Though I’m a Homebody, I Found Myself in a Dark Captive Genre

Hmm…

Actually, there wasn’t much to think about.

Having spent all my free time at home in the past, my mind was already filled with countless K-content.

Among them, “Safety Rules for Writing Horror Stories” seemed like it would suit their tastes well.

I nodded to myself as I recalled the blood and corpses vividly depicted in historical biographies.

“I think I can provide an interesting story,” I said.

“Oh, my, you seem to have literary talent as well,” Lord Brown exclaimed in admiration.

Feeling slightly embarrassed by his compliment, I shook my head, conscious of my flushed cheeks.

Even though the most important part of the story had been settled, there were still many issues to address.

“By the way, who handled the direction for the biography of Blaire, or the sketching?” I asked.

“It was my apprentice…” replied Lord Robid, though his tone hinted at some reluctance.

“No problem at all. In fact, I think it’s best to leave the direction to them going forward,” I responded.

One thing I had noticed while watching The Biography of Blaire was the stark contrast between the tedious content and the superior direction in each scene.

Although combining poor content with excellent direction didn’t create a good synergy, it made me see potential within the work.

“Really?” Lord Robid asked, a look of disbelief on his face.

“She’s been studying under me for 18 years, but her skills haven’t improved much,” he continued.

“Hmm…” I muttered.

But the direction I had seen wasn’t an illusion.

How many people could express a scene where wings sprouted from the armpits without making it look silly?

Lowering his voice, Lord Robid said, “Really. He’s only at the level of doing simple sketches.”

“Oh, if that’s the case, I’m not worried,” I interrupted him.

I could tell without needing to hear the rest. It seemed like he was just assigned direction because he was trying to draw but lacked skill.

“I really want to ask them to handle the direction. I can just ask skilled people to handle the artwork,” I added.

It wasn’t about wearing an ill-fitting coat; everyone had hidden talents.

Maybe I should make a good impression while I was at it.

After all, to prevent the creation of a disastrous work like The Biography of Blaire, it was necessary to meet everyone involved in the production at least once.

“Since it’s almost lunch, I think it would be good if we could have a meal together,” I suggested.

“Alright,” Lord Robid agreed.

I returned to my room and began organizing the story.

The title was set to “Safety Rules for Writing Horror Stories”.

I hoped the distinctive K-Romance Fantasy title would work in this world too.

How much time passed?

Just when lunch came around, someone arrived who completely defied my expectations.

“Hello, miss!”

I had assumed it would be Liam, the painter, or perhaps a knight.

But standing there, with her bright red curly hair tied up high in a maid’s outfit, was a young woman beaming with a wide smile.

“…Who are you?” I asked.

“I’m Bonita, and I’ll be your maid starting today! Feel free to speak casually with me. By the way, I didn’t realize until I saw you up close, but you really have such lovely eyes. I have a bit of an upward slant to mine, so people always think I’m angry! Haha!”

What is this energetic extrovert?

As I stood there, unable to fully grasp the flood of words she was throwing at me, Bonita gave me an eager look, as if waiting for a reaction.

Overwhelmed, I stammered a short response.

“Nice to meet you…”

“Oh, you’re so kind! I’d love to offer you a refreshing cup of tea, but lunch is almost here. I’ve already escorted the painter to the garden, as the weather’s lovely today!”

Without waiting for a reply, Bonita turned and led the way.

As I processed all the information she had bombarded me with, I couldn’t hold back a question.

“Did you say you’re starting as my maid from today?”

“Yes, that’s right! It was even by the request of the aide! When I found out, all the other maids were so jealous. Marina’s face was quite something, you know. Oh, Marina is…”

So, this young woman was the maid assigned to me.

This was a luxury I hadn’t experienced in Salt Castle. Was this another part of the “reward” the Duke had mentioned?

“I see. Well, I look forward to working with you. I’ll speak a little slower. I’m shy around new people…”

“Of course, feel free to be at ease. My duty is to make you comfortable,” Bonita said.

She was a talkative one. It seemed her naturally bubbly and chatty nature led to an abundance of information during our walk to the garden.

Among other things, I learned that Bonita had the most experience among the maids around my age.

And that she was in competition with Marina, another maid.

Also, apparently, I was known as the “suspicious young lady” among the other maids…

“After talking to you, I don’t think you’re suspicious at all. You’re really kind and gentle. We’ve arrived! Please sit, and I’ll have lunch served.”

“…Thank you.”

As I tried to process all the information Bonita had provided, I was momentarily distracted. When I finally looked up, I saw a rather mature-looking woman sitting at the table in the middle of the garden.

She had been watching me since I entered and stood up hastily when our eyes met.

“Nice to meet you, young lady. I’m Ashley, Lord Robid’s apprentice,” she introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you, Ashley.”

After the brief greeting, we sat down, and lunch began to be served, looking very delicious.

“You must have been surprised by the sudden meeting,” Ashley said.

“Oh, no.”

Despite saying that, it was clear Ashley was very uncomfortable. She kept adjusting her clothes and avoiding looking at the food.

Finally, giving up on eating comfortably, I put my spoon down and got straight to the point.

“The reason I wanted to meet with you, Ashley…”

“I know,” she interrupted, her voice suddenly trembling.

There was a hint of unease in her tone.

“What?”

“I’ve already been informed that you want me to handle the direction. I understand. I know my skills are quite lacking compared to others…”

Ashley seemed to shrink back, her words full of insecurity.

“I guess you think I’ll ruin everything if I touch it. Everyone else thinks the same way, so it’s not surprising,” she continued, her words spiraling into self-deprecation.

Seeing her fall deeper into this pit, I hastily denied it.

“No, that’s not why I’m asking you for the direction!”

“So you pity me?” she asked.

“What?”

“You’re feeling sorry for me, the hopeless apprentice who never improves, who’s always mocked and laughed at… Everyone ridicules me. I heard you have a kind heart, so you must feel sorry for me,” she said, tears starting to well up in her eyes.

Trying to fix one misunderstanding, another arose.

I hurriedly shook my head. “No, that’s not it at all!”

“So, you just want to give me some role… to make up for it? Huh… I understand now. If I touch the paints, the coloring will be a disaster, and the painter will get angry and tear up the expensive paper…” she said, tears flowing freely.

“Wait, hold on!” I exclaimed.

“I really should give up painting, shouldn’t I? How could I be a painter with such terrible taste? It’s just ridiculous!” she said, breaking down in tears.

Staring at Ashley’s crying face, I quickly grabbed a handkerchief from my pocket and offered it to her.

It seemed like both Lord Robid and Ashley had completely misunderstood my intentions.

What should I do? Carefully choosing my words, I slowly began to speak.

“Ashley, this is a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding? What do you mean?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“I’m genuinely asking you because I believe in your talent,” I replied.

Ashley’s face wavered, unsure.

Seeing her doubt, I quickly reaffirmed.

“I’m serious. I’m asking you because I’m impressed by your amazing ‘direction skills.’”

Her teary eyes slowly widened as she processed my words.