Although his clenched fist trembled slightly, Daedric was able to get his message across clearly.
I liked that very much.
I thought it would take longer, but Daedric was the type of character who would learn ten new skills in one lesson.
He was a living example of unbalanced talent.
When he looked at me, I clapped my hands a little.
"I did well!"
With my encouragement, Deidrick continued speaking slowly but surely.
“How could I steal your book, brother? None of the servants helped me, and as usual I was studying in my room. I only went out for a short walk to take a rest and then came back.”
“……”
Seeing Deederick's serious expression, Somerset's anger subsided.
Dedrick's evidence was strong.
Well, of course the evidence was strong because I was the one who stole it.
Maybe I should take this opportunity to stir up some trouble between Axel and Somerset.
“I'm not the accused, right? You should check with Axel's person.”
Even without my intervention, Deidrick was managing things well.
Who would have thought that he could defend himself with such confidence?
She looked at him with new admiration. In the original novel, he was described as a shy boy who could barely answer until he joined the academy.
Is this change a result of my different behavior as a closet monster that was one of his previous nightmares?
It was a positive change.
“He gave up on becoming the heir a while ago! Why are you trying to stir up our relationship?”
“Will it be easy for him to give it up, brother?”
“……!”
Somerset's eyes widened in realization.
“Not me, so please get out now.”
Somerset's face frowned with anger.
He ran out of the room after pushing Daedric hard.
"What the—! If you're going to leave, just go! Why are you pushing someone?"
I shouted at him as he pulled away, but Deidrick gently grabbed my arm.
"I'm fine."
“You weren't okay okay?! Don't try to bear everything yourself.”
“...I will.”
“Anyway, you were great, Didi!”
Deidrick's face blushed.
“Thank you…”
His voice carried a hint of happiness.
“By the way, have you finished reading the book?”
"Yes."
“Did you memorize it all?”
Daedric nodded slightly.
I memorized the whole book...that easily?
Of course, the hero has exceptional abilities.
“Then I'll put it in Axel's room.”
“Ah…”
Deedrick quickly caught on to my plan to hold Axel responsible for stealing Somerset's book.
She patted his hesitant shoulder gently.
“They're starting...don't feel bad about them.”
He nodded heavily.
I smiled evilly as I went to Axel's closet.
From here I could hear Somerset and Axel quarreling.
“If you're that confident, let's search your room!”
“Brother! You doubt me because you have run out of doubts? I am not interested in becoming the head of the Blackwood Family!”
“If you’re not interested, why are you still attending the heir’s classes?”
“That… because that is Father’s command! To give everyone a fair chance… including… that idiot!”
Somerset's angry screams hurt my ears, while Axel hesitated.
“Of course, not without ambition! We are talking about the title Blackwood! And how I used to call you my brother!”
Somerset's face was contorted with anger, while Axel responded loudly.
"Okay! If it will clear your doubts, research! I didn't steal anything!"
As the sound of their footsteps got closer, she quickly placed the book on Axel's desk and snuck into his closet.
I looked through a small opening and saw the two boys entering.
Now, find it!
See what I left there!
Somerset's focus on economics darkens his face.
"Axel. Where did you say your book was?"
“In the library, like I told you before! Why do you keep asking me?”
As Axel grew increasingly disturbed by the repeated accusations, Somerset proudly lifted the book from the desk.
Axel's features turned pale.
“Why…why is this here?”
“Is this how you claim to respect me, just to stab me in the back?”
“No…no, brother! I promise…!”
Drops of sweat were streaming down Axel's forehead.
He was truly innocent, so his anger was understandable.
"I'll tell my mother right now! You'll pay for this! I've been too lenient with you!"
"Wait, brother! Please, wait!"
Axel's voice grew weaker as he moved further behind Somerset.
Despite their young age, the idea of them complaining to their mother was amusing.
It wasn't funny, but it was funny.
And annoying.
I decided to leave the little drama behind for now, at least until the next meeting with the Duke.
Before the meeting, I'll snatch the book again.
Of course, this would make things more difficult for Daedric.
But…
'I cannot risk losing the Daedric Lud Duke.'
After all, Deidrick had suffered a lot in his childhood because of it.
Whatever it is, I must protect my treasury and ensure that Daedric earns the Duke's favor.
“Let's expose how stupid Somerset and Axel are.”
I felt content as I left the room with a light heart.
Don't think this is the end—there are more scores to settle!
Scribble, scribble.
The sound of a pen moving echoed in the quiet room.
As always, Deidrick was studying.
I rested my cheek on the desk, watching him immersed in his work.
Even his focus was attractive.
When he noticed my intense look, he smiled nervously, put his pen down and asked me,
“Can you read?”
“I'm a closet monster.”
So there's no reason for me to read.
“So, you can't?”
Yes, you are right.
I kept my lips closed, unwilling to admit it out loud.
Deedric, who found it cute, suddenly wrote something on the page and presented it to me, while his cheeks were slightly rosy.
“Look, this has Diddy written on it.”
“Huh?”
Did he teach me his nickname first?
I nodded nervously, and when he tried to offer me the pen, he hesitated and put it aside.
While looking at my long sleeves, he asked cautiously,
“Can I pull up your sleeves?”
"naturally."
I raised my arms, sliding the large sleeves to reveal my white arms.
Deidrick gently lowered my hands and carefully lifted my sleeves up to the wrists.
“Now, try writing.”
“Am I wasting your time?”
“No. I needed a little break anyway.”
“Your break is teaching me?”
It's impressive.
He laughed a little at my surprise.
“You're really pretty when you smile.”
It surprised him
“…Ehm” “Just try writing it like it’s written,” he said, clearing his throat, pretending not to hear.
When I saw his ear blush, I was relieved that he wasn't interested.
I picked up the pen like a professional and began copying the strange letters he had written. I could even say I was drawing it. It wasn't English or Korean—it was something more complicated, like handwriting but harder to understand.
While I was struggling, Deidrick gently placed his hand on top of mine. “Here, start from this line, not from there. relax."
As he guided my hand, he showed me the correct way to write. Ah, now I understand. “Got it!”
I tried again, and started writing slowly as he told me.
As he watched me, Deidrick looked a little surprised. “Do you know how to hold a pen?”
My heart stopped for a moment but I calmly answered, “Of course, I was watching you.”
“Didi,” he said gently.
“Huh?”
“Call me Didi.”
“Oh, right. I was keeping an eye on Diddy then.”
With his chin on his hand, he looked at me with a slight smile. “You were watching me?”
His obvious happiness made my chest hurt a little.
That simple gesture—that little warmth—and he had trusted me and smiled so innocently. I thought about how lonely Deedrick had been before all of this, and my heart ached. However, seeing how he has opened up to me now makes me feel proud.
“Now that I think about it… I didn't ask your name,” Daedric said, frowning slightly. “Sorry about that.”
“What is there to apologize for? “I was busy.”
“However, I should have asked…”
Seeing the guilt on his face made me sit upright. “Then ask me now!”
"…What is your name? "I'll even teach you how to write it."
“The Cupboard Monster!” I answered happily.
“...that's not a name.”
“So I don't have a name.”
I couldn't even remember the name I had in my past life.
“…”
Seeing Daedric looking more annoyed than me made me hesitate a little before adding in a low voice, “If you want, you can give me a name.”
“The name stays with you all your life. How could I decide something so important to you…?”
“That is why you must decide. I will be with you forever, anyway.”
“…”
Didric fell silent at my bold declaration. Have I exaggerated this?