Chapter 8
Airi’s soft little foot, wrapped in her magic-blocking shoes, smashed hard into Schultz’s groin.
Maybe he had underestimated her.
“Ugh… ugh!”
Schultz’s eyes went wide as he fell to the floor.
After landing her decisive kick, Airi landed gracefully on the ground—perfectly!
She dusted her hands off and looked down at Schultz.
Schultz twisted his body painfully to rise, muttering:
“Wh-what… what are you doing…!”
He tried to steady himself and swing his fist, but…
“Speak with manners first!”
Airi delivered another fierce kick with a stylish landing.
The fight was over.
Schultz had been completely knocked out.
***
Peter, the butler in charge of the Ortezo Castle, patrolled with his usual stern expression.
But today felt different.
The maids, usually gloomy and stiff, looked unusually bright.
‘All it takes is one Airi, and the entire household’s discipline seems to crumble.’
If those serving nobles appear cheerful, everyone underestimates them.
Peter’s brow furrowed.
‘I can’t believe they still trust someone after being treated like that.’
Though old, his arms twitched, showing the assassin tattoos beneath the muscles.
Peter was not like other butlers. He had once been a famous assassin and, with the lord often absent, had been given much authority in the Ortezo household.
When he met Airi’s eyes, he immediately sensed…
‘Ah, that gaze is full of schemes.’
Peter predicted Airi would cause trouble today.
Of course, he was fully loyal to the Ortezo family.
But children left unchecked in the castle often caused chaos…
‘Every single one tries to avoid responsibility after making a mess. Airi will be no different.’
Sure enough, the magical communication tool in his pocket buzzed:
[Airi and Schultz have collided. Airi assaulted Schultz following their conflict.]
‘As expected,’ Peter muttered, worried, as he walked.
***
After learning about the fight, Peter arranged for a meeting in the reception room with all the children.
The direct family members, including the Duke, were absent, preparing for war.
Schultz’s mother, the Countess, ruled the haunted castle as if she were in charge.
Before she could hide the truth, Peter wanted to understand the situation.
True to form, Schultz threw a tantrum:
“Waaah! Butler! That little girl hit me in the groin!”
“Understood. Please explain calmly how it happened.”
It would normally be a simple matter of writing a report and filing it.
Peter bowed politely:
“I apologize for this unfortunate incident.”
Schultz predictably yelled:
“Yes! It’s all your fault!”
Unlike Schultz, Airi spoke calmly:
“No, Butler, it’s not your fault. This was entirely between me and that child.”
Peter was surprised by the unusual, polite response.
How did a child like this get into a fight?
“I see. Given the circumstances, this cannot be treated as just a children’s quarrel.”
Schultz, puffed up, raised his fist:
“You don’t even have parents, do you? If my mom were here, one hit and you’d be done!”
Peter’s expression stiffened:
“That would be serious. If you insult like that, things could get dangerous.”
“Dangerous? What do you mean?”
“Your mother, Countess Deyra, and Airi’s father, the Duke, will need to talk personally.”
Schultz’s face went pale.
“The Duke… is coming? Wh-who is she?”
Children often lack perspective. Schultz assumed that because Airi wore a magic-blocking suit, she must be weak.
“She is Lady Airi Ortezo.”
“Wh-what?! She’s supposed to be in the south!”
“She returned here recently.”
Schultz turned pale.
“She almost injured a direct family member, so this is serious.”
Schultz wavered, frustrated, while Airi remained calm.
“So… the Duke really is coming?”
The maids and servants still hadn’t realized Airi’s true intention.
“I was told that because I caused trouble, my parents would be contacted.”
“Ah…”
“So, since I caused trouble, the Duke is coming to see me?”
When the maids heard Airi’s trembling voice, their faces softened with concern and affection.
‘Did she cause trouble on purpose to meet the Duke?’
Peter fell silent for a moment.
Everything finally made sense.
This tiny child had come north, longing for her father.
Even after causing chaos, her desire to see him outweighed everything else.
Peter finally noticed her small, trembling body.
***
After the situation was resolved, Peter called the staff to ask for objective accounts.
“What happened here?”
A maid who had been with Airi stepped forward as a witness:
“I didn’t think I should intervene, but the young lady didn’t cause this trouble on her own.”
Hearing the full story, Peter’s expression softened:
“She just couldn’t stand seeing other children being bullied?”
“Yes. I’ve never seen anyone so just in the north.”
“…I see. Alright, everyone may return.”
Peter had always found Airi’s exceptional manners unusual.
He had assumed she was timid because of causing trouble, but she was poised and proper.
He wrote up the incident report, thinking:
‘I may have judged Airi too quickly.’
Unlike the maids, who were already fond of her, Peter remained cautious.
But even so, he noticed the pure and earnest longing in her eyes.
‘She wants to see her father.’
‘At least I should help arrange a family reunion.’
Thanks to his years as butler, Peter quickly prepared a report that would ensure the Duke would have to meet Airi.
