The Sio family had long ruled the Karsa Empire before Evgenia’s rise to power. During his reign, Emperor Sio expanded territories through aggressive conquest, yet found himself besieged by enemies from all sides.

External threats came from wars with neighboring countries, while internally, conflict raged with magical creatures. Emperor Sio used territorial expansion as justification to ruthlessly exterminate these beings. Driven from their habitats, the magical creatures began descending upon villages, leaving the common people to bear the consequences of his bloodstained ambitions.

It was during this tumultuous period that Duke Evgenia rose to prominence, advocating for peace and coexistence. His influence grew until he finally rose against the imperial family, bringing an end to the Sio bloodline in the Karsa Empire.

The key figure who supported House Evgenia’s ascension was none other than ‘Asrein.’ Historical records speak of his extraordinary magical abilities, which worked miracles in calming enraged magical creatures. His origins remained a mystery, with only mentions of a ‘long-standing friendship’ with the Duke.

Yet origins mattered little. Asrein effortlessly resolved the magical creature crisis that had left others helpless and defeated. Overjoyed by this achievement, Evgenia I granted ‘Asrein’ a rank equivalent to Count. Now, the professor I admire, Diabel Asrein, stands as the fifth generation inheritor of that noble house.

“We must serve him with utmost devotion.”

“Yes!”

The typically gentle head butler displayed unusual tension today. Count Ameli, perhaps eager to showcase his wealth, had arranged all mansion staff by the door. They created quite a spectacle, dressed identically and standing in perfect formation. The Count emerged fashionably late, positioning himself on the steps while admiring the wall of servants he’d orchestrated.

“Hmm, everything has been prepared without lacking?”

“Of course, my lord.”

His voice wheezed strangely, weighed down by his considerable girth. The Count, who normally spent his time lounging in his office gorging on meat pies like a glutton, had surprisingly made an appearance at the door. Clearly, Asrein commanded special treatment. When the Count’s attention wandered elsewhere, I silently hurled curses his way. Perhaps sensing my hostile gaze…

“Hmph, make one mistake and I’ll throw you straight into Mount Montena. You saw what happened to that vulgar rat who couldn’t even manage his duties and scurried between the kitchen like a mouse.”

The Count gestured toward me with his chin. The young servants cast fearful glances my way before quickly returning their attention to the Count.

Since the Mount Montena incident, the Count had taken to using me whenever he wanted to intimidate the servants. How petty. I feigned indifference while adjusting my clothes. Though I attempted to conceal my scrawny, muscle-less frame with clothing, nothing could hide my haggard complexion. While touching the unusually dark circles under my eyes that day…

The sound of an approaching carriage echoed from beyond the hill. Several servants, myself included, rose on tiptoes, peering curiously toward the sound. Soon, horses with magnificent manes came into view.

“Everyone prepare.”

Clatter, clatter. My heart raced in rhythm with the approaching hoofbeats. The elegant carriage halted before the villa, and a well-dressed coachman emerged to respectfully open the rear door. I quickly bowed my head, avoiding eye contact with the emerging Asrein.

“Welcome, Professor Asrein.”

Count Ameli greeted him with uncharacteristically boisterous laughter. Though I kept my gaze averted, my mouth went dry, and I unconsciously chewed my chapped lips. Precise footsteps, revealing their owner’s refined nature, stopped directly before Count Ameli.

“It’s a pleasure, Count Ameli.”

Wait. This voice… why did it sound familiar? An unsettling realization crept down my spine. My hands, suddenly clammy with cold sweat, clasped together while I stood frozen.

“The journey must have been quite tiring, were you alright? Haha!”

“Yes. No problems.”

This was no imagination. The low voice, refined pronunciation, and clipped manner of speech – I had definitely heard it before. Not just in passing; I had conversed with its owner. The blood drained from my face, leaving my entire body chillingly cold.

“There was no need to have the workers lined up outside.”

“For such an esteemed guest, everyone should naturally come out to greet you.”

The revelation struck me hard. The person who had helped choose my gift… was the same person meant to receive it?!

“Shall we go inside for some warm tea and conversation?”

“…Yes, let’s do that.”

I had been certain I would recognize him instantly, given my familiarity with his appearance from the novel. Never did I expect him to wear a deep hood in that neighborhood bookstore. Moreover, I had foolishly overlooked the simple fact that one cannot identify someone from written descriptions by voice alone.

“These are all personally selected staff who will serve you well, Professor.”

The Count stroked his protruding belly while proudly leading the way up the stairs. Asrein followed behind him. Thud. Thud. Though I desperately wished he would continue into the mansion, his steps suddenly halted.

A long shadow stretched across the floor before me. The two shoes that stopped showed no intention of moving. I felt like an actor thrust into a soliloquy beneath harsh stage lights. Swallowing nervously, I slowly raised my head. Looking up from his feet, passages from the novel flooded my mind.

“Did you sleep well last night?”

His light tawny hair danced in the wind, reminiscent of an autumn reed field. Golden eyes, warm like sunset, held strangely cold emotions. His noble dignity created invisible barriers, leaving observers like foxes coveting unreachable grapes. The tap of his eagle-talon carved staff against the floor could break any such reverie.

“…”

The novel’s description proved impeccable. He wore his ankle-length coat with unmatched elegance. Upon seeing his hair draped over one shoulder, my heart plummeted. Lost in my daze and forgetting proper etiquette, I stood motionless until he lightly tapped his staff against the floor. The sound snapped me back to reality, and I quickly lowered my gaze.

“…Yes…”

I managed a barely audible response. The moment Asrein followed the Count inside, I fled to the basement. Sitting on my bed, I noticed the wrapped book peeking from beneath the blanket. I clenched my fists and pummeled the innocent book while muttering to myself.

“I didn’t do anything wrong… I didn’t know it was him anyway. He’ll understand…”

Beyond any mistakes, the memory of my embarrassing behavior made me want to dunk my head in water until unconsciousness took me. While struggling with my shocked nerves, the door suddenly burst open. Looking up, I saw Retvan, who should have been preparing appetizers.

“Tio!”

“What’s wrong?”

“That’s what I want to ask.”

A sense of foreboding made me furrow my brow. Catching her breath, Retvan grabbed my shoulders and spoke.

“The Count has called for you.”

“…What?”

“He ordered you to bring tea.”

“Me? Why?”

“I don’t know the exact situation.”

Not wanting to trouble Retvan further, I followed her to the dining room. She handed me a tray with the teapot and cups she had prepared herself. Fresh lemon scent wafted from the narrow spout. I stood stiffly at attention before the reception room, preparing to enter. Retvan offered gentle reassurance to my visibly tense self.

“It’s okay. Nothing bad will happen.”

“…I hope so.”

“Just be careful not to spill the tea this time.”

“Don’t worry, Sister Retvan.”

Forcing a brave smile, I left the dining room for the reception room. Why had they summoned me? Had Asrein mentioned our bookstore encounter? Though I hadn’t committed any major faux pas, not knowing their discussion topics heightened my anxiety. Moving with extreme caution to avoid mistakes, I reached the reception room and knocked.

“Enter.”

Upon the Count’s permission, the attending servant opened the heavy door. The Count was the first thing I saw upon entering the splendid reception room. Asrein sat on the sofa with his back to the door, presenting only his elegant profile. Even from behind, he exuded such graceful dignity that I kept my head deeply bowed to avoid accidental eye contact.

“I’ve brought ginger lemon tea to stimulate the appetite before lunch.”

“Very well.”

I poured the fragrant lemon tea into gold-leafed camellia teacups. Pour. While serving with precise movements, constant laughter filled the reception room. Never before had I witnessed Count Ameli, fond of showing off, laugh so genuinely while meeting someone.

While deliberately taking my time pouring to eavesdrop, I focused intently on their conversation.

“So what you just said is true?”

“Yes. Would I lie to you, Count?”

“Haha! Of course not. How fascinating that traces of magical creatures were found in my territory~”

The conversation seemed innocuous enough. Thanks to Asrein’s skillful flattery of the notoriously particular Count Ameli, the atmosphere remained warm and friendly.

“Of course I’ll cooperate with the research! It’s His Majesty’s special order, isn’t it?”

“I appreciate your deep understanding.”

“Well, just make sure the nearby villages aren’t harmed. Heh heh, my reputation is at stake.”

“I won’t tarnish the Count’s noble reputation, so there’s no need for unnecessary worry.”

Noble reputation indeed. Such words seemed far too generous for someone of his character. The Count’s delighted laughter made my stomach turn. Quickly masking my displeasure, I carefully set the cup before him. Just as I stepped back, one hand respectfully placed on my chest, Count Ameli whispered words meant only for me.

“Be grateful. It seems Professor Asrein has shown interest in someone as lowly as you… I’ve graciously given you the chance to serve tea.”

What conversation had transpired between them? Unable to decipher the Count’s intentions, cold sweat trickled down my spine.