“Sigh. This isn’t working. I’ve even passed the qualification test, you know.”

Liria puffed her cheeks as she argued, but it was useless.

“I’m simply following the family rules as established. If not, you could go back and get permission from another adult, couldn’t you? Like your aunt Belita?”

“……”

I came to him first to avoid meeting Belita.

That woman is surely waiting to confront me about the budget I took from her.

Juan is really not a helpful person.

Liria sighed deeply and left his room.

Outside the door, Marit, who had heard everything Juan said, clenched her fist and asked ominously while trembling.

“Young lady, if you’ll allow me, I’d like to bury that guy alive.”

“Ugh, c-calm down, Marit.”

Normally Marit seemed like an angel, but with that expression like a hell’s angel, she really looked like she might bury someone.

Marit picked up Liria with one hand and spoke.

Though Liria pretended not to notice, there were calluses on Marit’s hands.

It meant she was someone who had handled a sword.

She also knew that Marit occasionally visited the training grounds.

‘It seems I should avoid provoking Marit’s temper…’

***

It had been a while since she’d come to the east wing after changing rooms.

The main castle and east wing are connected by a cloud bridge.

But the two spaces are worlds apart.

The main castle is literally the heart of Roberg, with the lord’s office and government palace.

The east wing is where young heirs who haven’t yet manifested magic, education staff, or servants stay.

Crossing the cloud bridge toward the main castle in Marit’s arms, she could feel even the air changing.

Moreover, the servants working in the main castle all had neat postures and clean attire.

They seemed to have more pride.

Perhaps because of this, as they entered the main castle, the gazes of several servants swept over Liria and Marit.

Compared to them, Liria and Marit looked somewhat disheveled, making them feel a bit intimidated.

“…W-why are they looking at us like that?”

“I don’t know, young lady.”

“But everyone’s clothes are so white and clean. Do they wash them often?”

“W-we also do laundry every day.”

“This won’t do. Marit needs new clothes too…”

Just then, an elderly woman with an incredible presence was approaching them.

“Y-young lady. Should we hide?”

“Huh? Who is that person?”

“…Gasp. It’s Head Maid Anna!”

A hooked nose and round updo.

She was a very intimidating-looking old woman. She looked just like a witch from a storybook.

Since Marit was tense, Liria also became quite nervous.

Swish swish swish.

Spreading a cinnamon scent, the head maid approached with large strides and bowed her head respectfully.

“Ah!”

“I greet Lady Liria, the third generation of the direct line.”

“Ah, hello, Head Maid?”

When Liria blinked her green eyes and greeted her, the woman smiled, showing her white teeth.

But her smile was too scary.

It would make most children cry.

Thinking she should make a good impression, Liria smiled back.

“…It seems you’ve already heard about me. I am Anna Mirabel, the head maid in charge of the main castle. I sincerely congratulate you on gaining access to the main castle.”

“Thank you for your kind welcome.”

“Not at all. You have now proven your ability as a true heir of Roberg. To commemorate your arrival at the main castle, I’ll prepare a welcome dessert, so would you please wait in the small drawing room for a moment?”

“Yes.”

Is it okay to receive such special treatment? Besides, welcome dessert—is it like what they serve in hotel lobbies?

Swallowing such questions, Liria got down from Marit’s arms and arrived at the small drawing room together.

It was a beautiful drawing room adorned with high-end art pieces and lush green plants.

“Wow… So this is the main castle. I can’t believe it.”

Liria whispered to Marit who was standing beside her.

“I’m also dreaming about devouring… I mean, enjoying plenty of desserts, young lady. Hohoho.”

“Actually, me too.”

With Marit’s help, she climbed onto the sofa with soft cushions.

The interior was magnificent and splendid no matter how many times she looked.

Those sparkling things from the chandelier look just like jewels.

While waiting with great anticipation for the welcome dessert.

A boy accompanied by a group of people arrived at the small drawing room.

Soon, his eyes met Liria’s, who was occupying the central table.

Raised eyebrows and a crooked mouth, an expression of clear displeasure.

A chilling killing intent and gaze that made her freeze.

Liria also opened her eyes wide in response.

‘…Hmph, I won’t lose a staring contest to anyone!’

Black hair covering the nape of his neck and narrow blood-red eyes. A cold impression like a snake.

The son of Osdel and the most promising first-born among the current direct line.

It was Conrad.

Like father, like son—he was practically identical to Osdel.

“Young master, we have some precious Darjeeling tea that was just brought in.”

“I’ll pass on tea time.”

A retainer followed closely behind him, trying to engage him in conversation.

The reason grown adults were bowing to a mere thirteen-year-old boy was because Conrad possessed the most outstanding magical abilities among the heirs.

It was impressive enough that he had manifested two attributes, lightning and fire.

But I heard that his magical technique and power were comparable to those of the imperial mages.

“Then instead of tea, how about enjoying some Luspanian sparkling wine? It’s non-alcoholic, so it would be suitable for you, young master.”

This time it was another retainer.

They were all competing to impress him.

Conrad, with a cold smile, gestured toward Liria with his chin.

“There’s a ‘foreign substance’ here. It would be better to move elsewhere.”

“Pardon? Ah, of course. Then let’s go to the central grand drawing room.”

‘……?’

Did he just refer to a person as a foreign substance?

It was quite shocking.

‘Wow, he may have a handsome face, but his personality is completely rotten.’

He truly inherited Osdel’s bloodline.

While she was internally fuming, she felt a cold gaze from behind.

Marit, with an expressionless face, gritted her teeth and said.

“Young lady, if I suddenly disappear one day, don’t look for me. Understood?”

“…No way. I can’t live without you, Marit!”

Liria quickly hugged her waist to calm her down.

Meanwhile, a trolley that looked like a complete dessert gift set arrived.

“Wow, it’s like they moved an entire dessert shop here!”

Her mouth fell open involuntarily.

The pleasant-looking chef who brought the trolley began explaining each dessert.

“From the left, we have chocolate cake topped with cherries, strawberry chiffon cake, blueberry tart, lemon madeleines, and almond financiers. For drinks, there’s milk tea and hot chocolate, and we can’t forget the custard pudding. Finally, to cleanse your palate, we have sorbet ice cream topped with gently scraped melon.”

The portly chef flashed a smile, put his hands behind his back, and left the drawing room.

Discovering the sweet feast presented by the chef, Liria felt like she had opened her eyes to a new world of flavors.

“…Ah, so happy! It’s so delicious! This is where the real magic was.”

He reminded her of that legendary chef from another world who conquered the industry.

While watching Liria enjoying the desserts with her cheeks puffed out and packing cookies into her bag, Head Maid Anna said.

“From now on, whenever you want something to eat, you can request it from me.”

“Yes, I’ll come often.”

She felt like she could attend here every day. The unpleasant feeling from Conrad earlier was completely healed.

Now, heir lessons would officially begin in a week.

After that, she might not have much personal time to come and go freely like this.

‘I need to find another way to go to the temple before then.’

Liria, immersed in the refreshing taste of the melon sorbet, muttered.

“I need an adult from the direct line to help me.”