Chapter 1284

<Chapter 1284> 1284. Reincarnation Exchange: Plum Swordswoman of the Count Family

I entered Silly’s house.

For a shack, it was surprisingly spacious. The emptiness inside made it feel even larger.

There were two women in the house. One appeared to be in her early to mid-30s, and the other was a tiny girl who didn’t even reach half my height. They were Silly’s mother and younger sister. Both lived up to being Silly’s family with their striking appearances—especially Silly’s mother, whose bust rivaled Silly’s.

“Sil, who is this?”

“Onee-san! Who is this person?”

“Ah… This person is…”

Silly glanced at me nervously. I stepped forward boldly and introduced myself.

“I am Count Eugene Prukas. I’ll only stay until my thirst is quenched.”

“B-b-but Count?!”

The ladies were shocked and immediately knelt on the floor. I waved my hand dismissively.

“I know I’m an uninvited guest. Please don’t mind me and act naturally.”

“A-yes, Count!”

Despite my reassurance, Silly’s mom and sister remained uneasy. Naturally so—after all, their lives could be ruined by a single word from me.

I sat down at the chair by the table and looked around. The room was dark and damp due to the lack of windows. At least some light and breeze came through the door, but it wasn’t enough.

On the table lay vegetables and meat—I had brought these supplies for the village.

“Did I interrupt dinner?”

“No, not at all. We eat in the evening. Count, thank you for providing food. With your help, we’ll have plenty to eat today.”

Silly’s mother spoke.

“I see. Did you hear about this from Tom? By the way, there’s no oven here, right? Are you planning to eat raw food?”

“Our oven is outside. It’s shared with others.”

“Inconvenient, huh?”

“We’re used to it. Count, please wait a moment while I bring out some water.”

“That’s fine. As an uninvited guest, I shouldn’t expect much.”

I took out a bottle of orange juice from the table. Grabbing four glasses—including mine—I poured the juice.

“It’s orange juice. A rare treat here. Have a glass each.”

They hesitated to reach out.

“We’re fine. We can’t accept such a precious gift.”

“Are you refusing my drink?”

“N-no, never!”

Silly’s mother panicked and finally reached for the glass. She signaled her daughters to do the same. Watching me sip first, they cautiously picked up their glasses and gulped the orange juice.

“Woohoo! So delicious!!”

Silly’s little daughter widened her eyes in awe. The other women were equally amazed by the taste.

“This is the most delicious drink I’ve ever had! Thank you for letting us try it, Count!”

“So there’s a drink called orange juice? What a wondrous thing… Incredible.”

Their atmosphere relaxed somewhat, though they were still overly cautious around me.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“A-ah, no!”

“I understand. You’re fine. Suddenly having a count show up must be unsettling.”


“It must be quite perplexing for you to see me here.”

I glanced around, then lowered my voice as I addressed them.

“To be honest… I came to this refugee camp looking for the Jefnick family. Luckily, I met Silly Jefnick by the well. Though, getting drenched in the process was unexpected.”

“I-I’m sorry!”

“Just kidding, Silly. No need to bow. Ah, but let’s keep this story a secret from others. It wouldn’t do for unnecessary rumors to spread about you all.”

“Master Duke…”

Silly’s mother called out to me, her face set with resolve.

“Ask away.”

“…May I inquire why you’ve come seeking our family?”

“It’s nothing nefarious, so don’t worry. I merely wish to repay a debt to Alphonse.”

“You… know Alphonse?”

Alphonse Jefnick.

Silly’s father.

As expected from the original story, he had already passed away. I’d completed my investigation.

“Know him? He’s my comrade-in-arms. I owe him my life from the battlefield. Martina, his wife… I know your name too. Your eldest daughter is Silly, and the younger one is Elsie. Alphonse always spoke fondly of wanting to see his family.”

It was all a lie.

I’d never even met some guy named Alphonse. And since he was already dead, there was no meeting him.

Martina’s eyes began to water at the mention of her husband.

“H-Have you perhaps heard how he fares?”

“He’s stationed on the northern front as far as I know. Once the war ends, he’ll return.”

“So… he’s alive. What a relief… truly a relief…”

Martina wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, looking somewhat calmer. I handed her a pristine white handkerchief.

“Use this to dry your tears.”

“This… I can’t possibly dirty such a precious item.”

“Don’t give it another thought. From now on, Martina, it’s yours.”

I forcefully pressed the handkerchief into her hesitant hands.

“…Thank you.”

Once the situation settled down somewhat, I made a proposal to Martina.

“Martina, would you consider coming to work at the mansion? Seeing Alphonse’s family struggling here pains me.”

“…We’re grateful for the offer, but we lack the proper decorum to serve in your household. Besides, when he returns, we plan to leave the city and return to our hometown.”

Martina declined.

This was expected. She had once worked as a maid in a noble’s house but was falsely accused of theft, losing everything and being driven out. That bitter experience still held her back.

“If that’s your decision, I respect it. But I will help you regardless.”

“We’re really fine, Master Duke.”

“My honor is at stake here. Surely you don’t intend to make me look like an ungrateful person?”

“A-Alright, then we’ll accept just a little assistance.”

Martina said this with obvious discomfort.

“In that case, let’s start by moving you to better lodgings.”

“Wha…?”

“I can’t have my benefactors staying in such wretched conditions. There are several vacant houses nearby that I can lend you free of charge until Alphonse returns.”

“That’s…”

“Martina, please don’t spurn my goodwill.”

“…Understood.”

They exchanged uneasy glances.

After Silly’s soaked clothes dried, I took them away from the refugee camp. The place I introduced them to wasn’t far—about a 15-minute walk—but compared to their shanty, it was almost embarrassing how luxurious it was.

A two-story house typically used by the urban middle class.

“Can we really use such an incredible home?”

“Of course, Martina. A house like this means nothing to me. And we should also call a doctor.”

“A doctor?”

“You’ve been limping since we met earlier. You can’t fool me.”

“This… I fell while working before. It doesn’t hurt much and doesn’t affect my daily life.”


“Judging that is not your job but the doctor’s. I’ll bring a doctor, so go inside and unpack your things.”

I brought in an old doctor to examine Martina.

After inspecting Martina’s left knee, the old doctor said seriously with a grave expression on his face,

“The kneecap is in a weakened state. It’s really fortunate we caught it early. If we had discovered it any later… we would have had to amputate the leg.”

Everyone’s faces stiffened. Especially Silly and Elsie, Martina’s daughters, who looked deeply shocked.

Of course, everything the doctor said was a lie. Martina’s left knee was just bruised. If she rests for a few days, it will heal without a trace. The doctor was merely spouting off what I told him beforehand.

“Madam. If you don’t want to lose your leg forever, you must take absolute rest.”

“T-t-that can’t be! I have to work! I need to feed my children!”

Martina said in an agitated tone. The doctor looked back at me.

“I’ll handle that. Doctor, proceed.”

He seriously applied herbs to Martina’s left leg and wrapped it with bandages.

“I’ll come back in a week to check the progress. Until then, rest quietly as I’ve clearly warned you.”

The old doctor left.

Martina lowered her head with a dazed look, staring blankly at her left leg.

“Martina. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of things for now.”

“…My Lord.”

“Don’t refuse. Think about your children and the future.”

This world is tough to survive in even with all limbs intact. Let alone missing a leg? You’d only be a burden to your family. Therefore, it’s quite common in this world for families to abandon disabled members.

“Thank you… truly thank you, My Lord…”

Martina said through tears. I silently patted her shoulder and stepped out of the room.

“Mom! Stay still! I’ll do all the housework.”

“Mom. You can’t lose your leg. Are you really okay?”

“Silly, having you here is such a relief. Elsie, I’m fine.”

Sitting dumbfounded on the living room chair, shortly after, Silly came out of the bedroom. She immediately bowed deeply upon seeing me.

“My Lord! Thank you so much! Thanks to you, mother won’t lose her leg. How can I ever repay this kindness…?”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m the one repaying a favor. Your father… Alphonse saved my life. This barely scratches the surface of repaying that debt.”

I approached her. Silly had tears welling up in her eyes. I naturally brushed her back with my palm. Silly flinched slightly, her cheeks turning a bit red.

“Still… thank you so much. By the way… I’ll be going out for a bit.”

“Hmm? Do you have an appointment?”

“I promised to help prepare dinner at the Huashan Sect. I’ll be back before sunset. The Huashan Sect…”

“I know. Their leader is my brother. If you’re uncomfortable going alone, I can accompany you.”

“I’m fine. I know the way, and it’s not in a dangerous place.”

“Hmm. Alright. I’ll wait until evening.”

“You mean you’ll wait?”

“There’s nothing urgent to do right now… and I’m worried about you guys. Would I be imposing?”

“Absolutely not! Will you stay for dinner? Though it may be humble, I’d love to treat you to dinner, My Lord!”

“Ho ho. Are you confident in your cooking?”

“I learned from mom. She used to work in a noble’s mansion. So when it comes to cooking, I’m pretty confident.”

“I’ll return as soon as possible!”

Silly rushed out of the house. I leisurely admired her bouncing chest as she left.

Creeeak.

The sound of the door opening and footsteps were heard. From the second-floor staircase, Elsie peeked at me. She resembled Martina and Silly, adorable as ever. In about five years, she’ll likely become a beauty rivaling Silly.

I waved at Elsie.

“Elsie. If you’re bored, would you like to play with me?”

“T-that would be great, My Lord!”