Chapter 20
“You used to love Young Master Benjamin’s cookies since you were little, didn’t you?”
Did Benjamin even know how to bake cookies? Even if he did, the memory that Lucion just brought up had long been erased from her mind.
“So I gratefully accepted them, thinking you’d like them.”
“He said I liked them? Himself?”
Not calling him brother, not Benjamin—just referring to him like some stranger. That choice of words made Lucion falter for a moment before he replied.
“Yes. Was I not supposed to accept them…?”
“No. I was just curious.”
Sophia firmly clarified that she hadn’t brought it up to criticize him. She picked up one of the cookies and stared at it for a moment before popping it into her mouth.
“…It’s just surprising he remembered.”
Normally, when you’ve chosen not to care about someone, you don’t remember their preferences for years.
Had anyone’s kindness toward her lasted this long? Staring blankly at the cookies made with all sorts of molds, none of which looked cute, she picked up another one.
The faint warmth left in the cookie clung to her fingertips.
Maybe it was because she’d been found out for going outside without permission—after dinner, Serita came to check on her again.
“Did Lorei ask you to come?”
“Yes. I heard you went out into the garden today without telling anyone?”
“I thought I wouldn’t get caught.”
Serita let out a small chuckle as she checked her temperature.
“I think some of the servants saw you and tattled.”
“I thought I got away with it…”
She had forgotten that this castle had eyes everywhere—even the ones she didn’t know about. After all, there were servants in every corner.
“Sometimes I feel like everyone in this castle is Lorei’s eyes and ears.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Maybe because Lorei is both the head butler and the steward?”
“Isn’t it because she’s so capable that people naturally follow her lead?”
That was true. Lorei was undeniably competent—someone who commanded admiration.
She had come to the castle as a handmaiden to Benny de Ransel, but in less than a year, her skills were recognized, and she was promoted to both head butler and steward of Rosent Castle.
On top of that, she was even granted the surname ‘Merkel’ directly by Chase.
That was an extremely rare honor—one that not just anyone could receive. Even a newborn baby could understand how exceptional that was.
“Tomorrow, the probation period for the new staff ends, so Lady Merkel will have more free time soon.”
“Oh, Lorei was in charge of their training, right?”
“Yes.”
“…But I’ve always wondered—why does Lorei handle the training of staff from other castles?”
Lorei was the head butler and steward of Rosent Castle. The only new staff brought into Rosent recently was Lucion.
Technically, Lorei had no obligation to train personnel from other domains. But she always took charge of all trainee servants and stewards.
“Well… I only know that it was a direct order from the Lord.”
An order…
Perhaps it was the weight of that word that lingered. It reminded Sophia of something Lorei had said before.
“Is it really okay for more stewards to come here? If any of them find out about my existence and say something outside…”
“No need to worry. That will never happen.”
She had spoken with absolute certainty.
“Because the one managing all the stewards and servants in this castle is none other than me, Lorei.”
Just as confidently as she’d said, quite some time had passed since the new stewards arrived.
Sophia had run into them here and there while walking around the castle or garden, but nothing problematic had occurred.
Lorei’s words weren’t just prideful—they were true. She had wondered where that confidence came from, but maybe she ensured loyalty through the probation training.
Lorei probably had a talent for that, which was why Bled had given her the direct order. Whatever her methods, it ultimately benefited Sophia, so she didn’t mind.
“Hmm, as I thought…”
Serita, who had been checking Sophia’s condition, let out a small sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
“Your fever has gone up. Your throat must be even more sore than yesterday, right? And you’ve been suppressing your cough too—I’m sure it’s been happening frequently.”
Sophia softly apologized, as if caught doing something wrong.
“Sorry. I thought it would be okay to go out for just a little bit.”
“You should get some good rest tonight and take it easy for a while.”
“Okay. I will.”
This time, she would listen—for her sake and for those around her who worried. If her fever got worse, she’d be the one suffering most.
Maybe she apologized again out of guilt. Serita smiled gently and began opening a packet of finely ground medicinal powder.
As she gave a brief explanation of the medicine, something seemed to cross her mind, and she added,
“This one includes herbs recommended by Mr. Lucion. They match your condition well, and he pointed out things I hadn’t even considered. I was quite surprised.”
“Lucion?”
“Yes. He’s very knowledgeable. When I asked how he knew so much, he said one of his friends is an herbalist. He even shared some rare magical herbs.”
Sophia imagined Lucion moving around quietly behind the scenes, doing all that for her.
She should repay him somehow. He really liked cookies.
Maybe… she should try baking some.
She had never baked before, and the thought was a little intimidating—but it didn’t seem like a bad idea. If it didn’t go well, she could always buy some from a famous shop.
With that thought in mind, Sophia took the powder and swallowed it with a gulp of water.
It was bitter and dry—not exactly a pleasant taste. But thinking of the people who cared for her made it feel a little sweeter.
“Ugh… tastes awful.”
“You’ll have to keep taking it until you’re fully recovered.”
No, even thinking of them didn’t make it taste any better.
Thanks to the medicine, it wasn’t too bad—but her head throbbed, and her fingers burned with fever, making it impossible to sleep.
Letting out a breath full of discomfort, Sophia eventually sat up.
“…Water. I need water…”
She pressed her forehead with one hand and reached toward the nightstand with the other, searching for the pitcher and glass.
Maybe because her vision was blurred from the dizziness and darkness, her hand slipped the moment she grabbed the pitcher. Both the pitcher and glass fell to the floor with a loud crash.
The glass shattered into pieces, and the water soaked into the floor in her place.
“…Great.”
She regretted getting up, even briefly. But her parched throat desperately needed water.
With a small sigh, Sophia carefully stepped down from the bed and opened the door.
It was still around the time when servants would be patrolling the hallways.
She took a step, hoping to call out to someone—just as she heard movement to her left.
Thinking it was a patrolling servant, she turned to head in that direction—but a hand reached out from the right and gently held her shoulder.
“My lady?”
“…Lorei?”
The hand was familiar, so Sophia wasn’t too surprised and simply called the name.
Holding a candlestick, Lorei examined Sophia’s complexion under the light, then knelt slightly to meet her gaze.
“What’s the matter?”
“Um…”
“You don’t look well at all. Would you like some tea?”
Assuming she couldn’t sleep due to her illness, Lorei kindly offered to prepare tea to help her relax.
Since it had been a while since Lorei personally brewed tea for her, Sophia hesitated but soon shook her head.
“I’m fine. Just water. I only came out because I needed water.”
It was late, and she didn’t want to trouble anyone. She could have tea later in the day.
Seeing that Sophia was trying to be considerate, Lorei exhaled softly and smiled. Then, with a gentle touch, she guided Sophia back into her room.
“Alright, then. I’ll go get some for you—please wait inside.”
“Just water. Got it?”
Seeing the look on Lorei’s face, Sophia could tell she would definitely come back with tea, not water. So she emphasized it again.
But Lorei only smiled and closed the door.
Ah, that face definitely means she’s making tea.
Just as Sophia expected, Lorei turned toward the left—where Sophia had looked earlier—and began walking.
Judging by the cold, lake-like stillness in her eyes, one thing was clear: the direction she walked had no tea leaves or teapots waiting there.
