“Apologies, Lady Barron—this was our oversight. We’ll remove him at once!”

The disheveled nobleman had barely burst into the dining room when Butler Hibert arrived swiftly with two male servants. After subduing him, Hibert hurriedly apologized to Amelia.

Some time ago, after escorting Yifia to meet Lady Barron, Hibert fell gravely ill upon returning home. Weakness and splitting headaches made him fear a terminal diagnosis—but the doctor later confirmed it was merely exhaustion. After resting, he’d only just regained his strength, eager to prove himself as Lady Barron’s capable butler.

Yet this scruffy nobleman shattered his plans! Not only had he visited unannounced, but he’d also slipped past the staff to confront Lady Barron directly. Hibert had sensed trouble the moment he saw him, but noble status barred outright expulsion. Then, while Hibert directed servants elsewhere, the man sneaked in to disturb Lady Barron!

“Lady Barron, I know my visit is improper,” the nobleman cried, wrists pinned to the floor by servants, “but please pity a desperate man! Help me find Dainalin—I beg you! I cannot live without her!” Tears streamed uncontrollably from his brown eyes at her name.

The “touching” love story drew glances, especially tied to a missing persons case. Yifia perked up, ears metaphorically twitching, ready to observe.

Help?

Nah.

She was just a commoner—less than this messy noble. What could she do? Persuade Amelia?

Ugh. She wasn’t some saint saving the world. Doing that absurd thing? She’d deserve a seat on the temple’s Buddha altar.

Amelia ignored the nobleman’s solo performance—not even sparing a clap—her gaze fixed on Yifia with quiet amusement. Spotting gossip, the drowsy Yifia instantly brightened. Her wide eyes darted “discreetly,” unaware the bread in her hands had been shredded into strips. If she had ears, they’d be standing straight up.

So adorable.

“Lady Barron, you *must* help me! Only you in the empire are truly kind and compassionate!”

While Amelia savored Yifia’s cuteness, the nobleman pressed on, shamelessly deploying flattery.

Yifia understood grief over a missing loved one—but you can’t force help! Amelia was kind, yes, but not obligated to aid every stranger. His sweet words hid motive: Amelia, a duke’s daughter, could mobilize imperial troops. Pure emotional blackmail.

Yifia rolled her eyes inwardly. Skipping this drama. Suddenly, not curious at all.

Only then did she notice the mangled bread. Remembering past hunger with coarse black bread, she hesitated—waste felt wrong. Looks didn’t matter; taste remained.

Just as she lifted the ruined slice, Amelia spoke to the nobleman:

“Viscount Kelton, if I recall correctly, you’re married to the Linda family’s daughter and have children. So… who is Dainalin?”

Yifia froze, eyes wide, bread forgotten.

Good grief!

Thought he was a devoted lover?

Turns out—a scumbag!

Pah! What audacity to ask *Amelia* for help?!

“Dainalin is my wife’s maid!” Viscount Kelton insisted, voice trembling. “But we love truly! My marriage was for duty. Dainalin is diligent, kind—anyone would cherish her! I can’t bear imagining her suffering these three days!”

He passionately defended his “love.” Amelia remained utterly unimpressed.

Humans always did this: lofty words masking hollow deeds, crafting perfect excuses. Even demons despised such hypocrisy. (Though souls still made fine meals.)

Amelia, weary of his type and indifferent to the case, frowned. Without another word, she waved a hand.

Hibert—sharper than his predecessor—read the gesture instantly. “Escort Viscount Kelton out.” Protocol had once restrained him, but disturbing Lady Barron granted full authority to hold the viscount accountable.

Silence returned to the dining room.

Yifia’s focus shifted back to her plate—bread still uneaten. Before she could bite it, Amelia slid a mini Black Forest cake toward her on a silver tray, its rich aroma irresistible.

“Yifia, try this.”

Amelia’s tone left no refusal. Yifia set down the shredded bread and accepted the cake with polite reluctance.

One spoonful.

Her soul ascended.

So delicious~

Next came yogurt pudding, then sweet juice.

The mangled bread vanished untouched. Yifia patted her full stomach as a maid cleared it away.

Morning classes awaited. After resting, Yifia followed Amelia to the academy. Waving goodbye, she walked toward class, spirits light.

Then—

[Task Complete: Host has fulfilled system objective. Reward issued.]

[Congratulations! Host has obtained: Encyclopedia of Plants (x1).]

[New Mandatory Task Activated: Every heart holds unspoken wounds. As a friend, uncover the Villainess Heiress’s most painful memory. Reward: x1 Random Main Character Plot Fragment.]