[CHAPTER 75]
The Alistern family mansion was not particularly large.
It was about the same size as the residence where Sian, Jahar Knox, and I had lived together.
The difference was that, compared to our house, this one was immaculately maintained and beautiful beyond comparison.
The garden visible outside the window was proof enough.
It looked as though dozens of servants tended it constantly, not a single blade of grass growing out of place.
Maybe it is rude to even compare it to our house.
Feeling uncharacteristically relaxed, I took a sip of tea.
I had stubbornly followed them here because I realized Seria was hostile toward Sian and could not send the two of them to the capital alone.
I might be a little useless though.
I could not even go near the temple for fear of my identity being exposed, so I was stuck staying at the Alistern mansion.
I did not think Seria would dare do anything reckless in a place like the temple where there were so many eyes watching.
Seria was the type to meticulously prepare every small detail to minimize any damage to herself before taking action.
How much harm could she really do to the Captain of the Holy Knight Order inside the temple anyway.
Still, at least this is Sian’s home, so if something happens, word will reach us immediately.
In any case, the initial goal had been achieved.
I had kept watch during the journey to the capital so Seria could not attack Sian while they were alone.
Now all that remained was to lie low, cause no trouble, and eventually go meet the World Tree.
Today I should just stay locked in my room and not take a single step outside.
I swallowed the tea, cooled to just the right temperature, and made up my mind.
I had been dragged around by the butler for days as he insisted on showing me the mansion, leaving me no time to rest properly.
On top of that, constantly dealing with servants who were excessively kind whenever we crossed paths was exhausting.
The butler seemed to regard me as a future mistress of the house, which was probably why he had guided me through every corner so thoroughly.
Honestly, I barely remember any of it.
That was why I planned to rest fully in my room today without getting caught by anyone.
However,
“Excuse me, Miss.”
“The lady of the house is asking for you.”
“……”
The lady of the house.
There was only one person in this household who could be called that.
Sian’s mother and the current mistress of this house.
“She was wondering if you would care to join her for some refreshments.”
“Refreshments…”
I quietly stared at the tea table in front of me, laden so heavily it looked ready to collapse, and then stood up.
“Alright, I will come now.”
“If you do not mind, would you like to take the remaining cookies and share them?”
“I barely touched them.”
“Are you sure…?”
“They were prepared as luxury items for you, Miss…”
“Of course.”
It was far better than throwing them away.
As long as they were not offended by leftovers, there was no problem.
The maid looked at me with a visibly moved expression.
See, that was exactly what felt burdensome.
That kind of reaction.
Just because I offered some cookies that would otherwise be thrown away, she looked at me like she was seeing an angel of the century.
What on earth had Sian told them about me.
I felt like I would burst if I did not ask him the moment I saw him.
Damn it.
Swallowing a sigh, I moved my body.
“Where should I go?”
“The head maid will be waiting in front of the door.”
“Alright.”
The maid was right.
The moment I opened the door and stepped out, I came face to face with the head maid wearing a deeply moved expression.
I could tell just by looking at her face.
She heard everything.
That satisfied expression.
In their minds, I had become a young lady with a beautiful heart who treated even the servants kindly.
If they found out I was a demon, they would all lose their minds.
For some reason, just being “Sian’s guest” was enough for them to view me favorably.
Earning the affection of people who were already inclined to like you was easy.
Whether that actually made you comfortable was a separate issue.
I am not that good of a person.
I am deceiving them.
Whether I felt uncomfortable or not, the head maid diligently carried out her duties.
Following behind her, I soon found myself standing in front of a door.
“The lady is inside.”
The head maid bowed politely, opened the door, and stepped aside as if inviting me in.
Thanks to the lady’s consideration, a small bird was able to drink its fill of water before flying leisurely away from the terrace railing.
“I am sorry.”
“I acted on my own.”
“No…”
I smiled awkwardly and shook my head at the gentle tone of the Marchioness of Alistern.
“I surprised you by calling you so suddenly, did I not?”
“Please, have a seat.”
I sat in the chair she offered.
I had thought the room did not look ready to receive guests.
The refreshments the Marchioness of Alistern had prepared were set out on the terrace instead.
Once we were seated, the maids skillfully poured tea, and a gentle fragrance soon filled the air.
“The scent is lovely, is it not?”
“Yes…”
“Please, help yourself.”
“I asked them to prepare things Jerena enjoyed while she stayed here, but I wonder if it suits your taste.”
“It is more than enough.”
“Thank you.”
Even as I replied awkwardly, my eyes never left the lady’s tone, attitude, and expressions.
She did not speak until I had picked up and eaten one or two of the refreshments.
She seemed content to wait patiently.
“…Um, my lady.”
“So the reason you called for me is…”
I was the one who spoke first after waiting as long as I could.
She waited even for that.
Was she simply very considerate, or was she observing me.
Either way, she does not seem hostile toward me.
I decided I could dismiss the thought that she had summoned me because she discovered my true identity.
There was no human who would treat me so kindly after knowing I was a demon…
Ah.
At that moment, Sian’s face flashed through my mind.
Right.
There was exactly one person who treated me kindly even knowing I was a demon.
But that was only because Sian believed I had become a demon as the price for saving his life.
If he knew I was the Demon King, it would be different.
He might even feel betrayed.
A bitter taste spread in my mouth, and I hurriedly took a sip of tea.
I immediately regretted it.
“Well then.”
“The reason I called for you, Miss Jerena…”
I almost spat out the tea the moment I heard what the Marchioness said next.
“Is because I would like you to leave our house.”
