Case 4: By myself, confronting the Marchioness.

It had been a few days since that incident.

Charcoal Jr. had integrated itself into its new life, roaming around the estate from time to time. Looking at its leisure steps made me a bit jealous, yet I couldn't simply turn into a cat.

Fortunately, my relationship with Lyra had progressed smoothly. There seemed to be a wall around her, still, but it was only a matter of time until we became close sisters. Children needed someone to rely on, and I wasn't going to let Lyra be without one.

''The Demon Queen, with her ghastly ashen hair and blood-red eyes, led her army to invade mankind alongside Lucifer, who was the second-in-command—''

So, I was sitting in Lyra's class to simply accompany her.

Don't get me wrong. I still had important preparations to do, but those required a bit of research beforehand since information about this period of time in the game was scarce. Also, thanks to that, I didn't know how exactly Lyra had suffered under the marchioness's neglect, which prompted me to check on her lessons to see if the teachers were being... bold.

I was relieved that at least they, the educators, weren't being creepy or abusive.

Take this young tutor, for example. She seemed quite enthusiastic about the topic—history—and it would make a perfect teacher-student picture if not for Lyra's seemingly apathetic attitude.

Frustratingly, through years devoid of real human interactions, Lyra, being a fragile child, had likely closed off her heart. Should I be glad that there was at least Amethyst with her?

Of course, Soul Guardians were, at their core, beasts and other non-humanoids, so to compare them to humans...

While daydreaming like that, I felt a tug on my dress.

''Hm?''

''Cold?''

Lyra, with her black eyes squarely on me, spoke without much care. However, this small gesture meant the world to me. She had actually noticed my suffering and expressed her worries to me!

It was indeed dangerously close to winter, and I did feel a bit chilly.

''Thank you, Lyra.''

With a melted heart and a foolish smile, I seized the chance and patted her head a few times. Lyra did flinch for a brief moment, but she didn't seem to hate it.

After the lessons ended, I came back to my room and dug through my luggage to find something suitable. Not long after, I ended up with a small cape that slightly reached my hamstrings. It fitted the current climate... and its color was the same as my hair, so there was that.

Either way, now that the matter with Lyra had gone beyond my expectations, I suppose I should get into other businesses as well.

Draping the cape over my shoulder, I followed Mary to the marchioness's study, holding a slightly warmer sensation.

knock—! knock—!

''Come in.''

As soon as I opened the door, a... suspicious scent hit my nose. I hardened my face so as not to show any emotion, and when I looked at the owner of this room, things became clear.

Behind the table, which was littered with stationary tools, books, documents... and condoms, sat the person herself. I wished there were only unused ones.

Naturally, my mother was sitting on the marchioness's lap, lovingly hugging her neck. Facing both of their gazes, I felt a sense of unease wash over my body.

''Good day to you.'' I forced a smile, putting one hand on my chest.

''What is the matter, my dear daughter?''

With an obviously pretentious tone, the marchioness addressed me. I wanted to get out already.

''I... have a favor to ask of you, mother.''

''A favor? Tell me. Ah, sit down first.''

''I'm good, but thank you for your consideration. This will be short, I promise.''

''Hm.''

With all the useless pleasantries out of the way, I refrained myself from inhaling too deeply and opened my mouth.

''I was wondering if... I could have my allowance early.''

Since I wasn't an official lady of the house yet, there were no funds allocated to me at the moment. I could wait for a week or two for this couple to hold their marriage, but I wanted to secure the necessary things as soon as possible.

''Allowance, you say?''

''Yes, mother.''

In an instant, the marchioness's ambiguous expression turned into that of amusement. While still groping my mother's bosom, her dull black eyes were shot at me—only me—and a smirk could be spotted on her face.

''I heard that usually, children would do something for their parents to earn allowance. Would you do something for me, dear Cecilia?''

I felt cold.

I knew it. Those eyes... were bad news. I've had maids and knights alike ogling my body before, but nothing could come close to this creep's eyes.

''I will try my best, mother.''

Nevertheless, I forced out an answer and hoped for the best. The next moment, she seemed to have lost interest since my mother started kissing her neck.

I wasn't sure if she did it out of motherly love or jealousy, but thank you for saving me.

Seemingly eager to continue the action, the marchioness simply told me to find the butler and have him sort it out for me.

''Oh, one more thing.''

''Yes?''

''Can you bring Lyra to the dining room tonight? I want us to have a family meal.''

Not before dropping this bomb all of a sudden. It was rather odd of her. She wouldn't usually care about Lyra at all, but a family meal?

What a nuisance.

''To the... dining room...?''

''Mhm.''

''...I see.''

It seemed Lyra also thought it was an unnecessary thing. After spending a bit of time with her, I noticed that whenever she was dissatisfied with something, her arms holding Amethyst would tighten.

Taking her petite body into the equation, it created an unreal cute scene. I sincerely hoped she would gain some weight, though. Her thin arms and legs worried me too much.

That was why, during the meal, I tried to give her more food.

''Try this, Lyra. Oh, the shrimps are also good.''

''...''

''How about the ribs? What would you like?''

''You should... eat.''

I wouldn't feel like eating if Lyra didn't. As if sensing that, the little heroine sighed and obediently stuffed the food into her mouth—elegantly, of course.

I only had my sight on her. She was unbearably adorable, and it was the perfect way to remove myself from this awkwardness that had permeated the room.

''My... you two sure are getting along well. Isn't it delightful to see, dear?'' I heard my mother say.

''...You're right.''

Surprisingly, the marchioness only smiled slightly at us. Right when I thought that maybe, just maybe, she had a single redeeming quality—

''Lyra.''

The small shoulder flinched.

''I heard about the incident the other day.''

''...''

''To think that you couldn't take control of your servants... you disappointed me.''

I almost wanted to scream, 'What in the fuck are you saying to your young daughter?!'

However, the damage had already been done. Lyra's hand holding the knife was trembling, and the fork on her other hand was forced so hard onto the piece of meat that it crushed the food helplessly.

''...I'm sorry—''

''She was just a victim, mother.''

'''' ... ''''

For a moment, my voice rang through the still room clearly and damningly. Patting my sister's shoulder, I stared straight into the marchioness's surprised eyes.

''Lyra is still a child, so please consider her feelings, too.'' I continue.

''Hahah! It seemed I might have spoiled you too much?''

Of course, I knew it. The marchioness was a pure-blood noble, which meant she was fundamentally prideful and generally a jerk. However, I didn't have the confidence to call myself a human and an older sister if I simply let these things happen.

A foolish move? Might be. Hypocritical? Maybe.

But I wasn't scared. If it could bring some peace to this pitiful child's mind... I wouldn't mind putting myself in danger.

''Let's have a deep conversation between us, Cecilia. Come to my study tonight.''

Finally, the marchioness's eyes swept over my body, and an eerie smile bloomed on her face.