Chapter 27

Mikaerisu's monologue.

It was said that a different perspective was needed besides Alber's.

Mikaerisu's first love, which he will never forget, was undoubtedly at that time.

His father, who was ill, and his mother, who was desperately taking care of him, and himself, who could only watch, and his trembling sister, who sensed the uneasy atmosphere. Then, his uncle and aunt, who took advantage of the situation to ravage the earl's household.

The girl he met during that nightmare-like period.

A girl of royal blood, the highest of the nobility, a duchess—more specifically, a young lady from the Latyché duchy, one of the four great duchies with the most power.

Her lustrous black hair, which waved loosely, and her deep green eyes, framed by long lashes of the same color. Her flawless skin, slightly blushing cheeks, and plump, rosy lips that were tinged with a delicate voice.

She wore the latest dress, made with the finest silk, embroidery, and lace. Even Mikaerisu, who was unfamiliar with fashion, understood that she was different from other young ladies.

Her beauty was on par with her father, the Duke of Latyché, Grail, but while he exuded a regal air and an indescribable awe, Albertina was fragile and delicate. Her slender body seemed so vulnerable, as if it would disappear like snow if touched, and was utterly unreliable.

It was clear that the Duke doted on her, and Mikaerisu quickly understood that offending her would put his own life at risk.

The Duke even told Mikaerisu directly, "You are Albert's toy. Be useful as a toy."

In the unstable Demitrias earldom, there was no way to defy the head of the Latyché duchy, who was the greatest support.

Mikaerisu bit down on his own immaturity and inadequacy.

Swallowing his shame and humiliation, he resolved to become her servant and met her.

Gibril, who knew nothing, was captivated by the beautiful girl he had never seen before.

Albertina was a bit wary of Mikaerisu but was very friendly to Gibril.

Gibril, who was also captivated by Albertina's beauty, doted on her so much that she gave many of her dresses to Gibril, who adorned herself and received endless praise.

Gibril, who had been depressed by being bullied and having her dresses and accessories stolen by her cousins, was overjoyed to receive so many beautiful and lovely dresses—more beautiful and lovely than before. However, when Albertina insisted on making new dresses, Mikaerisu finally stopped her. It was one thing to give away dresses she no longer wore, but receiving several new, top-quality dresses was problematic.

Albertina, with her wealth, had more jewels than Mikaerisu's mother, who rarely wore them, and easily gave Gibril accessories, saying they suited her. Mikaerisu had to put a stop to this, as the Demitrias family had nothing to give in return.

During his stay at the duchy, Mikaerisu was rigorously educated in the knowledge and manners required of a future earl. Since the Demitrias family had a tradition of being knights, he also received training in swordsmanship and magic. The presence of Kistaria, a duchy's son of similar age, helped them to improve each other.

Fortunately, the duchy provided a warm room and delicious food. He was given many opportunities to learn and spent a surprisingly fulfilling time.

His sister was educated as a lady alongside Albertina. They spent time together, and Albertina was so doted on that Gibril called her "sister" and looked up to her. Albertina happily accepted Gibril's affectionate nickname.

Gibril, who initially looked ragged, quickly became beautiful. Her changes were particularly dramatic; her dry, frizzy red hair became lustrous, and her rough skin became smooth and supple. Her face, which used to be downcast, now looked forward, and her red eyes, the same color as Mikaerisu's, now sparkled with the vitality of a young girl.

Most importantly, she began to laugh a lot. The innocent laughter of his sister, which he hadn't heard in a long time, reassured and delighted Mikaerisu.

Occasionally, the annoying uncle and aunt, who had come to sell their charms, were bothersome, but it was a minor issue.

From that time on, he began to be drawn to a girl who had become too close, even though he knew it was wrong.

"Mi-ka-e-ri-su"

From the time the girl, who initially looked at him awkwardly, began to smile without reservation, his feelings accelerated rapidly.

Love, as they say, is a fall, and he tumbled down, slipping through the hands that tried to stop him, effortlessly.

It wasn't that he had to be close, but that he wanted to be close—wanted to be deeply close. The change in his feelings was not slow, and neither was the attempt to suppress them.

Albertina, who rarely left the estate, let alone the manor, was pure for her age, lacking the sticky desires of a noble. Sometimes, she seemed even younger than her sister. She was innocent, having lived in a secluded place, and Mikaerisu felt a bit of pity and a desire to protect her.

However, she was not unintelligent. While she had a somewhat sheltered demeanor, her way of thinking and perceiving things was flexible and not bound by preconceived notions.

Once she overcame her shyness, she was a gentle and truly adorable young lady.

Even the terrifying Duke was indulgent with his beloved daughter, a yes-man in his doting.

If Albertina wanted to make something or do something, it was done as a matter of course.

Fortunately, Albertina's interests were in delicious food, beautiful clothes and accessories, convenient tools, and beauty and health. She sought to create new things rather than buy existing ones, especially in the case of expensive gems, precious metals, and fashion. Based on her ideas and concepts, she created groundbreaking items.

This brought enormous wealth to the Latyché duchy, but the person herself was unaware, eating the chef's dishes with her usual adorable smile.

The reason the Duke did not let Albertina go out was partly due to past kidnapping incidents, but also to protect her from people who wanted to exploit her rare talents.

Her talent for generating wealth has been proven by her past achievements.