Near the royal capital of Lost, there was a small village called Light Village. Life here was peaceful and harmonious.

Sophia felt this way.

But deep down, she knew her stable days were entirely thanks to Young Master Derek’s kindness.

This kindness included her freedom too.

Now, Kana was the one caring for her.

Kana was a beautiful middle-aged woman who treated her with gentle warmth.

Compared to her mother who abandoned her and her father who beat her after gambling losses, Kana felt like true family.

Sophia deeply respected Kana.

But…

The one who held first place in her heart remained that handsome, cold youth—Derek.

Sophia first met Derek in the dark cage of an auction house.

Back then, the dim light blurred day and night.

But when Derek stepped in, a ray of brilliance pierced the darkness.

That was Sophia’s first impression of him.

After leaving the auction house for Light Village, she realized she’d been wrong…

How could she have been so foolish?

How could a cheap glimmer ever compare to Young Master Derek?!

Young Master Derek was blinding radiance!

He was the god of this world!

…

Remembering Derek, Sophia couldn’t help touching her flushed cheeks again.

She might seem fanatical.

But she didn’t think it excessive.

Anyone who knew Young Master Derek’s deeds would willingly offer devotion.

…

On Sophia’s first night in Light Village, after stepping off the carriage, she overheard Butler Xinzel and Kana discussing Young Master Derek’s noble acts.

Her fondness for Derek deepened.

But what truly conquered her heart was everything he arranged afterward.

The next morning, after helping Kana with chores, Sophia had nothing to do.

Free from survival worries, an overwhelming emptiness filled her.

She had no thoughts, no goals, no idea where she’d go.

This confusion sparked new fear.

Just then, her "god" delivered a new decree…

Xinzel returned to Light Village, placing a stack of books before her.

Basic literacy readers, magic theory, alchemy fundamentals—even the ultra-rare Hohenheim’s Alchemical Notebook.

Thoughtful. Complete. Grand.

"These are from Young Master Derek," Xinzel said.

Staring at the cold butler, Sophia froze.

Though sheltered, she knew books were precious!

Young Master Derek gave them to her directly?!

"I… this…"

Flustered, she wanted to refuse but stammered, too nervous to speak.

Xinzel saw her state. "Sophia, don’t overthink it. Take them all. Young Master Derek believes you have alchemy talent."

Alchemy talent?!

Heavens, she didn’t even know what alchemy was!

How could she have talent?

"I… I might not… be that good…"

Head lowered, her small hands clenched her pants’ fabric. She whispered, flustered and insecure.

Xinzel sighed softly. "Sophia, I’ll be honest. I think the same—you likely won’t benefit from these."

Her heart chilled. She didn’t notice her wrinkled pants, only a painful knot inside.

Hearing it aloud still crushed her, even if true.

Ignoring her pained face, Xinzel continued. "But I deeply respect Young Master Derek. Though weak in strength, he has noble character and sharp wisdom. He ordered this, so I obey. It seems absurd, but I trust his judgment. Sophia…"

He placed a hand on her shoulder.

Feeling its weight, Sophia looked up.

"He asked me to tell you: he believes you can do it."

Young Master Derek believes in me?!

Something slammed into her heart, jolting her whole body!

Her mother discarded her like trash. Her father saw her as a burden. Others found her plain and insignificant. Yet Derek chose to believe in her.

She released her pants and reached tremblingly for the books.

She might fail, but she wouldn’t let him down.

Seeing her resolve, Xinzel relaxed. "Don’t stress, Sophia. Failing’s fine—alchemy’s profound. You’ll gain something from learning. Young Master Derek said, ‘Knowledge changes fate.’ I think he wants you to forget the past and start anew."

(These words were Derek’s excuse to convince Xinzel. He’d never worried about Sophia’s alchemy skills. Xinzel didn’t know that…)

Knowledge changes fate?!

Start a new life?!

Tears blurred Sophia’s eyes.

She hugged the books tightly, wiping tears, determined to meet his expectations.

…

Days passed. Sophia buried herself in studying.

Literacy came quickly—tutoring at the auction house had prepared her.

Magic theory was tough, but alchemy basics fascinated her.

Novel concepts immersed her.

Sometimes she thought, maybe Young Master Derek was right. Alchemy was interesting.

But to practice, she needed awakened magic power—some alchemy required it.

Humans awakened magic at a certain age, influenced by ambient mana. Luck played a big role; poor talent meant never awakening.

Sophia worried fiercely. What if her lack of talent failed Derek?

How could she face her benefactor as a nobody?

No. She couldn’t think that!

She must awaken magic!

Yes—for Young Master Derek, she’d master alchemy!

As she thought this, something surged inside her…

Faint but real. Fresh. Refreshing.

This…

Just like the books described!

Sophia realized—magic awakening!

My god, Young Master Derek is a god! Absolutely a god!

Devote yourself to him, and he fulfills your wishes!

Rescued when trapped. Guided when lost. Now magic awakened—he answered her prayers.

With magic, she tried simple alchemy from the books.

She was surprisingly adept. Maybe she truly had talent.

Who but a god foresaw this?

Yes, Young Master Derek was a god—just unaware of it.

Her reverence for him deepened.

Whenever Teresia returned to the village, Sophia ran to hear about Derek.

For Teresia, the duke’s mansion meant food stories.

She happily shared her joys.

Hearing them, Sophia saw Derek’s kindness clearer.

Knowing Teresia’s huge appetite, Derek sharing his food proved his noble heart.

But one day, Teresia shared not food—but sleeping.

After listening, Sophia’s cheeks burned crimson.

Teresia was clueless about romance, but Sophia understood.

Derek spent a peaceful night with her? He was truly… so upright!

Relief washed over her.

Sophia suddenly envied Teresia fiercely.

She wished to live with Derek—eating together, playing together, even… sleeping together…

Blushing, she covered her face and fled to her room.

That night, she slept poorly.

Hugging Derek’s books in bed, recalling his handsome face, her heart raced. She bit her lip slightly, eyes growing hazy.

Curled under covers, she felt shame. Impure thoughts about her god.

She was blasphemous!

Desecrating her divine idol on this quiet night!

But she craved it… so much… to use her lowly body to desecrate Young Master Derek’s nobility!

"Young Master Derek~"

The tightly wrapped bedding radiated heat.

…

Since then, Sophia’s longing for Derek grew stronger.

For Light Village, today was ordinary.

But Sophia suddenly received good news…