From the balcony of the auction house, an old man wearing a full-white magus cloak watched how the infamous duke caught a few bad eggs, acting like a knight in shining armor that was out of his character. Instead of someone’s savior, he appeared like a visiting reaper instead.
There was also the lass. Even though she wasn’t the target of the duke, the little lass still sprinted away like a scared rabbit. She didn’t even know that she was sitting at the young duke’s reserved seat without his permission. The old magus couldn’t help but chuckle after seeing the funny sight.
“Anyway, what do we have here? It seemed the stupid duke brat really liked the lassie for him to waste time like this.” The chief magus of the Antacastian royal court frowned and shook his head. “He’s not joking. He’s dead set for that little lassie. Anyway, his old fossil of a grandfather will surely love this news. Who could have thought that his grandson who usually hates women would suddenly beco
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Lili jumped out of her feet and almost tripped on her crimson dress in shock. The intricate butterfly mask she wore slipped out of her face. Fortunately, Loth immediately stepped forward and caught the mask before it could even hit the floor. With a hand on her chest, Lili sighed in relief after seeing the butterfly mask safe. It was a unique artifact personally crafted by the old magus, and if the butterfly mask broke because of her carelessness… She would owe a debt. Just the thought of it was enough to pull a grimace out of her. She glimpsed at the nobles within the wide halls. Even those nobles invited by the old magus seemed to take extra care in handling those magical artifacts, almost as if they were taking care of babies. From that alone, she already surmised that the masks were something quite costly and rare, even among the nobility. Lili threw a glance at Loth, staring specifically at the butterfly mask on her hands. The middle-aged
“H-Headmistress?” Lili tilted her head, confused. She shifted her gaze to the left and saw the fake noble who dragged her into this. The once prideful fake noble was shuddering on the side. But unlike the last time, he didn’t dare to show courage and just lowered his head. He kept silent as he slumped on his knees. He was sweating like a pig under a roasting blaze. “What is happening?” His pudgy chin trembled, and if a pit suddenly appeared somewhere, he looked like he’d be more than willing to jump. And after seeing Lili, the fatty lowered his head, his quivering lips paling. On the other hand, the headmistress’ eyes lit up after seeing Lili. She stood up from her seat, circling around Lili, making sure she was safe and sound. Assured that Lili was fine, the headmistress let out a sigh of relief. She then gave the confused Lili a deep hug. “Thank god you’re safe. Lili, listen to me. Please wait for me in the other room. I will need to talk to the old master.”
Thunder fell from the skies, the winds raged, forcing all the denizens of the slums to find an abode. And whatever it would be, it’ll be better than nothing.Soon, a few pieces of debris fell from the upper district, hitting the slums’ poorly made shanties. It battered the makeshifts, testing whether or not they’d stand tall until the end. There was no mercy in the wind, thus a perfect storm, especially for the hungry and poor of the old city.Unlike those nobles and rich merchants in the upper district, the people of the slums could only grit their teeth and bore with what nature would bring. A thin flickering silhouette slowly enshrouded the towering mansion in the upper district. The flickering magic barrier deemed exclusive for the individuals who called themselves nobility.The old people of the slums, unlike the children, ignored it. They had seen it many times in their life. They cared little about the magical barrier. Instead, they shud
The old lady’s visage quivered in despair. But after hearing the familiar titters of the smelly brat hugging her from behind, she closed her eyes, gritting her teeth. She held her heaving chest, calming the hammering beats of her heart. Damn it, she almost thought it was a thief. She almost had a heart attack thinking it was some old robber from the slums. “Lili!”“Yes, headmistress!” The young lady stood ramrod straight like a soldier. Mirth dancing on her lips after she successfully pulled off her mission. She had the smile of a sea navigator who conquered the seven seas.Plap!“Ow.” Lili yelped.The old mistress had thrown a slap on the young lady’s head. Huffing, she threw a sharp gaze at the frivolous young lady, roaring at the top of her lungs. “Where the hell is the things I taught you, brat!? Where’s the ladylike stuff, huh!? I almost thought it was a damning thief! Y-you crazy b
Lili’s primary job was to take care of the little brats while also keeping them in line. Aside from that, Lili also had cooking and baking to spice out her life. Though it was part of her job, it didn’t feel like one to her. Oh, there was also the book reading part that the headmistress had forced her into.Lili also loved to be in the kitchen for some odd reason. In the kitchen, she felt close to the flames. The peace and warmth it gave were akin to a caring mother to her. She liked the feeling the flames gave her very much.She lifted her eyes and gaze at the flickering fiery embers. The warm flames had somewhat provided her the little comfort that she needed. “In the future. No, I’ll make sure that I will meet them again.”She giggled a little, finding herself silly. Who would talk to warm flames and flickering embers, right?“Lili. Is the food ready? I’ll wake the little brats now?” The tired voice of th
The crackling sounds of the carriage wheels echoed outside the doors of the orphanage. Its gem-studded wheels crushed the scattered pebbles blocking its path. It was time. The patron of the orphanage had finally arrived again to take the children at the right age to help in his business. A pudgy man wearing an English mustache stepped down from the luxurious carriage.The old mistress was already waiting outside for the great noble. She wore a fake smile as she stared at the carriage.He came a bit earlier, but they had already expected it. The boisterous little kids were already out, studying in the nearby building.The old mistress bowed towards the pudgy man and said, “Thank you for visiting, noble. We welcome you as always.”“It’s been a long time, Anna.” The pudgy noble nodded, eyeing the old mistress with satisfaction. His chin raised to the heavens, a smile filling his face. He threw a glance at Lili, making the lass f
“What is your name again?” The great noble’s tune shifted hues, turning affable once again.However, Lili felt something else from that seemingly amiable tone - it was seething anger. It made her step back a little, but soon recovered after she remembered what she did to the noble.“Lili, please call this servant Lili. S-Sir noble.” The young lady lowered her head, refusing to raise it unless she received a verdict. Despite hearing the friendly mood of the great noble, she still felt the threat of death laying above her head.“What a pleasant name you have.” The noble nodded, he slipped a glimpsed at the paling headmistress and smiled. No one knew what was running through his head.Cold sweat trickled down from Lili’s brows, her voice trembling. “I have no excuse, please punish me!”Instead of replying, the noble turned toward the old mistress. A dark-colored seal appearing on his palms. S
Half a day of preparing was not enough to say the goodbyes, especially to the little ones. Truthfully, Lili felt wretched after seeing the toddlers crying, after hearing the news about her eventual departure. But even though the pain stung, she had to hide it with a smile. She held her breath, stopping herself from crying.“Dun’ go! Dun’ go Lili!” A young girl held the hems of her skirt tightly. Her round eyes became moist. “I’ll be a good girl. I’ll help you wash the dishes. J-Just don’t go.”“Wah! Lili doesn’t want us anymore!” One little lad cried, warm drops rolling down from his eyes.“Hide her things! She mustn’t go!” A few capricious bunches skittered around her things. The little ones couldn’t stop themselves from pulling her things back to her room. They only went back to their room after one of the noble’s guards checked her out.Lili giggled at