Sadik Empire,

On the outskirts of Sabelius, a western metropolis—

The location of the Black Rose Family's main residence.

After knocking and obtaining permission, a woman dressed in a black-and-white maid uniform, possessing a graceful figure and deep blue hair, stepped elegantly into the Duke's office, which was simple yet dignified.

"Duke, Lady Qiu Mingtong has already arrived in Wind Facing City."

The maid spoke respectfully.

Upon hearing this, the black-haired man who had been resting with his eyes closed slowly opened them and indifferently looked at the blue-haired maid.

His fair and flawless face possessed sharp, handsome features. His black eyes, deep as black gemstones, carried an enchanting luster and a mysterious charm. His thick brows, high nose bridge, and perfect lips all proclaimed his nobility and elegance.

Clearly,

This handsome yet imposing man was none other than the head of the Black Rose Family—

Xiao Black Rose.

And Saiboke-Baniya's direct superior.

Facing the maid's report, Xiao raised his hand to his chin and slightly lifted his eyebrow.

"So, she's arrived. What happened afterward?"

"Reporting to Duke, because the defenders of Garos Fortress were almost completely annihilated, and the forces of Wind Facing City had lost their combat capabilities under the aftereffects of the Blood Butterfly aura, Lady Qiu Mingtong easily obtained Marquis Xiumu-Duke's permission to cooperate using the excuse you prepared. She has already entered Garos Fortress with the legion and stationed her troops there."

"Oh? Almost wiped out? How pitiful."

Xiao said lightly, though there wasn't the slightest trace of sympathy in his voice.

"Life really is fragile~"

"Indeed, Duke."

"As long as cooperation was secured, that's enough. By the way, what is this Blood Butterfly you just mentioned?"

"It's the title given to the new Demon King-class existence. The Holy Capital Cathedral of Asumos Church just released it."

"Oh? I see."

Xiao nodded calmly.

Blood Butterfly?

That codename somehow carried a sense of cruelty.

It didn't suit Lady Yumo at all.

Lady Yumo was clearly so gentle.

And...

"How does the Church classify Blood Butterfly? Merely Demon King-class?"

Hearing that question, the maid smiled mockingly.

"Yes. Demon King-class."

"Heh, a bunch of idiots."

Xiao let out a cold laugh before leaning back in his chair with a somewhat amused expression.

"Indeed."

The maid nodded slightly in agreement.

Then,

She frowned.

She suddenly noticed [N O V E L I G H T] something unusual.

During work, the old butler who always stood beside the desk was nowhere to be seen.

Without the old butler, it felt strangely unfamiliar.

Meanwhile,

Seemingly noticing her puzzled expression, Xiao spoke directly.

"What is it, Luowei? If you have something to ask, just say it."

Although Xiao usually maintained a poker face, he revealed a trace of gentleness toward the child he had once adopted.

Luowei bowed apologetically.

"My apologies, Duke. I'm simply curious. Where did Lord Saiboke-Baniya go?"

"Oh, him~"

As he spoke, a faint smile of schadenfreude appeared on Xiao's handsome face.

The Duke slowly turned his head and looked toward the rose garden outside the window.

"As for him, hehe, it seems he's currently being scolded~"

?

Hm?

"Being... scolded? Lord Saiboke-Baniya?"

Someone capable of scolding Lord Saiboke-Baniya...

Other than the Duke, there seemed to be only—

Thinking of that, the maid named Luowei couldn't help but reveal a stunned expression and followed the Duke's gaze toward the garden.

At this moment,

Inside the garden,

The elegant old butler looked extremely anxious. He paced back and forth continuously while speaking into the communication magic crystal in his hand.

Cold sweat kept flowing down his forehead.

...

——

"You said she'd sleep for five days! It's only been a few hours! Why did she wake up already?! You'd better give me a reasonable explanation! Otherwise, just wait until your butt blossoms!"

Inside the wooden house, Yumo, who had already changed into fresh clothes and sat on a chair in the bedroom, tightly gripped the communication magic crystal and questioned angrily.

Soon, Saiboke-Baniya's panicked voice emerged.

"M-My apologies, Lady Yumo! Please calm down and hear me out!"

"Then hurry up and explain~"

"R-Right. I think this should be an extremely rare special case!"

"What special case?"

"Normally, someone whose soul power has been exhausted will definitely fall asleep. But according to the Weisle Theory, a very small number of special individuals can temporarily awaken after coming into contact with certain unique energy signatures!"

"Unique energy? What energy?"

"T-That depends on the person. It varies according to one's constitution."

"And you said temporary awakening?"

"Yes! They'll wake up for a while, then fall asleep again until their soul power recovers to a sufficient level. Furthermore, they won't retain any memories from the period they were awake!"

Hearing that, Miss Yumo narrowed her eyes slightly and rested her chin on her hand, falling into thought.

"They won't retain memories? Then before the soul power fully recovers, will they wake up again?"

"N-No! There has never been a case in medical history where someone woke up twice!"

Yumo frowned slightly and asked suspiciously.

"You're sure?"

"Yes! I'm sure! Unless an aberration phenomenon occurs! But that possibility is extremely low, practically negligible. Lady Yumo needn't worry!"

"Sigh, fine. I'll trust you one more time. If something goes wrong again, you can eat Liyu's cooking."

Sigh...

After letting out a helpless sigh, Yumo ignored Saiboke-Baniya's endless rambling.

She withdrew the Shadow of Silence Power and ended the call, casually tossing the discarded blue magic crystal out the window.

Since Miss Yumo was in a rather bad mood, she accidentally used too much force.

As a result, the magic crystal directly disappeared into the horizon.

Afterward, she closed the window to prevent the heat from escaping.

After all, she wasn't the only person in the house anymore.

Then,

Yumo slowly turned her head and thoughtfully looked at the peerlessly beautiful girl lying on the bed.

Forget it.

If she doesn't remember, then so be it.

I even prepared an entire story to fool her.

Looks like it won't be necessary.

Though...

That's probably for the best.

If the heroine really woke up in the middle of the Great Winter Forest, it'd be hard for me to explain things.

Let's just leave it like this.

She can continue resting as before.

Thinking so, Yumo's gaze swept appreciatively across Mengxi's butterfly-like eyelashes and cherry lips red as crabapple blossoms.

Her face was so moist and delicate that it stirred an irresistible desire to touch it.

Her features were perfectly proportioned—sharp without being harsh, soft without losing elegance.

Most captivating of all were her eyes, overflowing with the temperament of a goddess, beautiful and brimming with sacredness.

Yumo's gaze then shifted toward the fragrant shoulder exposed beneath the suspender dress.

Her snow-white skin was flawless, and the slightly disordered silk garments only enhanced its brilliance. Even the dazzling sapphire beside her pillow seemed dull compared to the radiance of her complexion.

Mengxi slept so beautifully.

The curves of her body were enough to make one feel refreshed and relaxed.

Even Miss Yumo's face turned slightly red.

"As expected of the Child of Destiny~"

She couldn't help sighing once again.

Especially those bright purple eyes, brilliant like stars—

They're truly soul-stealing~

Soul-stealing~

Soul-steal...

...

Hm?!?!

Wait?

Eyes?!

Hold it right there!!

"Y-You?! Why have you woken up again again again?!"

Instantly reacting, Yumo let out a cry of alarm.

This sudden scene, this second blooming plum, caused Miss Yumo to panic completely as she sprang up from her chair!

She stared at the silver-haired girl who had awakened once again with incomparable shock.

Meanwhile, Mengxi silently met her gaze with clear and innocent eyes.

Causing Yumo's heartbeat to accelerate slightly.

A moment later,

After recovering herself, Miss Yumo gritted her teeth.

Didn't you say she wouldn't wake up?!

Saiboke-Baniya!

You brat!

Can you be reliable for once?!

When the time comes, you can choose yourself—

Either your butt blossoms,

Or Liyu's cooking!

...

Meanwhile,

Far away in a foreign land, Saiboke-Baniya suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and sneezed violently.

Saiboke-Baniya: ?!? Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling...?