“Lilia!”

“Big Sis, save me~~~”

Trapped between them like a human shield—used as a hiding spot in their playful game of hide-and-seek—I let out a sigh dripping with utter despair, silently praying their couple antics would end soon.

“We meet again, Victoria,” Freud finally caught his wife. “Lilia’s caused you trouble. As compensation… how about joining us for a meal?”

“My apologies, young master,” I shook my head slightly. “Since you’ve already guessed *what* I am… please allow me to decline.”

“May I ask why?”

“This body… lacks the function to eat.”

Watching them feast while flaunting their affection? I’d be damned if I sat through that. Freud seemed to realize it too—his handsome smile slowly crumbling, the air thickening with awkwardness. Just then, a cold wind swept past, deepening the desolation.

“My apologies…”

“No need, young master.” I bowed deeply with perfect maid etiquette. “I hereby offer my highest respects to the heir of House of Northenberg.”

Straightening up, I gently nudged Lilia’s back, guiding her into Freud’s arms.

“Wishing you both a pleasant afternoon. Goodbye.”

Another bow. Then I turned and walked away.

“Big Sis… is your name Victoria?”

I paused and glanced back at Lilia. In my past life, I’d only seen her portrait—my impression frozen in paint. But now… walking beside the real her on this street? Honestly… it felt strangely warm.

Without noticing, a faint fondness had taken root.

“No,” I shook my head. “Victoria is my master.”

I crossed the street swiftly and melted into the crowd.

After parting with Freud and Lilia, I wrapped up shopping in record time. Thanks to the Item Vault, hauling goods was effortless. Nearly every merchant staff eyed my magic with naked envy. Strange… wasn’t this spell supposed to be easy with basic aptitude?

Back at my base in Golden Lion City, I arranged each purchased item carefully. This tiny home slowly breathed with lived-in warmth—a coziness that settled deep in my chest. Soon, I’d leave House Lude. This would be my new home.

Joy bloomed at the thought.

“Disconnect. Link off.”

Vision receded. A dizzying spin—and I was back in House Lude’s attic. Stretching stiff limbs, I dashed to the restroom. Returning, I found Chris—transformed into a black cat—perched on my makeshift desk, back turned, tail twitching in clear displeasure.

“Chris, what’s wrong?” I stroked his fur. “No dried fish treats today?”

“Hmph. Just bored.”

*Oh ho ho*… Could this guy be lonely? I lifted him, burying my face in his impossibly soft fur. No musk—only a faint, clean fragrance, as if groomed daily. Even noble cats rarely got this treatment. In this era, cats were for catching mice, after all.

“Don’t worry,” I set him on the cushion. “We’ll leave soon. Leave this crumbling house behind.”

“But… is that really okay? Isn’t this your home?”

“Chris,” a quiet heat simmered in my chest, “parents don’t lock their child in an attic wishing her dead. This was never my home. It took two lifetimes to see that.”

Looking back… how weak I was. I once blamed these eyes for the abuse. Golden Demon Eyes, with upturned corners that screamed menace. I’d cried apologies to Father—earning zero sympathy. He doted only on Elizabeth, though she wasn’t even his blood.

This rebirth unraveled truths: Elizabeth’s favor came from her Beguiling Eye. My golden eyes? Inherited. Aleister, the ancestor forced into the countship, also had them—and he was a Demon Eye bearer.

Which meant… I might awaken one too.

“Victoria… truly no regret?”

“Regret?” I laughed softly. “I’m too happy. This is my choice. Love can’t be begged for. I won’t repeat past mistakes.”

“…If you’re happy, that’s enough.”

Chris turned away, curling into a black furball on the cushion, feigning sleep.

Strange… why do *you* seem so sad?

Snow fell relentlessly for a week. Confined to the attic, I connected daily to the puppet in Golden Lion City, refining the alchemy lab. Ancient Alchemy could forge anything—but buying some materials was wiser. Watching shelves fill, my mood lifted.

Once the lab was ready, I decorated the second-floor bedroom with little trinkets. Last life, paralyzed, my room was downstairs—now the lab. This time? With legs that walk freely… upstairs felt right.

Outside, snow drifted. Though Golden Lion City lay east of Ludwig Barony, snow showed no mercy. Icy black walls blocked the view—no snow-capped peaks, no frosted forests. Winter painted the western ranges in stark black and white. Between them, human settlements once glittered like stars.

Sadly, pre-empire wars left most Ancients’ settlements in ruins. Yet countless Era of the Ancients relics remain pristine. Even this wall—blocking my view—stands firm after three millennia. Their technology feels like myth. Hard to believe humanity once soared so high.

Like the Ancient Alchemy I wield.

Elizabeth’s complaints about bland food occasionally drifted up—my attic sat right above the dining hall. Even with an old carpet, her voice carried. Winter meant no garden work. Kent, the gardener, took Brother John back to town; House Lude’s coffers, drained by Elizabeth’s spending, couldn’t pay wages or lodging.

Once separated, the Beguiling Eye’s effect fades. Kent must be frustrated now… If only he drank less.

Ten days later, peace shattered.

Dawn broke clear—a rare, brilliant blue sky. Sunlight peeked over mountain peaks, glinting on snow-laden roofs. Northeast-style steep roofs shed melting snow effortlessly.

As usual, I washed up and hunched over Aleister’s assignment. My mentor? A bit goofy—but fiercely strict. Last night’s Arcane Formula activated easily… but hitting 95% mana efficiency? Tricky.

Current score: 94.7%. *So close.*

***BOOM!***

A thunderous blast shook the gate. The city’s defensive barrier flickered—hexagonal shield modules flashing in magical lightning. Alarm bells rang. Twenty House Lude soldiers scrambled up the walls.

“Victoria!” Chris the black cat leaped beside me. “The castle’s under attack! To the basement—now!”

“No rush, Chris.” I tucked my notes away with a cold smile. “All according to plan.”

“But it’s dangerous!”

“That spell was just a greeting.” My lips curled upward. “House Saxon’s troops came light—no siege weapons. No real siege.”

“Chris.” I lifted him onto my lap. “Everything’s under control.”

He fell silent, golden eyes fixed on mine, perfectly still.

“Observer, activate.”

It slipped through the vent, circled the castle, and approached the walls from outside.

“Hold fire! No shots without the Count’s order!”

Jack—armor gleaming—barked commands from the ramparts. His whip-hand skill that day? Proof of military grit. Soldiers stowed heavy crossbows. *Damn.* He’s ruining my fun. No clash? No chaos.

Perched on a hill—cliffs north, gentle slope south—House Saxon’s force gathered below: ~30 troops, three armored knights, the rest infantry. Barely a brawl… yet their banner flew proudly, House Saxon’s crest blazing in sun.

“I am Lawrence of House Saxon! I demand to speak with Count Lud!”

The lead knight removed his helmet. Through the Observer, I scanned them: one mage apprentice (mana spent on that single spell), no barriers, no threats.

*Heh.*

Opportunity had arrived.