Eating my food on the dinner table silently, I listened attentively as mother and Rita discussed business matters.

Though this is considered bad manners as we are eating yet they are still talking about work affair I for one thinks it’s better to focus on the job than to upheld such stupid virtues and besides mother is busy from all the work she has yet still come to eat breakfast with me.

I think that alone is enough for anyone to overlook such a thing, is it not?

Anyways based on what I have heard in their conversation, it seems that they’ve struck a deal with Tuon to have them help with trading and are planning the next step that is to be taken.

It appears that they used the same trick that I did with the Batrols meat and applied it to alchemy, discovering that they could create a higher rarity material with the help of healing potion being the foundation.

I didn’t really figure that out or more so I didn’t try it for just the simple reason that I do not understand alchemy and might accidentally create something dangerous if I try experimenting around it.

Honestly, there is still so much I need to learn as I am right now, I am nothing but a speck of dust compared to everything else.

[Well I guess that is to be expected.]

I’m still just a 3 year old with a mind of a former Empress yet despite that knowledge is all I have going for me at the moment so in that sense patience will be my friend for a long while.

A few days have passed since I have been allowed to roam freely around mansion halls again and it seems that everything is also going somewhat smoothly with them having an unlimited source of food from the batrols and a source of money from the goods that will be traded also coming from the batrols.

The Crestfallen is finally somewhat is getting back on its feet.

The only thing left is the over-looming debt that we have racked but Mother seems to have handled it very well based on Raiden's reports.

Mother seems to have used the sudden popularity of the meat and materials we have sold to communicate with the nearby domains and use them to both pays the debts tied around our neck and as free advertisement for the goods, we are selling.

As of right now in just a month we have made the thorn in our side, the batrols, to be our saving grace with their population impossible to cut down, why not just make them our source of income.

I honestly couldn’t be more proud of how things are going right now; with work being done, burdens slowly lifted, and finally breathing room for everyone.

I guess this is where I just sit back and watch for now as I could really do nothing with everything now set and moving just as planned.

Good grief, finally a weight off my mind, this has been nothing short but a stressful start for me.

Just what in Christ's name is that damn god thinking when he decided to put me in a falling family.

Well not that I would choose any other family but….still.

Ahhhh—! These are just unnecessary thoughts, thinking about ‘if’s’ that have already passed would only lead to unnecessary stress on the mind.

Tch, now that I’m on the topic of stressful things—I still haven’t received any reply on the matter about the future of this household, which is quite concerning but I suppose I could wait for another week or so…..

I must say this waiting game I have shackled myself into is more nerve-wracking than I initially expected.

“Quite a laughable thought for an Empress such as myself to have..….” I mumbled as I wiped my mouth with a napkin.

It’s already been a few days since I’ve had my ‘heart-to-heart’ talk with my mother and got our mother & daughter relationship back on track.

Honestly, the aftermath of my fainting is really quite the situation I had dealt with, taking a significant amount of time coming up with a lie as to how I’ve fainted.

But in the end, I decided to throw my maid-in-waiting under the bus, watering everything down to ‘I got sick because the maids aren't doing their job properly’.

As much as I hate this shameful act of playing the victim and putting the blame on someone else, I had no choice but to go pick that option as I can’t let them know I overworked myself.

Besides whether or not I told them the truth the maids would still get punished either way so it’s better to pick the option that would at least guarantee my freedom.

I quite pity them at first considering this was my fault, to begin with, but remembering all the gossips they keep saying behind my back my pity just faded away into nothingness.

For now, it seems that they have been pardoned but still relieved from their duty for the time being and given a different task to fulfill.

“Miss Lore do you want some more?” And their replacement, for now, is this girl.

Standing quietly by my side with a relaxed expression is a woman with short black hair and orange eyes sporting a pair of gold glasses named Suru Grades.

She wore the same maid outfit just like everyone else with just a minor difference being her skirt is shorter than the one’s the maids here usually should have and just like Raiden appears to be a quarter-blood demihuman with her black-wolf ears and black tail.

I don’t really know much about her as we have just met a few days ago and are still stuck on that colleague relationship stage.

Guess I’ll take my time getting close to her for the time being, who knows she might have something valuable to share.

But one thing is apparent with these wolves from the Grades: their titanium will to serve their rightful masters is really commendable, I’m quite impressed……. Or they could just be spies set up here by the Grades.

I really would prefer it if it was the former, to be honest.

Having financial problems is already a large thorn on our side, spies are just overkilling for us right now.

“No it’s fine I’m full and wish to retire to my room for now,” I replied as I put the table napkin away and jumped down from my chair.

“You sure Lore? Your body still hasn't gotten back to full health so more food is what you need.”

My mother upon hearing my answer immediately shot her worries about my body.

Hearing her worry for me like this made me feel sick inside not from disgust towards her but to myself for giving her things to worry about instead of just being a well-behaved child.

“Yes mother, I’m full and satisfied with what I have eaten so you don’t need to worry.”

“But still...”

[She really is too overprotective.]

Or maybe that’s just how I see it, I mean I’ve never been a mother nor have I acquainted myself with someone that is below the age of 15 in my past life so I really don't know how it feels to have a toddler you have to protect at all times as everything is a possible danger for them.

“Don’t worry, Your Grace, I will stay by Miss Lore's side at all times so need to worry!”

Cutting into our conversation suddenly, Suru pumped her fist full of enthusiasm as she made her proclamation with a bright eye and smile.

‘This woman definitely needs to be taught some manners.’ I thought as I stared at her with a deadpan look, while my mother just looked at her with hopeful eyes and Rita on the other hand just let out an exasperated sigh.

This isn’t the first time she chimed into our conversation like that and probably will not be the last.

The first time she did that I was caught off guard on how casually she did it and was a few breaths away from wanting her head for interjecting, but in the end, Raiden explained to me that it’s just how she treats everyone around her be it noble or commoner.

And it seems that even the whole Crestfallen themselves seem to not mind it and are more so fond of how she acts around them.

But in my case, this is gonna take a long time to get used to.

“—Ehem! Yes, mother just like Suru here had said, I will be fine so you don’t need to worry yourself.”

“Well if you say so…….”

Fiddling with her fingers, mother hung her head down still not akin to the idea of just letting me run around.

Seeing her dejected pouting face, I let out a soft chuckle before approaching her slowly.

“I will be fine, Mom I promise.”

Lowering myself down to the ground I clutched my mothers' hands as I spoke those warm words out loud, heard by everyone present in the living room.

Even I for a second was baffled by how warm and soft the voice that came out of my mouth just now, even second-guessing if those words did just come from me.

“Fine… just be careful, okay?” she replied with a stern tone yet still containing that pleading worried tone.

“...Yeah I will be.”

Unknown to me at that moment a genuine soft smile was painted on my face for all to see, a smile not tainted by my pride or arrogance.

Releasing my grasp on her large rigid hand I exited the awfully quiet dining room followed by Suru.

“Heh~, I didn't think that you could make such a soft expression like that, Miss Lore.”

Walking back to my room, Suru, amused by what just occurred, queried behind me.

“Why do you say that?” Not even bothering to turn my back I answered with not an ounce of interest for the answer nor the topic.

“Well, you always look and sound cold so it’s a surprise that you can show other emotions as well.”

Flinching from the off-the-cuff insult at the end I vehemently stopped in my tracks and turned my head to her at the back.

And upon seeing my pair of glaring red eyes Suru just merely cocked her head to the side as if confused about what is wrong in the situation.

[This girl definitely needs some manners and if no one is gonna teach her then I will.]

“Oi—”

“Oh dear Suru, so you are here, I’ve been looking for you.”

Seconds away from disciplining the maid in front, a stoic voice suddenly resounded at the end of the hall, a familiar stoic voice.

“Ah, Raiden, did you need something from me?”

Running past me and unto the person at the end of the hallway, I let out a low growl before turning my head to the owner of the voice.

“Lady Lore, my apologies for interrupting you just now but I have something to discuss with Suru so can I take her for a second?”

Giving a slight bow, Raiden approached us with that ever-present annoying smile he has on his face.

That damn smile that is screaming ‘nothing is wrong’ has been driving me up to the wall for the longest time.

Add to that his ever-teasing attitude around me and you could 100% say that I'm not really fond of these two wolves.

Crossing my arms, I replied to his request in complete monotone.

“Sure, Though In all honesty, I would rather have you take her away for more than a few mere seconds. An hour to a day would be desirable.”

Hearing my harsh reply, Suru instead of quivering or at least being a bit hurt by my statement just beamed a smile in my direction as if she had received a compliment.

Perturbed by the unusual reaction that I’ve just received I was about to open my mouth again but Raiden as quick as he was, shot before I could even utter a single word.

“I see your tongue is still as sharp as ever. I take it you have made a full recovery.”

“Khk—! Watch your mouth dog or I will throw you on that Batrol nest I found in the woods.”

“I appreciate your way of trying to help with the Bartol Extermination but your safety is still our priority so I will gladly decline.”

“Hoh, Is that a yes?—No, that's definitely a yes, I’ll take that as a yes.”

Glaring at him with all my might yet not appearing the least bit intimidating, Raiden just stared down at me with a smug face as if saying, ‘really with that size of yours?’ which in turn irritated myself further when in reality the interpretation was made by none other than myself.

Audibly growling now at this point the situation was suddenly broken by another one of Suru‘s unfiltered offhand comments.

“Heh, you two are closer than anyone would have expected.”

Gathering both of our attention towards herself, Raiden just stifled a chuckle while I spat a threat for a fact that had been spoken without any repercussion in mind.

“The hell are you on about? Do you want me to cut your tongue off?”

“Lady Lore, I think you should tone down your terrifying way of speaking. Someone might take it the wrong way you know.”

“That’s their problem, not mine.”

“See you two are super close.”

“Ugh!! I had my fill of annoyance for today and wish to not stress myself more, Move!”

Aggravated at the situation degrading slowly by the second I grumpily pushed through both of them in the middle of the hall and entered my room on the left slamming the door behind me.

“Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

Sweating a bit, Suru turned to me for any answers for the little lady’s infuriated exit.

“Don’t worry it’s nothing, You’ll get used to it eventually, Lady Lore just is quite a bit awkward with communicating with other people.”

“A bit… doesn’t really fit with her, to be honest.”

Yeah I know that but Suru please can’t you at least keep it to yourself.

I expected this to happen but this is just too soon. Suru, despite being exceptional at her job as the head maid tasked at overseeing everyone's job, is quite the oddball… too odd perhaps.

She is too upfront and will not sugarcoat her words leading to her sometimes trampling to other people's feelings and emotions while wearing high heels on, just like the little lady.

The main difference though is she’s doing this all unintentionally as Suru is a person that seems to not possess any filter in both her mouth and mind leading to many really unnecessary and just plain dangerous situations she found herself in.

I still remember how she got the job to work here and that is by insulting Arthur’s weird mannerism right in front of his face, though the good thing in the situation is that they are both oddballs so they manage to get along quite well but I doubt it will work that well with the little lady.

Their personality just will not mesh well with one another and probably would just violently clash and lead to an all-out crash.

I mean just a few minutes ago, I could feel the little lady was planning to give Suru the backhand if I didn’t step in.

That is why I have to monitor her at all times or else she would definitely find herself at the short end of the stick these days.

Though I still can’t fathom why they put her to be the little lady’s temporary maid-in-waiting of all the people here.

But guess I just have to tough this thing out and hope for the best.

‘I really hope this sudden turn of fate is for the best.’

Pinching the bridge of my nose to clear my jumbled thoughts, I turned back to Suru continuing where I left off.

“Anyway back to the topic, there is something I need to discuss with you.”

“Is it advice on how to handle Miss Lore?”

“That and another thing, something more important.”

Well, I indeed need to give her some advice on how to approach the little lady from this point onward, there is still something else more urgent that needs to be taken care of other than that.

“Hoh! This seems serious, what is it!?” Suru beamed in curiosity upon the mysterious tone I used, putting her face closer as if trying to discern the truth from my eye.

Knowing how hard it is to convince her to back off for a second, I just gave her the usual flick in the forehead to have her back off from my face.

“Calm down will you, you’re getting too into this.”

“Hehe~, my bad~.” Backing a few meters off Suru rubbed her head sheepishly even blushing on top of that despite the apparent redness of her forehead.

This is one of the things that I really can’t help but worry about.

Suru, my cousin, has this dangerous attitude of jumping to conclusions and moving based on the emotion she is feeling at the moment without any regard to the consequences of the actions she has done.

As much as I hate to admit it I can see a fragment of my younger self in her with that attitude of hers that is basically ‘live in the moment without any regard in the future.’

The only thing left for her to become like a spitting image of me is to become a knight which I’m glad she got rejected from.

Really, I’m truly wholeheartedly glad for that small stroke of fate to happen.

“So yeah what is it that you need?” She asked now in a more reserved state.

“Well, we just need you to stall the little lady outside for a while.”

“Eh? Why?”

Why?

Wait, did she forget what’s the date tomorrow?

You gotta be kidding me.

“Hey, did you forget the celebration tomorrow?” A bit disappointed by her confused look, something inside her mind soon clicked as she finally remembered the date tomorrow.

“Ah—I forgot!”

“Hey, how can you forget that?”

“Well, I’m quite busy tee-hee~”

“Don’t you tee-hee me right now.”

Honestly, this girl just worries me to no bounds.

Pinching the bridge of my nose again, I let out a sigh before continuing my explanation to the whole celebration that needs to be taken care of.

A celebration only comes once a year for that matter and needs to be handled with excessive care.

That is——

“—Well this is boring.”

I whined out loud while I stared at the ceiling of my room surrounded by books and empty shelves

I managed to acquire freedom out of my mother’s room but I forgot at the moment that I have run out of things to do to keep my boredom at bay.

I have read almost every book in this library and am only left with a few uninteresting and just plain stupid ones.

I thought checking the village would be great but when I remembered what I have promised mother I more so bailed out and just stayed here.

Back in my old world, I didn’t really have the ability nor the time to be bored as every passing second I had something to do and things to be finished but right now it’s different. I have to change how I’ve been tackling this life or I might just be going in circles and just end up where I started.

‘Hmmm…. maybe I should get a hobby?’

I don’t really have anything that I can call a hobby per se, while reading books might naturally come to mind, I know full well that it’s just my way of escaping the disgusting reality I’m stuck with and that after years of doing so just became a natural habit of mine.

[Damn, what a depressing life I’ve been living till now.]

I guess that’s what my goal, for now, is to find a hobby.

But the hard thing is what kind of hobby should I pick up.

There are different types and kinds of hobbies, some are expensive and some are not, while some require effort, some are made to relieve stress.

So with these different factors to keep in mind what would be the most suitable and viable hobby that I should pick?

Hmmm…. Maybe gardening?

Would be nice and all since it’s viable as well but I doubt the people here would be akin to the idea of a noble prowling around the farm area or any soiled place for that matter.

What about sculpting?

It’s a nice thought but it’s too expensive and I don’t really want to disrupt the mansion's workflow with any of my desires. I already have created so many problems in a short span of 3 years so I’m not really akin to the idea of adding more to that list.

Then if that’s not viable then moving on, maybe painting?

Hmmm…. Painting is indeed something I have tried but I really don’t see the appeal of it, as much as I try to paint I don’t really enjoy it.

‘Ughh~ This is getting harder and more annoying to think of.’

There are too many variables that are getting in the way!

Now annoyed out of wits, I started pacing around the room while holding my chin as I ran different scenarios where different hobbies could be used.

In the end, I’m back in my normal analytical mode where I’m only thinking and wanting what is beneficial for me at the moment and in the future.

“Miss Lore, What are you doing?”

As I continued to walk around in a circle a familiar voice suddenly resounded inside of the room startling both my body and mind in the process.

“Eek!”

Hearing the sudden voice from behind my instinct took over my body and in the next second, I threw a back kick at where I think I heard the voice.

Thuck.

A faint sound followed after the kick as I felt my feet meeting something and now holding it.

“Heh, Raiden is right, you do have fast reflexes.”

After realizing I’ve thrown a kick to Suru, I slowly turned my head to meet her as beads of sweat conjure up on the back of my neck.

“Suru… can you let go of my feet?”

I said in an embarrassed tone.

Instead of saying anything Suru just let go of her hold and stood up brushing her maid outfit.

“I would appreciate it if you could refrain from sneaking like that?”

Regaining my composure I shot a glare towards her direction in which she just received with a smile.

‘This damn woman.’

Feeling the anger returning into my body, I let out a sigh to calm my nerves down.

After a few breaths out I turned back to Suru who appeared to be waiting for me to finish.

“I take it you have finished what you were discussing with Raiden?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

A moment of silence followed as Suru's eyes darted from left to right and everywhere in the room, her fingers fidgeted and her lips quivered.

Can’t you at least do any better at hiding something?

Now crossing my arms in front of her I stared at her with my red blood eyes as she tried to avoid eye contact at all cost.

Feeling the annoyance soon reaching my tipping point I said in a low grumpy voice.

“If there is something you want to vocalize then out with it before I cut your tongue off.”

“Eh—?! N-no, I don't r-really know w-what you’re talking about Miss Lore.”

‘What a terrible liar.’

It seems that she sucks at hiding something from someone.

But what is she hiding?

Hmmm….It’s probably connected to what she had just discussed with Raiden half an hour ago.

Though it’s probably not that important considering they told her about it and she’s literally involuntary leaking that secret out.

Well isn’t that amusing, trying to hide something from the master you are serving, I suppose I could play along.

It's not like I have anything better to do other than lazing around all day.

Wiping the grin that is painted on my face I slowly made my way to my bedside.

“Well if that’s what you say then I suppose it’s the truth.”

“Y-yes! I’m not l-lying, it's the t-truth!”

I’m really surprised you could say that with full confidence, fully thinking you are fooling me or even anybody for that matter.

Good grief, what are they even thinking of letting this woman in their secret.

“Umm… Miss Lore.”

Still fidgeting, Suru approached me with apprehension screaming out her body.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No… it’s just the sun is bright outside and you know, the wind is blowing as well. So wouldn't it be kinda a shame to spend your day inside?”

“N-not that I’m a-asking you to go out b-but the day will be w-wasted if you just stay h-here.”

She’s definitely a terrible liar, probably the most terrible I've met so far.

Well, it seems that she wants me out of the house.

Well, that’s a first considering mother is always worried about letting me out as I could wander off somewhere into the forest, which honestly just made it worse as I hate being stuck in one place.

“O-of course I already asked your mother for permission and got the, okay so you don’t need to worry!”

So all of the people in this house are into this charade, huh.

Just what in christ's name are they planning.

Uneasy at first of the sudden proposition I soon just let go of my qualms and decided to swim with the moment.

Considering I’m still technically a kid, I should learn to enjoy what I failed to try back on my old one.

And this would also be a great way to finally gather info outside concerning the villagers living under this domain.

After all, even though I’ve been living here for almost 4 years I still haven’t seen the village myself nor any of the villagers, only catching a glimpse of them and watching from afar.

“Fine, let me just change my clothes.”

Jumping down from my bed I walked past her and towards my closet opening it in one swift motion.

“You will! Then let me help you with the clothes!”

Upon hearing my approval of her request she quickly jumped to my side with almost sparkling eyes, as if she had found a doll she wanted to dress up as.

Usually, that would have infuriated me and I would berate her at this moment but to my surprise, I felt nothing other than overwhelming tiredness.

As if her bundle of sunshine, mannerism, and attitude is sucking all of my energy away from my body.

I don't know if that's better or worse but it’s a change in our relationship.

“No thanks.”

I answered back in my usual monotone voice.

“Ah…. I see…. then I will be waiting outside.”

As if finally taking the hint of my annoyance towards her, she despondently back away and out of the room.

Damn, what a bothersome household to be in.

But I guess…. It has its charm.

It at least feels…. comfy over anything else.

“Can you put me down, this is utterly embarrassing if your peanut brain is not aware.”

“What is embarrassing?”

“T-this situation you damn dog!”

In the middle of a quiet afternoon, two voices erupted in the middle of the village, rapidly garnering the attention of everyone nearby

The first voice seems to belong to a little girl who appears to be sitting on the neck of the second person.

The little girl struggles and flails around to be put back on the ground but having a small toddler body, none of her efforts bear any fruit.

‘I didn't think they would get this close this fast….’ I thought as I thoughtfully watched them from the treeline nearby.

“It’s fine, Miss Lore, my grip is strong enough to hold you so don’t be afraid you won't fall.”

“That’s not the problem here!”

Stifling a chuckle upon seeing the red cheeks face of the little lady, I decided to finally step in as it seems they are slowly instilling chaos in the village.

“Oh greetings, Lady Lore, quite a surprise to see you here.”

Emerging from the bushes the two momentarily stop with their scuffle to give me their signature greeting.

“Raiden, there you are, I've been looking for you!”

“Tch! Finally decided to make your entrance, you sly dog!”

The first one was full of enthusiasm and joy while the second is just basically a spat of venom in word form.

Well, that’s to be expected, since for some reason the little lady has some personal vendetta towards me as if she wants me gone and buried 6ft deep somewhere but for some reason is annoyed as well when I’m not around her.

Such a complicated person.

Slowly approached by both of them, the first thing I noticed was the little lady’s odd clothing choice.

Wearing not anything fabulous or frilly but merely a simple white tent dress that is accompanied by a red floppy hat.

All meshing well into her cute face and small figure but….. All wasted with that deadly glare she has.

Noticing my fixated gaze on her for a while now, I decided to give a small wave before answering back.

“My apologies, I was on shift just moments ago and currently on break right now.”

“I see, so that's why you stink like a badly fermented fish.”

“Couldn’t have said it any better.”

“Miss Lore as much as Raiden stinks, we shouldn’t just call him out like this in the open or we might hurt his fragile heart.”

“Just whose side are you on this one?”

I might have forgotten that both of them have swords for tongues and knives for teeth, So staying closely within their proximity is just asking to be insulted.

I’m confused on what to feel about this budding relationship in front of me, as it’s great that they are finally getting along but the more they get along the more I’ll probably get hammered by insults to oblivion.

I know it’s my fault in the end since I orchestrated this scenario to happen.

As after watching and taking numerous orders from the little lady, I have grasped her personality quite a bit and know that she is quite fond of people who are in the lack of a better word, quite idiotic and needs to be taken care of.

So I thought by telling Suru about the surprise celebration with her being a terrible liar in mind then the little lady might take a liking to her.

She seems also easily embarrassed when pampered and praised for something she did.

So I also told Suru to just act like a Big Sister around her to more so mellow her heart out.

That is why with all those things considered I’m fairly certain that given some time the little lady will probably be more approachable in the near future but………I hope I don’t get killed by insults before then.

Letting out an exasperated sigh I brushed off the two sadists' insults for now and regained my posture.

“Let’s just leave it at that, so you said you were looking for me?”

“Yes, it’s because of Miss Lore here, she kept saying that she wants to go and check out the bait site.”

“Well, aren’t you going to protect me so I fail to see what’s the problem with the idea?”

Yep, I expected that much from her.

Even though she’s still a toddler, this little girl seems to not hold any fear over anything whether it’s the possibility of being monster food or being ostracized in the household, she seems to lack any care for those things and just do what she wants.

I guess they’re the same in that regard, her and his father.

But this just adds another thing to worry about on my never-ending list of things to worry about, I thought we had passed this point when Arthur died but it seems that some things don't change.

If that is a great thing or a bad thing is something I’m not sure myself but… the possibility of the Crestfallen finally soaring back in the sky is quite the thrilling thought to have in mind.

Well, that is still far in the future so I doubt I have to worry that much.

“If that’s the case then let me accompany you two for your safety, my break is almost over so I need to return as well.”

Taking a step forward I beamed a smile of reassurance for them to see.

I know the little lady’s attitude, it’s just impossible to stop her when she has decided on something.

All you can do is follow her lead and hope for the best.

“Hmmph! It seems that you still know whom to listen to.”

“Well if Raiden is with us then I guess..it’s fine.”

Hearing both their agreement I started walking towards the site leading them the way with the little lady still sitting on Suru’s neck seemingly not wanting to get down.

Didn’t she just hate it up there?

Comfortably sitting on Suru’s neck we followed quietly behind Raiden, and after passing by numerous villagers and houses I soon noticed 2 things.

First is the undeniable lack of personnel, it is similar to a ghost town here with just a few dozens of people left to work.

‘No wonder this domain is falling apart.’

But it seems that things are going at least a bit smoother now with almost everyone at the mansion helping in the village.

Things would probably get better given some time so I doubt I need to worry that much.

Now to the second thing I notice is the consensus, almost everyone we have met is either half-demi human or a quarter.

It’s the first thing I noticed the moment I stepped inside the village; that this domain is made to house half-bloods.

I guess if you think about the former duke, my father, and my mother being both quarter blood, it does make sense that they will build a sanctuary for people like them.

Heh… It seems that the prejudice about half-bloods in this world is quite stronger than I initially expected.

That is definitely something I need to keep in mind.

Other than those two things seem to be going smoothly.

The domain is trading the Batrol we have hunted as both a delicacy to be eaten and material for alchemy, while also not wasting the bone left using it as fertilizer to sell or use.

I already gave some notes to Raiden on what to do with any more excess materials and that is to sell everything to alchemists situated at different domains and capital at a cheaper price while being better than the more expensive ones.

Using them as a way to spread the word of a new improved material that is cheaper than the one in the common market and only can be bought on the domain of Crestfallen.

And It seems that Tuon is helping with the trading side of things along with advertisement so the people's prejudice for the product being cheaper and unusable is flushed down the drain.

Connection with big reliable companies is a saving grace we have, though we can’t really depend on Tuon’s company that much for who knows when they might try and pull the rug under us.

But I expect that mother probably has accounted for that and is dealing with it as soon as possible so I doubt I need to step in.

Things are definitely getting better so I hope nothing happens that would disrupt the current flow of things.

And if something does happen then I would just have to figure something out to turn the situation around, I wouldn’t let them trample the immense effort it took to build what we have lost, they are free to try but that is all they could do.

“Miss Lore we are here.”

Suddenly stopping her tracks Suru stirred our view to the side where a large wall encircling half of the town is placed.

The wall is made entirely of dirt and rocks with a few additions being spikes at the other side facing the forest.

Huh, so this is the improvised wall they made.

“Suru, get me up there.”

Tapping her head lightly, Suru began to move towards the wall taking a few steps before coming to a stop just a few meters away from the wall in front.

Confused as to why we are facing the wall instead of taking the ladder nearby I vehemently bend my head down to see her face.

“I don't know if you're blind but the ladder is on the left.”

Seeing my confusion she just shot a thumbs up and said. “Miss Lore it will be fine just trust me on this one, okay?”

Now lost as to what she is planning I decided to just stop thinking and let her do her thing at the moment.

Leaning back to my comfortable seating position, I suddenly felt Suru's knee drop unusually close to the ground and finally I realized what she was planning.

“Grab tight, Miss Lore.”

As if by instinct I followed Suru’s orders and grabbed her by the head as hard as I could and in the next instant a sudden force erupted from below and Suru along with me flew over the tall wall where Raiden was waiting.

Now at the top of the wall, I shakily turned my head to take a look at where we just jumped from to see a small crack present at the pavement.

Raiden upon seeing the sudden stunt pulled by Suru ran towards both of us with panic spread across his face.

“Suru, what were you thinking?! There are stairs you could have just used!”

“Eh, Well it’s more fun this way.”

“Fun, my ass—Wait Lady Lore are you all right!?”

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine, D-damn you, Suru, you could have mentioned what you were about to do beforehand.”

Struggling to contain my fear from leaking out from the sudden jump that Suru just did, I took multiple sharp breaths before regaining my posture and facing both of them.

“See? Even Miss Lore enjoyed it.”

“No, she clearly didn’t.”

“It doesn’t really matter if I enjoy it or not, does it.”

After regaining my bearings I decided to finally cut in their banter with the usual glare in which they understood the meaning and stopped.

Now finally left with silence by the two wolves I took the chance to survey the area on top of the wall.

It seems that the wall they made is 11ft tall with a 5ft width. They also added what seems to be a deep ditch just ahead of the walls in case some managed to get past the fighters at the front line.

Hmm... I guess they put in a somewhat great job considering we lack so many supplies for the job we have to do.

“Sir Raiden! We are starting now!”

Suddenly coming in our direction is another butler with apparent cat-like features present in his body, and based on his outward appearance he is most likely a half-demihuman.

“Understood then I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Giving a thoughtful glance in my direction I just gave a small smile to the horse butler as he probably recognized me.

“Well I have to go now, Suru please keep Lady Lore safe and don’t do anything reckless you understand,” Raiden said in a stern tone different from his usual stoic and elegant mannerism.

“What are you my Mom or something?”

“Suru!”

“Yeah, yeah, I know I’ll protect Miss Lore, don't worry.”

Hmm…… Seems like they have that kind of relationship, huh.

Raiden is the more sensible and rational one while Suru is reckless and wild that needs to be always watched.

After giving a stern telling to Suru, Raiden now turned to look at me as if what he just said to Suru is also applied to me.

“I know… You don’t need to worry, I'm not going to do anything.”

Hearing my answer Raiden's hardened face softened up and in the next instant left without saying another.

“Are Batrols really that dangerous?”

I muttered under my breath not out of arrogance or pride but merely out of curiosity I have about them.

“They’re not that strong per se but I guess that’s why they are dangerous because power is not really their suit or focus but speed and numbers in which they used to tear their prey apart.”

Suru upon hearing what I muttered answered my question in a low tone as if a bit annoyed by the downplaying I just did despite not that is my intention.

Knowing I might have unknowingly brushed some salt to a wound of the past, I decided to keep my mouth shut and just focus on the bloodbath that is about to occur.

Standing in the middle of the open field the stench of blood coming from the carcass at my right penetrates deep within my nostrils.

Multiple men clad in armor stand beside me 10 at my left and 10 at my right, they all seem to not hold any fear for the upcoming wave monster that is slowly drawing closer by the second.

I mean why would they be afraid, the Luminaries of Blades is with them after all what could they even fear for other than the shame that they couldn’t do anything other than watch.

Yes, that’s right what is there to fear.

Taking a deep breath, I drew my signature pitch black, single-edged curved sword from my scabbard as 5 Batrols jumped out of the forest.

“| Aerial Blade |”

Uttering those words along with the circular slashing motion a sudden invisible force made out of wind slashed through all 5 Batrols in an instant even destroying the trees present behind them as well.

But just as the first 5 have fallen, 10 soon followed, and behind them is 20 more.

Just by the scent alone, it seems that there will be more on the way as they now caught a whip of the bait scent.

“Well let’s get to work.”

I muttered out loud as I pushed my hair up, readying my sword as dozens of Batrols came rushing out of the forest.

“Heh, Raiden sure is strong.”

Watching on top of Suru I carefully watched as Raiden cleaved and slash through dozens of Batrol as if they were nothing but thin paper, even destroying some of the tree line nearby from his wind-imbed slashes.

Yes, he’s certainly strong but his fighting style is more reserved than I would have expected, every slash he does cuts cleanly and evenly to the flesh and bones of the monster, and before a moment could pass to evade his onslaught it was followed up by another hit then another as if surging flowing water, every slash flows to make way for another one.

“Hmmph…. so much for a bloodhound.”

I guess this is also why you have to see and try things for yourself as the truth might have been skewed by the eyes of its observer.

Suddenly upon hearing my comment, Suru with her usual enthusiastic voice queried from below with her eyes still fixed at the extermination before us.

“Oh, Miss Lore, you know about that title?”

“Yeah, I’ve read about it from the books in the library, is something wrong?”

“No, Not at all, it's just you seem to be disappointed that you didn’t get to see the ‘bloodhound’, so I thought I might tell you the truth behind the ‘bloodhound’ from books.”

The truth?

So there is something wrong with those books.

Tch, I knew it shouldn’t have put all my trust on books written probably by old fossils.

“Sure, feel free to educate me for once.”

I said as I lowered my pride down for once.

Pride is a really powerful weapon but wielded too proudly and you might fall from your high horse reducing your ego to nothing but dust whisked away by the wind.

So it’s better to be a fool and learn rather than be ignorant and fall.

“Hoh, the conceited Miss Lore decided to listen to me?! Have I finally thawed your heart?”

“I do not know what you’re talking about but any more unnecessary words and I’m cutting your tongue off.”

“Yeah, yeah~.”

Uwaaa, I can feel a weird shiver run down my spine from that.

And she seems to be getting really chummy with me for some reason, annoying but I guess better than those that won’t stop chit-chatting behind my back.

“Ehem! Anyways about the bloodhound written in the books, all of it were merely just a misunderstanding to the people who have seen it, some are exaggerated by Raiden's admirer and some by the writers themselves as they are riding that wave of popularity that the Luminaries have back in the day.”

So that is the case, those damn books lied to me.

Letting out a disappointed sigh I rested my face on Suru’s fluffy head.

“How did that even come to be? I know it's an exaggeration but every smoke came from a flame you know.”

“Well isn’t that profound, but you’re right Miss Lore it did come from somewhere.”

Letting out a dry chuckle, Suru’s mood suddenly dropped along with her tone. I could also feel her hand that was holding both my leg trembles.

It’s probably something personal that doesn’t really need to be pry by someone like me so it’s better to leave it at that.

I’m just starting to sort out the feelings of my past at the moment, So I’m not really ready to deal with other people's baggage just yet.

“It’s fine if you don’t find it comfortable to talk about, I’m not forcing you,” I said in neutrality as I feel like if I pushed any further then I might be stepping on a pit I might not recover from.

“Oh, isn't that quite considerate of you?”

“Well if you think that I’m quite considerate then that means I’m getting some progress done.”

“Progress of what?”

“None of your business.”

“Ehh~, I thought we had gotten close enough to share some secrets?”

“Since when did that happen?”

Whether it’s due to the fluffiness of Suru’s head or just because of the cool breeze passing by, I couldn’t help but speak in a more lax tone for the duration of our banter.

And before we knew it the extermination had ended and Raiden is now just watching us from the sides with a clearly amused look on his face.

“Oh, Raiden done with the extermination?”

“Yeah we are done for today, they're now spraying mint all over the place, so shall we go home considering its already dusk.”

Dusk?

Turning my head to where the sun should set I was surprised to see the light of day slowly cosseted in a barely perceptible light.

Did we actually talk and stay here for that long?

I didn’t notice, our conversation feels like it was just a few minutes yet it was actually a few hours.

“Huh, I guess we should.”

I muttered out loud as I stared beyond the thick layer of trees where the sun is slowly setting.

Suru and Raiden upon seeing my face and voice just let out chuckles and smiles as we made our way back home.

Nothing really notable happened for the rest of the day other than the awfully quiet servants and mother being missing for dinner.

But I guess that is to be expected, she’s still quite busy after all.

Laying on my bed, I stared at my ceiling with a bit of melancholy as the memory of our stroll passed by my mind.

Nothing really happened, we just walked around and talked a bit, yes nothing notable really happened, and yet but why does something so ordinary feel so great?

The feeling of wanting to spend more time outside just for the sake of having banter with someone and taking a simple stroll is stuck in my chest.

It’s something I haven’t felt for a long time since Ori left.

I don’t understand it.

Has my heart really been that alone and oppressed that it breaks and surrenders from the slightest of kindness and affection?

….That is probably the case.

To think that my heart is actually weaker than I thought.

I guess I discovered something new about myself yet again.

Continuing to stare at the ceiling in silence I could slowly feel my eyelids getting heavier by the second.

Everything I have done today flashed into my mind once again.

This time I remember something I nearly forgot.

Hmmm…. For my hobby.

A hobby is something that you shouldn’t just do for the sake of your needs but instead is something you do for the sake of your wants.

I don’t really have any wants that could really be put in a hobby…. but if I were to reach my hand in the deepest part of myself there is one thing that I want.

I want to write everything I do not know and things I know.

I want to put my thoughts into words, my jumbled thoughts, conflicting emotions, and memories from the past that I loathed the most.

Everything that has happened to me from my birth to my death and my rebirth, I want it all in words to be read and not be forgotten.

‘I guess... I should try writing a diary.’

With that last thought, I succumbed to the world of dreams and rested my body and mind for the tomorrow that will come.