

"Panting, panting... too fast... too quick!"

The female servants, having lost the medicine, chased after me furiously. Just then, Albert saw what was happening and started to chase me, but he couldn't close the distance.

Me, Albert, a couple of guards, and a few panting servants formed a bizarre procession, but I was more concerned with the relentless stream of messages about Adrian's condition. If I was even a bit late, he might actually die.

「Adrian's chronic illness 'difficulty breathing' is worsening.」

"Sir Adrian!"

"Gasping, gasping..."

It seemed too much for Adrian to even sit up; he was suffering on the ground. It looked like paralysis was about to set in, his bloodless hand trembling like a broken machine. He was gasping so violently it seemed his breath would tear out his throat.

What do I do. What do I do. Is he going to die like this? I had heard that Adrian sometimes had seizures, but this was the first time I’d seen it up close, and my heart was pounding as if it would burst out of my ribs.

"Sir Adrian, I've brought your medicine. Please try to take some."

"Groaning, ugh..."

"Can’t you take your medicine? Should I call Dr. Hubert if it's too hard?"

"Bring it here..."

His voice was as gritty as rusted metal scraping. It sounded as if he might vomit blood from the rough breathing that seemed it could cut off at any moment. His continuously trembling hand swept through the air. I knelt before him, offering the medicine and the pitcher. As I ran, more than half the water had spilled from the pitcher.

Could he hold the pitcher? Should I help tilt his head back to pour the water? I alternated between him, the pitcher, the medicine, and his motionless hand.

"Sir... Sir Adrian! Are you alright?"

Albert and the guards, along with the servants, finally arrived, screaming, but it sounded so distant that it bounced off my ears.

Adrian managed to grasp the pitcher and dumped the medicine into his mouth. Fearing he might drop it, I gently supported the pitcher. His adam’s apple bobbed violently as six pills went down at once.

I naturally took the pitcher, waiting for the next message. Before any emergency could arise, I was ready to call Dr. Hubert immediately.

Sssk, sssk... His rough breathing and my breathing alternated. The silence was long.

「Adrian's chronic illness 'seizure' is pending cancellation.」

"Ha..."

After a long while, seeing the message, I finally exhaled the breath I had been holding. Adrian was still lying on the table, but the mere fact that I didn't have to anxiously wait and see if he was dead was enough.

The painfully clenched hand fell to his knee, and his irregularly heaving back found its original rhythm.

My heart abruptly relaxed, and inexplicably, tears welled up. I really thought he was going to die.

「Adrian's chronic illness 'difficulty breathing' is improving.」

「Adrian's chronic illness 'total paralysis' is pending cancellation.」

「Adrian's chronic illness 'skin rash' is pending cancellation.」

「Adrian's chronic illness 'dizziness' continues.」

「Adrian has escaped the crisis. Entering a state of survival.」

"......Why are you here?"

After a long time, Adrian spoke. Though he had escaped the crisis, the remnants of the seizure left his breath sounding like grinding metal. I intuitively knew he was addressing those who had been floundering behind me. Everyone, including Albert, seemed frozen in place.

"Sir, Sir Adrian. Are you okay? I came running because I heard Hilda had stolen the medicine, and to see you like this... Did she do something else?"

"Didn’t you see that I just barely survived thanks to the medicine Hilda brought?"

"But, but that’s..."

"I thought it was strange that Hilda didn’t bring the medicine this morning. I warned yesterday that she should not suffer any disadvantage because of yesterday's events."

His voice was as sharp as an awl, as if it was a hassle to even speak.

It sounded as if a wounded animal was growling fiercely. I found Albert’s startled reaction both satisfying and a bit pitiful. Adrian can be truly terrifying when he's ferocious.

He slowly rose. His breath was still rough, and his forehead was drenched with cold sweat, but he looked better than before when he was near death. His dark eyes settled on Albert.

"Go away."

He commanded like an arrogant king. The servants behind him were already pale with fear at Adrian’s icy voice, whimpering. Albert was visibly flustered, fumbling with his lips.

"But Sir, this servant might do something else, just in case..."

"Go away," he said.

His voice was tired but powerful. I instinctively realized he was using hypnosis.

Everyone, including Albert, stopped moving abruptly, then turned in the same direction. Their expressions were vacant as if possessed, their limbs moving in unison—it was eerie, like watching live puppets being manipulated.

"Why did you save me?"

The unexpected question hit me like a slap. Turning around, I saw Adrian, catching his breath, watching me. It was like looking at a rare, wild animal.

"You're afraid of me. It would have been easier if you had just let me die, so why?"

"Well, what kind of question is that..."

"I've even tried to kill you and demanded that you bring a human sacrifice. Obviously, those are harsh and difficult demands. If I had died, you would have been freed from all those shackles. Did you miss that opportunity? I didn’t think you were that foolish."

"...Where would I have the time to think about that? You were dying right in front of me, and all I needed to do was give you the medicine. How could I not save you? If I didn't help, it would have been like committing murder. What do you take people for? I'm not a seasoned murderer like you."

"..."

"You know how valuable your body is, Sir Adrian, but you should take your medicine on time even if others don’t bring it to you. You suffer so much if you don’t, and you even vomited blood and had a seizure recently. You know that. If you feel wronged..."

"Get better soon?"@@novelbin@@

"Ha, what? Why are you repeating what I said? So, how are you feeling now? Are you alright?"

"Self-deprecation isn't even a hobby, it just scares people unnecessarily." I, who had chuckled briefly at Adrian's words, grumbled in annoyance. Looking back, I felt a bit regretful, but that feeling quickly vanished. Even if I could go back to when Adrian collapsed, I probably would have made the same choice. A fragile murderer who's both terrifying and brutal—that was a first for me.

"It's okay. I didn't die even when I suffered worse pain as a very young child. There was even a time when all my organs were displaced from their original positions, but an attack like this is nothing."

Why does he sound so threatening even when talking about his own pain? Organs being displaced and still surviving? If the pain was too great, a person could die from shock. Maybe for him, enduring the pain without dying is more of a punishment. Living with Adrian's frail body must feel like being tortured, chained in agony.

Ugh, this is so depressing. It feels like it's time to say something comforting.

"Still, when you were young, the lady must have taken good care of you, giving you strength."

"......"

I ventured a guess that he was less lonely with someone caring for him in the past, but Adrian's face shadowed over. He looked so pale, almost green. Did I choose the wrong option? He seems worse now than when he was having the attack.

「Adrian recalls 'memories with the Countess from his childhood.'」

「Adrian feels bitter.」

He's not hateful or resentful, but bitter? This time, even I was surprised and looked at Adrian. Until I appeared, there seemed to be no threat as formidable as the Countess.

An annoying obstacle, but one that couldn't be removed because of the risks involved, he must have delayed killing the Countess fearing increased suspicion. Up until now, I had assumed that was the reason, but perhaps it was the opposite.

Thinking about it, the 'Real-time Demon Status Detection' ability is really useful. Before, whenever I saw Adrian, I was always anxious, not knowing what he was planning. But now, there's no need for that since I've taken the demon minion route.

"Anyway, you did well just now, Hilda."

「Adrian feels gratitude towards his potential right-hand man.」

「You have gained 3000 bonus experience points.」

「You have received 500G in bonus salary.」

Unexpectedly, he commended me, and suddenly, the experience points and wealth that had been elusive shone bright. My total wealth jumped to 610 gold, and my experience bar quickly rose to level 15. My eyes widened in surprise.

「You have leveled up to 15.」

「Skill unlocked! You can now use 'Deep Sleep.'」

「'Attic Workshop (Crafting Station)' has been unlocked.」

I was so shocked that it didn't feel real. Why did my level suddenly increase so much? And the money? 610 gold—I had never held such an amount while playing this game.

Is it really okay for me to have this much money, or is it a trap by the system? It felt like someone who was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy suddenly winning the lottery. All sorts of thoughts crossed my mind.

Did Adrian really give me all this experience and gold just because he felt grateful?

My jaw trembled. I hadn't even thought to check the skill description as I stared at Adrian. A delicious feast was right before my eyes.

"Why are you looking at me like that again?"

He flinched and then slowly started to back away.

The experience field speaks. The gold package speaks...

"Hilda, when you look at me with those eyes, I really feel uneasy."

"Master, come here. Don't be afraid and get closer to me..."

"There is no demon as terrifying as this even in hell..."

I've never seen such a tempting field of experience and gold in this game. As my smile deepened, Adrian grew paler, and my mind began to race on how to extract more experience and gold from this demon.

Somehow, I felt like I had found a good weapon to fight against this crappy game system.

I couldn't easily let go of the experience and gold field I had just discovered. After receiving a huge boon yesterday, I clung to Adrian late into the night. I tried to make him feel gratitude and other emotions, but it seemed to tire him out by the time he went to bed, his cheeks hollowed.

"See you tomorrow, Master! Have a good night!" I said when it seemed like he was wondering, 'Really coming tomorrow? It would be okay to rest for a day.'

He had appointed me as his exclusive servant. It's free to get on board, but not to get off. Now that I've tasted the experience and gold pouring from this demon, even more so!

If I'm with the demon, I can become rich.

"Good morning, Master!"

"......Yes, Hilda. Good morning."

When I barged in timed to his medication schedule, the experience field welcomed me warmly. Although the welcome was not warm in the conventional sense of the word, I ignored it. It didn't matter how I got there as long as I reached Seoul, extracting gold and experience was more important.

After Adrian dropped some money and experience last night, my total eventually reached 700 gold, and I hit mid-level 15, the number 700 looking so beautiful I almost ran out of the mansion to knock someone out right then.

Just for being thankful for bringing him medicine, he had handed over 3000 experience points and a bonus of 500 gold, but how much would he thank me if I actually killed someone for him? How big a chunk would fall then? The thought was thrilling.

What could I use to knock someone out instantly? A saw? An axe? A shovel? Since Adrian had to deliver the final blow, I needed a tool that would make sure they wouldn't wake up while being dragged to the room.

Last night, as I pondered these murderous tools, I suddenly came to my senses with a 'hot...' No matter how mad I was for experience and gold, how could I think about killing someone so easily? This is why capitalism is terrifying. Don't attack innocent people; just fleece the demon.

"Here's your medicine, Master."

I approached Adrian briskly, smiling brightly as I carried the tray. His gaze swept over the medicine on the tray and my face. I perfectly understood the hidden meaning and responded.

"After yesterday's unfortunate incident and because you reminded me once more, Master, I've been put back in charge of your medication. It was almost a disaster yesterday because you couldn't take it on time, but isn't it great that I came on schedule today? Aren't you really grateful?"

Hurry up and say thank you! I smiled brightly, forcing him to feel grateful. After Adrian took the medicine in three doses and put down the cup, he looked at me strangely, as if he wouldn't back down until he heard the words of gratitude. Reluctantly, he opened his mouth.

"......Yes, thank you."

He said thank you! He definitely just said thank you! I wonder how much experience and gold will come in this time?

My heart pounded with excitement I had never felt even from a first love. But no matter how long I waited, neither experience nor money seemed to drop.

Huh, why isn't he giving me money? Is there a bug? I should try again.

"Master, how grateful are you?"

"How grateful am I?"

"For bringing you your medicine. Unlike yesterday's attendant, I didn't slack off and brought it on time. You must be very grateful, right? Like, you might want to raise my day rate."

"Hilda, why are you... Sigh, yes, very grateful. Are you satisfied now?"

「Adrian feels as grateful as a fingernail's worth to his potential right-hand man.」

「You have gained 1 bonus experience point.」

「You have received 1G in bonus salary.」

Look at this soulless demon. The tone that seemed to say, 'take this and go,' showed that if it's not sincere, no money or experience drops.

After the bomb of drops yesterday, it kept only trickling up, which was somewhat disappointing, but I couldn't complain since I was still making more than my daily rate just by collecting these trickles.

It was a kind of quest. Teach the demon about sincerity and get paid back with experience and gold!

"You say you're grateful, Master, and I don't know what to do with myself. It's only natural for a servant like me to serve and work for you. Although the benefits are not good and the day rate is low, how grateful should I be that I get a guaranteed amount every day in these times of unemployment? I truly am grateful to you, Master. You know how important a single word of sincerity is, right?"

"......"

"I may be showing off a bit. But really, bringing your medicine isn't anything special. There's a lot more I do behind the scenes on a normal day. For example..."

"......Hilda. Didn't you say you had something this morning? I'm pretty sure I heard that."

"What? No, I don't have anything. Are you worried I'll be absent? I'm your exclusive servant; where would I go? I'll be glued to your side all day, so don't worry."

I hoped that this demon would feel a wider range of emotions and pour out more experience and money. I had to fleece him as much as possible.

Firmly resolved, I gave him a broad smile, but Adrian just sighed heavily and kept silent. Then, suddenly, he turned his head to stare at me, and I narrowed my eyes. Uh, that expression is definitely...

"Master, are

you trying to hypnotize me right now?"

"......"

"You are hypnotizing me, aren't you? Tell me to shut up."

This demon, his face always looked the same when he was hypnotizing. Eyebrows raised at a 30-degree angle, a stare-down where he never blinks, a look that seems almost like he's suffering...

"It really doesn't work on you, does it?"

"Should I shut up?"

"Yeah."

He must have wanted to be quiet, trying hypnosis even though he knows it won't work. I asked just in case, but his reply came back sharp as a knife. Wow, not a moment's hesitation. I feel let down as a potential right-hand man.

"Really? Are you serious?"

"Yes, I'm serious."

"Okay. Well, I'll shut up then. Should I shut up right now? You really want me to be quiet, right? Yes, I'll be quiet. I won't even say I'm being quiet. Starting now, I'm really going to be quiet."

"......"

"You liked me being lively. If you wanted quiet, you should have said something. I'll be quiet now. This time it's for real."

"......"

"......"

"......Sigh."

After a lengthy preamble, I finally shut up and it took a while before Adrian sighed in relief. His face finally regained peace. Along with him, the white text I had been eagerly waiting for floated up.

「Adrian is grateful to his potential right-hand man.」

「You have gained 10 bonus experience points.」

「You have received 10G in bonus salary.」

Right. The demon finally feels grateful to me.

If he had been this grateful from the beginning, we both wouldn't have been so tired. Just as with people, demons only realize what happiness is after hitting rock bottom. You have to taste the worst to know gratitude. I smiled contentedly as I looked at my total wealth, which had grown to 711 gold.

By the way, this demon, who talks a lot...