Since Lumiere returned after they had left for the day, they seemed to have rushed over after hearing the news.

“Yes, Miss did have an accident. Fortunately, there are no major external injuries, but…”

Cindy sighed and explained yesterday’s events to the three, who were staring at her with wide eyes.

The eldest, Laurel, Jeffrey’s canary, pressed Cindy with a pale face.

“No major injuries? But what? Why?”

Knowing Laurel’s usual tendency to get startled easily, Cindy reassured her by patting her hand.

“She wasn’t seriously hurt, but she did hurt her head. So her memory is a bit fuzzy. They say she’ll be fine with some rest.”

“What? Her memory is fuzzy? Isn’t that serious?”

“Of course, it’s serious, but Miss didn’t seem too shocked. They say it’s not uncommon and will improve with rest.”

Cindy conveyed Lumiere’s condition as calmly as possible, making it seem like it wasn’t a big deal.

There was no point in causing a fuss, as it would only worry their master without any benefit.

Given Lumiere’s current state, the surrounding worry and confusion would only make things harder for her.

‘At times like this, I need to be more composed. As the head maid of Lashantia mansion, I, Cindy Chase, need to stay sharp.’

Perhaps her resolute gaze inspired confidence?

Laurel’s worried expression relaxed a bit.

“R-really? Phew, that’s a relief. I was so shocked when Jeffrey told me about the accident…”

“But an accident is still an accident! Everyone, please pay special attention to Miss’s health. She hasn’t been feeling well lately.”

“Of course, naturally! Laurel, let’s make a special meal for Miss today!”

Maylene, who had been pacing, rolled up her sleeves and spoke energetically.

Laurel smiled softly and nodded.

“Oh! And since ‘he’ is here, everyone be careful. The atmosphere in the mansion isn’t great right now.”

At Cindy’s words, the three nodded diligently.

When ‘he’ came, the mansion went on high alert.

Lumiere’s lover and the big shot of Karien.

There wasn’t a person with money in Karien or the Levania social circles who didn’t know him.

Despite his fame, few had actually met him, and his actions were always shrouded in secrecy.

This secrecy extended to the servants of Lumiere’s mansion.

‘Chris Gunther!’

Karl Winger’s direct secretary, a man who seemed to have neither blood nor tears!

He had long ago taken a contract from the mansion’s staff, ensuring they wouldn’t divulge any details.

‘A demon with silver-rimmed glasses.’

The contract was so detailed and meticulous, outlining what secrets could not be leaked and the penalties for doing so, in extensive detail.

If any stories from inside the mansion leaked, they would lose everything, even the little they had.

But conversely, if they kept the secrets and did their jobs well, they were promised immense benefits and rewards.

“But the important thing is Miss. You said she’s still sleeping, right? We should prepare some nourishing food before she wakes up. How about black goat stew today, Laurel?”

“Good idea, Maylene. Let’s get started.”

Laurel, Maylene, and Tacey, with determined looks, headed into the mansion.

Cindy and the twins also looked at each other and got to work.

Once everyone had gone to their tasks, the first-floor lobby became quiet.

Someone reappeared, almost blending into the surroundings.

The person, tiptoeing around, grabbed the phone on the wall in the corner of the lobby.

With trembling fingers, they dialed, and the operator’s voice soon came through.

— Operator. Where would you like to connect?

Taking a deep breath, the person glanced around and whispered.

“Please connect me to Mr. Hans Miller’s residence on 27th Street.”

The operator’s voice paused.

There was a busy sound of papers being flipped, as if confirming something.

— …Please hold for a moment while I connect you.

As soon as the operator finished speaking, there was a static noise.

Shortly after, there was a click, and a voice came through.

— This is the Tartien Ducal House.

2.

Laughter echoed.

It was a clear and innocent laugh, like transparent glass beads colliding and scattering. The sunlight streaming through the thin, fluttering curtains tickled the closed eyes.

‘This is a dream.’

A voice inside me whispered.

It felt warm and cozy, like being cradled in the cradle that held me as a newborn. Somewhere, I was curled up, stifling a giggle with my small hands like autumn leaves.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

My heart beat wildly, and a faint excitement spread across my face.

As if enduring some impending joy, I held my breath, stifling my laughter and curling up more.

And at that moment.

With a great light, someone looked at me.

[Found you, …lia!]

Startled, I burst into laughter and lifted my head.

The sunlight shattered into white brilliance behind him.

At that moment, memories scattered like hazy dust, and consciousness faded as if breaking apart.

I was swallowed by the white light resembling sunlight and woke up from my sleep.

* * *

‘…What is this?’

Lumiere slowly lifted her heavy eyelids.

The familiar ceiling came into view through her blurry vision.

‘What kind of dream was that?’

With each blink, the memories of the dream faded a little more.

Lumiere tried to recall everything she saw in the dream before it completely disappeared.

The quaint floral wallpaper, the deep, rich scent of the wooden table and wardrobe, and the large, cozy-looking bed.

It was an unfamiliar space with an unfamiliar voice.

Yet, there was a strange sense of longing from those unfamiliar things.

As her vision cleared, the remnants of the dream drifted further away.

She closed her eyes and savored those fading memories once more.

In that quiet moment.

Rustle.

The sound of a page turning sharply woke her from her lingering sleep.

Lumiere’s eyes snapped open, and she turned her head toward the sound.

There, sitting on a chair pulled up next to the bed, was a man she hadn’t noticed before, reading a book.

He sat with one leg crossed, his sleeves rolled up as if they were bothersome, yet he looked perfectly composed.

Maybe it was because of his straight posture and broad shoulders.

Noticing her presence, he glanced up, met her eyes, and smirked.

“The princess has finally awakened.”

He placed a bookmark in his book and closed it with a snap.

All his actions seemed so natural and elegant that she forgot to ask why he was there, staring at him dumbfoundedly.

“I was about to leave if you slept for another hour. Lucky.”

He stretched his neck and shoulders, still maintaining eye contact with Lumiere.

Every time his shoulders and arms moved, his well-fitted shirt looked like the buttons were about to pop off.

Her gaze involuntarily followed his movements.

Karl noticed her gaze and glanced down at himself.

Then he chuckled and undid one button.

The gap revealed well-toned muscles casting shadows.

Startled, she raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that asked what he was doing.

“You seemed to want to see more…”

Or maybe not?

He shrugged nonchalantly and smiled mischievously.

…She had to admit.

This man was undoubtedly a creation that the gods took their time crafting.

Otherwise, how could someone exude such charm regardless of time and place?

His golden eyes reflected the sunlight, shining brilliantly.

They were more beautiful than any jewel she had ever seen.

The golden eyes, holding the darkness of dawn and the brilliance of sunlight, gave a unique inspiration.

The deep and somber feeling was gone, replaced by brightness, radiance, and even a sense of holiness.

Lumiere tightened the corners of his mouth and narrowed her eyes, trying to resist being captivated by that dazzling smile.