Synopsis
“People don’t only moan when they’re in pain.”
My fiancé cheated on me, and the Security Bureau where I worked collapsed overnight.
“I-I’m okay. Actually… maybe this is for the best.”
So, dreaming of a simple and peaceful life, I got a job as the caretaker of an old mansion.
Taking care of the garden, managing the mansion, and enjoying a quiet, rewarding daily life.
I thought my days in this village and this mansion would finally be happy…
But the villagers act strangely.
“Eeek!”
They run away the moment they make eye contact with me.
“I-I am your loyal servant.”
They even greet me as if I’m some important master.
Are they suspicious of me because I’m an outsider?
So I used a greeting my mother taught me long ago.
Clench one fist. (Hello, everyone.)
Tap that wrist with the other hand. (There’s nothing to be afraid of.)
Then lower the fist. (Let’s all be friends!)
I greeted them with the hope of becoming friends…
And somehow, all the villagers started welcoming me warmly.
***
A real devil appeared at the abandoned mansion that was rumored to be haunted.
A terrifying devil who carried the eyeball of an unknown creature, drove the coachman Hans insane, and was surely behind the growing number of missing people in the village.
One day, the devil gave us a warning.
He clenched one fist. (You people…)
Tapped it with his other hand. (If you don’t behave…)
Then lowered the fist. (I’ll wipe you all out!)
“W-We are so sorry!”
“Please forgive us! We were too foolish to recognize the great Devil!”
***
I thought this would be a story about the heroine and the hero working hard to protect the mansion…
But I was wrong.
“Shasha.”
Cherno gently, yet firmly, pulled her closer.
“People don’t only moan when they’re in pain.”
Smiling softly, he leaned close to her ear.
“They make similar sounds when they want something too. For example…”
His soft hair brushed against the back of her neck.
His warm breath tickled her ear.
“Mm…”
A shy little sound escaped Shasha’s lips before she realized it.
Cherno smiled with satisfaction.
“Good. That’s it.”
…I think I’ve started falling for my master.
