I Became the Master of the Devil

The notice came down to the duchy that afternoon.

 

“The one who secretly took the burdock must confess to the princess.”

 

It was the first time such a notice had been issued. Usually, any suspicious matters were discreetly handled by the head maid and the butler, so it was very rare for such a thing to be openly announced.

 

“It seems someone secretly stole the burdock.”

 

“Goodness, who would dare do such a thing? It’s unthinkable that such an event would occur in our duchy.”

 

The servants murmured among themselves. Luna’s servants were also abuzz with the same news.

 

“Hmm, what’s so special about burdock? I don’t understand why my older sister is making such a big deal out of this.” Luna muttered quietly, listening to their conversation.

 

Did sister notice? Does she know it was me? What if all the servants find out?

 

However, her heart was uncontrollably pounding. Was this a warning from Siani to her, or really just to discipline the servants?

 

“Oh, Milady, it’s just burdock after all. I actually understand why the princess is taking action.”

 

“Right. It means there’s a servant with bad habits.”

 

The servants shook their heads as if to say that wasn’t the case.

 

Over time, most of the servants who had skin diseases were cured. However, scars that could never be erased remained all over their bodies. It seemed like the case was brushed off without finding the cause, other than it wasn’t the ointment.

 

“There’s a reason our duchy scrutinizes not only the status but also the character of the servants. More than half of them drop out during the training period.”

 

“That’s right. Such petty theft is never forgiven. It’s because they weren’t taught properly.”

 

Luna thought to herself. Since when did they follow Siani so blindly, praising her decisions as wise? What on earth is so great and noble about you? Luna was always twisted up inside by the ‘despicable,’ ‘lowly’ words that followed her.

 

 “Well. It’s true that the good-natured servants of the duchy subtly ostracized my older sister.” Luna let out a light chuckle. “And now they talk about character and whatnot, which is kind of funny.”

 

The servants widened their eyes, seeing her coldly mocked for the first time.

 

“…”

 

Silence fell for a moment.

 

“Ah, but why are they saying to confess to the princess instead of the duke?”

 

“I heard that His Grace might have to go down to the territory for a while.”

 

Luna’s words weren’t exactly wrong, so everyone seemed slightly embarrassed.

 

“So, these days, most of the duchy’s work is being handled by the princess.”

 

They chatted nonchalantly as if trying to smooth over the atmosphere.

 

“Right. That’s why my older sister is so busy. There’s not just one or two things she needs to take care of.” Luna clapped her hands as if she just remembered something. “So, what happened to those Norma?”

 

“They’ve returned to the west building to rest. The princess even assigned the imperial palace’s doctor to them.”

 

Was Siani taking care of them, or rather cherishing them? Either way, it was clear to everyone in the duchy, not just Luna, that there was quite a bit of affection.

 

Hmph, what have they seen to act like that?

 

In truth, Luna hadn’t been interested in the underground basement or the Norma until now. But since Siani took an interest in them, she wanted to meet them too. She was also somewhat displeased that they received Siani’s attention.

 

“Goodness,” Luna murmured as if it was pitiful. “They were injured representing our Felicite family in the monster hunting competition. My older sister is too busy to take care of them herself.”

 

Luna’s tone had returned to its usual state.

 

“Maybe I should go… and take care of them?”  

 

Very softly and gently.

 

* * *

Luna made her decision and immediately headed to the west building. “Where is everyone?”

 

However, the Norma were neither in the training ground nor in the medical room of the west building. Luna thought about it as she searched for them.

 

Since older sister personally gathered these Norma, they must be… The strongest and most capable. Her older sister always has the best.

 

“Huh?”

 

Luna’s steps halted in front of the internal library of the west building.

 

“So, everyone was here.”

 

Ha, Luna grimaced and smiled as she looked inside the library through the glass window. She had heard they were all from great origins, but at present, they were just Norma of this underground castle. And yet, they were coming and going in the library. They were all doing different things, far apart from each other.

 

“…”

 

The sound of the door opening must have been heard, but none of them turned to look.

 

As expected, they’re uneducated. Even if someone comes in, they should at least acknowledge it, right?

 

Luna’s eyes fell on a boy with lavender hair right in front of her. Ah, this must be Francis. The boy was deeply engrossed in a book, working on something.

 

Older Sister has him studying with tutors…

 

It didn’t make sense to her. What use could there be for those who would never leave this underground castle for their entire lives?

 

“Oh, you’re Francis, right?”

 

Despite her inner thoughts, Luna’s tone was gentle when she spoke.

 

“The west building library is so spacious and quiet. I sometimes stop by, but I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

 

Her voice was also sweet, as if honey were dripping.

 

“I heard you’ve been studying hard. Is it fun?”

 

“…”

 

After addressing him a couple of times, the boy slowly lifted his head. Luna flinched for a moment. The coldness of his gaze, revealed between strands of lavender hair, was the reason.

 

“…”

 

The boy lowered his head again. The moment his gaze fell was so cold and indifferent, it was as though he was looking at a passing scenery before returning to his own business.

 

“How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

 

“Ah… it’s noisy.” A languid voice flowed from between his red lips. It was a perfect dismissal.

 

“Ha.” Luna bit the inside of her lip, having never been treated this way before. So, he was just another b*stard child of a concubine, not worth dealing with.

 

Unsightly.

 

He couldn’t be the Norma that Siani truly cared for. Then, he was also unnecessary for herself.

 

Is that man Inein? Luna turned and walked deeper inside. Then, she saw a man lying on a desk, asleep. His muscular body, slightly tanned skin, and dark brown hair. Francis was innocently and purely attractive, making it not hard to talk to him. But Inein gave her pause. Well, still.

 

“Uh…”

 

Just as Luna was about to speak,

 

What is this?

 

A transparent barrier was erected around Inein. Seeing magic right before her eyes was astonishing, but even more so was… it means don’t talk to me, right?

 

A series of remarkable dismissals followed. Now, only a ridiculous laugh could escape her.

 

Well, it’s neither of you.

 

Luna, clenching her teeth tightly, moved to another side. This time, it was a man with subtly colored red hair. That guy must be Vallentin.

 

If Inein was like a languid beast, this one was like a cat with glowing red eyes. Vallentin was deeply engrossed in a thick book.

 

“Ah, damn it.” He seemed frustrated as if something wasn’t going well. His expression was fierce from the start, making him appear even sharper.

 

What’s he looking at like that? Watching him press down on his forehead as he focused, it seemed like something significant.

 

Psychological techniques for monopolizing love?

 

Eventually, Luna muttered to herself. What’s with these idiots?

 

“…Alright, enough.”

 

Luna, having intended to approach Vallentin, turned back instead. After all, they were not important figures to her. She only needed to find that ‘Redian,’ who Siani cherished the most and who was said to be the strongest in the underground castle.

 

“…Is he even here?”

 

Luna’s steps, now cautious, moved deeper inside. Despite the sound of footsteps, not one person turned around or spoke to her.

 

They’re not that great.

 

When she first came to the duchy, it wasn’t like this. Wherever she went, people’s attention and love ultimately turned to Luna. But to be ignored like this felt as if she was being treated as invisible. Then.

 

Goodness.

 

Luna’s steps slowly halted at the sight before her.

 

“…”

 

Sunlight settled by the window, and the curtains fluttered in the late summer breeze. Between them, a man with silver hair leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed.

 

That man must be Redian.

 

Finally, Luna saw Redian’s face, which was not hidden by a robe or mask. As striking as the other Norma had been in her mind, this man was truly…

 

“Uh, are you feeling okay?”

 

Luna found herself speaking first despite the coldest atmosphere among them. She wanted to speak to this man.

 

“…”

 

The man slowly opened his eyes and turned his head. The moment she met his blue eyes.

 

…Wow. Luna felt a shock as if her heart had dropped to the floor. She realized again. Indeed, everything Siani had was truly beautiful.

 

“Uh, that is, I heard you were injured, and I was curious how you are.”

 

Uncharacteristically, Luna even stammered. The deep blue gaze had quietly observed Luna for a while. Just when she felt his gaze was emotionless and cold.

 

“Wow, Princess! You’re here.”

 

Far away, Francis’s bright voice could be heard.

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