Sephina Even was my childhood friend. A busty girl from a wealthy merchant family, she had a sweet face and a kind heart. Her only flaw? She was missing a screw in her head—or, bluntly, airheaded, ditzy, clueless. Words like "idiot" fit her perfectly. Rumor had it she’d bumped her head as a kid.

Ever since we were little, she’d drop by my house whenever she felt like it, clinging to me. She was one of my home’s few regular guests.

I could guess how bandits kidnapped her. Probably lured by a lollipop or something.

"Sephina, how did you get kidnapped here?"

At my question, Sephina touched her face, looking up as if deep in thought.

"Huh? Let me think... Yesterday, I met a strange uncle who said he had yummy candy. So he brought me here. What’s the problem?"

"......"

"Nothing. It’s a miracle you’ve survived this long."

I was right. Even a three-year-old wouldn’t fall for that trick.

Exasperated, I patted her ample chest. It jiggled like a water-filled balloon.

You’re the epitome of all boobs and no brains.

"Let’s go. This young master will escort you home."

I snapped my fingers again. A blue Teleportation Portal appeared before me, set to Sephina’s doorstep.

"Huh? What’s this? What’s this? Did you make this, Brother Kuber?"

Sephina’s eyes lit up like a child finding a new toy.

"Yes, yes. Just get in already."

I shoved her through. Nina and I followed, stepping into the Teleportation Portal.

The dungeon vanished, replaced by a mansion gate. Smaller than my old estate, but equally lavish.

I closed the portal immediately—partly to avoid attention, partly fearing Sephina’s addiction. Sure enough, she clung to my arm, begging to try it again.

I ignored her and knocked. A white-haired butler opened the door.

"Oh! Miss Sephina, you’re back!" He adjusted his glasses, relief flooding his face at her unharmed state. His gaze shifted to me, surprise replacing joy. "Young Master William? Wonderful! The mistress has been searching for you. Please, come in."

"Thank you, Uncle Frank," I nodded. That widow with a thing for young boys seeking me? No surprise. With my family’s downfall, this was her perfect chance.

"You’re too kind, Young Master William."

The butler led us through a garden alive with birdsong and blooms. Servants pruned flowers everywhere. A pang hit me—I’d once owned all this, gone in a blink.

In the guest hall, I flopped onto a plush leather sofa, soaking in the air of wealth. Nina stood quietly beside me.

Sephina moved to sit, but the butler gently blocked her. "Miss, please clean up first," he said with a wry smile at her filthy clothes.

"Okay..." Sephina glanced at herself, then at me helplessly. "Brother Kuber, wait for me, okay?"

"Young Master William, please wait. I’ll inform the mistress." The butler left. Moments later, a beautiful maid entered with tea. As she poured, Nina took the pot.

"I’ll handle this."

"Yes, ma’am." The maid nodded and retreated.

A warmth spread in my chest. Nina never forgot her place as my maid.