The World Without My Sister Who Everyone Loved

Chapter 6: The World Where I Reunite With My Sister I Don’t Love

Note: This chapter consists of episodes 64 to 84. Sorry for the delay, it’s just a lot of words…

Mayfair season.

It referred to the period of the year when the ‘social circle’ of the Feyenoord Empire was the busiest and most active.

Usually, nobles go up to the islands between the end of March and mid-April, and end the season around August with a summer vacation then go down to their respective estates.

Afterwards, they would spend a year governing their mainland during autumn and winter. This was the way the nobles of the empire lived.

It was no exaggeration to say that some of them survived the rest of the year just to attend the Mayfair season.

In fact, the main purpose of the socializing season was ‘exchange’.

To put it more bluntly, it was ‘arrangement’ or ‘matchmaking’, and to be more explicit, it was ‘marriage business’.

It was said that all the events of the Mayfair season were meaningful in helping men and women of marriageable age to find each other.

Even at funerals.

From the beginning, for Sienna, who was not involved…

‘A little… I have to say it’s a fanatical atmosphere…’

Everyone seemed a little crazy, regardless of age or gender.

If she had to express it, everyone seemed to have a disease that would kill them if they didn’t get married or meet a matchmaker within a year.

In her first life, Sienna had never participated in the Mayfair season during this period.

‘It must have been decided that there was no need to take a child who couldn’t adapt to a changed life to the capital.’

Thanks to this, she was able to avoid being bitten by people who came to the capital and were desperate for a good life, but…

Instead, in the corner room on the 3rd floor of Nacht’s castle, the tutor’s anger had to be dealt with.

It could be said that it was an alternative to misfortune, thus it was difficult to say which one could have been better.

‘After that, I don’t have very good memories of this season… Hmmm.’

To be honest, she didn’t want to go.

This time, the tutor in question had also disappeared, so she wanted to stay in the castle and study magic to the fullest.

It was a life of eating, sleeping in a warm bed, and studying.

‘If you don’t enjoy it at this time, when will you enjoy such luxury?’

…Although she had given up many things in various ways, Sienna had not yet given up her dream of independence.

‘Ha… Yes, maybe one day I will be independent.’

It was a situation that could only be complained about now.

‘I have to go, the Island.’

The emperor I met in person was a good person.

After all, he’s also a Terraformer.

Or maybe it was because he treated Sienna warmly like a funny and affectionate grandfather?

‘It might be a little disrespectful to say this.’

Sienna was also quite fond of His Majesty the Emperor.

Perhaps the fact that they had no relationship in the past made it possible to exchange pure favors.

‘I have no choice but to save His Majesty.’

She had already decided to go into the system. It was pointless to think about it further.

‘When I think about it, only negative things come to mind.’

In this case, it was better to move the body and find work to do instead of just being immersed in her thoughts.

“My lady, why are you doing this? Without taking a break.”

As Sienna jumped up, the maid who was knitting on one side asked, puzzled.

“That…”

When she regained her senses, she got up from her seat as she didn’t have more work to do.

Homework?

On the evening of the day she met the emperor, she finished it with Michael.

Of course, Michael only spent ten minutes on homework, and he spent the rest of the time wandering around Sienna who was studying.

Review, review?

She finished it as soon as she woke up this morning.

After learning recently that Hesaros was training Sienna as a Terraformer, Seth withdrew from magic practice.

“I don’t have the confidence to become a teacher who goes beyond a Named.”

“What?”

Rolling-

As if to represent Sienna’s shock, her pen splattered on the floor, splashing ink.

However, Sienna didn’t even think to pick up the pen, and didn’t even notice the ink spattered on her cheek, and her eyes widened as if she had been hit with a clear blow.

No teacher?

So what about her beginner magic?

Who would give homework?

Sienna, almost crying, looked like a child of her age for the first time.

Seth thought about it again.

‘I didn’t realize, but up until this point, the young lady had a very mature expression.’

But his mouth quickly began to appease Sienna.

“Ah. Ah! Don’t worry, my lady. I meant to leave the training side to Hesaros. As a Type 1 wizard, I can only do basic training anyway, and he’ll be much more professional!”

“That. Then…”

“Of course! I have to teach you the basic theory as I do now, no, let me do it! I don’t want to give up the joy of teaching a girl!”

“Teacher…!”

“Oh, my lady! I didn’t expect you to enjoy my classes so much!”

“Of course I do!”

“Yes. I do not doubt your sincerity. So, speaking of which, it’s a little early, but from now on, I’m going to try to do other subjects in addition to beginner magic…!”

“Teacher Seth…!”

Sienna, unable to overcome her emotions, muttered while covering her mouth with her small hands.

“Teacher is the best…!”

“You are the best student…!”

Upon viewing drama that cannot be watched without tears, Madam Deborah shed tears as if it was natural.

Next to her, Michael nodded and thought.

‘I think all these people are crazy.’

Anyway, for those two serious magic enthusiasts to fly into a world he couldn’t go and make crazy noises was within the scope of what he was used to.

The boy loved Sienna, for the most part.

‘But at times like this, I don’t even want to get close.’

Whether or not Michael had any impure thoughts.

From that day onwards, they learned magic history, magic mathematics, and the beginner comprehension of time and space based on magic.

Seeing the title of the last textbook, Michael pretended to vomit, but in any case, various subjects were smoothly included in the class.

It was also thanks to the fact that the grand duke, upon hearing the news that ‘Sienna was delighted’, gave his approval without saying a word.

So, Sienna was currently having a very enjoyable day when she could do all kinds of homework as soon as she opened her eyes and got up.

It was not necessary to explain what this pleasure for Sienna meant to Michael.

The boy only wanted to vomit, and although there was no pleasure, his ability to follow the program was only second to that of Sienna.

Anyway, there was a lot of work to do, but…

The point was that the increased homework did not defeat Sienna’s sincerity.

‘Something else to do… Something to kill time…’

There was nothing.

‘…Like a hobby…’

So there wasn’t.

In the past, she was mainly serving Loreina and helping the servants, so she was so busy that she wished she had two bodies.

To the extent that she didn’t even dare to try something like a hobby.

But now, if Sienna went to carry coal or folding towels?

‘If I want to make Madam Deborah collapse, I can do that.’

Uh… Anything else I can do other than work…

‘…Ah.’

A sudden realization struck. Not work, but something else Sienna did.

There was only one thing.

‘Making a self-defense item…’

A series of bad memories rushed through her mind in an instant.

To be precise, the moment when she picked up the amulet that had been thrown on the floor of Ashiel’s room and covered in dust.

She remembered going back to her room with the amulet she picked up without anyone knowing.

She couldn’t even throw away what was thrown away, and the memories she hid in a deep box with drops of tears…

For trauma treatment, patients were trained to become dulled to stimuli through repeated exposure.
(T/N: it’s one type of trauma treatment, definitely not the only type.)
[QC/N: Think of exposure therapy.]

It seemed that such a principle was strangely applied to Sienna in this life.

She still couldn’t forget, but the past just existed in Sienna’s mind just like that…

As she looked at his face often, she was able to casually joke around with Michael.

There was nothing wrong with taking classes and eating together.

Even in front of the grand duke, she could breathe.

When Ashiel called her…

‘…No, I don’t think it’s good enough yet.’

In any case, Sienna’s lava had largely cooled into a black stone.

Although smoke still rose sometimes, and sometimes it seemed hot.

It was now more like stone than flowing blood.

So that’s fine. Sometimes it’s okay, but sometimes it wasn’t okay, but it could be okay again.

Sienna tried to comfort herself.

“…What’s wrong, my lady?”

Sienna shook her head.

“It’s not a big deal. Just a little…”

She succeeded in pushing back the memories of the past that had flooded in like a flood.

Then, suddenly, a thought occurred to her.

‘Self-defense… That helps to suppress or purify fraud.’

If she had one, it would help prevent fraud from infiltrating, and if she made it herself, it would be something nice to boast about, as it was a gift that was often exchanged in the empire.

‘Hey, Hesaros.’

[Why?]

‘Would it be of any help if I could make a self-defense tool for His Majesty the Emperor?’

[Are you talking about artifacts that contain the power of purification?]

Huh, Hesaros murmured.

[I didn’t even think about it, but I think it will help.]

‘Really?’

[Of course, if it is a general level of self-defense made by ordinary people, of course, it will not help in the slightest to suppress that huge amount of fraud.]

‘Okay…’

[Of course. The bank of the overflowing river has burst, and you can’t close the hole with a teaspoon. Hundreds of teaspoons are not enough.]

Hesaros was cynical.

[But it would be different if you made it. Most of all, this Hesaros can capture the flames of purification in your body.]

‘Aha.’

Sienna’s magical power was increasing exponentially day by day.

The world of spring, once germinated, was also growing with an explosive momentum, unlike before, when it only grew little by little.

He said that it would be possible to make a vessel to contain the purification fire of Hesaros.

[At the same time, do you have the essential jewel you received from the grand duke? You can use it as a material.]

‘Oh, he’s right. That’s what it was.’

Sienna’s face turned red with anticipation. To borrow Hesaros’ expression, in the past, she made something that could not even be a teaspoon, as that a low-level self-defense amulet was barely made by collecting poor quality ingredients little by little over the course of her life.

[Do you like it that much?]

‘I like doing what I have to do. And a good self-defense tool, I wanted to make it at least once.’

By analogy, it was as if he had promised a child who could barely make a coaster through knitting, ‘From now on, I will let you make a soft and warm cardigan with a pretzel pattern with cashmere thread!’

‘Oh my gosh… This pitiful, pitiful, cute owner.’

In various complex emotions, Hessaros seemed to burst into an outfit that didn’t even exist.

Anyway, the legendary Named was firmly committed.

‘I will make sure that people in the world will be surprised to see my master again!’

Sienna, full of anticipation, asked Hesaros, who was grinding his teeth, with bright eyes.

‘Then, could it be called an advanced self-defense tool?’

[Eh? Advanced? Are you kidding me now?]

[How could you let this great and mighty Hesaros make such a wretched thing!]

Hesaros snorted wildly and laughed.

[Of course, at least the best! Even if you’re not good at it, you can’t get it anywhere else!]

‘Wow.’

[Who in the world can put the fire of Hesaros in an item or something?]

‘Oh, he’s right.’

I thought so.

If it was Hesaros’ purifying fire, it would have the power to stop even the transformation of a demonic beast when properly consumed.

[Isn’t this how I help you because I’m all yours? Thinking about it, it’s a shame to say that it’s the best. It will be something unprecedented.]

‘Hesaros, that’s really cool. Best.’

[Okay, okay. Such a compliment is very good!]

‘My Named is the coolest in the world.’

[Yes, yes. You, who is my master who knows that well, is also a bit cool.]

* * *

Let’s make a self-defense tool and present it to the emperor.

It will kill time, help the emperor, and maybe even score points.

A rewarding act of killing three birds with one stone!

As soon as that decision was made, Sienna began to move diligently.

‘I want to go to the library first.’

[What? Library?]

‘Yes. Because I only made low-level self-defense amulets in the past… I’d like to read some related books before I start.’

What Sienna was going to make was not exactly a complete self-defense tool.

She was just going to make a small vessel to hold the fire of Hesaros.

However, there was nothing casual in her attitude that tried to do the best she could.

[Yes, what. There is nothing wrong with reading a book.]

Hesaros politely said he wouldn’t do that much, but Sienna, who had decided that she had to go to the library, was a little nervous.

‘Library…’

Needless to say, the library was a space that had never been touched by Sienna in the past.

This was Nacht’s castle. It was the castle of the grand duke who ruled over the entire Disparter region.

It hurt her mouth to emphasize that greatness again.

The library was never ‘just a place with a lot of books’ in this lord’s castle.

It was not called a library because small bookshelves were set up in a corner of a drawing room just for display.

In particular, Grand Duke Nacht was a person who paid attention to the collection of books, enough to say that he had a hobby of collecting books.

Publishing technology was one of those technologies that had not been greatly lost from the era of prosperity.

Thanks to this, not only various books, but also newspapers, brochures, and flyers were produced in the empire.

The Grand Duke was a kind of maniac who not only bought all types and genres of books published on the market, but also bought and stored daily newspapers.

Not only that, but also various ancient documents, books, rare editions, including magic books from the era of prosperity.

It was a treasure trove of knowledge that contained all the precious books that were stolen and sold.

If so, wouldn’t it be the lifetime wish of magic researchers to enter the private library of Grand Duke Nacht?

[Is that library really that great?]

‘This is a castle built during the era of prosperity. There were a lot of places that were damaged, but they said that the library and treasure trove were left almost intact.’

[Hoo.]

‘If you really buried the people who made a wish to be buried in the library room of Grand Duke Nacht when he died, it would have become an ossuary earlier.’

[That’s how bad it is…]

‘There may be books of the same age as Hesaros.’

[Oh, then it must be great.]

The quickest way to convince Hesaros of the greatness of something was to associate it with himself.

[Then ask for permission to enter quickly.]

‘Are you sure you heard me right?’

It was such a great place.

Even Loreina in her former life had to go through a complicated process, only getting permission once in a while.

Fortunately, she didn’t go to the library a lot, but whenever she did, Loreina didn’t seem very happy.

‘…So maybe I won’t get permission.’

[Yes. Well, that’s your opinion.]

‘I’m not kidding?’

[Yes, yes. I know. You have nothing to lose anyway, so try to get permission once in a while.]

That was easy to say. Sienna sighed and stood up.

“My lady, where are you going?”

“I’m going to see the Grand Duke.”

“Oh, will you?”

The maids looked startled. Sienna was a little surprised too.

“…Is he busy? I’ll be a nuisance if I go to him.….”

“What do you mean, my lady!”

“Of course, it’s good to visit!”

“He’ll love it!”

“We’ll help too!”

“Huh?”

Unexpectedly, there was a very enthusiastic response.

“Come here!”

The maids dragged Sienna into the dressing room and sat her down while she was distracted.

“The jade dress you’re wearing today is very pretty, so I’ll just polish it up!”

Under their skillful touch, the folds of the pale jade dress with a slight hint of cloudy sky blue were unfolded.

One of the remaining maids took off the black flats she was wearing and put on Michael’s red shoes.

Red shoes in pale lemon lace socks.

A red ribbon was wrapped around the waist as if it was paired with the shoes.

“Look, my lady! Isn’t it cute?”

“……”

She knew they worked hard, but Sienna didn’t have the audacity to look at her face and say, “Cute!”

The maids forced Sienna to do so.

“It’s our work, so just admit it’s cute.”

Those were words that could not be argued against at all, from the standpoint of knowing the hardships of commercial labor.

Sienna couldn’t overcome her embarrassment, so she buried her face in one hand and barely answered.

“Yes… yes… thank you…”

“Instead of going empty-handed, why don’t you bring flowers?”

“Yes, if you want to ask him to let you enter the library, you have to do that.”

“If you don’t know, it’s a bribe!”

“Is… it?”

No, wasn’t the last sentence a bit strange? Right?

Bewildered, Sienna went to pick flowers, pushed by the strange force of the maids who shouted, “Of course!”

“?”

“You’re doing great!” Listening to the cheers, she couldn’t come to her senses.

By the time she woke up, Sienna was already standing in front of the desk in the Grand Duke’s office holding a bunch of daisies.

“…What’s going on?”

The Grand Duke asked, raising one of his eyebrows slightly.

At that time, Sienna wanted to do something about it, but she couldn’t say anything else when she had already appeared here with a bouquet of flowers.

“I… to give you this flower…”

The grim red eyes that were hard to read, traveled and stuck to the bouquet of white daisies.

‘…I think I made a mistake, didn’t I?’

“……”

At that moment, the Grand Duke got up from his seat without a word.

“Uh, Grand Duke…?”

As a huge shadow fell, Sienna took a step back without realizing it.

But the grand duke slowly bent one knee and made eye contact with Sienna.

And held out his hand.

“Come… here.”

That voice sounded like it was trembling a bit, was it just me?

Sienna handed him the small bouquet with bewildered feelings.

When held in Sienna’s hand, it still looked like a bouquet of flowers, but when it was handed over to the grand duke, it looked as small as an exaggerated boutonniere decorated with a handkerchief.

“… I didn’t know my garden had flowers. Thank you for allowing me to appreciate it.”

“Ah… yes.”

“Is there anything else you want to say?”

“So…”

It felt strange that her tongue didn’t roll more when he laid out a mat.

“I want to visit the library… I would like to visit the library.”

She looked at him, gulping and swallowing dry saliva. But the grand duke, to her surprise, nodded immediately.

“Yes. I see. I will tell the librarians and the gatekeepers, so go when you want to go in.”

“…What?”

If she was just eleven, she wouldn’t have realized how great this was.

But Sienna knew.

Now, she had obtained regular access to the library, which even Loreina had to ask for permission each time.

Not only that, the grand duke got up and added.

“If you have a book you want, you can take it to your room and read it. There are books like the Heiron editions that require maintenance, but… Most of them have conservation magic on them, so it should be fine.”

Even loans were possible.

An unimaginable range of permissions was granted so easily.

Sienna looked up at the grand duke without realizing it.

The grand duke also looked down at Sienna without a word.

However, unlike Sienna, who was just dumbfounded, his lips were slightly moistened as if he had something to say.

“…No.”

Soon, something tapped on Sienna’s head.

Big and rough… hand.

It was the grand duke’s hand.

“…….”

It was such a gesture – his thick, large hands touched lightly while trying not to put as much weight on it as possible.

He put his hand lightly on the child, but couldn’t even caress her head, so the grand duke said,

“I heard that you study very hard and have fun.”

“……”

“I’ll always allow access to the library…”

How much did she want to enter the library that she went to the office she was afraid of to ask for permission?

So, no matter what she asked, he just wanted to approve of it from the start.

However, the man who was not good at speaking could not continue to speak.

He was just afraid that the frozen child would recognize and dislike the situation, so he just hurriedly raised his hand.

“…Anyway, thank you for the flowers.”

“……”

“You may go now.”

* * *

“Huh? Lady. Why are you walking so blankly?”

Sienna, who was walking back to her room, ran into Seth.

“Teacher.”

“Yes, are you sick somewhere? Oh, maybe you have too much homework.”

Even in the midst of chaos, Sienna shook her head so urgently that it was as if a sound would come out.

“It’s absolutely not too much.”

The homework was very fun. If Seth took care of her and reduced the amount by any chance, she might want to cry.

“That’s right. I understand. But if it’s too much, please tell me.”

“It’s not unreasonable at all. Sir, but I… have something I want to ask you.”

“Yes. What is it?”

Sienna hesitated a bit, then started.

“…What is the Heiron edition?”

“Heiron edition? Oh, it seems you found out while studying.”

Sienna didn’t answer, but Seth thought it was so.

“Well, the Heiron edition is a self-published book by Joffrey Heiron, the founder of modern magic, a collection of old books from the era of prosperity, with his own interpretations. Well…….”

“?”

Seth smiled bitterly as he looked at the cute disciple who was meekly tilting his head.

“He had a very, very eccentric personality. He said that it is terrifying to publish those books to the unqualified public, and he said it was enough to only compile his life’s research into ten books.”

“Only ten books?”

“Yes, there is probably one in the Nacht Grand Library, but there is only one.”

“…….”

“My lady?”

“…T-Thank you, Sir. I was curious.”

“Yes, of course you are.”

Seth left, saying he was looking forward to next week’s class on Tuesday.

Sienna, who was left behind, barely thought.

According to Seth, the Heiron edition was a very valuable book.

‘So, for it to be okay to take out…’

In other words, it was as if Sienna was allowed to do anything except set fire to the library.

* * *

The next day, Saturday morning.

She wasn’t conscious of it, but perhaps because it was the day she was going to the library, she woke up early.

“My lady, are you awake?”

“Yes…….”

Sienna was not a very demanding lady to serve, the maids didn’t have to wake her up on time.

‘If we have to choose, her hair is so thin that we have to take special care of it.’

While the bright-eyed maids trimmed the grayish-brown hair that was about to flutter like dust, Sienna blinked her sleepy eyes to organize her to-dos for the day.

– Today’s study prep and review. (Sienna was always restraining herself so that there would be no mishaps, then she would be able to complete her studies at once.)
-Read a book about making self-defense tools that can be found at the library.

She borrowed it and got permission to read it in her room, but she didn’t intend to do that.

She borrowed it and got permission to read it in her room, but she didn’t intend to do that.

‘I decided to take whatever was given to me in this castle, but…’

She realized it yesterday. It was a hasty idea.

What was he thinking, to give it to her like that?

‘I think I’m going to get indigestion at this rate.’

She was worried about throwing up again.

Thus, Sienna changed the principle to enjoy only half of the rights given in this house.

So as not to get used to too many favors.

Then she would always be conscious that it was not hers.

She didn’t want to be surprised or embarrassed when things changed.

She just wanted to maintain a dry state that could be separated quietly and very quickly.

As soon as breakfast was over, Sienna headed to the library.

Although Michael visited briefly…

“I’m going to the library. Would you like to go with me?”

“No. You finally got there. Work hard.”

Sienna thought as she looked at the back of the person who had been cut with a single knife.

‘Actually, on the subject of being good at anything.’

Michael had a habit of showing anger while pretending to be someone who couldn’t do anything.

This was especially the case in areas related to learning.

Sienna, too, was deceived a few times in the beginning, saying, ‘Are you really bad at it?’, but now, that was not the case.

‘There’s a reason why Teacher Seth was pushing him.’

As she was thinking about it, she had arrived in front of the library.

The door of the library was sculpted with the image of an angel with golden wings unfolding like a scroll, and tapestries were naturally connected from the ceiling painting.

‘The door to the treasure house looked like a side door leading to the most ordinary hut in the world.’

When Sienna arrived, the gatekeepers of the library opened the door naturally.

And in it…

“Wow…….”

The walls of the circular space, which seem to be about three stories in terms of the number of floors, were all surrounded by books.

Magic devices such as ladders were spinning on the circular bookshelf; stopping, taking out books, and putting flowers in them.

It was a majestic and overwhelming scenery.

“Are you here, my lady? I am Hans, the bookkeeper of this library.”

An old man in an old-fashioned robe appeared.

“Oh, yes. Hello.”

“I will briefly guide you on how to find books in the library.”

He said that the role of the magic ladder was greater than a human hand in managing this space.

“This is where you can call the Ladder of Wisdom. Stand here and the ladder will bring you the book you want.”

“The book I want?”

“Don’t worry. A ladder can measure the depth of a lady’s wisdom. It will bring you a book to read.”

“Ah.”

Then it was safe.

“If you want to read a book in the library, there is a seat over there.”

“Ah yes.”

Sienna confirmed the direction that Hans beckoned towards.

She couldn’t see anything because the eye level was different, but it seemed like there were some desks and chairs lying around.

“And I heard from the Grand Duke that you may bring the book out.”

Sienna didn’t want to, but she nodded her head for a moment.

“You won’t need any other procedures, but if you’re going to go out with a book, you just have to show it to me once before you go.”

“All right.”

“Then…”

The old librarian smiled kindly and walked away.

The emotional burden of being granted great authority was gradually being diluted by the majestic scenery of the library.

Sienna stood at the spot and called the ladder, as the librarian had taught her.

Then the ladder, which had stopped at the upper bookshelf where Sienna was at, began to move.

‘Wow… Hesaros, have you seen it?’

[This is nothing! Hmm, you’ve never lived through the era of prosperity, so that would be surprising.]

A wooden ladder spiraled up and down the bookshelf, pulled out a couple of books from far above and descended in front of Sienna.

“Ah, this is a necessary book. It’s real, it’s fascinating… Wait, a storybook?”

The first book was what Sienna really needed, but the second one was out of context.

“[Claw-eating Rat]?”

Anyway, it looked like a fairy tale book. She didn’t know why this was in her hands.

Feeling strange, she looked at the ladder, but the ladder was silent.

“For now, it’s a recommendation, so I’ll take it and try it…”

Sienna, feeling a little skeptical, turned the fairy tale book over and looked front and back, then tucked it under the first one.

Then she headed towards the seat the librarian had told her.

And there…

Oh no. Sienna barely swallowed an exasperated groan.

There was an occupant.

“Your Highness, the Grand Prince.”

“…Yes.”

It was Ashiel.

The grand prince, who neither rode a horse nor held a bow, was looking down at Sienna at an angle.

Like an archer, the grand prince hit distant targets like an eagle, but couldn’t see the nearby letters well. So he wore glasses when he was processing papers or reading a book.

Perhaps it was because of the glasses for farsightedness, the shadow his eyelashes casted on his cheeks seemed to show as he lowered his eyes when the sunlight poured in through the windows.

“…Are you here to read a book?”

Ah. Sienna came to her senses.

“Yes, the Grand Duke gave me permission…”

I tried to emphasize that I didn’t snuck here just in case, but Ashiel’s icy face didn’t change much.

…No, strangely, it seemed like he wasn’t listening.

“Grand Prince…?”

When Sienna looked closely, his eyes were strangely fixed on the title of the book she was holding.

For some reason, he seemed to have forgotten his words because of the title of the book.

‘…Is this the book she wanted to read first?’

No, it’s kind of…

Ashiel’s eyes were filled with emptiness as if he had been stabbed somewhere soft with a sharp knife.

If you added a little imagination, it was like he unwittingly faced a very terrible and fatal mistake he had made…

‘…No, let’s not use useless imagination.’

Emotion in that ice doll-like person’s eyes. There must be some degree of delusion.

When Sienna, who had erased unnecessary sentiments, began to see the dust floating between the two of them, the prince barely opened his mouth.

“…… I’ll give you the seat. Read it comfortably.”

The silence was too long to just say that, but Sienna didn’t want to talk any more, so she just said, “Okay,” and ended the conversation neatly.

* * *

Fortunately, Ashiel stepped back, and the first book the library recommended was very helpful.

Although the second book was only a few chapters, and she read to the end just in case, there was nothing very helpful.

‘…Well, even though it’s called the Ladder of Wisdom, it seems possible to make mistakes.’

After returning the book to the Ladder, Sienna returned to her room.

The book clearly stated that essential jewels that contained the purifying power of Terraformers were called ‘purification stones’.

“Even if it contains the fire of Hesaros, it must be a kind of purifying stone, right?”

[No.]

“Uh, isn’t it?”

[You should call it a ‘very precious’ purification stone that can have a performance difference of ten times or more depending on how it is made.]

“Yes…”

To think she even wondered what he was going to say.

Sienna opened the drawer by the bed. Inside it was a pouch containing the essential jewels she had previously received from the grand duke.

“I didn’t know it was going to be used this way.”

As a test, Sienna concentrated her magic on her fingertips.

Then, a small fire the size of a match ignited.

“It works, but…”

Would she be able to put this safely here?

[While thinking about it, if you’re like me, I’ll try it first.]

“These jewels are very expensive.”

[You own half the mine. Are you going to be timid?]

Her head seemed to hurt while hearing the forgotten story of the mine.

[Try it quickly, Mine Owner.]

“Well…….”

Apparently… She didn’t need a spell to create the power of purification.

Sienna placed the jewel on the desk and opened up the world to take the place of the magic circle.

And just as the book said, she started planting sparks in the essential jewels.

‘Delicately…’

As the flammable material slowly caught fire, the essential jewel slowly began to absorb the fire that Sienna had set off.

“Ah, it’s working… oh it’s not?”

To be precise, it seemed to absorb a little bit, but then it scattered like fish food.

“Oh…….”

Sienna, who hastily closed the world and checked the status of the jewel, made a sad sound.

“It’s broken.”

The essential jewel, which gave off a radiant brilliance even without light, turned dark as if the light had been turned off.

So this was…

‘A house was blown away…?’

She couldn’t believe the results before her eyes.

Hesaros shuddered as Sienna, who had devoured a house by a moment’s mistake, stared in dismay at the broken essential jewel.

[You should have been focused.]

“I was concentrating…”

[Isn’t that because you poured out more power than the jewel can handle?]

“The book says that you can’t make it without injecting enough power.”

[Oh my, sweetheart. Are you the same as the general subjects covered in the book?]

“…….”

[You are a very smart and good owner, but sometimes you act stupid. That’s cute, so I think I’m a little crazy too.]

“Hesaros… if this is broken, it could have been a house.”
(P/N: Recall, Hesaros’s “house” is an essential jewel.)

It wasn’t a cute level mistake. The damage was too serious to laugh at.

Of course, Hesaros didn’t care.

[Who cares? There are still four left, so let’s try more.]

“What?”

No, was this Named being real?

“You have two houses now, is that it?”

She shouldn’t have said that. One was blown away, but she couldn’t send the remaining four in vain like this.

Hesaros, who was kind to the owner who raised his double-mindedness, snorted and stabbed her in the right direction.

[The Emperor?]

“That’s…”

[Would you like to watch the Emperor die? Well, I don’t mind anyway?]

She couldn’t, she couldn’t.

[See?]

Hesaros made fun of her, but there was nothing to refute.

No matter how precious the four remaining jewels were and the shock of losing one jewel was, the emperor could not be put on the scales.

Sienna sighed deeply.

“Okay, I thought… Then, before I try again, tell me how to control my strength.”

[Hey, what kind of Ladder of Wisdom am I? Like, if I bring you a book, you’ll get the hang of it right away?]

“Because you’re a Named, you have to be better than the Ladder of Wisdom.”

[What? No, that’s true.]

She caught him.

“Then teach me how to do it.”

[Recently, I keep thinking that your understanding of me is deeper than my understanding of you…]

Although he grumbled, Hesaros was a Named that adored his owner.

[Okay. Shall we go outside?]

* * *

Sienna stepped out into the garden, bringing along the rest of the essential jewels.

Hesaros said something, but Sienna didn’t forget the failed jewel and kept it in a separate pocket.

[What the hell is that for? It’s no longer worth more than glass.]

“If you don’t understand, just leave it alone.”

She couldn’t coolly throw away what was once as valuable as a mansion. Even if it had become a worthless item now that it couldn’t even buy a single glass window to be inserted in a mansion.

Hesaros also clicked his tongue, but didn’t stop it.

[A powerful Terraformer can also affect natural objects. Have you heard of it?]

“Yes.”

Recalling her first apparition, which was done tremendously thanks to Hesaros, Sienna nodded her head.

[Just as purification and healing go hand in hand, it also acts as a revitalizing force in the natural world… The principle is probably still difficult to understand. Now, try breaking it.]

Sienna was puzzled, but as instructed, she cut the small sprouting side branch next to the trunk of the garden tree.

[Try to succeed in growing it without burning or drying it to death.]

“What?”

[You can’t learn things like how to control powerfully through words. Especially my damn lovable master, who rotates her magic until she rips the core just because she thinks she can do it.]

Haha. His words stabbed Sienna, so she smiled modestly.

[Do not laugh.]

“Yes.”

Even as she returned her expression solemnly as instructed, Hesaros continued to growl.

[Anyway, if I look at it, you don’t spare your body as much as if you were a stupid worm. Are you listening?]

“Yes, yes.”

[Plant it in the ground here! Don’t go too deep. Yes, just that much! Stop!]

As many as Hesaros wanted, Sienna put the garden tree branches into the ground, then she waved her hands and stood up.

[Listen carefully.]

“I’ve been listening to it since.”

[I know, but I am saying it! Let’s set the mood!]

“Yes.”

[…Look. Plants are much more fragile vessels than essential jewels. Growing it will require more delicate control than when locking up the fire.]

As she listened to him, it was a bit…

“So you’re saying that this special training is more difficult than what you originally intended to do?”

[Um, rather than that…]

“‘If you succeed in something more difficult, then of course you succeed in the previous one…”

Sienna was stunned.

“…Do you believe this makes sense?”

[It doesn’t make sense? Why not?]

Hesaros snorted.

[Growing plants is a high-level training that you must do for the rest of your life! Even if it’s not like this, I was going to teach you soon? You, do you think the emperor was bored so he decorated his world as a garden?]

“Ugh.”

[Of course, it is also a kind of training! So, if this great Hesaros orders it, you can do it knowing that!]

“…….”

[You said you don’t want to lose a house again? Shall we start soon?]

Sienna did not miss the laughter in Hesaros’s piercing voice.

This damn Named, really.

“…You’re having a lot of fun right now, aren’t you?”

[Yes.]

Hesaros responded quickly.

[Why not? Even though I was trying to stop something that almost killed you, you forced it and said, ‘It’ll be a success, so stop it’. Did you really think I wouldn’t be this mean?]

“……”

[Stop complaining and start quickly. It’s true that it helps.]

‘I will definitely succeed…’

Sienna made a firm determination. She would succeed and show that cheeky Named.

But…

“Oh.”

Fish food.

“Wait, no!”

Fish bait.

“…Ugh, please!”

Contrary to her promise, it turned out that she had a talent for harpooning ten poor side branches in a row.

[Ouch, my God.]

Hesaros let out a groan in a joyful voice.

[Hey, shouldn’t we have to make a grave for it, no matter how close it is?]

It was the most exhilarating voice Sienna had heard since getting to know Hesaros.

[Well, even if you are ignorant, you are too ignorant. If this is the case, will the time pass if you practice this all month long?]

“Isn’t it too obvious that you’re having fun?”

[I’m saying it’s obvious, why? Why don’t you break the next one soon?]

She would succeed. She would get her revenge upon success.

Burning with a desire for revenge that did not burn even against Loreina, Sienna had been cutting side branches.

[Why don’t you cut several times? It will fail anyway.]

“This time it will succeed.”

She failed.

“For sure this time…!”

She failed.

“Again…”

She failed.

Hesaros clicked his tongue and added one more word to Sienna, who looked down at the branches that had piled up again even after clearing them once.

[…Killer.]

She was upset, but there was nothing to say.

[It’s a pity just looking at it, so I’ll just say one thing. It wouldn’t work if you did it for a hundred days like that.]

“…Then what should I do?”

[Finding solutions in seemingly impossible situations is the spirit that makes a wizard a wizard.]

“You say it nicely, but in the end, it means you’re not going to teach me.”

[My owner is also very smart. Now, hurry up and pioneer an unexplored land. Like a wizard.]

Sienna sighed instead of answering.

Actually, she wasn’t that serious at first. It was fun to play horse wrestling with Hesaros, and the aspect of catching the tail was great.

However, failures overlapped and Hesaros’s teasing continued… A small spark was beginning to grow into a blaze in her heart.

Sienna took a slow, deep breath.

‘If I want to control the growth as much as I want, I have to bring it into my world.’

She suddenly had a thought.

Until now, she had planted branches and opened the world, but…

‘…How about changing the order?’

She thought about it for a moment.

From Sienna’s feet, a circle of light spread out.

It was a small territory.

Sienna brought the pruned branches there.

Respectfully, with a heart of invitation.

‘Be the first tree in my little world.’

And carefully began pouring power.

‘Ah, while maintaining this balance…’

Sweat formed on Sienna’s forehead, who was concentrating on continuously injecting a small amount of magic that was constantly flowing.

The moment that sweat dripped down…

‘…It grew!’

She felt a small root stretching under the ground that had become Sienna’s world.

Then, with a tickling feeling, small new shoots began to sprout from the branches.

“Wait, did I succeed…?”

Perhaps it was because she had peace of mind, the amount of power that was entering increased sharply in an instant.

At the same time…

“Grow up…!”

The small roots began to stretch out countless times, tickling the soil.

As it absorbed Sienna’s magic like moisture, the branches grew thicker.

The new shoots stretched out green and grew taller in an instant.

In the blink of an eye, a branch that was as soft as a baby’s finger had grown enough to be called a full-fledged seedling.

It was an undeniable success.

“Hesaros!”

[Yes, I’m watching.]

Hesaros’s voice was calmer than when he was teasing her for failing, but it sounded like he was enjoying this much more.

[I really wonder. How long will my owner be a genius?]

“Look, I said I could do it.”

[Oh, didn’t I say you couldn’t? I told you to do it quickly. Well, now you have to stop…]

About 20 percent of the happy smile on Sienna’s lips faded. Oh, but wasn’t this growing too fast?

She thought it should stop growing at this point…

It was around this time that Sienna realized something important.

“Hey, Hesaros.”

[Huh?]

“How do I make it stop growing?”

[…What?]

Rumble, rumble, rumble rumble.

As the master and servant exchange stupid conversations, the ground began to shake.

[What are you doing! Cut the magic!]

“Oh, it won’t break! It has already taken root in my world…!”

A thick root sprouted from the shaking ground. The sapling’s waist became thicker and its height began to exceed Sienna’s.

“Oh, wait!”

The roots that rose from Sienna’s feet grew straight up.

Sienna clasped the soaring roots and was devastated.

As the branches filled the sky, shadows were cast by the leaves.

Her view kept getting higher. When she looked down, the splendid garden was suddenly messed up with beautiful trees.

The garden of Grand Duke Nacth was a kind of planned city in which the gardener lived and managed with five assistants.

Not long ago, Sienna brought an early flower rain to this garden and tormented them once.

However, if they swept away the flowers, it would disappear!

Suddenly, without a plan, though, it’s a beautiful tree…!

“Hey, stop, stop sleeping!”

[Do you understand what I am saying?!]

“Then what do I do?!”

[Close the world!]

Ah.

Only then did Sienna recognize the boundaries of her world that drew a circle around the tree, and gained strength.

As the glowing borders faded, the growth of the trees became slower and slower.

Then, as if sighing, growth stopped.

…But it was already too late.

Sienna looked around in disbelief.

‘I made eye contact with the window on the 3rd floor, right…?’

The maids who were cleaning the windows of the drawing room on the third floor made eye contact with Sienna, who had climbed onto a tree that had grown at a frightening speed.

She wondered if she should even wave her hand, but seeing them start to scream, she thought she shouldn’t.

“My lady!”

“Oh my God, are you okay?”

“T-The garden, the garden…”

“Kyaaa, gardener! Calm down!”

…She was doomed.

Sienna looked around.

In a short period of time, she appeared at a very high place.

“Hesaros.”

[Why…]

“How do I get down from here?”

[…]

Sienna could use magic, but she was afraid of how this giant tree, which had grown with her magic a while ago, would react.

If she made a mistake, she thought that this time, she could look down on the top of the castle instead of making eye contact with the third floor.

Hesaros had a similar opinion.

[For now, it would be better to stay still. Do nothing, please.]

“I think so too…”

[Well, if you’re like this, won’t someone come and get you? Although there was a major accident that ruined the Grand Duke’s garden… But they won’t leave you like this.]

“Hearing that, I think I’d rather be left alone…”

It was then.

A voice that she could never be confused with another was heard from below.

“…Sienna?”

It was Ashiel.

“How are you…?”

Whether or not he was aware of the emergency and ran, he looked a little more human than he did in the morning.

Because of her great sin, Sienna laughed awkwardly, even though her opponent was Ashiel.

“Well, it’s a bit long to explain the situation… Ouch.”

“……!”

She was looking down and her feet almost slipped.

‘If I fall wrong here, it’s at least the shin, if it’s bad, it’s the spine.’

A cold sweat broke out. Sienna strengthened her body and tried to hold on, but at the same time she was convinced that she wouldn’t last very long.

Ashiel seemed to notice that too. He asked sharply.

“What about magic?”

“Not now! It might grow more…”

“Grand Prince, can you please bring you a ladder?”

“……No. Everyone, get out of the way.”

Sienna’s eyes widened.

The reason was that Ashiel seemed to have come to a decision and as if he was a five year old, began climbing the tree himself.

“Grand Prince…”

“Don’t look down.”

He advised

“When you’re scared, you sweat, and when you’re nervous, your body goes idle.”

Eventually, it would fall off.

“If it’s hard to look up or move your head, focus on my face as much as possible.”

“Yes…”

Fortunately, Ashiel reached Sienna quickly and without difficulty.

He reached out and grabbed Sienna who was curled up, and pulled her into his arms at once.

It was not until he secured the child that came along quickly that he took a deep breath.

“Grand Prince.”

“…Hug my neck.”

She didn’t think she should be uncomfortable in front of the crisis of life or death.

Like how she had once hugged his waist while on a horse, Sienna grabbed Ashiel’s neck tightly.

A sigh of relief escaped from the mouths of the people watching from below.

“Ugh.”

“I’m glad, really.”

“I thought my heart was going to fall.”

“By the way, what happened to this tree?”

It took a little longer to come down, but anyway, Ashiel managed to rescue Sienna safely.

As they set their feet on the ground, everyone swept their chests.

Sienna’s face reddened with embarrassment belatedly. But she couldn’t forget to say an acknowledgement.

“Thank you…”

Ashiel handed Sienna over to Madam Deborah, who was waiting for an answer.

“Take her and let her rest. She may have muscle aches for a day or two, so prepare some medicine in advance.”

“Yes, I understand.”

After Sienna returned to the castle in the arms of Madam Deborah, the crowd now started talking while looking at the tree.

“By the way, my God, this seems to be something the lady did, doesn’t it?”

“Looking at this, it looks like a decanto tree? What, didn’t you say that this is a very difficult and expensive tree to grow?”

The gardener nodded with a bewildered expression at the newly grown tree, which was twice as large as the decanto tree he had originally grown.

“It is used a lot to make ships and is also planted as an ornamental tree, but it is not easy to grow compared to the demand…”

“Wow, the lady did something great.”

“How much does it cost if it’s big? I heard that the Imperial Palace also has a decanto tree, but it is about the height of one floor.”

“It must be much bigger than the Imperial Palace’s.”

The old gardener brought his hand up to his face and answered with a bewildered look.

“If it’s really bigger than what’s in the Imperial Palace… even Ferrato of the Ocean would give a thousand gold to pull it out by the roots…”

“Hey…”

“It’s an achievement, it’s an achievement…”

Ashiel’s eyes caught something like a stone rolling on the floor as he listened to the conversations the people were having.

No, it would be more accurate to say that it was detected by feeling rather than noticed.

‘…An essential jewel?’

To be more precise, it was an empty essential jewel that had a deep trace of Sienna.

As soon as he picked up the jewel, Ashiel knew it was something related to the title of the book Sienna was holding in the morning.

‘…She failed to make a purification stone.’

Perhaps if she had succeeded in making this, she would have created a self-defense tool out of it.

‘Self-defense…’

It was bizarre.

Ashiel couldn’t remember why those words were so bitter, as if there was an empty spot in his heart being scratched at.

“…….”

However, even when he could not think of anything, he could not throw away the failed empty shell that Sienna couldn’t turn into a purification stone.

‘…Even just this.’

It was something that even he couldn’t understand, but the small, broken, meaningless stone eventually went into Ashiel’s pocket without anyone knowing.

That afternoon’s great event ended like that.

* * *

The decanto tree grown by Sienna was also clearly seen from the office of the grand duke.

The grand duke’s reaction to the appearance of a huge tree that had turned the garden into a landslide was extremely simple.

“If Ferrato sees it, he’ll buy the entire castle, so I’ll ask you to sell it.”

Decanto wood was basically suitable for constructing a hull that navigates the sea due to its strength and physical properties.

The degree to which it responded to strengthening magic was excellent, and it was also an advantage that it could become a giant tree depending on how much it was raised.

In particular, it was an important material enough to say that it was essential when building the giant ships that make up the Ferrato of the Ocean, their invincible fleet that rules the sea.

Recalling Jonas’ enthusiasm, Ashiel asked.

“Are you going to sell it?”

The grand duke responded with a snort.

“I totally agree with His Highness’ opinion that it’s not even possible!” (Madam Deborah)

“Well.”

“Isn’t that tree tangible proof that our young lady, the child of Nacht and the owner of the Named Hesaros, is a genius?”

“Yes.”

Devon sensed that the story was bouncing in a slightly crazy direction, but missed the chance to intervene.

“You should boast to your guests by putting up a sign that reads ‘Proof that Sienna, the child of Nacht, is a genius’.”

The grand duke looked at the maid without saying a word.

Devon, of course, thought words like ‘what the hell are you talking about’ would come out of the grand duke’s mouth.

But…

“As expected, you, too, are a maid of this castle.”

“You are exaggerating, Your Majesty!”

He was absolutely wrong.

In the midst of an unbelievable conversation between the grand duke, grand prince and his aides.

At that moment, an unfamiliar object on the grand duke’s desk caught Ashiel’s attention.

‘…Flowers?’

Like himself and Michael, there was no one in the underworld who had the sensitivity to do anything with flowers.

In particular, among the three of them, the grand duke was the furthest from that.

“…….”

“Ah, the Grand Prince also noticed it. That’s what the young lady found and gave to the Grand Duke today.”

Of course, there was only one child in this house who Madam Deborah’s would talk about.

Unknowingly, Ashiel’s hands were tense.

Because of his cold, insensitive face, Madam Deborah did not notice the veins sticking out from the back of the prince’s hand.

“It’s worth going to the greenhouse and picking roses and peonies. Daisies are really cute.”

Devon responded.

“By the way, it seems that she wanted to bring spring to the Grand Duke.”

“Actually, I heard from the maids a while ago, but the fact that the lady grew a decanto tree today was actually an accident that happened while she was practicing to make a self-defense tool.”

“Oh, self-defense?”

“This Deborah thinks that the young lady may have been trying hard to repay His Majesty the Grand Duke, even in a small way…”

No.

Ashiel knew instinctively.

There was no way. It couldn’t be.

“Ashiel?”

The grand duke asked, belatedly realizing that his eldest son’s condition was strange.

However, Ashiel answered with a somewhat pale face.

“…Excuse me. I have urgent business.”

It was difficult to be in this position any longer.

Ashiel ‘disrespectfully’ left his father’s office in a way he had never done before.

He couldn’t think of anything else.

It felt like water was filling up under his nose.

It wasn’t anger, it wasn’t betrayal, it wasn’t sadness, it wasn’t anything, it was like a turbid flow of emotions that made his heart boil.

‘Why?’

Something was going wrong.

No, he made a big mistake.

‘I never did.’

No matter how much he tried to deny it, it was of no use.

A bizarre feeling as if a fatal mistake he can’t remember was sleeping somewhere in his life.

In his memory, in his heart, there was a small box, to which he had lost the key.

What’s inside was very important, but he couldn’t find the key.

The feeling of hopelessness at that time.

There was no way to stop that delicate feeling coming up like this from time to time.

Anyway, one thing was certain.

Sienna.

No matter how many self-defense tools the child made in the future, it couldn’t be for him and his family.

They had no share. That was the way it was.

Ashiel saved Sienna with his own hands a couple of times, but that wasn’t something to be rewarded for.

It was just what he had to do.

‘For that purpose, I…’

It was as if he was alive for that.

Even if his insignificant life was destroyed.

Even if he didn’t get a word of thanks back even once.

Even if the only thing he dared to covet was the worthless remnants of what she broke while making something…

He had to protect the kid.

That was why this life existed.

It was as clear as that…

A simple bunch of daisies blooming on the grand duke’s desk came to Ashiel’s mind.

Michael approached without hesitation and began a normal conversation.

All this time he thought they were all hated by Sienna.

‘But what if not?’

What if the truth was, that only Ashiel was particularly hated…?

* * *

Although it was a mistake, she almost destroyed one side of the castle’s garden and raised up a giant tree.

No matter what others said, the tree was nothing more or less an embarrassing mistake for Sienna.

However, Sienna was now in a desperate crisis where an absurd sign such as ‘The owner of the Named Hesaros, the work of a rare genius Sienna’ would be hung because of that huge mistake…

[Are you sleeping?]

“…Yes?”

…She had dozed off.

Hesaros clicked his tongue as he saw his owner trying to wipe the non-existent saliva.

[It could be hard. No matter how small a tree is, you have advanced it’s growth for a hundred years.]

…How did I do something so ignorant?

[No matter how much you are my owner, your body will not remain. How did I choose such an ignorant thing? …That’s also a talent, a talent.]

Hesaros was not comfortable even though he was complaining a lot.

It was true that he felt sorry to see her drowsy in front of her favorite homework.

[I can’t. Wait a minute. I’ll take over the purification work that I handed back to you for a while.]

“Thanks…”

[Of course.]

In fact, after Sienna’s seeds germinated, Hesaros did not help Sienna to instinctively purify her surroundings.

[I had been helping you because I was afraid you would doze off and break your legs on the stairs. Now, the purification has progressed quite a bit…]

It was just as Hesaros said.

When she first came to this castle, it felt like something invisible was approaching her every moment to choke her.

‘At that time, I fell asleep occasionally, or had nightmares when I fell asleep.’

She couldn’t even eat properly.

But things started to get a little better after eating the pomegranate, and since Hesaros did the purification that Sienna had to do…

Without realizing it, the suffocating and menacing energy almost disappeared at some point.

[Now this castle seems to have adapted to your existence to some extent, so I gave it back to you, but how come it’s back to the original state in a few days?]

“I’ll take a break and do it again.”

[Of course. Purifying the surroundings by yourself is a great help in growing as a Terraformer. So when you finish your homework, you should do it again.]

“Yes…….”

In this respect, Hesaros was a strict teacher who did not look after her.

[Anyway, if it was me, I wanted all kinds of credit from humans. Thanks to you, everyone should have less nightmares and live comfortably these days.]

Sienna’s position on the matter was firm.

“Because I don’t want to stand out any more than I am now.”

[Okay, you stubborn one.]

While grumbling, Hesaros brought the matter of purification into his own hands.

“Thanks.”

[All right, my little owner.]

A small smile crept across Sienna’s lips at the friendly whisper.

‘He’s such a weak child towards me.’

On such a subject, the owner of Hesaros did not like being loved by those who once abandoned her.

To be honest, Hesaros felt that Sienna was desperately trying to turn down their favor and love.

‘It’s not that I don’t like being loved when I see things like that…’

I might have to say that I was afraid.

‘Tsk.’

She was able to understand it emotionally, even though she was bitter in her heart.

Sienna was betrayed after all her devotion.

So, vowing never to give her heart back… In a way, it was natural.

As a human, it was a natural defense mechanism.

Although he wasn’t human, he could understand as Named resembled humans.

‘If I, too, am abandoned by this child, I will not try to choose an owner again.’

Still, he didn’t like the fact that the wretched people of this castle couldn’t even dream of the kindness that this child was bestowing upon them.

‘In the future, even if this child rejects these stupid humans hundreds of thousands of times, I hope that they will continue to cling to her even though they bleed and hurt for hundreds of thousands of times.’

May they long for the love they cannot receive and despair at the forgiveness they cannot receive.

Hesaros was a Named who only cared and loved his owner in this world.

So, without any guilt, he could freely curse this damn castle and the people of Nacht that belonged to it.

* * *

The Mayfair season was approaching.

But the people of the Grand Duchy of Nacht did not have to rush. The reason was that it was geographically close to the capital, but more than that…

“Can any human say anything to us? Just because we’re a little late.”

“Aha.”

“Maybe again, this time, the main character appears at the end of the story. Oh well, it’s the law.”

Michael was lying on the green grass with his back against a thickly sprouted tree.

He couldn’t help but look so idle as he rummaged his hands through the picnic basket, picking up a cherry stalk and throwing it into his mouth.

“Anyway, the words of ‘main character’ are always heard. Every year.”

“Haha….”

Michael’s words were just obvious facts, so he couldn’t be called arrogant.

“Anyway, I like it here.”

Michael grinned and tapped the marble plaque on the floor.

There it was written:

〈In the 48th year of the great Frederick II of Feyenoord, Sienna, the owner of Named Hesaros, grew a decanto tree. Wishing for the emergence of Terraformers that will remain for generations, and the master of the underworld at this time, Grand Duke Rodrick of Nacht, commemorated it.〉

“…….”

Her face seemed so depressed when looking at the commemorative plaque -People in the neighborhood! My kid is a genius!- Michael grabbed his stomach and laughed.

“Why do you hate it so much? I’m praising you for being a genius.”

“Did the Little Prince never think that I would hate it when you laughed and teased me like that?”

“Ah. Don’t be like that, eat this.”

Michael stretched out his hands and rummaged through the box, got up and picked out a few full, shiny cherries and offered them to Sienna.

Sienna, with an expressionless face, skipped saying a ‘thank you’, took it and chewed the cherry aggressively.

“Anyway, what I want to say is that Nacht’s hobby is procrastination. Uncle, grandfather… So even if the Emperor calls, my father doesn’t hurry. I don’t know about war.”

“…….”

In the past, I would have been shocked that there was such a thing, but when I remembered the two of them quarreling in the emperor’s garden as if they were rivals, I just thought it was worth it.

“So, it’s not because of you that they’re delaying their preparations. Okay?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Yes, so please don’t even think about anything strange, like being a nuisance.”

“I didn’t.”

“You probably didn’t, but I’m just saying.”

“…….”

The sun was shining through the leaves of the giant tree Sienna had grown.

Michael laid flat on his back, closed his eyes and muttered.

“How anxious other nobles are that they don’t get the right to procrastinate like us. So, enjoy yourself too.”

But that last sentence was wrong.

* * *

“Gateway traffic has increased.”

“It’s the nobles participating in the Mayfair season. It happens every year, doesn’t it?”

The Disparter region was the largest transportation hub in Feyenoord, accessible to both water and land.

In this land ruled by the lord of the underworld, thieves and magical beasts did not dare to attack.

Due to the security of the bridgehead, traffic almost always exploded during this season.

It happened every time.

But…

“…Isn’t it a little early this year?”

“That’s right.”

“Hmm…….”

“I think it’s probably because there’s a healing wizard in the capital… now.”

The grand duke’s brows furrowed.

“…You mean the 14-year-old who made her first manifestation as a healing wizard just recently.”

“It’s already been a long time since healing wizards across the country have dried up. You’re right, I’m talking about the only great lady in the empire. Besides, she doesn’t even have a guardian yet.”

As he spoke, Devon glanced into the grand duke’s eyes.

Loreina Minangsi.

The Count of Minangsi, which was one of the pillars of the eastern granary, was also in the borders of ​​the Grand Duchy of Nacht.

The count and his wife often talked about their ancestral relationship with the grand duchy, but…

Even including that, they were very ordinary people.

The kind of nobles who remembered having the bloodline of healing wizards that had already disappeared, and wanted to somehow make themselves look good to the grand duke.

Not long ago, they sent a rather random letter thanking the grand duke for his grace, saying that their daughter had become a healing wizard.

The reason was simple.

Because they had always wanted Grand Duke Nacht to be their daughter’s guardian.

It wasn’t strange. Grand Prince Ashiel was one of the best grooms in the empire at the time.

As soon as he reached the age of entering the military academy, he challenged the Named Thanatos that belonged to the underworld and was still currently being talked about as a legend.

‘What kind of Named can be used as preparations for the military academy.’
(T/N: he’s saying, it’s as if he challenged a Named as part of his preparations to enter the academy.)

Where else was he good at?

He was now the grand prince, and in the future he would be the grand duke.

In addition, his appearance was neat.

‘If Grand Duke Nacht is her guardian, being the future grand duchess isn’t just a dream…’

Now, there was a child who already had a strong presence in the position of the ward in question, but…

In the past, there were some children who were strongly predicted to be warded.

Loreina was one of them.

“G-Grand Duke.”

Thinking that far, Devon opened his mouth worriedly.

“No matter how much you think about it, just taking the young lady to the institution like this… Isn’t it a bit too much?”

The position of Grand Duke Nacht’s ward was a position that everyone was intent on aiming for.

“Didn’t the small lords who are vassals of Nacht treat the young lady like that? The aristocrats of the institution would have done more if they were added, and could never……”

“Do not worry.”

The grand duke pulled out a letter and blinked.

“Because everything is already in place.”

“This…?”

Devon’s eyes widened.

The sender was written on the outer surface of the envelope that had already been removed with a knife.

Reparation of Maria Stella, Countess of Gildinak.

* * *

People in war-prone countries had a habit of trying to get everything done before they die.

Therefore, the first marriage age in the Feyenoord Empire was between 18 and 20 years old.

Around that time, when they were about 14 years old, to prepare to get married, everyone made an appearance in society.

The reason why it was 14 was because it’s the age to enter the military academy.

By then, people treated children as semi-adults, and children were expected to behave maturely.

Thanks to this, the children of the empire tend to age a little faster.

Just because she wasn’t 14 years old, she couldn’t go around leisurely walking and eating snacks.

Since she was over seven years old, she was considered to be ‘in prep’, so she was able to experience a pre-social world where only children were gathered.

“Therefore…”

Michael, who was a minor as well, was naturally eligible to participate in the prep.

Sienna was also subjected to participation as the ward of Grand Duke Nacht.

“The lady has no title or blood, but that’s what it means to be sponsored by the Grand Duke.”

Maria, Countess of Gildinak, stood in front of Sienna with a smile.

“It transcends other qualifications.”

“Um… can’t we not say ‘transcend’?”

“Oh my. Hoho, you’re saying something interesting.”

The countess laughed instead, breaking her hopes, saying, ‘It’s nonsense’. Like someone who heard a funny joke.

Sienna sighed.

‘I wasn’t kidding.’

“Anyway, this Maria is standing in front of the owner of the Named today because she wants to help if she needs to.”

“…….”

“The arrogant world of social circles will regard the lady’s visit as an intrusion. I hope that the owner of the Named will not suffer any trouble.”

“Why are you doing this to me?”

“That’s because I am indebted to you.”

The Countess of Gildinak had a clever and intelligent smile on her face.

“And my senses are screaming. If I invest my life in you, I’ll never lose money.”

“I’m sorry, but I have no intention of guaranteeing profitability.”

It wasn’t a tone belonging to a child, but Sienna said this as a test to the countess.

Indeed, the countess accepted it with a calm smile.

“The outcome is something that those who make the investment are willing to bear.”

“If it is known that you have become a chaperone to a commoner orphan, the madam may be at a disadvantage.”

“Well, it’s thrilling to imagine the moment when those idiots will eventually acknowledge that my choice was the right one.”

She was strong.

“Did Lady Isabelle agree?”

“Thank you very much for inquiring about the girl. Actually, the child is skipping social circles this year and is focusing on training.”

“On training?”

“Yes, it is my daughter’s little dream to enter the military academy and be an assistant with the owner of the Named, who is her savior.”

At this point, it was amazing.

‘The young lady of the count wants to be on my side?’

Surprisingly, it didn’t seem like a joke or a lie.

“…If you say that, I have nothing more to say.”

Sienna shook her head.

“…No, one last thing. What if I am uncomfortable with the madam?”

“…….”

Only then did a little bit of bitter laughter permeate the mouth of the countess, who was confident.

“Then I can’t help it. I will greet you politely and walk out the door.”

“……”

The countess’ eyes, who answered in that way, were as clean and blue as the clear autumn sky.

…How the hell could such a person change like that?

‘When she quarreled with Sister Loreina in the past, she must have been possessed by fraud.’

…She suddenly had this thought.

‘How were these people infected with fraud?’

Nobility, especially the great aristocrats who succeeded in consolidating such a lineage of wizards and owned an essential jewels mine, of course, had to thoroughly guard against fraud.

Perhaps…

In an instant, the emperor’s face flashed through her mind.

‘…It’s not that there’s no possibility.’

Sienna pondered for a moment, contemplating various conjectures.

The conclusion was this;

‘The route is also suspicious and needs to be investigated, but there is no law that an infected person cannot be infected twice.’

After a while, Sienna nodded heavily.

“…Okay. I’ll accept the offer. The madam says she’s willing to bear the disgrace of being my chaperone, so I don’t think there’s any reason to refuse.”

She could enter the social world without a chaperone, but if she did, she could be in trouble because she would not be protected at all in the moments she needed to be.

Just like at the picnic, when Madam Dahlia removed her eyes, she was dragged away by Viscount Jester and suffered a lot.

“Thank you, my lady.”

Although Sienna was on the seemingly regrettable side, the Countess of Gildinak acted as if it was the exact opposite.

‘I think that’s enough, but…’

The countess was such a smart person, so it seemed that she needed to tighten the reins a little more.

To fully take the initiative in the relationship, Sienna opened her mouth.

“…You tried to investigate the infection on your own, but it doesn’t seem like there was much  return?”

“…….”

“The purpose is to repay the grace, but rather, it seems that you also have calculated to seek help from me when you are in danger again.”

“…You are definitely a wise lady. If you were offended-“

“No. I’m not offended. If there’s something to exchange, it’s easy to establish a relationship and organize it.”

“……Also.”

They were words that could be considered arrogant.

However, the Countess of Gildinak, who had already been impressed by Sienna, simply admired it.

“The lady was concerned about my disgrace, but I don’t think you need to.”

“What do you mean?”

“Because this decision will not be a disgrace in a few years. Everyone will regret not having acted as boldly as this Maria Gildinak on this day.”

“So… I cannot guarantee such profitability.”

Sienna replied with a headache, but the Countess only smiled confidently, ‘Let’s see where we are’.

And the very next day, Grand Duke Nacht and his party departed for the capital.

* * *

Grand Duke Nacht’s residence was located in the islands closest to the Imperial Palace.

There was even a large garden on the front, back and sides of the mansion, so it was impossible to even spy on the inside by standing on the wall.

“Come on, this is my room.”

Michael pointed to the door located on the south side of the second floor.

“And that’s your room.”

“…Is that the room right next door?”

“Yes. The room in between is our study room.”

Michael shamelessly shrugged.

“Anyway, you and I will continue to take lessons with Seth.”

“But that doesn’t mean I am willing to use a room so close.”

“Why? It’s good to be close.”

“What for?”

“I’ll go play when I’m bored.”

Yes. That doesn’t make sense.

Sienna smiled and went up the stairs opposite to where Michael was pointing at.

“Hey!”

“I’ll be on the east side. Is that okay?”

The grand duke, who was talking with the butler of the capital mansion, hardly heard the children’s chatter.

He just nodded after hearing Sienna’s “…Can I?”

“Do whatever you want.”

“Father!”

Michael protested, but the grand duke didn’t seem to listen.

He groaned and grumbled.

“I can’t believe you’re bringing Father in, you know that he’s always on your side, right?”

He was mostly mature, but Sienna thought he looked like a ten-year-old in a situation like this.

“It doesn’t really matter to the Grand Duke where my room is.”

Since it wasn’t an important issue, permission would have been easy. Sienna did not doubt that.

Michael only snorted at the absurd sound.

“What are you talking about? If it’s Father or Brother, they’ll be flustered… Hey! Are you leaving already?!”

Sienna pretended not to hear and headed to a room in the east to unpack.

Behind Sienna’s back as she began to climb the east stairs, Michael sighed and made additional commands.

“Okay. Let’s move the study room. How do you tell her to go back and forth every day with those skinny legs?”

The servants giggled and replied, “I see, Your Highness.”

* * *

The next day after unpacking. The grand duke’s family decided to go greet the emperor.

Thanks to this, Sienna was being roasted by the maids since morning.

“You’re having an audience with the Emperor for the first time!”

She couldn’t say it wasn’t the first time. Because the meeting in the garden was completely informal.

‘If it hadn’t been for that meeting, I would have been a little nervous.’

Sienna yawned. Now, the only priority was that her body, tired from traveling long distances, was demanding sleep.

But the unaware maids only stuck out their tongues.
(T/N: not literally, but as in, ‘continued talking’.)

“Oh my God, she’s on the way to an audience with His Majesty the Emperor, and she’s not even blinking an eye.”

“You must have been born with boldness, as expected, my lady.”

The maids quickly combed Sienna’s hair.

Sienna’s hair, which was originally brittle, became smooth and lustrous as she came to the grand duke’s residence and ate a nutritious diet.

It was inevitable that her natural hair would turn out like this, but it was still a major development.

It was very thick, so it was worthwhile to comb it, split it, and decorate it well here and there.

Even her cheeks, which were as white as porcelain, had gained a little bit of weight, and a pinkish color slowly appeared.

Was that all? Her eyes were large, her eyelashes were exceptionally long, and her plump lips made an overall gentle impression.

She was pretty.

Of course, even with empty words, it could not be said that she stood out unrivaled or was splendid.

Sienna was the type to start capturing people from the moment they realized she was there, but the problem was that it wasn’t easy to realize she was there.

Of course, she didn’t have much desire to show her presence to others.

‘Still, there is a corner that strangely continues to attract attention. Our lady.’

‘There is no other 11-year-old in the empire who makes you feel like you have to tell all secrets when your eyes meet!’

As Sienna would join the prep, the Countess of Gildinak had given these two pieces of advice in advance as her chaperone.

“Do you know what is the easiest thing people will attack? It’s the appearance. Attire. Nails, hair, things like that. As you know, it’s wonderful that our lady doesn’t care too much about such things. It’s a wonderful thing. If the host finds fault with her appearance, people like us would be really upset, right?”

The maids agreed with Madam Gildinak a hundred times.

‘Besides, today is the day you have to make your first appearance in the Imperial Palace!’

The maids were motivated.

Somewhat excessively.

As a result, Sienna…

“What is all this…”

She became cuter than ever.

Her hair was skillfully rolled up into a large wave, and only half of it was collected and braided at the back of the head to form a beautiful rose shape.

The chick-colored dress, which Sienna loved in the sense of half a year’s rent, was a familiar item, but when worn with a much richer pannier than usual underneath it, it seemed like a completely different outfit.

The accent of the attire was the formal red shoes.

“This is… so…”

“Isn’t it pretty?”

‘Am I pretty? It hurts my head!’

‘If I hadn’t fallen asleep while decorating, I wouldn’t have been sitting here cheerfully…’

Coincidentally, Sienna had just arrived in a new space and was about to start purifying again.

The mansion in the capital city was at a normal level unlike the castle, so she wasn’t too tired, but it was enough to make her doze off and wake up repeatedly during the seemingly endless dressing time.

After a long time, Hesaros came out in the form of a fireball, saying,

[Hey. I saw that everyone was waiting outside. Isn’t it a big deal?]

Oops.

It’s unavoidable. Sienna hurried out.

She didn’t forget to pack the pouch that she had prepared in advance on her way out.

Inside was a self-defense amulet that she completed before arriving at the mansion.

As I approached the stairs, as Hesaros had said, the grand duke, Michael, and…

…At the same time as the Mayfair season started, Ashiel, who took a week off from the military academy, was also there.

“Sorry!”

“Hey! Don’t run! You’ll fall!”

Michael freaked out and tried to stop her, but Sienna did not slow down.

When it was the last three steps remaining, she even landed on the floor using magic.

Sienna approached with blushing cheeks, saying that she had to run a little.

“Are you very late?”

“…….”

The grand duke silently reached out and pulled Sienna’s hair crooked ribbon slightly up.

“…I didn’t wait that long.”

“……”

“Let’s just go.”

Devon stepped up next to the grand duke who was ahead and delivered the information the maids of Sienna had given him.

“Your Majesty, the lady brought her self-defense amulet today.”

“……”

The grand duke didn’t think it would necessarily be his.

However, he thought it would be nice to have self-defense.

Of course, he already had some with him, and he had some he had attached like an amulet to prevent fraud from coming to places he often stayed, and he had plenty of spares.

If Sienna gave him a self-defense amulet, he would replace the new one he took yesterday with him, since it would soon become old.

Anyway, that was how it was.

“What? How many did she pack?”

Michael, who was listening next to him, whispered and asked. Devon scratched his head.

“What? I’m not sure about that.”

“You should have known that!”

If she had only one, there was a high probability that only the grand duke would receive it out of the three. Michael pursed his lips and grumbled.

Amidst all the commotion, Ashiel remained silent.

* * *

It didn’t take long to get to the Imperial Palace by a horse-drawn carriage.

The grand duke’s party, who had passed the checkpoint immediately, was ushered to a small platform.

It was like a fountain, a podium at the eye level of Sienna.

Ancient inscriptions were written on old slabs with broken corners.

When the grand duke placed his hand on it first, light flashed for a moment and then faded.

“You are swearing not to harm the emperor and the imperial family.”

Michael whispered to Sienna.

“Ordinary people just put down their weapons on the sword line, but we’re all wizards.”

“Well…….”

“Besides, except for me, all three of you are the owners of Named, right?”

Unlike a weapon that just needed to be taken from the hand, the Named cannot be separated from its owner.

Sienna thought for a second, that the four of them alone were the most dangerous armed group in the world.

Two type 1 enhancement wizards and owners of offensive-type Named.

Michael, who didn’t own a Named but would form a family with academic achievements, would become a type 1 realization wizard and potion master.

And even Terraformer Sienna, who allowed these three to cast endless spells without having to worry about fraud.

‘If you do this well, you won’t be envious of the military…’

At this point, the allowance of the emperor, who allowed admission and audience, was amazing.

This was because, no matter how restricted they were through oaths, such consideration was not easy.

After all four of them finished their oath in turn, the servant led them to the audience room.

The grand duke, Ashiel, and Michael were relatives of the emperor, so it was not unfamiliar to see them here… Sienna looked around intently.

‘Oh my God, I can’t believe that I have come all the way here on a call from His Majesty the Emperor.’

She thought that she had come a long way from the days when she was framed by Loreina and confined in that deep prison.

It could be said to be a turbulent place.

“Your Majesty, the Grand Duke Nacht and his companions have arrived.”

“Come in.”

The emperor’s voice sounded a little different from the casual one in the garden.

Michael whispered quickly.

“Don’t worry. It’s a bit of a private audience here. His Majesty acts like a human here too.”

“Who’s acting like a human?”

Someone strode over with reckless footsteps and pounded Michael’s head.

“Ah!”

“Hey, brat!”

It was a very merciless hand.

“It really hurts!”

“I hit you so that it’ll really hurt. By the way, baby! How have you been?”

“What? When did you…”

Michael, unaware that Sienna had already met the emperor, gave an embarrassed expression.

“I greet you, Your Majesty.”

The emperor chuckled.

“Oh my God, who taught you? Your posture is pretty good. But you don’t have to do that here.”

Then…

“How have you been, Your Majesty? I was worried.”

“!”

The eyes of the three men suddenly widened because Sienna, who was meek and matured, acted like a child.

“As expected, you understand what I’m saying! Yeah, I am doing well. How about the baby, there was nothing special?”

“Yes, thanks for your concern, I’m fine.”

He had already fallen in love with Sienna, a descendant of Terraformer, but the emperor became even more happy thanks to the three men, who seemed to be silently shocked by Sienna’s unbiased treatment of the emperor.

“Come on, let’s stop by for refreshments. Let the baby sit next to me!”

The experienced emperor succeeded in reaching the refreshment table while holding hands with Sienna.

To anyone looking at them, they were friendly, as if he was related by blood to Sienna rather than to the Nachts.

The emperor was then proving himself that he was not lying when he said to Sienna in the garden, “I kind of think of you as a family.”

“……”

“……”

“……”

Of course, the faces of the three Nachts watching the scene were not very good.

She wasn’t just saying this, but it was so bad that she thought that ‘not good’ was a more refined expression.

Tsk tsk, the emperor clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘Looking at their faces, this kid doesn’t open her heart to those dark guys.’

Thinking like that could make one feel a little sad.

‘I am becoming grumpier as I get older.’

The misfortunes of the gloomy men were very enjoyable. Quite.

“Come on, baby. Can you tell me a little bit about how you’ve been?”

“Well…….”

Sienna thought for a moment.

Something that had happened over the past few days that was worth talking about…

“I recently succeeded in getting a decanto tree to grow in my world.”

“Yes?”

The emperor’s eyes widened.

“If it’s a decanto tree… Are you talking about the decanto that floats on the windowsill? The one which Ferrato dares to covet, even the ones planted in the Imperial Palace garden…?”

Was it that great? Sienna nodded her head indifferently.

“I think gardener grandpa was a little sad because I let it grow too much.”

Of course, right after that, he vigorously started the design work to reorganize the garden itself around this magnificent tree.

“Huh… how much did you make it grow?”

“I made eye contact with the maids on the third floor. I accidentally climbed up when the tree was growing.”

“What?”

The emperor was excited to hear the story of Sienna hanging from a branch, soaring up to three stories high, and then rescued by Ashiel’s hands.

The emperor rubbed his chin and admired it over and over again.

“It’s unusual. It’s extraordinary…. It’s amazing that plants grew at that age, but that decanto tree…”

It seemed to be a self-evident fact that the story of Sienna’s tree made a deep impression on the emperor.

‘Okay, this can be said to have slightly increased the chance that His Majesty the Emperor will entrust me with purification.’

Judgment was premature.

It wasn’t just that the odds went up. It was to the extent that the emperor suddenly spoke of such a thing.

“Dear, would you rather leave Nacht and come to the Imperial Palace? I-.”

“- Your Majesty. Stop here.”

Grand Duke Nacht finally opened his mouth at the story that could not be overlooked.

“Not anymore.”

The old man replied with a gruesome smile, upon seeing the terrifying gaze that would make him believe even if he said he would commit treason.

“Uh-huh, what a person. I can’t even joke?”

“You weren’t joking, were you?”

“Oh, you don’t trust people. Wasn’t it a joke?”

“It’s obvious that you weren’t joking.”

“Gee, you don’t get fooled because you’re getting a little older.”

Ah…

After that, in a similar way, there was a period of time when the emperor was happy and the Nachts were not very happy.

“Oh, I don’t know why the fun times pass so quickly.”

As it was time to return, the three men’s faces began to turn bright, while the emperor’s became sullen.

“Your Majesty the Emperor.”

At that moment, Sienna pulled his sleeve with a hesitant look.

“Huh? Why, sweetheart. Are you living well in the underworld?”

“Your Majesty.”

The grand duke did not say much and put the brakes quickly. The emperor was disgusted.

“Oh, my. You punk. Stop being so hot-tempered.”

Sienna laughed a little.

Even if she pretended not to be, she was quite nervous about this situation.

Thus, what Sienna now had in her hands was the self-defense amulet.

A thing resembling the sincerity of the past that was rejected, ignored, and abandoned countless times.

To be honest, she wouldn’t have made this again and moreover, give it to someone as a gift if it wasn’t really necessary.

Of course, she knew things were different now.

The current Sienna was no longer the helpless and worthless Sienna of those days, deprived of all possibilities.

She knew she was not in a situation where she would fall for her sister and make useless things and give them a lot of burden.

But even knowing that, she was afraid.

“Y-Your Majesty… this.”

Fortunately, the emperor was so accepting of her that she was able to pick up her courage.

“This is… so, this is what I made.”

Was it because she was trying her best?

Sienna had no idea that Grand Duke Nacht and his sons were holding their breath and watching the scene.

She didn’t notice that much.

“Huh? This is…”

What rolled out of the little pouch was an essential jewel the size of a thumb.

A fine essential jewel of considerable value on its own.

But there was something even more surprising.

“Purification…”

As if tears were hardened, as if they were icicles that appeared to be melting in the sunlight.

A small ember burning inside the transparent jewel was clearly visible.

“I put in the fire of Hesaros. Seeing Your Majesty’s situation… I made this in hopes that it might be of some help.”

“…That, is it?”

“Yes, Hesaros was also helpful, so…”

A self-defense amulet made of a purification stone containing the fire of Hesaros.

The emperor sensed that he now held in his hand an object that had never appeared in history.

No one owned Hesaros.

No one was able to craft a purification stone from the fire of Hesaros.

Until this little child, eleven-year-old Sienna, showed up here.

‘If you put a value on it, how much can you charge?’

Even the emperor couldn’t quite imagine it.

One thing was certain: he now had something in his hands that would make even the people of the era of prosperity envious.

But…

“…Baby, it must have taken a lot of effort to make something like this.”

More than that, the little child thought of him.

“How did you come up with such a wonderful idea? I haven’t done anything for you…”

“That’s not true.”

After all, it was a sincere cry from the heart of the emperor who received all kinds of precious offerings.

But… Sienna calmly shook her head.

“I grew up eating and wearing the orphanage donations sent by the Emperor to all over the country.”

Each month, the emperor opened a personal safe in the budget allocated through state affairs and sent the money to the orphanages. Kendall Orphanage was no exception.

Although Director Kendall used it terribly in the middle, the crumbs kept Sienna alive.

“So, please don’t do anything for me. This is in return.”

“…Yes, that’s right. In return.”

The emperor burst out laughing.

“But this is too much in return for the price I paid for feeding a small child like you for only ten years.”

“But…”

“As the Emperor of Feyenoord, I can’t just accept such an exorbitant reward. Baby, if I were to reward you, what would you ask for?”

“……”

She almost asked him to heal him for a moment, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

The emperor affirmed that he would exclude private elements and choose someone to treat him.

If she made such a request here, she would be nothing more than a kid who didn’t understand what he had said.

‘Ask…’

She didn’t really want anything… Ah.

“Your Majesty, then…”

“Yes?”

“When I turn 14, I have to go to the military academy. If I do, I would like you to pay the tuition at that time.”

“Yes?”

It was a rather absurd and unexpected request.

“Why, did he say he won’t even pay your tuition? Don’t you know that all Terraformers have to go to school?”

“It’s not like that.”

If possible, she wanted to be less indebted to Grand Duke Nacht.

‘…And if I ask for this, I won’t cause further trouble.’

The emperor also noticed Sienna’s thoughts to some extent.

‘Oh yeah… She was a child who grew up early.’

What in the world was this child’s fate, that she was anxious to run so fast?

‘It is better than having no discernment as the owner of Hesaros. Of course, it’s not just better, but I’m glad.’

The emperor’s nephew and eldest godson, Grand Duke Nacht, who is the greatest warrior in the empire, seemed to be shocked again by the fact that his ward did not rely on him at all…

‘What can I do? I’ll have to endure the grown-up on my own.’

The emperor decided to take Sienna’s side.

“Yeah, sweetheart. As the Emperor, I promise you. In any case, even if the burden rises before the baby becomes a cadet, even if I make a will to the prince, I’ll pay the baby’s tuition.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

* * *

After repeatedly promising to cherish and use the things Sienna gave him, the emperor sent them back.

On the way home, there was a very awkward silence.

‘…? What is it?’

Grand Duke Nacht and Michael looked strangely depressed.

Ashiel didn’t show his face to her side at all.

‘…Well, let’s not bother asking.’

It was because they were thinking seriously and if she touched them, she could only make their tempers worse.

And she was tired because she was too nervous when presenting the self-defense amulet to the emperor.

‘I’m glad he accepted it.’

When she thought of the golden eyes that looked at her seriously and said thank you again and again, she felt a warm feeling in the corner of her heart.

It went round and round like this, and now she was helping someone.

Thinking about it like that made her feel an immeasurable amount, and her heart was pounding.

Thinking about it, she felt like crying a little.

‘…No, let’s not cry. It’s a good day.’

Yes, it was a good day.

Sienna was happy.

She did what she could, did a favor to others, and was not rejected.

‘Now, where can I go and live as if I am a useful person?’

She thought she could do that.

Giving herself over to the pleasant fatigue, Sienna fell asleep in the carriage returning home.

She had no idea how miserable and complicated the three remaining Nachts were feeling.

* * *

The mansion of the Count of Minangsi of the Islands has been busy receiving guests these days.

After coming to the capital, the strange Loreina, who had been fussing over food and dresses in the county, disappeared.

Filling in that place was a person more perfect than before.

Extraordinarily lovely.

It was that kind of Loreina.

Loreina’s day began every day with a maid combing her waterfall-like blonde hair.

Soon after, she took the time to dress up perfectly like a doll from head to toe.

Although she was still young, she did not forget to apply powder and color her lips slightly red.

Eventually, when she was completely dressed, she went down the stairs with a gentle gait as if only her toes were brushing by.

People were amazed from there.

“Oh my God, this lady is the only healing wizard in the empire.”

“I would believe it even if you said she was a doll. How could she be so pretty?”

Amid the raucous praise, Loreina appeared one step at a time as if descending.

“I’m so happy to look at that precious lady.”

When she blushed as if shy and embarrassed, no one could hide their happy expression.

“Lady Loreina, can you hold my hand here? Just in case, holding the lady’s hand may heal my arthritis.”

“I… I’m sorry. I can’t use such big magic yet… so I won’t be of any help.”

But while saying that, Loreina still gently held her hand.
(T/N: Marquis Parvis is a ‘she’, based on the later portion of this chapter. She likely holds this title in her own right, and though she could be addressed as ‘Marchioness’, I stuck with what was indicated in the raws.)

The old marquis was content with that.

“Yes, once you start being able to use healing power in earnest, don’t forget me.”

“Of course.”

Loreina replied with a smile without any sign of embarrassment.

“I would be very happy if I could be of help to the Marquis Parvis, whom my mother also respects. Until then, I will practice hard.”

“How… she’s such a pretty and precious healing wizard, and she’s also kind.”

Even before the season started in earnest, she had a lot of success every day in this way, but Loreina did not show any fatigue.

Thanks to this, rumors of a healing wizard who appeared in the empire after half a century spread like wildfire throughout the island.

Several days later.

“…Oh my gosh, what’s all that?”

“You don’t know? It’s the house of the healing angel.”

Soldiers from all over the island were standing in a long line in front of the residence of Count Minangsi.

All the people who looked sick were supported by their families.

There were also a lot of people who came alone with a sick body.

One after another, they surrounded Count Minangsi’s mansion and touched the bricks on the wall as if to wear them out.

“Please, please… Angel of Healing…”

There were people holding the iron gate and praying earnestly.

As if the mansion of the Count of Minangsi was a temple.

So desperate and sincere… It even felt like a fanatical atmosphere.

“There were five accidents over there yesterday alone.”

“Besides, there are people who have suffered serious injuries from being crushed while pushing each other?”

“Since hundreds of people have gathered, what if that lady is really an angel? The good-natured count couple told their servants to give them all bread and water so they don’t get burnt out.”

“Oh my God, it’s a very rare kind of person in the world these days.”

Contrary to what people thought, it was an act that could not be called a good deed.

As rumors spread that they were giving food to the sick who flocked to the front of the house, even those who were not ill at all began to flock to get free bread.

Of course, the more people flocked to it, the higher the names of the healing angel Loreina and Count Minangsi rose.

Sienna also heard the news through the newspaper.

It had changed from the past.

‘…It wasn’t like this before.’

In the past, Loreina revealed that she was a healing wizard while belonging to the Nacht as a ward.

Grand Duke Nacht never stood by to allow such a commotion to occur within his territories.

Didn’t she get the nickname ‘Healing Angel’ only after extending the lifespan of the emperor?

Perhaps it was because Sienna came forward to cure the emperor’s disease.

‘Of course, my sister has to cure his illness and get fame and preferential treatment, but if she does something wrong, she will get burned.’

But would this kind of publicity really help?

It might make Loreina famous by making a good impression on the public.

‘But, would His Majesty the Emperor find it pleasant to see a nobleman being praised enough to be called a saint in his own territory, the islands?’

Sienna didn’t think so.

* * *

Indeed. the next day.

“Honey! What’s all this? Did you hear the news? Honey!!”

Count Minangsi forgot about his dignity and ran into the drawing room.

Then he bumped his knee on the table.

“Ugh, oh my.”

The Countess of Minangsi asked, looking worriedly at her struggling husband.

“Why are you like this, honey?”

“Look at this. A notice to block off the side of our house!”

“Oh my. Really?”

“Show me, too.”

The mother and daughter put their heads together and checked the notice.

“I was wondering what it was. It’s not a complete lockdown.”

“That’s right. It’s just a notice to control entry and exit only when there is an appropriate purpose of passage approved by the Public Security Office. For safety.”

At the lukewarm reaction of his wife and daughter, the count struck his chest.

“Now, it’s not that simple!”

“Calm down, honey.”

“Okay, calm down. Father.”

“Do I really look like I’m going to calm down now?”

Count Minangsi sighed and sat down on the sofa.

“Now that the child’s name is starting to be known. How could this be…”

“Father, you said that it was inconvenient for commoners to come all day like a pack of dogs and make noise. You hated that there was a strange smell around the mansion.”

“But you need them to make you famous, and when you become famous, the emperor will seek treatment from you, right?”

Seeing her father making a fuss, Loreina grabbed the armrests of the sofa.

The Countess of Minangsi frowned and shook her head.

The count didn’t notice anything, and he continued to angrily throw words into the air.

“If people don’t come, your reputation and popularity will go down like a bubble! Then all your hard work will be in vain…!”

“Honey, calm down. That doesn’t mean we can’t endure this inconvenience forever.”

“…That’s right, Father. When there are thousands of bugs, you can’t call your friends at will, and you can’t go out. That’s fatal.”

“……Is it?”

Count Minangsi raised his head as if he had been messing and ripping himself apart on his own.

“Okay, honey. Since Loren’s name is already known to the common people this much, you can stop now.”

In reality, Loreina did nothing to the common people.

The decision to distribute bread was by the count, and the distribution was done by the servants.

However, half of those who came claimed that Loreina’s power had helped them get better. It was a work of crowd psychology.

Among them, there were others who boasted exaggeratedly, and thanks to that, after passing through the people’s mouths two or three times, Loreina was transformed into a saint who, in a noble position, directly met commoners and healed them.

Now the rumors were making more rumors.

Rather, the more you control, the more curious people will become.

“Now is the time to meet more powerful people and show them your healing powers, for example, Marquis Parvis.”

“You’re right, Father. When did you ever see my mother say something wrong?”

The anxiety that had soared to the top of his head seemed to gradually subside when I saw his smiling wife and daughter.

“Right……?”

“Of course!”

Madam Minangsi smiled cheerfully and was confident. Loreina’s lips were also beautifully drawn into an arc.

But the count was not easily relieved.

“But, he said clearly. For the time being, don’t be arrogant and wait quietly.”

“Yes, but how can you keep your mouth shut and wait? Us going forward like this is all going to help him too.”

“Loren is right. There’s nothing to worry about. Come on, honey. Go in and get some rest. You’re probably more tired now. Butler?”

“Yes, Madam.”

When the butler took the count away, the expression on Madam Minangsi’s face disappeared.

“A man.”

It was only two syllables, but it contained enough feelings of contempt for the count.

“Loren. Don’t worry about the noise, and continue training to increase the amount of mana. He said that honing your skills is important if you really want to look like you can heal people. Is it going well?”

Loreina’s smile hardened for a moment, but Madam Minangsi, who was organizing the newspaper, didn’t notice.

Soon, Loreina answered with a smooth smile.

“…Well. There’s nothing for my mother to worry about. Don’t worry.”

“Yes, I know my daughter will do well.”

The countess smiled contentedly at her daughter.

With rich blonde hair like a golden waterfall from Count Minangsi, blue eyes, and her parents’ efforts, made her face so pretty.

“…You’re putting on a bit of makeup today. I’ll get you a lotion that is very good for your skin, so don’t forget to massage it in the morning and evening.”

“Yes, Mother. I’ll take care of it.”

Madam Minangsi thought as she watched her daughter answer obediently.

This was her work.

Because she ate her flesh in her stomach, sucked her blood, and was born this perfect.

‘You should be the goose that lays golden eggs for me.’

Loreina just smiled calmly, as if she knew nothing about her mother’s ulterior motives and greed.

* * *

The atmosphere was a bit odd.

To be precise, since that day, three out of four people who had an audience with the emperor were showing a strange attitude.

Of course, the only person who was normal was Sienna.

The remaining three were strangely depressed, often sighed, or acted nonsensically, such as staring at Sienna.

In particular, the strangest of the dogs was Michael. He had been…

“You……!”

And even if he approached her like he was angry.

“… No, no.”

And the steam would disperse and he would go back helplessly.

‘What.’

No matter how the people of the Nacht behave, it was not for Sienna to meddle with…

She couldn’t help but be bothered when these things happened over and over again.

Even if she asked the maids, they just refused to answer, saying, “Well…”.

Of course, the reason why Grand Duke Nacht and his sons behaved strangely was because of the self-defense amulet Sienna presented to the emperor that day.

To be more precise, the self-defense amulet that was presented ‘only’ to the emperor was the problem.

None of the three men were certain that they would become the owner of the tool.

However, from the time Sienna first created the self-defense object, it was made with the emperor in mind, and from the beginning they were not even the subjects of consideration.

And all three of them were hit one after another, as though they were not sure, each one of them secretly expected it to be his.

Among them, Michael, who was proud to be close with Sienna, seemed to be the most serious.

The truth was, these days, even the grand duke sometimes put his pen down and looked out the window, then looked at the bunch of daisies that Sienna gave him which had slowly turned into dried flowers, and finally, sighed.

Devon, who was watching from the side, was also unhappy.

‘That mechanical man. Ugh, how much was he hit?’

Ashiel was the least emotional of the three, but Devon judged his condition to be the worst since he saw the boy tripping on the stairs one day.

‘It’s frustrating.’

The situation was obvious, but there was nothing Devon could do.

It was just his feeling. All three of them seemed to be drying up and dying, so he wanted to ask her to make something and give it to them…

‘It’s an abuse of confidence, it exceeds my authority.’

He didn’t want to be a subordinate who meddled in their private life.

Besides, it could be a kind of coercion or burden on Sienna.

‘It’s not like that. Don’t do it.’

If he had troubled Sienna, those three dying men would hang him upside down from the highest branch of Sienna’s decanto tree.

In such a frustrating situation, an unexpected person made a breakthrough.

“Isn’t everyone’s attitude strange these days?”

It was said by the Countess of Gildinak who had visited the grand duke’s residence to prepare for Sienna’s first junior prep meeting.

“Hmm, why are they like that? Since when have they been like that?”

“That…”

Oddly enough, Sienna, who had nothing to hide from the Countess of Gildinak, briefly explained what had happened that day.

“From the day I went for an audience with the Emperor, everyone’s attitudes became strange.”

“It doesn’t seem like there was a problem simply with the audience. Oh, maybe…”

“?”

“My lady, have you ever presented something to His Majesty the Emperor?”

Sienna’s eyes widened.

“How do you…?”

‘As expected…’

Since she acted like this, this kind of thing was bound to happen. The countess smiled bitterly.

“Fortunately, it’s not a difficult problem. Well, I think the Grand Duke and his two sons were also looking forward to it.”

During most of her visits to the grand duke’s castle, the Countess of Gildinak had been contaminated by fraud.

But there was nothing wrong with her memory.

She clearly remembered how the men of the grand duchy dealt with Sienna as if she was gold or jade.

“What are they expecting…?”

It looked obvious to her, but it was difficult for Sienna.

The countess kindly informed her.

“The self-defense amulet. It was a gift to His Majesty the Emperor. The three of them must have wanted to receive it as well.”

“Ah…”

Sienna nodded her head as if realizing.

‘Come to think of it, my self-defense amulet was not the same as before.’

A self-defense amulet with a purified stone made with the fire of Hesaros.

Not to brag, but to be honest, it was something that could not be obtained with money anywhere in the world.

Even the grand duke might want to have one just in case.

“I see what you mean.”

Sienna nodded, but the Countess of Gildinak was dubious, “Really?”

‘You don’t seem to know at all.’

She could dig further, but the countess had no desire to do so for the men of this family.

‘Well, even if she doesn’t understand it, if she gives them a present, it will be solved.’

But now, there was something more important than the wounds the three men suffered.

“Did I mention that the prep is divided into the senior prep, which involves 12-year-old or older children, and the junior prep, in which children under the age of 12 participate?”

Sienna nodded her head.

“Of course, the young lady will be participating in the junior prep with Second Prince Michael. Most of them are children, but it will not be very easy to mix in.”

“…….”

Well, it might be. Because Sienna’s childhood has passed too long ago.

It was not that she didn’t know how to handle children, but noble children would be a little different from orphans.

Seeing Sienna who was speechless, Lady Gildinak laughed.

“If you ever have any trouble, I’ll help you, so don’t worry too much.”

“……”

“And, if possible, make a self-defense amulet for the Grand Duke.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

The countess said it simply was because she felt pity for the grand duke who was not rewarded by Sienna, but Sienna took it as advice on how to live.

‘Right. Because it might be considered rude not to present even a single self-defense amulet as a person who was being taken care of.’

If Sienna knew the misunderstandings she was making, she would have been even more shocked and would want to make a coffin for herself.

Fortunately, Sienna’s heart was limited to what only Sienna knew.

For now.

* * *

Two days after that.

The first junior prep meeting of the season was held in the garden of the Marquis Parvis mansion.

In line with the theme of this junior prep, Sienna had to wear a light green dress.

Unlike Sienna, who was docile, Michael vehemently refused, saying that it matched terribly with the color of his eyes and hair, and he succeeded in putting on a black suit.

If the son of another family was like this, he would have been stared at until he would go back in, change his clothes, and come out…

But he was Michael Nacht.

Most people didn’t even think about giving him a hint, but giving it to him would have been of no use because Michael had no intention of receiving it.

Thanks to this, Michael looked dark and cynical alone among the fresh children.

‘Wow… Guess he’s a Nacht of the Underworld.’

If he was like most people, it was easy to become a laughing stock already.

Sienna, who clicked her tongue, heard this:

“Hey, look at Lord Michael, isn’t he so cool…?”

“When I officially debut and go to a ball, I will definitely dance with Michael!”

Oh yes. It was no laughing matter.

Sienna had time to reflect by herself for a moment, forgetting that Michael was popular.

Anyway, maybe it’s because they had been awkward with each other for the past few days, Michael was away from Sienna and was hanging out with boys who got along with each other on the other side.

Of course, there was no child who talked to Sienna, who was left alone…

“Excuse me.”

…Shouldn’t she?

“What are you doing?”

“Are you Sienna?”

“Yes, yes, but…”

Sienna suddenly wondered why there were the children around her, who appeared without her realizing it.

They were about seven or eight years old, and they were among the youngest of the junior prep.

‘What…?’

No hostility was felt.

But their eyes were just too bright.

“I, I! I heard that you are the owner of the Named!”

“Young Lord Fortron, that’s what we all know!”

“Your dress is so beautiful!”

“I’m sorry for the sudden request, but can you show me your Named?”

Ah…

She couldn’t respond to all the questions that came and went all of a sudden.

Besides, though their way of speaking was polite, it didn’t seem that different from the orphanage children.

“Hey…”

“Did you call me?”

“No, did you call me?”

“No, I didn’t really call anyone…”

To the excited children, it didn’t seem to matter much whether Sienna answered or not.

Sienna sighed a little.

Anyway, considering that they were children, it wasn’t to the point where she couldn’t deal with it.

“I can’t show my Named, because it’s not an attraction.”

No matter how much the opponents were children, she didn’t want to make Hessaros act as a clown.

“Ah…”

When Sienna, who looked docile, cut them off unexpectedly and firmly refused, the children’s eyes widened as if this was unexpected.

“But I can show you this instead.”

“Wow……!

As Sienna spread her palms toward the sky, a blazing ball of fire appeared in the air above them.

“Hey, can I touch it?”

“As much as you want.”

A young girl, who had courage, put her hand on the fire very lightly, and cried out, “Kyaaaaa!”

“It tickles! It wasn’t hot at all!”

“Really?”

“Me too! Let me touch it too!”

“No.”

Sienna turned her palms over to face the ground. The fire quickly disappeared.

“If you want to touch it, everyone line up. If you push me, push each other, or don’t follow the order, I won’t take out the fire again.”

“Ah… yes!”

“I’ll listen to you!”

“Show me the fire again!”

All of a sudden, Sienna was in complete control of the situation.

Children dressed in yellow-green clothes lined up in front of Sienna and one by one, had the chance to touch the magic fire.

‘What the hell am I doing…?’

Sienna’s mind was a little dazed, even as her mouth handled the children. She… Why the hell was she doing this here?

She looked towards the Countess of Gildinak, but she only smiled and waved her hand, not sure if it was a difficult situation.

It was then.

“Kyaaah!”

A scream was heard in the middle of the line.

Who started pushing each other?

When Sienna turned her head, a girl sat down and said,

“Frog, frog…!

Ah, what. Was it a frog?

She wondered if even a huge toad appeared because of the commotion. When she went there, she saw a tree frog as small as a thumb.

“Stay still.”

Tak, she used both hands to make a space and trap the frog in her hands.

When a burping sound was heard from the inside of Sienna’s closed palms, the children screamed once more.

The girl, who had tears in her eyes because she had a tree frog on her head, looked up at Sienna and said,

“Oh, thank you…”

“Yes, it’s okay.”

Sienna replied bluntly and hurled the frog in her hand into the bush on the other side. For unknown reasons, the children screamed again this time.

After that…

“Excuse me Sienna, can you catch a dragonfly?”

“How was it when you touched a frog?”

The children were showing interest in Sienna rather than her magic.

“Dragonflies are not in season now. Frogs are slippery.”

“It’s not the season!”

“It’s slippery!”

She didn’t know why they found it funny, but it wasn’t a bad idea to see cute kids giggle and have fun.

“Next time, let’s go catch a dragonfly together!”

“Si-, Lady Sienna. I really want to find a four-leaf clover together!”

“Can’t you come over to my house to play? I’ll prepare a lot of frogs…”

“What are you doing?”

As soon as he found Sienna in the center of the commotion, Michael, who was in a panic as he approached through the children, muttered in embarrassment.

“No, what the hell did you do in that short amount of time to look like this…?”

“Well.”

Sienna raised her hands calmly.

“Because I just caught a frog.”

“What?”

It was something he could never understand.

He had a strong feeling that perhaps he would not have understood the situation even if he had watched it from the beginning.

“You caught a frog… No, it’s a bit strange, but what does catching a frog have to do with the fact that these kids fell in love with you and went crazy?”

Sienna shrugged indifferently.

“I don’t know that either.”

“I really…”

Michael shook his head.

After all, even in the orphanage, all the children seemed as if they would die and could not live without Sienna. That inexplicable charm seemed to apply here as well.

“Okay, come along. The host, Marquis Parvis, said she was looking for you because she wanted to meet you. It might be bad to go alone, so I’ll go with you.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Where are you going?”

“Lady Sienna, play with me.”

“No. I have to say hello to the organizers. See you next time, when we have more time.”

The words were harsh, but the children did not cry or swear, perhaps because of her strange power.

“How sad…”

“Yes…”

“Then let’s meet again and play next time.”

“Please play with me later.”

“We’ll see.”

It was an ambiguous answer that was neither positive nor negative, but anyway, the children returned happily.

Michael muttered.

“Because you’re really popular with kids. Isn’t that annoying?”

Sienna looked at Michael silently instead of answering.

“Why do you look like that?”

“…No, I think you’re right.”

It was an undeniable fact that she was popular with the kids and he was annoyed because of it.

“Hey, you just said that I’m a kid!”

She didn’t say anything back, but as he said it out loud already, she thought Michael would be pissed off if she really said that, so Sienna just shrugged her shoulders.

* * *

The Marquis of Parvis was an old lady with a very slender appearance.

This old woman had been suffering from arthritis for ten years.

Therefore, she was famous for leading the conversation with a lament about how much she suffered from arthritis, no matter where she went and what kind of person she had a conversation with.

Of course, those who weren’t liked by the marquis didn’t even get a chance to hear about her arthritis.

So, in fact, most people tried not to be liked by the marquis.

“I heard it on the way. The Countess of Gildinak praised you so much that she said that she would see you…”

“…….”

Sienna thought as she looked into the grim old woman’s eyes, almost staring at her.

‘I don’t think there’s any need to try?’

The outlook wasn’t positive.

Marquis Parvis clicked her tongue.

“The Countess’s insight has fallen.”

From the very beginning, she had an attitude that did not hide that she didn’t like Sienna very much.

“Your eyes are cloudy, you’re not tall, and you’re even skinny. Well, how can you hide your birth so quickly?”

“……”

At that moment, Michael, who stood next to Sienna, twitched his eyebrows at an ominous angle.

‘No!’

Sienna secretly reached out and grabbed Michael’s hand without realizing it.

“……!”

In an instant, Michael was startled, but fortunately, the Marquis of Parvis began to speak loudly, so he was able to avoid being noticed by others.

“I don’t know how great it is to be the owner of Named, but I am really upset that this child is being compared to Loreina’s young girl.”

Sienna whispered as she hid her gripped hand between the skirts, which were made with a layered pannier.

“You can’t.”

The older woman cried a little louder.

“I’m saying this because I’m afraid that everyone will think that this old lady’s words are just nonsense, but I was personally treated by Loreina Youngae.”

“Oh my God, how did you?”

“Young Lady Loreina has awakened as a healing wizard, but she said she’s not in a situation where she can heal anyone yet…”

“You don’t even read the newspaper? They say she treated the poor who gathered in front of the young lady’s house herself?”

“Then, it seems that Marquis Parvis was the first beneficiary among us…”

“Madam, please talk to me.”

Suddenly, people’s admirable attention drew attention, and the old lady was as flattered as a child.

“Huh, I see. Everyone wants it, so let’s talk about it. In the meantime, Lady Loreina said that it was a pity that this old lady suffered from arthritis every year.”

“So?”

“I’m proud of myself, but the Countess of Minangsi, who is Lady Loreina’s mother, also pays special respect to me personally, so it’s no surprise that the young lady decided to treat me first.”

Although the introduction to the review was long, people were paying attention like never before.

Just then, the Countess of Gildinak glanced at Sienna and quietly left.

‘…What are you going to do?’

For once, Sienna was holding Michael’s hand.

She was in the middle of talking about Loreina, so she thought that there might be another insult to her when she was involved.

‘It is a means of restraint.’

She felt sweat dripping from Michael’s hand, which was held and hot and stuffy, but she couldn’t let it go.

Fortunately, Michael, who knew how to be temperamental to have his hand released, was unexpectedly very docile.

After that, the rumors continued for a while.

Marquis Parvis, after a long review of the treatment by Loreina for nearly thirty minutes, concluded:

“The healing power is real. In just one shot, I am now able to go up and down the stairs.”

“Is that really true?”

Everyone was unintentionally well aware of Marquis Parvis’ physical condition, so they couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Anyway, as someone who has experienced such a miracle, how can I stand by the situation in which Loreina, who has noble blood and miraculous healing powers, is compared to a commoner orphan?”

Michael groaned in annoyance.

“I can’t.”

Sienna shook her head resolutely.

“No, just stay.”

“You don’t know, but Nacht doesn’t hold back when one of their people is insulted.”

…Wasn’t it?

A future that would never come and a past that had passed.

Even then, Sienna was the ward of Nacht, but without any protection, she was exposed from time to time to the envy and malice of the people.

The feeling of that time was instantly revived.

‘No, not now.’

Sienna barely managed to control her emotions. And she just said this.

“Just don’t do it. I hate it.”

“…!”

It was Sienna’s loss if she were to start something that could have been overlooked.

Michael’s hand was not wrapped around Sienna’s.

Maybe that was why she felt her sweaty hands slowly cooling down.

One of the ladies who surrounded them tried to make an excuse on behalf of the absent Countess Gildinak.

“I think you might have misunderstood, Marquis. Maria, the Countess of Gildinak, never compared Young Lady Loreina to Sienna.”

The marquis was annoyed at the explanation that people were just curious about the lady’s relationship with Sienna.

“So, isn’t it a problem to talk about orphans like this as if they were great!”

It was too much for anyone to hear.

In actual fact, Marquis Parvis did not do this simply because Sienna was an orphan.

Of course, she was a member of the established elite who hated class mobility and the rise in status.

However, there was a more fundamental reason for making such a fuss.

‘My knee!’

The knee that had been treated by Loreina was actually not completely healed.

For three days after receiving the treatment, it seemed like it had flown away, but after those three days, the knee started to ache again.

Having once tasted freedom from chronic pain, the woman sought treatment again.

But the Countess of Minangsi expressed displeasure.

“Marquis. Our child’s healing ability is not yet perfect. It’s actually not easy to treat someone. Besides, there are so many people asking for treatment… It’s difficult for us too.”

“That…”

“But I’m glad that there’s someone like Madam. There are people who don’t know the true value of our child and always mention the commoner orphan who is sponsored by His Majesty, Grand Duke Nacht.”

“No. How could that be!”

“It’s like that. We’re in a very difficult situation, too. Madam. As you know, our child is just a good child who wants to help others with this power, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Lady Loreina is a really good girl.”

“Yesterday, when she met Madam, she said this too. His Majesty must be old as well. She wants to meet him and help him.”

The seasoned marquis quickly understood what she was saying.

‘If you want to receive treatment, you have to show some sincerity.’

What the Countess of Minangsi wanted was clear.

To inform others that Loreina was more special than the orphan of Nacht, who suddenly became the owner of the Named.

‘Well, who would want her daughter to be pushed by an orphan and have her limelight fade?’

She could understand.

And secondly, Loreina healing the emperor. She could understand this too.

One strange thing was that the emperor had no publicly known disease, but…

‘Well, they say he’s strong, but His Majesty the Emperor has aged quite a bit.’

He was as old as she was, so he must have an ailment or two.

If treated, the emperor would not be able to escape from being on Loreina’s side.

Just like Marquis Parvis now.

The Marquis of Parvis was not unaware that she was forcefully trying to start an argument.

But in order to say goodbye to this damn pain, she was just not in a position to cover the fire.

Originally, she terribly detested capable commoners.

In any case, Sienna was also fully aware of the situation.

Loreina was probably aiming for this situation from the beginning and that was why she treated the Marquis of Parvis.

Furthermore…

‘Marquis Parvis is a person who shares about her illness all day long, even if she is left alone.’

Conversely, if she got even a little better after receiving treatment, it was obvious that she would be elated and share things nobody asked.

That Loreina was very gentle and kind.

That she was as pretty as seeing an angel in paintings in real life.

She was not an easy person to deal with, but for Loreina’s fame, there couldn’t have been a better choice…

‘…What?’

At that moment, something strange began to appear in Sienna’s eyes.

What looked like a golden thread was flowing out of the marquis’ body and was slowly scattering.

‘Hesaros.’

[I just found it. Concentrate and watch it again.]

She focused on what she was told and took a good look…

‘The Marquis’ heart is cracked.’

[Magically, the heart is where the energy that sustains the body is concentrated at. However, although it usually consumes energy, it does not naturally crack the heart.]

Without realizing that her heart had been cracked, Marquis Parvis glared at Sienna once more.

“You enjoy being compared to Loreina by the presumptuous Countess, and causing trouble to the Grand Duke of Nacht, who saved you! As an adult in this society, I can’t help but say something to you…”

“—You don’t have to.”

It was then.

The calm and cool voice stopped the jabs of Marquis Parvis.

It was Ashiel.

“Educating the child of Nacht and judging the wrongdoing of the child of Nacht are all under the authority of the underworld.”

“Grand Prince?”

“Oh my gosh, how are you…?”

Sienna was surprised too. How is that person here?

“I heard that there was a class meeting for the military academy in the Marquis’ main building.”

The Countess of Gildinak, who had followed behind, briefly explained to Sienna.

“Anyway, I managed to make it on time. I was so nervous that the old lady would finish her threats before the Grand Prince arrived.”

“I, I, I… Grand Prince, this is a misunderstanding. This old lady acted out of good faith. If Your Highness also listens to me…”

“You would say excuses that are needlessly long.”

Michael intervened.

It was then that the people realized that the quiet second young master was not indifferent to the insults suffered by the orphan.

“Little Prince.”

“Ah why. You told me to hold it in, so didn’t I endure it? But my brother blew it.”

Only then did people realize.

‘That child was restraining the Little Prince’

She was trying not to make a big deal even though she was being treated unfairly.

A young child who has just participated in junior prep for the first time.

‘No way.’

There was sympathy in the hearts of the people.

Even if you didn’t like it, the owner of a Named would be helpful to the empire.

Besides, it was hard to believe that someone would severely criticize such a small child.

Everyone started to click their tongues in unison.

“The Marquis of Parvis was a little too much.”

“You didn’t even listen to the explanation and you misunderstood Madam Gildinak.”

“Even if she did something wrong, she’s still a child, right?”

“I don’t know if she should have pushed her that far… I don’t know.”

“Mother, what’s going on?”

The son and daughter-in-law of Marquis Parvis, who were contemplative, appeared late, but public opinion had already turned away from Marquis Parvis.

Ashiel declared.

“This matter will be judged by the Grand Duke.”

“Yes? His Majesty the Grand Duke?”

Ashiel didn’t even respond.

“Sienna. Come here.”

“Yes?”

When Sienna hesitated, Ashiel personally approached…

He hugged Sienna and carried her.

Was it because it was the third time? Sienna grabbed Ashiel’s neck, unwittingly and familiarly.

Ashiel whispered softly.

“Even if it’s unpleasant, be patient for a moment. It’s part of the show.”

“Yes?”

“Then.”

While holding the child, Ashiel hurriedly left, gazing coldly at the people of the marquis.

“Brother, let’s go together!”

Michael was about to follow, but suddenly he turned around and muttered.

“Ah, Brother, I’m so angry. I think there’s going to be an uproar again if my father hears it…”

It was too much to hear. The Little Marquis of Parvis turned blue.

“Li- Little Prince…! Wait a minute…!”

Michael smiled and shrugged.

“I like to go crazy, so I have to hurry up and tell my father.”

“What?!”

“Then, goodbye.”

The boy bowed in a sharp, theatrical stance and turned around.

Then he shouted, “Brother! Go slow! You’re going to drop the child!” and followed the direction Ashiel had left.

“Mother! What the hell is this?!”

“I, I…”

She did not know that Nacht’s two sons would be so active in protecting the commoner orphan.

Had she known, she would have done things a little differently.

But now, it was just a meaningless excuse and irreversible regret.

Besides, the problem didn’t end there.

“Ah, really. It was a big problem. I didn’t expect the Marquis to be this narrow-minded.”

“C-Countess Gildinak?”

“The Marquis told me that she had no contempt for Loreina and the young girl, but how amazing it was…”

No, not only did the madam insult the children of the grand duke?

The marquis and little marquis were trembling.

The Count of Gildinak was a millionaire who owned an essential jewel mine.

Of course, he bought the title of count with money and was often despised by old nobles like Marquis Parvis…

A mine that was said to not be looked at in contempt.

As essential jewels were still being mined in real time.

The wealth that had been steadily built up over several generations was by no means lost.

Besides, what kind of person was that Countess of Gildinak, Maria Stella?

She was known to have superior commercial talents compared to her husband and above all, to have a clear relationship with grudges.

Such a woman laughed softly.

“What do I do? I’m so offended that it’s hard for me to stay here any longer.”

“Ah, Countess! Don’t do this and talk to me separately…”

“I’m sorry, Marquis, I can’t do it. His Majesty the Grand Duke may also ask me for the whole story.”

People muttered.

“I guess it’s true that Count Gildinak was subordinated to the underworld…”

“It’s worth it. It’s said it was the orphan who cleansed the madam and daughter?”

“After all, she seems to be a person who is sure to have a relationship with grudges. To become a person of Nacht.”

To be precise, she was from Sienna, not from Nacht, but the Countess of Gildinak decided to keep it a secret for now.

“Then, I’ll be on my way. Everyone, work hard.”

Even the countess left with a charming smile.

Among the crowd, the little girl Sienna had caught the frog for, said in an innocent voice.

“Mom, that grandmother was such a bad person. Is she going to be punished now?”

“Shhh! You shouldn’t spit out the truth as it is out loud!”

* * *

The ambitious junior prep event and military academy meeting came to nothing.

The Marquisate of Parvis was turned upside down.

But their ordeal was only the beginning.

“The treaty of protection with the Marquis of Parvis is broken.”

Each of the three guardian families, including Nacht, had their own army.

In Nacht of the Underworld, there was the Hell Army led directly by the grand duke.
(TL/N: Please note; In past chapters, we consulted a KTL and he said leaving it as ‘Myeongwang Army’ would be the best. But in view of how the guardian families had English names for their armies, we dug around and found that ‘Hell Army’ is a suitable equivalent. The previous chapters have been updated to reflect this decision.) 

Euros of the Heaven led the Knights of the Blue Dragon, who fought on a flying dragon.

And in Ferrato of the Ocean, there was an invincible fleet that defeated the Great Seas.

The army of the guardian families were technically private soldiers, but was included in view of public interest.

This was because these three military groups were created to counter the demonic beasts.

The local lords signed a protection treaty with the guardian family and could ask for help in subjugation, defense, or disputes with taxes.

Breaking the protection treaty meant that even if the Marquisate of Parvis was trampled on by the beasts, they would not be able to ask for help from the Hell Army.

“In Gildinak, we have decided not to sell essential jewels and other minerals to the Marquis of Parvis.”

It was their responsibility in the future.

There was only one person who could stop them.….

“Her heart is cracking, what the hell was it?”

The only person was now in a dilemma with Hesaros.

The moment Sienna’s bag touched the table in her room, she opened the dollhouse and sat in front of it.

From a distance, it looked like a child playing with a doll.

If one looked closer, in the living room inside the dollhouse, Hesaros, who appeared as a small fireball, was seated in a place he liked.

…So, in the fireplace for the little dolls.

[It’s my guess, though.]

For Hesaros, this dollhouse was more like a villa, Sienna thought.

‘Even so, I don’t know at all about the psychology of choosing the fireplace.’

[Did she say she was treated by your sister?]

“Yes.”

[I think…]

Burning fiercely in the fireplace, Hesaros said,

[…Your sister, I don’t think she’s a healing wizard, do you?]

“…Isn’t that so?”

[The premise of reasoning was wrong in the first place.]

In the meantime, Sienna and Hesaros were developing their reasoning under the premise that even if Loreina, or Loreina’s assistant, injected the emperor’s body with fraud, it would heal anyway.

But what if Loreina had no healing power in the first place?

“But she certainly healed people. I mean, she healed the broken and the sick.”

[You just have to make them pay for something bigger than a wound or a disease.]

“…….”

[A person’s heart contains enough vitality to be used for the rest of his or her life.]

Hesaros got out of the fireplace and held up a small toy bowl from the table.

[If you made a fine crack onto that bowl, life force will leak out. It’s not difficult to induce the leaking vitality to heal diseases or heal wounds. That’s the power that is life itself.]

“The bowl was broken…”

[The heart is different from the fragile vessels made by you humans. Probably, if it was the level of cracking that the Marquis had earlier, she would recover quickly.]

The problem was the lost vitality during cracking.

[Once water is spilled, it cannot be picked up. Once lost, vitality does not come back. To summarize the series of processes in your human way…]

“…To heal diseases and wounds, it makes you pay with your life.”

[That’s right.]

If that’s true…

“From the beginning… she didn’t extend the life of His Majesty the Emperor by one year.”

She didn’t know exactly what method she used, but it seemed right to guess that he only had a year’s worth of vitality left.

“…How could this be?”

Until now, she never doubted that she had healing powers.

But when she thought about it again, she wondered why she didn’t doubt it earlier.

A person like Loreina who had the ability to deceive a person for so long cannot possibly deceive only that one person.

[This possibility is high, but from my point of view, there seems to be another possibility.]

“Another possibility?”

[So… No, no. Let’s talk about this when it’s more certain. There are still many things that are questionable, and there are many things that have not been revealed.]

It wasn’t that she wasn’t curious, but if Hesaros didn’t want to speak out, there must be a reason for that.

It was not that he was going to keep it a secret forever, it’s that he would tell her when he was more certain.

Sienna sighed.

“…Then there is only one thing for sure at this point.”

[Well.]

“I mustn’t let Sister Loreina heal His Majesty the Emperor.”

[I totally agree.]

“But how?”

Today’s incident made Sienna realize this.

“It’s because I moved, and that’s why many things have changed. That’s why Sister Loreina is moving impatiently…”

[Let me point this out first.]

“Yes?”

[Sienna. It’s not your fault that this happened.]

Hesaros stated in a clear tone.

[This is all because the bad guy doesn’t give up even though you’ve changed many things.]

Even though it wasn’t appropriate in this situation, Sienna laughed a little at the word ‘bad guy’.

“She’s a bad guy?”

[What’s wrong, isn’t she a terrible person? I was going to call her a bastard, but I held it in.]

“Oh my God.”

[Anyway, yes. She’s a very tenacious and annoying bastard. But what can we do? As long as things are like this, we have to break them until they give up and then break them again.]

“…….”

[Of course, as I said before, if you are not confident and do not want to do it, you can run away. I will support you no matter what you do.]

“Thanks for that, but I told you I wouldn’t.”

[Then don’t hesitate.]

“I’m not hesitating… It’s just that I’m a little worried about the method.”

Loreina was already known throughout the empire as a healing angel.

In addition, Marquis Parvis spared nothing to express Loreina’s healing power as a ‘miracle’.

Would the emperor choose Sienna in this situation?

‘Choice… It’s a choice. Hm?’

Suddenly, a thought ran through her mind.

[Why? Did you think of a good idea?]

“No… I don’t think it’s that good, but I thought of an ambiguous method that might work.”

[Why is the introduction so long?]

“Well…”

Sienna smiled faintly.

“I’ll think about it for a while. I don’t have the courage to implement this.”

Not long after she said this, however, an incident broke out without time to squeeze out insufficient courage.

“This is the obituary. The Marquis of Parvis has passed away.”

A person died.

When the obituary arrived, Sienna and the family of Grand Duke Nacht were having lunch in the dining room.

“She died of a heart attack the night before.”

Heart attack.

Sienna’s expression hardened. Then Michael got annoyed.

“Why did you say that here?”

She was surprised!

“It’s okay, Little Prince.”

Sienna’s voice sounded strangely calm.

“I’m sorry. This is an urgent matter…”

“I’m fine. Really.”

Sienna replied with strength. Devon had a wary look and asked,

“What should I do? I have already sent a letter of withdrawal from the protection treaty, and I know that Gildinak has also clearly stated its intention to end the mining trade…”

Things got tricky.

The marquis, the party who committed the rude behavior, died.

Death untied the many knots of life.

At this rate, it was clear that people would criticize Nacht for having no blood or tears.

‘But…’

The grand duke looked at Sienna’s face, which had turned white. It didn’t look unfamiliar.

She insulted that child, not anyone else among them.

She was a child who was careful even when breathing because she was an orphan and commoner.

It was still vivid.

When he first gave her the cradle of the moon, she was terrified, saying that a good room could not be hers, so she stayed up all night trembling in the corner.

A messy bed in a dusty room was better in her eyes at that time.

…Strength entered the grand duke’s jaw.

During the first social event such a child participated in.

It was difficult even to receive a welcome.

The grand duke did not expect any kindness from people.

But he believed they would at least fear him, who was behind Sienna.

How foolish he was.

But he couldn’t just regret it.

‘If it has already happened.’

He would set an example.

A clear example of how Nacht of the Underworld would not forgive anyone who treated Sienna in that way

Just because a person was dead did not mean that what he or she had done would disappear.

The grand duke remembered the words his youngest son had told him with an upset face.

“She didn’t want to make a big deal, so she stopped me from saying anything. She even held my hand.”

“You know her personality, Father. It’s far from actively protesting or appealing. If it weren’t for me, I can assure you, something would have happened. Definitely.”
(T/N: ‘her’ as in Marquis Parvis.)

He never wanted to expose the child to such a risk again.

There was no blood or tears, even with the tags and accusations that they did not forgive the dead.

‘This time…’

He would definitely not make a mistake.

“The measures will not be withdrawn.”

“But, Grand Duke…”

“Nacht won’t even attend the funeral. Be careful not to express condolences at all.”

“That…”

Devon was taken aback by the excessive measure.

The Marquis of Parvis was a family with its own reputation as an old nobility.

‘If they act like this, there will be a lot of talk…’

It was then.

“Grand Duke.”

It was Sienna.

“If it’s because of me, I hope you don’t do that.”

“Hey!”

Michael was perplexed, but Sienna was calm even with her pale face.

“I don’t want Nacht to suffer any harm because of me.”

“Sienna.”

The Grand Duke declared.

“Nacht doesn’t get hurt by just that much.”

“People will criticize you. It’s just me…”

Sienna was going to say ‘orphan’, but she chose ‘me’ in the end.

“…She was just yelling at a child like me, but Nacht’s response was too much.”

Devon thought so too. But he couldn’t say it.

“So, I’ll use this as an example.”

Sienna shook her head.

“If… if, because of me, the Grand Duke hears accusations he doesn’t need to hear, I can’t help but feel burdened by being here.”

“What?”

“Because of me, the name of Nacht is tarnished.”

Clang…

The knife fell from Ashiel’s hand. However, the grand duke, Michael, and even Ashiel himself seemed to be unaware of that.

“Hey… how can you say that? That’s-.”

“Stop!”

The grand duke shouted softly.

“Sienna.”

“Yes.”

“If you say that, I will withdraw.”

“But…”

The grand duke chose his words so carefully that he thought he had never been like this in his entire life.

“It was inappropriate to say that you couldn’t be here due to any trouble.”

“…Sorry.”

“I’m not asking you to apologize…”

The grand duke brought his hand to his face with a very tired and aged expression.

“…Don’t ever talk like that again.”

“…Yes.”

While giving the order, the grand duke knew at that moment.

The child would faithfully obey the grand duke’s order not to speak like that. This time, too.

But it wouldn’t get rid of those thoughts in her mind.

She wouldn’t easily stop thinking that she might have to get out of here if she bothered them…

‘What should I do with this?’

He was at a loss as if he was trapped in a black labyrinth without a single light.

However, Sienna’s request did not end there.

“And I think I better go to the funeral, too.”

“You’re driving me crazy. Why are you going there?”

“I must attend, so that people will know for sure that the Nacht family has forgiven Marquis Parvis.”

The best way was to do so at a time when measures had already been taken.

Devon inwardly admired it.

‘What a political solution indeed.’

“So, Grand Duke. Please take me with you.”

“Sienna.”

The grand duke sighed.

“Of course I’ll take you if you want, but that’s not to show generosity as Grand Duke Nacht.”

Funerals are usually attended by families.

The grand duke wanted to show the world that he recognized Sienna as a family member.

If he could not express his intentions by punishing Marquis Parvis, the least he could do was to have her attend the funeral as part of the Grand Duke Nacht’s family’s party.

Either we didn’t go together or we went together. He had no intention of acting separately.

‘…As long as you don’t dislike it, though.’

Sienna laughed. As if she knew what he was thinking.

“…Thank you, Grand Duke.”

On this day, Sienna’s bold attempt to persuade the grand duke soon spread to the vassals.

“Oh my God, she must be thinking of the honor of the underworld that much.”

“She is truly a wonderful person.”

“His Majesty the Grand Duke is not the type of person who withdraws once decided.”

“Don’t you love the lady?”

“What is impressive is that she has just started her education and has already learned to make such political judgments. Isn’t it amazing?”

“By the way, these are the High Majesty’s red clothes.”

Everyone was happy, but contrary to what those people thought, Sienna was not thinking of the Grand Duchy of Nacht when she insisted on attending the funeral.

To be exact, she needed to attend the funeral, so she was just trying to convince him in any way possible.

[What are you thinking?]

“As I said before. There is a way, one that I don’t have the courage to do.”

[Why, all of a sudden?]

“I’m going to meet my sister.”

Sienna made Loreina impatient.

Loreina moved hastily, causing the Marquis of Parvis to die prematurely.

‘I know. It’s not my fault.’

But she didn’t want to sit around and watch more of this happen.

[What are you going to do when you meet her?]

“I told you before.”

How could she be chosen by the emperor?

“Come to think of it, if I’m confident about being chosen, then it is a matter of reducing his options to one.”

[You can’t…]

“Yes.”

Sienna nodded her head.

“I’m going to make my sister resign voluntarily.”

[That… I’m sorry to say this in such a negative way, but will your persuasion work on her…?]

Sienna laughed lightly.

“When did I say I’ll persuade her?”

There was no one to listen to for saying that.

[If you don’t persuade her…?]

Sienna answered clearly.

“I will threaten her.”

[Eh?]

* * *

The grand duchy wasn’t the only one who was struck by the news of the death of Marquis Parvis.

Count Minangsi also heard the news.

“What are you going to do with this!”

There was no way to solve the problem directly, but Count Minangsi, who was better at complaining more than anyone else, was furious.

“I knew it was going to be like this. He also clearly told me not to be reckless, as the time has not come yet!”

“Honey, calm down…”

“Everyone, you treated the old lady because you thought she’d be fine!”

“If anyone sees it, they’ll think I’m the only one who pushed ahead for this.”

“What?”

“Sit down, honey. Why are you saying it’s a big deal?”

“Yes, Father.”

Loreina also intervened in a soft voice.

“Even though my mother made a mistake…”

The Countess of Minangsi looked silently at her daughter. Loreina smiled softly as if it was okay.

“Anyway, it won’t be a big deal for us.”

“The person you treated is dead, Loren. How can this not be a big deal?”

“How about this?”

The count was speechless.

She walked slowly around the living room, picked a grape that decorated the table, and ate it.

That girl with a charming smile and wrapped with a shawl was gliding towards the window…

She was obviously his daughter.

His daughter, who was born after suffering thirty-two hours of hard work from her mother, only gave joy in the process of walking, talking, running, and growing up beautifully…

“The Marquis was very old. Actually, that’s why I chose that old lady. I wanted to make sure I would not be responsible if things went wrong.”

…She looked strangely unfamiliar.

“As long as we don’t seem suspicious. Of course, we have to attend the funeral to do that.”

“You’re right.”

It came from the quiet Countess of Minangsi.

“That way, people will think it’s not your fault, Loren.”

“Oh? Of course it isn’t. I used very little life force.”

Loreina shrugged like a naughty boy.

“It’s definitely not my fault that the old lady didn’t have much time left, right?”

“…My daughter. You’re very smart. But you’re not going to talk like that in front of people, are you?”

Loreina burst into laughter.

It was like hearing a very interesting story.

Clear, bright, and fun.

“Mother, do you think so little of me?”

“…No matter how mature you are, I will see what you lack. You are my daughter.”

Loreina just smiled without saying a word.

Count Minangsi, who had lost his composure, sat down on the sofa and constantly brought his hand to his face.

He couldn’t keep up with the conversation between his wife and daughter.

‘First of all, it’s not my fault. People won’t even suspect Loreina either.’

If Loreina was not questioned, neither the Countess of Minangsi nor him would be in danger.

‘Yes, this is it.’

‘Don’t think too deeply.’

‘Because my head hurts.’

Count Minangsi chose, as usual, to cover up all the doubts that arose and stop thinking.

Loreina reassured her father with a smooth tongue.

“Don’t worry too much. I get everything I want. I’ll never make a mistake… Please look forward to it.”

“No, Loren.”

The Countess of Minangsi approached her daughter with an indecipherable gaze and stroked her beautiful face.

“Don’t worry about that. This mother won’t just watch over you. As a mother, of course, I should help you.”

Loreina took the hand of the Countess of Minangsi which was stroking her face.

“Yes… Thank you very much, Mother. I think I am very lucky to have a mother like you.”

“It’s an honor to hear that, my daughter.”

A similar smile formed on their lips.

It was such a gorgeous, thorny smile.

* * *

The next day, it rained lightly from dawn.

It was such gloomy weather that could be said to be appropriate for a funeral.

As soon as he got off the carriage, the grand duke did not open his umbrella and uttered a spell.

As soon as the spell was finished, light enveloped the four of them and disappeared.

“The rain is evaporating before it hits.”

“It would be quite troublesome to even carry an umbrella.”

The grand duke said so casually, but most of the people were just carrying their umbrellas in a cumbersome way.

‘There must be quite a few wizards among them.’

Apparently, the magic to block the rain was more difficult than expected.

“There are fewer guests than I thought.”

It was the same in Sienna’s view. She could guess why.

Perhaps it was because they were afraid that they would go against the intentions of Grand Duke Nacht by attending this event.

What would everyone do if they found out that Grand Duke Nacht was in attendance?

Sienna, who was nothing more than the culprit who hit the back of the head of so many people, thought deeply.

‘They won’t like it.’

The funeral was held modestly in the church.

No one was crying. The late Marquis Parvis was very old.

All those who could be called close relatives died long ago, and the only surviving one, her husband, was also in a situation where he was unable to move and was mostly bedridden.

The funeral, which even her husband could not attend, proceeded strangely calmly and smoothly.

Eventually, the burial in the park was over, and it was time for everyone to express their condolences one by one.

Grand Duke Nacht was the first to shake hands with the Little Marquis of Parvis.

“I’m sorry that this happened.”

“No. Your Majesty the Grand Duke is present, so my deceased mother will be delighted.”

The little marquis was very relieved to see the grand duke attending, but he could not hide his trembling eyes at Sienna, who was standing still behind him.

‘It’s not that I have bad feelings toward that child.’

He heard that the child persuaded the grand duke.

But he thought that if that orphan had not been noticed by his mother in the first place, there would have been no need for forgiveness.

If that had been the case, his mother’s funeral would not have been so shabby.

“I’m going crazy, knowing that it’s all thanks to you that you and I are here.”

“Lord Michael.”

“I should shut up? Then.”

Michael suddenly reached out to Sienna.

“…What does this mean?”

“If you hold my hand like back then, I’ll stop talking.”

“…….”

“If we hold hands here now, we’ll look like siblings who get along very well, right?”

How dare she dream of that?

Sienna silently ignored Michael’s hand.

Michael grunted without much disappointment.

“Sheesh. It’s cool.”

Anyway, it was impossible for the grand duke to not know that Michael had noticed too.

For him, the uncomfortable feelings the little marquis had towards Sienna, was as clear as showing his palms.

‘He still can’t come to his senses, and he dares to show such to the ward of Nacht…’

It was disgraceful. Even the slightest reason to forgive was gone.

The grand duke went back silently and began to check some of the steps to be taken.

* * *

After Grand Duke Nacht, many people paid their condolences.

Count Minangsi was one of them.

“How disappointed you must have been. Still, it is a blessing that the madam has gone away as if sleeping.”

“Yes, I’m glad my mother didn’t suffer for a long time. It’s thanks to the young lady, Count Minangsi.”

“Ah…”

Loreina, who was standing behind the count, showed a glimpse of the tears she had been holding back at his kind words.

“Thank you for your kind words. I wish I had more time to take a closer look at the Marquis…”

Count Minangsi could not hide his reluctant expression.

Even if he tried to forget that it wasn’t a big deal, the conversation they had yesterday came to mind naturally from the appearance of his good daughter who shed tears.

“Oh? Of course it is. I used very little life force. It’s not my fault that the old lady didn’t have much time left, right?”

…The child, whose eyes were shining while speaking in a strange tone, and the neat girl who was now in tears next to him, seemed to be completely different people.

“Don’t be sad. Thanks to Young Lady Loreina, my mother passed away comfortably.”

Rather, the little marquis comforted Loreina.

“Your words give me comfort as well. I will pray for Marquis Parvis to rest in peace.”

“Thank you very much, Young Lady.”

Although Sienna was the one he should be thankful for, the marquis gave thanks again and again only towards Loreina.

Not only that, he even made a promise to the Count of Minangsi.

“If you ever need my help in the future, don’t worry and let me know. If it’s something for Count Minangsi, I’ll take off on my feet and gladly help.”

“My my, thank you for just saying that.”

No one knew at this time, but after this funeral, several bad things that could only be considered a terrible coincidence overlapped upon the Marquis of Parvis.

To make matters worse, it was revealed that the late marquis was embezzling taxes from the central government by creating double ledgers.

As a result, the Marquis of Parvis almost collapsed.

He confidently offered to help Loreina, but he would soon find himself unable to do anything.

It happened because he completely misunderstood the person to be thankful for and the real enemy.

It could also be said to be self-inflicted.

* * *

The rain had already stopped.

While the remaining people’s condolences continued, Sienna stood up quietly.

Slowly, she pretended to wander around, moving little by little to an empty place.

And waited.

“…Oh my goodness.”

Until she heard the voice she was waiting for.

‘Sister.’

Sienna’s whole body started to react to the voice that was noticeably younger than the one in her memory.

Her heart, thump, thump, thump, thump; the speed increased.

The veins running from the heart to the neck and from the neck to the cheeks seemed to be turning stiff all at once.

Her mouth was dry. Her back was straightened.

‘It’s okay.’

Sienna took a small breath.

‘…You can do it.’

Exhaling, she turned around.

The rain had stopped and the sky was clear.

Behind the dark clouds that still looked damp, the sunlight drew a bright outline.

A strange shady, bright landscape.

In the background, people chattering in the distance could be heard.

Standing on the dewy grass.

The girl with golden hair like the sunlight shining behind the clouds smiled broadly.

“Oh my God, you are Miss Sienna!”

A lovely angel-like smile that remained in her memory like a flower.

“I’ve always wanted to meet you, and this is how I came to meet you. My name is Loreina. I am the daughter of Count Minangsi.”

She had been thinking like this;

Even though she knew there was very little chance, maybe all of this was a terrible coincidence.

Just as the people of Nacht, who had treated her like an invisible person, suddenly changed, wouldn’t Loreina also change?

The moment she met this beautiful girl, Sienna realized that she was still thinking of such a change in the corner of her heart.

Even if she couldn’t say that she was looking forward to it…

And at the same time, Sienna realized. No, she admitted it.

“I am 14 years old, and I heard that you’re 11. If you don’t mind, you can call me ‘Sister’ comfortably.”

She didn’t change.

“I’ve always wanted a little sister.”

The nature received from birth was the essence of the soul.

No matter what happened, even if time passed backwards for about ten years, even if the power of love or tragedy that opened heaven and earth occurred, people do not change.

Everyone embraced the self they were born with until they died.

‘Isn’t it still a tragedy?’

‘Life is a tragedy. Life is a grave.’

“For some reason, I have a feeling that we can be friends.”

“……”

“How about you?”

‘You were my grave.’

A smile spread across Sienna’s lips.

“No.”

“…What?”

Half a smile disappeared from Loreina’s lips.

“You asked, ‘Can we get along?’”

“…….”

“So I answered. No.”

For a moment, silence filled the space between them.

A cold wind gently swayed the leaves…

“…Why do you think so?”

The smile that had vanished from Loreina’s lips rose again, sweetly.

It was a much more dense and well-made smile than before.

Sienna was amazed.

‘Until now, I was deceived and thought that I was a fool who could never be seen again in the world.’
(T/N: she’s calling herself the ultimate fool.)

Seeing Loreina’s ability to determinedly deceive…

Sienna thought that she could do a little less self-blame in the future.

She smiled a little at her own whimsicalness.

Surprisingly, each time Sienna smiled, Loreina’s smile faded, if at all, slightly.

“Lady Loreina.”

“……”

“Before we start talking, let me tell you one thing.”

Sienna thought that before starting the story, it would be necessary to inform Loreina of the major premise that would be applied in all situations to come.

“This kind pretense of yours may not be known to other people, but it doesn’t work on me.”

“…….”

“So, don’t try too hard for nothing.”

Loreina’s face stiffened for the first time.

A half smile remained on her lips, but her cheeks stiffened.

“What do you mean…”

“Because it doesn’t work.”

‘Maybe I’m the only person in this world who can fight against your beloved talent.’

It was the immunity she got in return for the painful betrayal.

Now, the beloved older sister no longer exists.

The older sister, who was everything to Sienna long ago, seemed to have disappeared.

The person in front of her right now is just her enemy.

Sienna calmly warned her with a smile on her face.

“So, if you don’t really want to make me laugh, then just give up.”

“……”

It was a fleeting moment, but an ugly glint flashed in Loreina’s eyes.

“Ah…”

Soon, the angelic girl’s face changed little by little.

As if a separate ego existed in each muscle of the girl’s facial muscles.

So, little by little…

“…I thought you were stupid, but you’re not at all, aren’t you?”

She made a completely different face.

‘Hello, Sister Loreina.’

Sienna pretended to be calm, hiding her heart that was beating like crazy, and quietly greeted her inside.

‘It seems like we’re meeting for the first time.’

She couldn’t believe this was the first time after such a long time.

She couldn’t help but laugh.

“…Are you laughing at me now?”

“Yes, it’s kind of funny.”

Strangely, her heart was beating like crazy, but her expressions and words came out very boldly.

Even Sienna herself wondered if she was a little crazy.

“You…”

“No, wait a minute. I’m sorry, but there is something I have to say today. And I think you’re probably not in a position to say what you’ve been prepared to say.”

“…Yes, it’s fun.”

There was no longer a smile on Loreina’s face.

“Do it, where?”

“Since we don’t have much time with each other, I shall omit the rhetoric.”

Sienna looked straight into Loreina’s pale green eyes.

“I know it was you who killed Marquis Parvis.”

Loreina laughed. There was no hesitation or embarrassment.

“Are you saying scary things without evidence?”

“Do we need evidence when talking amongst ourselves?”

“…….”

Loreina’s cheeks slightly contorted at Sienna’s question as to whether she would admit it if she recited all the tricks even though she didn’t have time.

“Let’s not tire each other.”

“I didn’t kill her.”

“……”

“Really. Isn’t it strange?”

Loreina laughed and murmured as if she was humming a song. A small umbrella twirled in her hand.

“…The unlucky old lady had only a few days left to live, so why does everyone keep saying I killed her?”

“Because you were the one who stole those few days of life.”

“Because that stupid old lady wanted it.”

“Did you tell her that she could die?”

“The old lady said she was sick of the pain. She even said that she wanted to have her leg cut off. In fact, if she cut off her leg, she would have gone crazy.”

“……”

“Isn’t it supposed to have been expected that there might be a price equivalent to that in order to be freed from such terrible pain?”

It was sophistry.

“There’s nothing free in this world, don’t you think so?”

The sophistry reached Sienna’s ears as well.

…That said.

…She must end this conversation before she gets caught up in old thoughts.

“You’ll probably use whatever means you can to get what you want, but…”

Loreina did not deny it.

“Do not approach the Emperor.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’ll take care of the accident you’ve caused.”

“It’s mine!”

Loreina never shouted loudly.

But her face had a look that Sienna had never seen, and never imagined she would ever see.

‘That kind of face… Can I say it’s like a monster’s?’

It was strange. Even though it was slightly distorted, Loreina’s face was still beautiful.

Sienna frowned and stepped back without realizing it.

“You don’t deserve that honor. I, I’ll take it.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

“How dare you? You say that to me?”

Sienna was frankly frightened by the terrifying change.

Loreina was the older sister who had been soft all her life.

She was a person who she believed was an angel.

Just facing the hidden side of such a person was already quite a lot of mental stress.

‘I keep thinking about that moment right before I die. No matter how much it is, I think this is going to be a little crazy.’

But Sienna didn’t show it at all.

‘I have to. You can do it.’

Loreina has been deceiving her for nearly a decade.

If so, shouldn’t she be deceived too, at least for this moment?

“If you don’t back down, I’ll expose you, hm?”

“What?”

“You killed the Marquis, and that your healing magic wasn’t real. At least, I think I can prove these two things.”

“Don’t be ridiculous…”

Loreina suddenly came closer to Sienna.

From a distance where their noses could touch, her light green eyes gleamed dangerously.

“Who do you think would believe you?”

“Yes.”

Sienna also wiped a smile from her lips.

“…!”

At that moment, a glowing circle spread from Sienna’s feet.

Although it was still small, a territory that could accommodate two people had been secured.

In a world surrounded by borders like the Milky Way, Sienna laughed.

“You must have heard? That I am the owner of the Named.”

“The owner of the Named ‘Untamed Hesaros’…”

“That’s right. So, thank you for worrying that my words will not have enough public credibility.”

“I’m sorry, but I already have the public’s trust itself.”

Possessing the flame of purification meant that.

It was then.

“Sienna! Hey, what are you doing there?”

Michael was approaching from the other side, calling her.

Behind him were the grand duke and Ashiel.

Seeing Sienna using magic, he must have guessed that something was wrong, and Michael started running towards it.

The conversation was over. Both sides felt that way.

Sienna silently closed the territory. Still making eye contact with Loreina.

Loreina took a few steps back. Michael quickly approached her.

“What’s going on? Why did you open the territory all of a sudden?”

Sienna lied casually.

“The Young Lady of Count Minangsi here said she would like to take a look.”

“What? You don’t really like letting other people see it.”

Michael frowned.

“The Young Lady doesn’t have any sense either. Do you think this kid is a monkey? Making such a rude request?”

When Michael turned around with a terrifying expression on his face, Loreina had already put an expression on her blank face.

A pitiful expression, as if she was so flustered that she didn’t know what to do.

“Oh my, I didn’t mean that at all… I was just…”

“Loreina!”

Just then, the Countess of Minangsi from the other side approached from the other side and shouted.

Since the countess was closer, the grand duke and Ashiel reached them almost the same time as she did.

“What happened?”

“No, I just wanted to get to know Miss Sienna… there was some misunderstanding.”

“What is the misunderstanding? From what I heard, you obviously picked a fight first… Argh! Why are you pulling me?”

“It wasn’t a big deal. It’s not to the point of calling it a fight. I’m not that upset about it either.”

Rather, this time, taking advantage of the fact that she was ready, she gave Loreina a big blow.

Scratching any abnormal properties could cause it to crumble.

“…Ah, okay, I got it. Stop pulling my clothes.”

Michael grumbled. The Countess of Minangsi smiled and wrapped her arms around her daughter’s shoulders.

“I would like to say hello to His Majesty the Grand Duke. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. Anyway, there must have been some misunderstanding between the children in the process of getting along.”

“……”

“…Your Majesty?”

The Countess of Minangsi waited for ‘it’s okay’, but completely different words came out of the grand duke’s mouth, which was later opened.

“…To be misunderstood means that your daughter has acted misleadingly?”

“…Yes?”

“Oh no, my lord!”

Instead of the bewildered countess, Loreina stepped forward.

“I just want to get to know Miss Sienna… Of course, asking to see the territory might have been a bit rude, but I swear I didn’t mean anything bad.”

“…Is that really all there is?”

Sienna nodded at the grand duke’s question.

The grand duke felt it.

‘What happened.’

Sienna was a child whom he wanted to be a little less mature and a little less kind.

Through a few experiences and intuition, the grand duke perceived that something bad happened between Sienna and Loreina.

‘I thought they raised their daughter well.’

At that moment, no one knew, but the possibility that Loreina might get Nacht’s backing was completely closed.

No one, not even the grand duke who would make that decision, had yet noticed.

So it was decided.

The grand duke said to the Countess of Minangsi.

“I might have overreacted because there’s a lot of talk about my child these days. I hope you understand.”

“Yes, Your Majesty… of course I understand. I am also in the position of raising a daughter. Our Loreina….”

“I’m sorry, but excuse me. I don’t think this is the right time to chat.”

The lips of the countess, who was trying to take advantage of the opportunity to appeal Loreina’s strengths, closed tightly.

“Then, Sienna.”

“Yes.”

After a brief glimpse of the mother and daughter of the Count of Minangsi, the grand duke summoned Sienna and made her stand next to them.

The appearance of the grand duke slowly disappearing in line with the steps of the small child, an orphan ward, who was neither a son nor blood-related, suggests many facts.

“…What the hell happened… Loren? Why are you like this?”

The Countess of Minangsi inadvertently looked at her daughter and was astonished.

“Your eyes…”

Her bright green eyes, like the buds of a beautiful spring day, were dyed red.

As if tears of blood had accumulated, Loreina’s white veins were red and bursting.

It was a horrendous look.

“I’m going home.”

“Loren…”

“I told you I’m going home!”

After that orphan Sienna popped up and took her daughter’s long-awaited position, Loreina often exhibited violent agitation.

She ripped dresses and threw food on the floor, ruining them.

But, she swore, all those acts were nothing compared to the red, bloodshot rage that Loreina was showing at this moment.

The Countess of Minangsi had a gut feeling that something had happened.

Something very bad.