Luris recalled what Interle had once told her gravely.

"The best way to solve a problem is to trick—ahem—ask someone else to handle it. You just stand by and—ahem—smile while watching."

At first, she hadn’t understood what had gotten into Interle. But now, facing this situation and thinking of Yan Yi’s combat strength, Luris decisively agreed those words were spot on.

"I need to see my mom first. I’ll postpone meeting Juben for now."

Luris thought for a moment and realized she should change into casual clothes too.

"After Yan Yi finishes learning his duties, take him to Juben. Bring my luggage to my room to unpack."

She said this to the maids. The head maid immediately sent one to find Yan Yi, while the others carried the luggage behind Luris.

Meanwhile, Yan Yi and Butler Bai had walked some distance. Yan Yi marveled at the Aite estate’s wealth—lush forests, green lawns, a small lake. This wasn’t even where Luris lived.

They entered a house that seemed like a tailor’s shop. Butler Bai rummaged through cabinets, glancing at Yan Yi occasionally.

"Luckily, Yan Yi, your build isn’t unusual. We have ready-made clothes that fit you."

How did you eyeball my size? Yan Yi recalled the person who’d given him his school uniform—just one glance, and they’d had the perfect fit. These skills must be trainable.

Yan Yi took the uniform. It was a butler’s suit, all black like his school uniform but far more formal.

He looked at himself in the mirror, thinking of this bizarre experience, and sighed.

"So I’m switching to a humanoid Gundam? I don’t feel it at all."

"Humanoid Gundam? What’s that?"

Butler Bai was puzzled. As a butler, he aimed to eliminate unknowns.

"Nothing."

Yan Yi shook his head. It’s your job! What’s to explain? No self-awareness at all?

Butler Bai didn’t press further. He began explaining Yan Yi’s duties.

Yan Yi added he preferred cleaning tasks. Avoid serving Luris directly—he feared being tricked.

Butler Bai saw Yan Yi was a close, mutually mischievous friend to Luris. For Yan Yi’s safety, he’d keep duties light. If the young miss started playing around... Butler Bai sighed inwardly. She’d been so well-behaved before those parties.

Yan Yi’s tasks were simple: just a few areas to clean regularly. If others knew he earned a hundred gold coins for this, the servants would go crazy.

When they left the house, a maid stood waiting outside.

"Butler Bai, Butler Yan."

She smiled and bowed. Yan Yi quickly observed her. Hmm, not like café maids at all—fair skin, a bust even more impressive than Luris’s, probably around—

"Ahem."

Butler Bai’s cough cut off Yan Yi’s daydream. He was puzzled. The young miss was far prettier and more elegant than any maid. Why was this guy so calm around her but excited over servants?

Yan Yi didn’t know Butler Bai’s thoughts. Otherwise, he’d have snapped, "That’s an otaku’s dream! Doubting my faith?!"

Reminded, Yan Yi straightened his gaze. The maid already gave him a disgusted look and stepped back.

"Butler Yan, the young miss said to go to the drawing room after your duties."

Unaware of her implication, the maid paused as if gathering courage.

"I’ll guide you there."

Hey, it’s obvious! I just looked a little longer!

Yan Yi felt heartbroken. He shot a pleading look at Butler Bai, who wisely turned away. You dug this hole—now jump in!

Yan Yi forced a smile.

"Alright, let’s go now."

He stepped forward. The maid stepped back, turned, and led the way. No matter how Yan Yi adjusted his pace, they stayed three meters apart.

He admired these uncanny skills inwardly. Pity about the faint sadness...

...

Luris returned to her room. While maids unpacked her luggage, she changed into a white strap dress.

Naturally beautiful, her golden eyes added nobility. The dress exposed her collarbone and arms, giving a hint of allure.

She quickly tidied her messy hair and went to see her mom.

Luris’s mother looked young, like an adult version of Luris. Her long black hair and golden eyes radiated authority.

But Luris knew her mom wasn’t truly stern. Except with her dad, she was gentle to everyone.

After chatting awhile, Luris said she’d check on Juben and prepared to leave.

"Luris, Juben truly cares for you," her mom sighed. This wasn’t the first time. Juben had visited often, clearly fond of Luris—even Luris saw it. Her mom approved of him.

Juben was a year older but had reached the peak of Class B. He was popular at the Western Magic Academy.

Most importantly, he wasn’t two-faced. He genuinely liked Luris and had rejected countless confessions.

Luris stopped walking. She closed her eyes and slowly exhaled.

"I know, Mom."

But I can’t. I—

She walked away.

Watching her daughter’s back, Luris’s mother felt a faint sadness. Her words of persuasion died unspoken.

Before the drawing room, Luris steadied her nerves and pushed the door open.

Inside sat a boy with handsome features, emerald green hair and eyes. He turned at the sound, seeing the figure he cherished most. Luris in white made his heart skip.

"L-Luris, long time no see."

Juben’s voice held joy and nervousness. He stood immediately.

"Mm, long time no see."

Luris smiled naturally, like a friend.

A silence fell. She wanted to ask how he was but couldn’t speak.

"Luris, I—"

Juben steeled himself again, ready to confess as before.

Luris raised a hand to stop him. In his confusion, she continued.

"I know what you’ll say. Wait."

She turned toward the door.

"Yan Yi, you’re here. Come in."

Yan Yi had been eavesdropping at the door. Just as he wondered about the weird atmosphere, Luris’s voice reached him.

He wanted to flee—he’d be tricked for sure.

But her next words cut off escape.

"Run, and face the consequences."

Yan Yi froze. If Luris and Interle targeted him everywhere, he’d go mad. Gritting his teeth, he thought, "If not me, who enters hell?"

He pushed the door open. Luris and a boy—surely Juben—stood there. Seeing Luris in casual wear stunned him. He almost complimented her when she spoke.

"This is Yan Yi. A friend from Central Academy. He’s my butler now. He’s very strong. Defeat him, and I’ll... agree to date you."