At dawn, Rebecca opened her eyes. She’d barely slept last night—not because she couldn’t, but because her mind churned all night over the Alchemy Codices she’d seen yesterday.
After years with Demon Potions, Rebecca could deduce effects from basic codex formulas using potion theory. Experiments would confirm it later, but she always mentally simulated the process first.
“Third Miss, you’re awake?” The door creaked open quietly. A petite, adorable girl stepped in. Despite her cute looks, she was actually a year older than Rebecca. This was Selena, the maid assigned by Duke Ruta—Rebecca’s nominal grandfather.
Oh, right—Rebecca was now the Third Miss of the Ruta Family. Yesterday, seeing Duke Ruta’s frail, despondent state, she’d felt an inexplicable pity. On impulse, she’d grasped his outstretched hand. Overjoyed, the Duke welcomed home the “daughter” of his deceased son without thorough checks. Maybe because Rebecca resembled the Ruta family, especially his late daughter… Anyway, she’d inexplicably become the granddaughter of Duke Ruta of the Kasmo Empire’s Ruta Family.
“Third Miss, it was too rushed—we don’t have your clothes yet… This is Miss Carina’s dress~” Selena said, taking the neatly folded gown from a nearby maid and presenting it. Oh, and Carina was the sister from the library entrance incident two days ago. She’d also gone with Duke Ruta to the Norna Faith yesterday.
A goose-yellow, puffy dress dotted with tiny pink flowers~ Oh god, Rebecca vowed she’d stuff this cringe-worthy gown into a fire dragon’s maw and burn it to ashes if she could.
Rebecca shook her head. “My nun’s habit…”
“The nun’s habit? It’s washed, but not dry yet…” Selena walked to the window and peered down. There, hanging to dry, was Rebecca’s habit.
Rebecca closed her eyes in agony, then snatched the black robe she’d brought from the Dark Lord’s palace—the one made from blood dragon serpent skin. She threw it on, slipped on her shoes, and got out of bed.
“Ah! Third Miss! Let me help! Third Miss? Where are you going?” Selena felt helpless—Rebecca gave her no chance to serve. Seeing Rebecca stride out alone, Selena hurried after her.
“Third Miss, where are you going? Slow down, be careful not to fall!” Selena nagged tirelessly. Rebecca ignored her, heading downstairs under curious servant gazes toward the Ruta Family study Carina had pointed out yesterday.
Rebecca believed the Duke’s collection, though no match for Hobi Library, held rare books hard to find elsewhere. That was her goal.
They’d returned too late last night for her to go then. Early this morning, she rushed over hoping to find useful texts. But stepping into the study, she found someone inside—the man who’d accompanied Duke Ruta yesterday.
“Third Miss, don’t enter the study, uh…” Selena called, too late. Rebecca had already pushed the door open. Selena hurried over, saw the man at the desk, and bowed low. “Lord Charles!”
Charles Ruta, Duke Ruta’s second son. With the eldest deceased, he was now the Ruta Family’s first heir.
Charles didn’t glance at Selena. He waved her off dismissively, then fixed his gaze on Rebecca. “What are you doing in the study?”
Selena had wanted to pull Rebecca away, but seeing Charles address her, she gave Rebecca a helpless look and quietly retreated.
“Reading…”
“Reading?” Charles paused, frowning. “What books are worth reading here?”
Hearing this, Rebecca surveyed the room. Well, silly Carina had misled her. Though called a study, it held mostly official documents—Charles’s workplace.
“Carina… said… books… here…” Rebecca said helplessly.
Charles didn’t speak. He stared at her a long moment. Rebecca met his gaze without flinching, her eyes calm, holding no hostility.
“I can’t confirm if you’re truly my brother’s child,” Charles stated bluntly. “I’ll investigate you thoroughly. My father is old. Grieving for my late brother, he lost judgment and brought home a girl of unknown origins. But I’m different—I’ll uncover every detail. The Ruta Family cannot harbor someone unverified. Of course, if you are his daughter, I’ll raise and care for you as your father.” He spoke directly—words he’d held back yesterday for the Duke’s sake.
Rebecca stayed silent. She’d never claimed to be the deceased eldest son’s daughter. This was entirely the Duke’s wishful thinking.
Just then, Mia rushed in, Selena trailing behind—clearly summoned by the maid.
“Brother, what were you saying to Rebecca?” Mia asked with a smile.
“Nothing. Just casual talk.”
“Did she disturb your work?”
“No. Is breakfast ready?”
“I came to call you to the dining room. Father’s already waiting~”
Charles nodded and stood. Passing Rebecca, he added, “If you want books, I’ll send some. I have many in my room. Tell me what you need.”
“Alchemy Codices…”
“Alchemy Codices? You’re interested in those? I don’t have many, but Father should. I’ll have them found and sent.” Charles walked past her toward the door. At the threshold, he paused. “Thank you for saving my daughter the day before yesterday…”
“Uh…” Rebecca was taken aback. This straightforward, unpretentious man intrigued her.
“Oh, right—we returned late last night, and Anna was asleep. After breakfast, I’ll take you to her. Check her condition—you did save her~” Mia said, taking Rebecca’s hand. “Come on, I’ll take you to the dining room~”
