The atmosphere in the ducal mansion remained peaceful. However, Cassius' reaction upon entering the mansion and habitually receiving the report on Sierra proved far more violent than expected. [Cassius] "......She left?" [H. Butler] "Yes, she mentioned finding something interesting for a moment." [Cassius] "When......." His vision flashed a dizzying white. He frantically searched the mansion. However, she was nowhere to be found. [H. Butler] "She said she would return shortly

Sierra stepped into the country house hosting the Imperial Academy's medical and pharmacy symposium alongside Hentel. To think I get to attend a medical pharmacy symposium....... She attended the collaborative symposium hosted by the Imperial Pharmacy Academy as Hentel's assistant. [Hentel] "Don't be nervous." [Sierra] "Ah, yes." Contrary to his expectation, heavy tension eluded her. Excitement simply filled her as she wondered what topics the world-renowned scholars would di

That evening, Hentel sat across from Sierra as promised. He rolled the orange potion Sierra handed him between his fingers. It was merely a headache remedy at best. However, she combined it using an unusual method people rarely used, and it produced a highly successful result. His curiosity deepened. [Hentel] "I received an invitation to a symposium regarding the advancement of medicine and pharmacy this time." People already knew the Ideos Ducal Family invited Hentel. [Sierr

Sierra swallowed hard and brainwashed herself again. She recalled the massive gap between him, a Duke, and herself, a commoner. A Duke and a commoner. Under Imperial law, they shared a destiny where they would rarely meet, nor should they meet. Unless she became a mistress or a courtesan, they had no reason to intertwine. He is an unreachable fruit. He is a poisonous apple I must not eat, salty seawater, a destiny bound to fall apart anyway once the misunderstanding clears. S

[Hentel] "......Did you create that medicine yourself?" She offered a friendly smile. [Sierra] "It is nothing special. Just a headache remedy." [Hentel] "A headache remedy? I have never seen one with such a color!" Sierra had no reason to hide her abilities anymore. She lifted her chin and replied with ease. [Sierra] "I developed the method myself." In contrast to her casual attitude, Hentel narrowed his eyes and shook his head. [Hentel] "I sense pure magic power and remarkab

[Sierra] "Did you know you have a second mommy?" [Hanael] "......No." She spoke in a babyish tone and buried her face in Sierra's chest. [Hanael] "I only have one mommy!" Tears soaked her chest. She knew without looking that tears filled Hanael's large eyes. I held back until now...... I worried she might think she had no mother just like she has no father. Sierra stroked Hanael's hair, lost in deep thought. Initially, she taught Hanael to call her "Aunt." After calling her A

Cassius stared out the window. His second-floor office offered a perfect view of the landscape. From here, the garden paths of the Duchy spread out clearly. This meant the sight of Sierra and Abel walking together remained in full view. While working in the quiet room, he had opened the window and accidentally caught sight of their cheerful moment. [Sierra] "Ha, it’s...... it’s......." [Abel] "Yes! It’s exciting...... hurry......." Though the distance muffled their words, Sie

Cassius stared out the window. His second-floor office offered a perfect view of the landscape. From here, the garden paths of the Duchy spread out clearly. This meant the sight of Sierra and Abel walking together remained in full view. While working in the quiet room, he had opened the window and accidentally caught sight of their cheerful moment. [Sierra] "Ha, it’s...... it’s......." [Abel] "Yes! It’s exciting...... hurry......." Though the distance muffled their words, Sie

[Cassius] “......Who are you?” They stood before the gates of the ducal mansion. Duke Ideos questioned Abel. Abel looked up at the man, who stood a full head taller than him. Does he not know me? I thought he would! Abel bowed with a bright smile. [Abel] “Ah, you are Duke Ideos, right? I’m Abel. I lived with Miss Sierra!” [Cassius] “Lived with her......?” As a shapeshifter, Abel frequently heard news from the human world, but he didn't understand the finer points of human nat

Every eye in the room fixed on Sierra. She looked at Andante, who trembled with a mix of shock and petty fear. [Sierra] "I... I'm fine." Sierra wanted to say she didn't mind the confrontation, but she caught Cassius' terrifying gaze. She stared back at him. To her surprise, the rims of his eyes shimmered with red. [Cassius] "I told you I would protect you." Oh, heavens. No. He must not cry! Sierra loved a handsome man's tears, but she certainly didn't want them now. She grabb

Andante cleared her throat. She never expected Sierra to agree so easily. However, her goal remained the same: remove the woman who threatened to stain the family's reputation. Even if she felt momentarily pushed back, she had no intention of retreating. [Andante] "Hmph. Sharing a table with a commoner leaves a bad taste in my mouth." She shot a look at Sierra that clearly said, 'A commoner like you is pathetic.' Receiving her glare, Sierra spoke with a modest and kind tone.

Sierra scanned the interior of the restaurant. Since the Duke of Ideos chose the location, she expected a stiff, aristocratic atmosphere. Tension gripped her. However, as she stepped inside with Cassius, admiration replaced her worry. [Sierra] "This place is......" [Cassius] "Let's go inside, Sierra." She couldn't hide her surprise with every step. Back in the Academy, Sierra once described her dream home. She had mentioned a preference for a cozy house, much like a humble re