The Abandoned Lady Lives in a Dollhouse

While Juno was lost in a moment of nostalgia, Peter said, “It was unexpected you had a talent for alchemy. Do you remember what I told you?”

“You said it’s hard to learn alchemy, even if you have the talent.”

“Yes, it’s difficult unless you’re very talented.” Peter walked to a bookshelf and grabbed a book. It was the one John had given Juno to learn about the basics of alchemy. “You can certainly be called a genius, but you’re not a prodigy who appears once every century.” He gave the book to her.

Juno opened it to the page he wanted her to look at.

[In alchemy, the first step is to make a foundation using materials.]

As explained in the book, it was difficult to make one’s thoughts become reality without any preparation unless one had talent. A flower, planted in fertile soil and being tended to daily, grew much more easily than a flower growing in dry soil.

“I studied a lot.” Her efforts were to create a foundation so that her wish could come true. She had to make preparations before using alchemy, but it wasn’t to the extent of when she first started. Peter was considered a genius in his own way, and Juno, with her education, was the same. What about others? They aren’t even aware of their own skills. Unlike in the past, alchemy was almost lost to time because no one supported the education required to train an alchemist. I’m lucky that I can use alchemy, but there’s not much to show for it.

For someone who knew nothing but had a natural talent, it was impossible for that person to change water into wine; however, it was possible to make wine more delicious. The practice of alchemy became less widespread. Something happened during that time and was recorded in history. Unfortunately, the passage was very short and written vaguely, but Juno remembered the book had said there was a sharp decrease in the number of alchemists. I was lucky in many ways.

The dolls used around the world were incomplete; they were unable to think for themselves and only obeyed orders. Those who were talented but untrained couldn’t change dolls like Juno. If Juno saw the dolls without knowing anything, she wouldn’t have made any changes. But Hebe was the one I met. A doll that was almost indistinguishable from a human. He was like the best fertile soil Juno could’ve asked for to develop her talent.

“It was thanks to my luck that I became an alchemist,” Juno said.

Nodding at her remark, Peter sat down in a chair. “Because of your talent, I made you my apprentice. Maybe I was also ambitious. It was disheartening that everything I accomplished would disappear after my death.”

Juno knew he wasn’t talking about his fame, fortune, or family, but about the dolls in the mansion. “What were you thinking at the time?” she asked.

 “It was a possibility, but I refused to fail.”

“Still, you’re alive. How come I’m the one to become the head of the family?” After all, Juno only obtained this position when Peter died.

He laughed at her question. “Do you think I can go out like this? Will people acknowledge me?”

“…”

Juno stared at Peter. He looked exactly like a human, but his proportions were too big. There was also the fact that he appeared younger.

“Can you imagine the kind of mess we’d have to deal with? Also, life becomes quite troublesome for those who want to live forever. This body is quite large, don’t you think?” He raised his hand. It was larger than Juno’s head. “It shows I’m still lacking in skill.”

He didn’t make such a large doll on purpose.

Peter tapped his head. “I needed a big brain to transfer all my intelligence, knowledge, and memories.”

Juno sighed before chuckling. Indeed, this was Peter Sergien. “Since you needed such an organ for all your tremendous knowledge, you had to construct a larger body to compensate.”

“Correct. I’ve made a lot of assumptions. I can’t afford to fail, so I had to play it safe.” Peter, who had to become a doll, couldn’t take any risks. He also couldn’t use alchemy in his current state.

“It would’ve been nice if I was told about this ahead of time.”

“I knew you’d cry a lot when I died, but I also didn’t want to give you a false sense of hope.”

If the transfer was unsuccessful, Peter would have truly died. Juno gritted her teeth and muttered that she was about to burst into tears.

“…Enough about that.” Peter looked at her. “You will carry on this family’s legacy. John will manage the dolls. Nothing has changed.”

Juno refused to believe that. A lot had changed. Collecting her thoughts, she said, “I have to go outside.”

Peter nodded and responded happily, perhaps in an attempt to cheer her up. “Yes, you’re free now. I can only do research.”

Despite that, Juno couldn’t hide her anxiety. “…Are you sure I’ll be all right?”

“Do I look like the person who makes anyone my successor?”

“…If you spoke less arrogantly, I’d appreciate you more.” Juno grabbed his hand. “Why did you make yourself so young?”

“It was on a whim.”

“If you’re going to do that, shouldn’t you make yourself look like a young man? You must have been very popular at that age.”

Peter snorted. The mood in the workshop became less dreary. Juno found herself smiling.

“Anyway, why did you run here all of a sudden?” Peter asked.

Juno’s mouth tightened into a thin line. She remembered what happened at the funeral and John who saw it. I’m sure he already figured it out already. After hesitating for a while, Juno decided to speak honestly. She still felt bad about it; it was good that Peter returned like this. Otherwise, she would’ve been ruminating for days.

Juno lowered her head and said, “…I met Jupiter again. I used to like him.”

“What?”

“I think I still like him.”

No matter how Peter responded, there was nothing she could say to excuse her actions; however, his reaction wasn’t what she expected.

“And?”

When Juno looked at Peter, he had an indifferent expression on his face.

“Isn’t he a distant relative of House Trish? Is that the problem?”

“No,” Juno said.

“Then what is it?”

Was he doing this because he didn’t know or to make her feel guilty? Juno took a deep breath. “I was excited to see him on the day of your funeral.”

“So?”

“That’s the issue here. I’m your wife.”

Peter looked as if he heard nonsense come out of her mouth. “A wife is just a wife, right?”

“I’m part of your family! Who blushes at a man during her family member’s funeral?”

Peter gestured to her. “You.”

“Peter!”

He sighed and touched his forehead. “I don’t see an issue here. I’m glad you have someone you like.”

“Huh?”

Peter rested his chin on his hand. “I recognize you as an alchemist and as a person. Why do you think I died?”

“…Because I’m a woman?” The only time a woman could be free was when her husband passed away.

Peter nodded. “I only used marriage as a means to protect you.”

“You allowed me to become the family head so I could be free to love whoever I want?”

He frowned. “I gave you this family so you can live your life freely. Of course, that includes your love life.” He sighed. “If you want to get married, go ahead. Or don’t, if you don’t want to. As long as you have the surname of Sergien, you can do whatever you want.”

Juno didn’t understand. It was too good to be true. “Why?”

“Nereus meant a lot to my sister. And even if it wasn’t for him, you’re not a bad person.”

Juno’s face was slightly flushed. “Why are you suddenly so affectionate?”

“…A side effect from becoming a doll.” He shuddered.

It seemed he didn’t notice it until now. Juno smiled. “I see. Are you not going to say anything else on this matter?”

“I am a little curious. What’s he like?”