Chapter 13. Plaything

The mansion, built of white stone, was overwhelmingly large and grand. And beautiful. It might be rude to think this, no, it surely is… but this mansion had a mysterious and serene atmosphere that did not match the oppressive man living in it.

“Please come in.”

The servant who came to greet me at the main gate bowed politely and guided me. Though the servant’s expression was well-managed, showing no emotion, the guards on either side of the iron gate glanced at me curiously.

“…….”

I know. Walking here alone without even riding a carriage must seem strange…

‘But my ankle is almost healed, and though I managed to get some money from Father for treatment, it seemed wasteful to spend it on a carriage fare when I can walk.’

Swallowing a sigh, I hastened my steps following the servant. He walked a bit slower, seemingly to accommodate me, allowing me to leisurely observe the garden.

White and yellow spring flowers, lilacs that would bloom fully in May, and summer roses.

Well-trimmed garden trees boasted green leaves all year round, and white marble sculptures were placed here and there.

In the distance, I could see a resting area with a domed roof. What’s most impressive was the large fountain occupying the center and the artificial canal through which the water flowed.

‘It’s magnificent…’

I wondered what it would feel like to live in such a place. For that man, all of this must be mundane and meaningless. I can’t even imagine him being moved by anything…

“This way, please.”

Before I knew it, we had arrived at the entrance. The interior I stepped into following the servant exuded a quiet and desolate atmosphere. Despite being decorated with beautiful frescoes, chandeliers, and various artworks, it felt that way.

The servant led me through the corridor on the first floor. After passing through a hallway carpeted in teal, we finally arrived at a room at the end. The servant, holding the doorknob, knocked twice and announced.

“Your Highness, a guest has arrived.”

“Let them in.”

I was lost in thought about the doorknob being made of pure gold when the voice beyond the door startled me.

The door soon opened, revealing a cozy reception room. That man, Enoch Bayern, was sitting diagonally from the entrance, staring in this direction.

“…….”

His gaze lingered on my ankle for a moment. When our eyes met, he was silent for a while before breaking into a mischievous smile.

“A very precious guest has arrived.”

As soon as I heard his mocking words, the door closed behind me. Silence filled the enclosed space, and he beckoned me as I hesitated at the doorway.

“What are you doing? Come over here.”

“…….”

It was as if he was calling a dog or a horse. Though a slight defiance flared up within me, I concealed it and cautiously approached him.

“Sit.”

It was an order. I shook my head and refused.

“…There’s no need. I came only to repay the favor from last time.”

As I tried to take out the money from my handbag, his brows furrowed deeply. He adjusted his posture and met my gaze with a commanding tone.

“When I say sit, sit.”

“…….”

Swallowing a sigh, I reluctantly sat across from him. Enoch Bayern tilted his head slightly, observing me as if appreciating a piece of art, then casually remarked.

“You have a good posture.”

“Pardon? Ah…….”

“For a maid.”

“…….”

I thought it might not be the case, but he still misunderstood me as a maid. I wonder what kind of expression he would make if he knew that I was a baron’s daughter. Would he be curious as to why a baron’s daughter was dressed as a maid? Well, he might not care about my status at all.

“You’re the first maid to come here as a guest.”

I know that a maid visiting the Grand Duke’s residence and being guided to the drawing room is an astonishing event.

I just hope this incident doesn’t get out to the public. I’m already entangled in gossip with him, and I don’t want to add more rumors.

“Thank you for treating a mere maid so generously.”

“Generous treatment, you say.”

His unreadable gaze fell upon me. His eyes were so sharp that I felt like they could pierce through my mind if I let my guard down.

I averted my eyes to the table. The empty table had nothing but an ashtray, a smoking pipe, a bottle of liquor, and an empty whiskey glass.

“Thank you for helping me last time.”

Wanting to finish my business quickly and leave this uncomfortable space, I took out money from my handbag and placed it on the table.

Enoch Bayern glanced at the copper coins and then looked back at me intently. A blatant sneer soon appeared on his lips.

“Do you think I called you here for this petty money?”

The next moment, he swept the table with his palm, knocking the copper coins to the floor. The coins rolled across the carpeted floor and soon scattered haphazardly.

Startled, I looked up at him, only to find him suddenly closing the distance between us.

“……!”

Before I could react, he grabbed my chin. My small body was helplessly swallowed by the large shadow of the man looking down at me. His figure, standing against the backlight, seemed far more intimidating than usual.

“You work at Baron Lopez’s residence, right?”

“Yes? Yes……. Um, this…….”

“Do you want to work here?”

“……Pardon?”

I blinked blankly, responding a beat late. What is this man saying now?

“Isn’t it better than working for a pittance in that place? Don’t you resent a master who makes you run an errand that takes an hour roundtrip with a sprained ankle?”

“…….”

If I were really a maid, I might have nodded my head at this tempting offer. However, although I was being treated as a maid, I was undeniably a member of the Lopez family and the legitimate daughter of the baron. Giving up that status to truly become a maid might not be a bad offer, but…….

……This man, despite making such an appealing and appetizing offer, somehow felt off. It didn’t seem like he was simply being kind. My instincts screamed that this might be a trap.

I don’t know his twisted side. If there were poison in the seemingly delicious fruit, it would lead me straight to my doom.

I had to be cautious here.

“……I’m sorry, but I prefer working at Baron Lopez’s residence.”

“……What?”

The man frowned as if he couldn’t understand, then released my chin roughly and stepped back. His golden eyes glared at me with displeasure and even a hint of indignation.

“Is self-torture your hobby? Or do you have a knack for being a slave?”

“I have my reasons.”

“Do you have debts?”

“It’s not that…….”

“Then why.”

As he looked ready to pounce on me again, I instinctively flinched. He ran a hand through his jet-black hair and glared at me fiercely. Despite the chill down my spine from his predatory gaze, I spoke clearly without cowering.

“Thank you for saving a pitiful girl like me at the ball, helping me at the library, and for this offer as well.”

“…….”

When I emphasized ‘pitiful,’ he raised his eyebrows slightly.

“But I must decline your offer. I’m sorry.”

I finished speaking and stood up. After bowing politely to him, I headed for the door, but his large hand suddenly grabbed my wrist.

“Wait.”

“……Please let go.”

“Don’t want to be a maid? Then do something else.”

“What…….”

“600,000 Lupin annually.”

“……!”

I was momentarily stunned by the unbelievable amount, but soon, the proposal that followed made my blood run cold.

“Be my plaything.”

“…….”

“In other words…… my mistress?”

He pronounced the word mistress as if it were a foreign concept. His golden eyes were disturbingly indifferent, and the curiosity within them was not of passion but the cruel kind that one might have while pouring water into an anthill and watching.