Shai

“We’ve arrived, Lycoris.”

At the Baron’s words, I turned my gaze to the carriage window.

A truly enormous mansion unfolded before my eyes.

White marble pillars and silver roofs gleamed dazzlingly, resembling a palace from a fairy tale.

As the carriage stopped, over ten servants were already lined up.

All were dressed neatly and wore courteous expressions.

At the front, a middle-aged butler in a gray suit and tie stood elegantly.

“Shall we disembark?”

The Baron got out first and offered me his hand.

Unconsciously, I took it gracefully and stepped down.

Though I couldn’t see myself, the servants’ admiring gazes suggested my dress was impressive.

“Jason, prepare the finest meal for our esteemed guest.”

“Yes, Baron. Right away.”

The butler bowed deeply and responded.

He then bowed to me as well.

“It’s an honor to welcome such a distinguished guest to Silverbrooke Manor.”

“Thanks.”

I tried to speak normally, but my voice flowed smoothly, like water.

The Baron smiled, satisfied, and gestured toward the mansion.

“Would you like to walk through the garden on the way?”

Garden?

Passing the black iron gate, the sight before me took my breath away.

The vast garden was filled with all sorts of flowers and trees.

Manicured lawns, stone paths, white marble statues, and a large fountain at the center!

“Wow!”

“Oh…”

The exclamation slipped out naturally.

As a flower, seeing such a beautiful garden delighted me.

I wondered what it would be like to create such a garden in Shia Kalt.

Would Master like it?

Strolling through this garden with Master would be so romantic!

The mere thought made my heart flutter.

Just then, Miel and Cecilia suddenly flew off toward the garden.

Blue and red flashes disappeared among the flowers.

“Hm.”

I worried and tried to follow but the Baron stepped in front of me, smiling.

“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you myself.”

His kind offer genuinely pleased me.

Admiring the beautiful garden was a joy!

‘How lovely!’

As I tried to respond brightly, entirely different words came out.

“Gardens are all the same. I’ll go alone. You go ahead.”

My voice sounded bored and arrogant.

This wasn’t what I intended!

It was harsh, and I’d offended the Baron!

His expression dimmed for a moment before returning to his professional smile.

“Understood. We’ll go ahead. Please enjoy your walk.”

The Baron entered the mansion with Ryandel and Levi.

Levi looked confused but followed.

‘Ugh, what to do. I didn’t mean to say that…’

My trait made me speak against my will.

Why did Nis give me this trait?

What kind of person am I becoming?

I felt gloomy.

Only Rote stayed by my side, watching over me.

Yes.

I should explore the garden with Rote.

Each step revealed new beauty.

Flowers of various colors fragranced the air, greeting me.

Especially the orange flowers were lovely.

‘What are these? I’ll ask Ryandel later.’

Admiring the flowers, I walked the narrow stone path.

The path, like a maze, led through beautiful scenes.

But I didn’t notice a small rock and nearly tripped.

“Ah!”

My body moved on its own, twirling gracefully like a ballerina to regain balance.

My fingertips even pointed elegantly at the sky.

‘Wow, this is amazing!’

My noble trait actually helped in a crisis!

Though I complained, it was useful after all.

“Perhaps it’s good sometimes?”

The words slipped out.

I turned toward a small pond, searching for Miel and Cecilia.

After a long walk, they were nowhere in sight.

‘Where did they go?’

The garden was vast, easy to get lost in…

As I explored more, a small gazebo caught my eye.

Surrounded by white pillars, something moved inside.

Closer, I saw Miel and Cecilia.

But they weren’t alone.

A young boy with neat brown hair and tidy clothes was with them.

He resembled the Baron, likely his son.

The boy was examining Miel and Cecilia with curious eyes.

A thick book lay open on his lap.

The cover read “The History of Great Dragons” in gold letters.

Master would be in that book, right?

As I approached, Miel and Cecilia noticed me and flew over.

The two butterflies circled me happily.

The boy looked up, startled.

“Hello?”

My friendly greeting made his eyes widen.

He looked away, his face reddening.

His hand trembled slightly as he clutched the book.

Miel fluttered near my ear, then zoomed to the boy’s head.

Miel was playing with his brown hair, styling it into a heart shape!

He didn’t realize…

Up close, Miel had arranged his hair into a heart!

That guy, whenever romance is mentioned, his eyes sparkle!

‘Hey, stop teasing!’

I scolded Miel inwardly but he proudly sat on the heart, flapping his wings.

Amusing yet frustrating.

“You there, what are you doing?”

“Uh… reading a book… when these butterflies came…”

He noticed Rote by my side.

His eyes widened more.

“Wow!”

Rote’s metallic surface gleamed in the sunlight.

The boy’s reaction was adorable, like a child seeing magic for the first time.

Playfulness struck me.

“Want to join me for dinner?”

“Uh… yes…!”

He stuttered, his face turning tomato red.

So cute!

“By the way, we’re eating at your place.”

“Uh…?”

His confused expression made me giggle.

This kid is so endearing!

His pure reactions are fun to tease!

“Good, let’s go.”

We walked with Shai, who followed shyly behind.

His hesitation was amusing, but I didn’t say anything.

Teasing him more might upset him!

We walked the garden path in awkward silence.

Finally, Shai mustered courage and asked softly.

“Um… who are you…?”

‘Lycoris, a proud servant of Frostia and apostle of Michel.’

I tried to respond proudly, but different words came out.

“Hmph. It’s a secret.”

Ugh!

My voice sounded mysterious and noble, as if hiding something.

“Ah…”

Shai looked down, disheartened.

I felt bad.

“But how old are you?”

“I’m… 8…”

“I’m 6.”

“No way… lie…”

Shai’s eyes filled with doubt.

Even with my small frame, I was a head taller than him.

“It’s true. I’m not human, you know.”

Shai’s eyes flickered, as if realizing something.

“Then… perhaps… a dragon… like in the book…”

‘Heh, dragons are Master. I’m a flower!’

“Huh. Imagine whatever you like.”

My words were unintentionally ambiguous, and I laughed, covering my mouth elegantly.

This would surely lead to misunderstandings!

“I thought dragons were only the guardians of the Kargon Dragon Kingdom…”

Kargon Dragon Kingdom?

A country Ryandel showed me on the world map, in the southern continent, protected by dragons.

I wanted to know more.

‘Tell me about the Kargon Dragon Kingdom.’

“The world is wide. Not everything is in books.”

Shai’s confused expression made me smile.

This trait is so strange…

Misleading him into thinking I’m a dragon in disguise!

How do I turn this trait off?