“You’ve already seen most of the important areas. Only the ballroom, annex, and greenhouse are left… but the ballroom and annex are mostly for entertaining guests, so they’re empty. The greenhouse isn’t well maintained right now, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting.”
“Then what’s thaaaat place?”
Still in Daphina’s arms, Flora pointed to a large building attached to the side of the manor.
“Sometimes, when large groups of monsters invade through the Demon Forest, the villagers evacuate there. It’s a shelter.”
“A shewtew in the castwe?” (A shelter in the castle?)
“Yes! It was the lord’s idea.”
Flora’s eyes widened in disbelief.
No wonder. Nobles generally believed their status was divinely ordained, their blood different from that of commoners. Even when Flora became Rosaria’s playmate, the maidservants and knights around her gave her unpleasant looks.
In short, nobles typically despised commoners—even touching one would make them recoil. So for a noble manor to have a refuge built for commoners? Unthinkable.
“Daddy’s a weeeird guy.” (Daddy’s a weird guy.)
“The lord truly cares for the people of the land. The world may call him frightening and point fingers at him, but we all know how much he loves the territory and its people. He deserves to be respected.”
That, too, was unexpected.
Wasn’t Atanas mocked and even threatened by commoners in other lands despite being a grand duke?
Still holding Flora, Dafina headed somewhere else.
Eventually, she climbed all the way up to the tallest tower and opened a door. Through the tower’s window, she revealed a sweeping view.
The nearby Demon Forest, the tall outer walls, a large village nestled beside the woods and standing tall behind it all, the structure that would now be Flora’s home: House Lucifer’s castle.
Despite the ominous forest so close by, the snow-covered village looked lively and bustling.
“The forest and the castle are quite close, aren’t they? The former duke built the manor near the Demon Forest deliberately. He refused to relocate even with the constant threat of monsters.”
“I see.”
“Yes, that’s why even with frequent monster attacks, the people feel safe. Both the duke and young master risk their lives to protect everyone whenever there’s an attack. So really, no one here dislikes the House of Lucifer. At least not among the people of this territory.”
Pride touched Dafina’s voice.
“The castle may be large, but it’s also quite old, and some visitors find that disappointing but it’s because the lord spends all the capital and supplies from the capital on the land and its people. Many in the north have lost family to monsters. His grace protects and provides for them. He’s not coldhearted at all, despite the rumors.”
It was only now that Flora understood why Dafina had brought her all the way up here for such a lengthy explanation.
“Dafina too?”
“……Yes. My parents were killed in a monster raid when I was young. The lord took in orphans like me, watched over us personally here in the castle, and even helped us find work afterward.”
Dafina smiled as if Flora were the most precious thing in the world.
“Not only did I find salvation, but now I get to serve the lady of the house. Even if it’s only temporary, I’ll give it my all. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if I fall short in any way.”
Her earnest pledge made Flora feel she could trust her completely.
“Otay!” (Okay.)
Flora nodded brightly, her smile spreading as if it had caught from Dafina’s warmth.
So that’s why House Lucifer is so poor.
Even with all the precautions, if monsters kept invading, there would always be victims. The only way to lessen the damage was to pour money into the territory and that meant the family had to live frugally.
“Daddy’s weewd… but he’s weawwy coow.” (Daddy’s weird… but he’s really cool.)
“He is!”
Ugh… now I can’t even indulge in luxuries because I feel guilty.
If a newly arrived stone proves worse than the ones already laid, how could she claim a place among them?
Her dreams of living in decadent wealth were crushed but honestly, just having the Demon Forest nearby was a massive gain.
“I missh daddy.” (I miss Daddy.)
“Shall we go visit him?”
“Nu-uh. He’sh vewy busy.” (No. He’s very busy.)
Rather than whine like a child, Flora had a better idea.
Unlike her doting father, there was one family member who clearly disliked her: Benio.
“Is bwothew wess busy than daddy?” (Is brother less busy than Daddy?)
“Hmm…”
Dafina hesitated, then nodded slowly.
“At least compared to the lord, yes. He should be in a lesson right now.”
“Lesson?”
“Yes, he has a private tutor who visits once a week. He probably returned to the manor yesterday because of it.”
That jogged Flora’s memory.
Wait… then why was he covered in blood?
The way he had looked—practically terrifying—was something that could haunt her dreams and yet she’d forgotten to ask why.
“Do I get to do wessons too?” (Do I get to do lessons too?)
“The young master started studying at age seven. So once you’re a bit older, you’ll have lessons too.”
“I wanna do it wif him!” (I wanna do it with him!)
“But the class only happens once a week. You can’t interrupt.”
Flora pouted.
“No exceptions. It’s the lord’s strict order not to disturb lessons.”
“Then can I wait outshide? Ooor… in da next woom?” (Then can I wait outside? Or… in the next room?)
Dafina sighed, clearly unsure.
“I won’t bother him. I jusht… wanna get cwose to him.” (I won’t bother him. I just… wanna get close to him.)
Seeing Dafina still uncertain, Flora played her trump card.
She drooped her shoulders and swallowed a sniffle.
“Never mind… I’ll jusht go back to my woom.” (Never mind… I’ll just go back to my room.)
“Hmm, hmm…”
Finally, Dafina gave in.
“Waiting should be fine. After class ends, maybe ask him to eat dinner with you? Sharing a meal is a great way to grow close.”
“Yaaay! Sounds so fun!”
Flora’s beaming smile made Dafina laugh with relief.
“All right, let’s head down now.”
“Can I come up hewe again next time?” (Can I come up here again next time?)
“Of course. There’s nowhere in this castle you’re not allowed to go. Just don’t come alone because it’s dangerous. Actually, why not come up next time with the duke?”
That was a good idea, and Flora nodded happily, her feet swinging with excitement.
Dafina may be young, but she’s not bad.
She had decent awareness, deft hands, and seemed genuinely eager to help Flora feel like part of a warm, happy family. That was more than enough.
Maybe I’ll keep her around longer after all.
And so, Flora’s second day in the House of Lucifer passed in peace.
***
“I don’t think today’s going to work, my lord.”
“I said I’ll try once more.”
At Benio’s firm response, the elderly tutor couldn’t quite hide the concern in his gaze.
“…Bring the pot here.”
Unable to object further, the tutor reluctantly brought over a pot containing a sacred sapling.
It was a small pot bearing the mark of the temple, with a thin stake planted in the soil. Benio extended his hand toward the stake and closed his eyes.
‘I need to draw out the power flowing through me. Holy power.’
Yet no matter how hard he concentrated, the sacred tree did not bloom.
“……”
When he opened his eyes, disappointment was written all over Benio’s face.
“Damn it.”
He muttered under his breath and gave a small nod.
The old tutor gently laid a white cloth over the pot and hugged it close as if it were a precious relic.
“Then I’ll return next week.”
“Yes. Take care on your way back.”
Despite his sour mood, Benio still saw the man off politely.
Or at least… he was going to.
“Did your lesson end?”
A small figure stood quietly at the open door.
“Hewwo, big bwothew.” (Hello, big brother.)
Flora raised one tiny hand and gave a cheerful wave then she turned her head to the tutor and greeted him just as brightly.
“Are you big bwothew’s teachuh?” (Are you big brother’s teacher?)
“Huh? Ah… yes, I am. But who might this child be…?”
The tutor looked puzzled, clearly not recognizing her. Benio’s mouth twitched slightly, as if he were about to explain but Flora didn’t wait. She gave a light snort, as if she hadn’t expected help in the first place, then tilted her head with a playful grin as she tugged at the hem of her dress.
“I’m Fwowa Wucifuh~!” (I’m Flora Lucifer~!)
Her radiant presence was completely at odds with the name “Lucifer,” and for a second, Baron Cosmo—Benio’s tutor—could only blink blankly.
Then he jolted in shock.
“Ah! Y-You’re the young lady of the house!”
He hadn’t heard anything about a daughter, so his eyes darted around in visible confusion.
Still, he bowed politely and introduced himself.
“My name is Rijek Cosmo. You may call me Baron Cosmo, if you please.”
“But you’we bwothew’s teachuh, wight?” (But you’re brother’s teacher, right?)
“Yes, but it’s quite all right. Call me however you like.”
Flora nodded in understanding, her gaze drifting down to the bundle wrapped in white cloth that he cradled carefully.
“Whatcha got dere? Is dat a book?” (What’s that? Is that a book?)
