A Day of Unsettling Signs

Fren’s promise to prepare restorative tonics was no empty talk.

Starting the very next day, he brought every nourishing food he could find and made Vanessa eat them throughout the day.

For Vanessa—who barely had an appetite—it was pure suffering.

“You’re eating well. Let’s have one more serving.”

“No, Master Fren. I’m really full.”

“You can do it.”

Vanessa could not resist Fren’s expectant, utterly trusting gaze, and so each mealtime became a battlefield where she struggled through multiple bowls.

But it wasn’t entirely miserable.

Ever since Fren insisted she eat well even when he wasn’t around, he began stocking the room with mountains of meals and snacks.

Thanks to that, Vanessa was now able to secretly bring food to Jeanouaz often.

“Wow. Another food I’ve never seen before!”

“They call it a cupcake.”

Jeanouaz stared at the cupcake topped with whipped cream with dazzled eyes.

“It’s too pretty to eat.”

“Then I’ll eat it.”

“Thank you for the food!”

Vanessa propped her chin on her hand, watching her friend devour the cupcake with delight.

It made her feel oddly content.

Is this how Master Fren feels when he watches me eat?

From now on, Vanessa resolved to eat diligently even when full.

Even if it felt like her stomach would burst, she would do anything to repay Fren’s kindness.

As she made that quiet vow, she turned her head.

Jeanouaz was already licking the cream from her lips.

“You finished already?”

“Yeah. It was too good, I couldn’t help it. Sorry, you brought it all the way here.”

Jeanouaz even sucked the leftover cream from her fingertips, regretful.

“I should’ve savored it more.”

“No, you know. Food tastes best when you enjoy it.”

“That’s true.”

“Well then, Jeanouaz.”

Today, too, it was a relief that no one had discovered them.

Vanessa rose to her feet.

“I have to go.”

“Already?”

Jeanouaz instinctively grabbed Vanessa’s sleeve.

Surprised by the unfamiliar reaction, Vanessa blinked and nodded.

“Yes. Master Fren is going out today.”

“I… I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

Jeanouaz hesitated, staring into Vanessa’s eyes—then suddenly grinned.

“Let’s both do our best today too!”

“…Is that really it? Are you sure nothing happened—?”

“No, nothing like that. I should get going too.”

She gave Vanessa’s back a playful push and waved vigorously.

“Bye!”

Vanessa wanted to ask more, but Jeanouaz had already disappeared into the bushes.

Something’s definitely off.

She wanted to chase after her right away, but she didn’t have time.

I’ll ask her for sure next time.

Vanessa made the promise to herself—yet her legs refused to move.

She struggled a moment, then clenched her teeth and ran after Jeanouaz.

Because she sprinted at full speed, it didn’t take long before she caught up and grabbed Jeanouaz’s shoulders.

“Are you really sure nothing’s wrong?”

Jeanouaz looked at Vanessa—breathless and worried—with surprise, then smiled brightly, like sunlight on a summer day.

“Yep. Nothing!”

“…Okay. Then I’ll really go now.”

Vanessa nodded once, reassured by that radiant smile, then raced back the way she’d come.

Behind her, Jeanouaz’s voice rang out:

“Thanks for worrying—!”

Only then did Vanessa truly relax.

She reached Fren’s room without being late and repeatedly thought she’d done the right thing chasing her friend despite the exhaustion.

Though I feel like dying…

Physical exhaustion was nothing compared to emotional turmoil.

Still, she promised herself she wouldn’t gamble like this again. Luck wouldn’t always be on her side.

Vanessa knelt at Fren’s door to catch her breath—

“Then, I’ll take my leave, Elder.”

“Safe travels.”

The door opened, and a cheerful royal attendant emerged with Fren.

Before leaving, the attendant bowed once more.

“Princess Daphne was truly delighted. Please allow us to escort the two of you during the ceremony.”

“That would be an honor for our house. I will inform my mother how kindly the princess regards her.”

“Then we only bring more joy to Her Highness, haha!”

With several more bows, the attendant finally departed.

Fren stared down the empty hallway with an unreadable expression before reaching down.

“Come in.”

“Yes.”

He gently patted Vanessa’s head before walking inside.

The unexpected gesture made Vanessa follow him with a fluttering heart.

“Oh, Vanessa! Long time no see!”

“…….”

And just like that, her mood shattered.

How the master of an entire mercantile company had this much free time was a mystery.

And long time no see?

They had only met a few days ago at the Pronia estate.

At this rate, she might end up seeing Nepher as often as she saw Fren—which was a terrifying thought.

He’s definitely coming again tomorrow… isn’t he?

Even so, manners were manners, so Vanessa moved to kneel—

But Nepher quickly waved his hand.

“No need to kneel. Not between us.”

Between us? What “us”?

“How are you feeling today? Seeing you makes my day.”

Vanessa stared at the floor, her entire being recoiling.

Never in her life had she disliked someone so instantly and so completely.

Even Fren didn’t ask about her mood.

Most people didn’t even think slaves had moods.

Being treated like an actual person rather than an object was uncomfortable—almost frightening.

As though sensing Vanessa’s desperate wish to be ignored, Nepher finally turned to Fren.

“So when are you electing the new elders?”

“Probably after the ceremony.”

“You’re choosing all four yourself?”

“You know our system.”

When a seat opened in the elder council, the royal family nominated candidates, and the current elders chose one.

If none of the candidates were acceptable, the elders could veto all of them.

But now every elder except Fren was dead.

Meaning Fren alone held all the selection power.

Even the royal family must have been panicking.

“Is that why you invited Lady Sylvia? To sway her and push candidates advantageous to the royals?”

“I never thought that far. I assumed the princesses simply admired my mother.”

“I hope that’s all it is… but if I’m right, what will you do?”

Nepher gulped down his drink and asked:

“You… can refuse Sylvia’s requests?”

“…Haha. Probably not. But I’m not too worried. You know she’s not someone easily manipulated.”

“That’s true.”

Nepher wiped his mouth and naturally held out his empty cup.

Vanessa refilled it while glancing at the clock.

Fren was supposedly going out soon, yet he showed no intention of leaving.

Instead, he was deeply engaged in conversation, even looking worried for Nepher.

“I think your throat’s gotten worse.”

“You can tell too? Ugh…”

Nepher rubbed his throat irritably.

“I told you to let the healer I know take a look.”

“No thanks. It’s hereditary. The previous master struggled with it too.”

“I think my mother mentioned that.”

“I just want to retire and relax.”

“Don’t say that. You’re still young.”

“There’s no age for wanting to rest. Don’t you want to retire?”

“I’m enjoying my work too much.”

“Just wait. You’ll get sick of it. Working alone is exhausting. Ah, Vanessa, one more glass.”

Even after all this time, he was relaxed.

Which meant Fren’s outing really had been canceled.

No servants came to prepare him, confirming it.

But something felt off.

As Vanessa refilled Nepher’s glass, she tilted her head.

He keeps bringing up unnecessary topics for no reason…

“It’s better to work alone anyway… watching others work just frustrates me. Look at the elders who died. If they had just worked instead of fighting, we wouldn’t have had internal collapse.”

“True. Working with many people drains you. They just can’t focus.”

Is there a reason he’s talking so much?

Vanessa lifted the water jug—and froze.

It was empty.

She leaned closer to Fren and whispered:

“I think we need more water.”

“Already? I told them to bring a large jug.”

“I don’t want Vanessa to leaveee.”

“Go on, Vanessa.”

He definitely wanted her to leave for some reason.

Normally he would have called a servant or another s*ave for such errands, but now he sent her personally.

Vanessa descended the stairs with the empty jug when—

“When is Fren coming out?!”

“…As I said, he has a guest. He cannot come now.”

“No, Fren told me to come at this time!”

The shout echoed through the entire mansion.

Vanessa immediately peered over the railing.

There stood Hakan, raging at the head attendant.

“How long do you expect me to wait?! Do you think Lycans are toys?!”

“Please, just a little more patience. The discussion will end soon—”

“Tell him to come out! I’m not a s*ave to be kept waiting in a hallway!”

So he’s the reason.

Just seeing him made Vanessa’s head ache.

As she rubbed her brow—an unconscious habit borrowed from Fren—Hakan suddenly spotted her.

He grew even angrier.

And even now that damned face looks too pretty… damn it…