About ten minutes later, Martha and Juliana returned, arms full of supplies. Seeing Alexia collapsed on the floor, they froze in perfect unison—shock etched across both faces.

"She’s fine. I gave her first aid," I said, setting down my teacup. I glanced at the empty plate with a hint of regret. "Martha, Juliana, please move Alexia to the sofa. I won’t have her sleeping on the floor her very first day. Rumors like that would harm us both."

"As you wish."

They carried Alexia to the sofa. Martha then approached me with a respectful bow.

"Young mistress, may this servant ask… what exactly happened?"

"Just a childish prank," I smiled. "Alexia tried adding 'Flamel' as her middle name. I warned her, but she thought I was mocking her. And well… you see the result."

Martha sighed helplessly. "This child really lacks common sense."

"Indeed. I share your regret."

We were in agreement. The "Flamel Curse" was infamous—scholars had published papers on it. Common knowledge, even for children. Yet Alexia didn’t know. I was stunned. How could such a fool exist?

"Pardon me, young mistress," Juliana stepped forward and curtsied. "Are you… truly permitted to use 'Flamel' as your middle name?"

"Yes." I rose carefully, lifted my skirt hem, and gave an elegant curtsy. "Victoria Flamel von Lud. Disciple of Archmage Aleister Flamel von Lud. Eldest daughter of House Lude. Adopted daughter of the House of Northenberg. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Juliana Hawkins."

A formal introduction. Yet the "Flamel Curse" did not trigger.

Martha looked amazed—probably thinking, *Our young mistress is incredible, unafraid of the curse~* But Juliana grasped the deeper meaning. She was the one who truly understood.

Heh. Dealing with a sharp mind needs no lengthy words. Juliana was clever, skilled at masking emotions. An ally like her would be invaluable. An enemy? A nightmare. My priority now: discern her stance. Could she stand with me someday?

Since the Hawkins family provided her as my maid, they must still hold the Duke’s trust. Then… what secret hides behind their rebellion two years from now? Perhaps I could turn this to my advantage—and win Juliana’s loyalty.

A loyalty… willing to die for me.

Alexia finally woke after half a day unconscious. Crying bitterly in Emma’s arms like a child haunted by nightmares—perhaps this was her true self. Both twelve years old… why couldn’t she be as composed as Juliana? Children truly vary.

Propped on cushions at my desk, I struggled to maintain proper posture. Today’s tasks were many, but finishing the *Budget Application* was critical—it secured funding for my research. Alchemy solved much, but my age barred me from doing everything myself. In short… I needed the Duke’s financial support.

As I filled numbers into the form, Juliana appeared beside me, teapot in hand, her expression growing increasingly horrified.

"Young mistress," she asked cautiously, "are you… doing arithmetic beyond ten?"

"No. This is a budget application," I paused my pen. "I’m launching a research project and require the Duke’s backing. The proposal’s submitted. This must reach His Grace for review before afternoon."

"But your tutor arrives at noon."

"Ah. The tutor."

To me, "tutor" meant little more than a noble girl’s private instructor. My past life offered no tutors—the entire Lud family wished me dead. Why educate me? I entered the academy at twelve, struggling fiercely without basics.

Yet that hardship taught me literacy and arithmetic thoroughly. I hardly needed a tutor now. I’d just go through the motions.

"Excuse me—is Miss Victoria available?"

A knock. Martha set the sniffling Alexia aside and opened the door with a smile. Another head maid entered, followed by a shy-looking woman with chestnut hair and gentle brown eyes. Pretty, yet unremarkable—and her timid air dimmed her presence.

"This is Miss Daphne Dulitt," the maid announced. "Hired by Young Master Freud as Miss Victoria’s tutor."

"H-Hello, young mistress!" She curtsied toward Alexia. "I’m Daphne. Starting today, I’ll guide you in reading and writing."

Alexia stared, utterly confused. The room tensed. At least she’d stopped crying—though her sniffles grated on my nerves.

"Miss Dulitt, I’m here," I set down my pen. "Perfect timing. Could you verify this form?"

I handed her the completed budget sheet. A tutor should understand it… right?

Flustered, Daphne circled to my side. One glance at the form—and her face paled.

"Y-Young mistress… forgive my boldness… is this a test?"

"Exactly. Your interview," I offered a faint smile. "Young Master Freud hired you. You must possess the required competence, correct?"

Daphne nodded frantically.

"Good. Several more forms need verification."

"Y-Yes…"

Bewildered, she accepted the sheets, sat at the tea table, and began checking numbers. The maid who’d escorted her slipped away. Martha opened her mouth but stayed silent. Alexia sniffled—the room’s only noise. Juliana stood rigid beside me, pale-faced, words trapped on her tongue.

"Victoria, I’m here to play! Huh? Why’s the vibe so weird?"

Lilia burst in unannounced, blunt as ever. Seeing her "savior," Daphne’s eyes welled with tears.

"Sister Lilia~~~~ Save me!"

Before she lunged, Lilia shot out a hand—*crack!*—grabbing Daphne’s cheek, holding her at arm’s length. Poor Daphne dangled midair, legs swinging limply like noodles.

"Daphne, isn’t my little sister *adorable*?"

"Not cute at all!"

Silence. Then—*shing!* Lilia’s sword flashed to Daphne’s throat. Smiling sweetly, eyes glinting with menace.

"Dearest Daphne… explain. *What* about Victoria isn’t cute?"

"Everything!" Daphne rallied. "Who uses their tutor as a secretary on day one?! I’m new, but I’ve *never* heard of this!"

Pffft—hahaha!

Lilia doubled over laughing. She sheathed her sword, "affectionately" looped an arm around Daphne’s neck. A faint *crack* echoed. My imagination. *Had* to be.

"Daphne, my husband *paid* for you. Don’t be ungrateful…"

"Can I resign?!"

"No."

"Why?!" Daphne thrust the form at her. "Sister, look! Is this something a six-year-old makes?! Forgive my incompetence—but this student’s *smarter* than me!"

Lilia squinted at the paper, face blank. My muscle-brained sister-in-law clearly couldn’t read numbers.

"Daphne, that’s not the point," she kept smiling. "If you quit day one, how will Victoria enter high society? Finish your work. Or else."

*Swish.* Sword back at her throat.

"You understand?"

Daphne: *Whimper…*

Their banter was amusing, but my focus stayed locked on the *Budget Application*. The Duke needed it by afternoon. Zero room for error.

"Victoria~" Lilia hugged me from behind, crimson hair spilling over my eyes. "Let’s train swords in the courtyard! Muscles mean health!"

…Muscles? I’d freeze to death in the wind first.

But her strength was overwhelming. She hoisted me up, tucked me under her arm, and strode out before I could protest.

Wait—my budget isn’t finished!

"Lilia. Where do you think you’re taking Victoria?"

"Huh? Husband! Weren’t you training the knights?"

"The moment I heard you headed here, I came," Freud sighed. "Victoria needs rest. Don’t exhaust her."

"Uuu… fine."

Phew—! Saved! I don’t mind outings… but not today. This budget *must* be done. It’s work!