Chapter 2: The Ominous Silence of the Duke’s Manor

“…Big.”

This was Luke’s impression as he looked around the reception room.

The interior of the Duke’s mansion was just as expansive as its exterior.

No one would imagine that the youngest daughter of such a grand Duke’s family would be mistreated here.

In fact, most people probably didn’t even know about Elin’s existence.

The silent reception room was proof of that.

Luke was the only one who applied for the position of tutor.

The expression of the servant who guided him here had been quite memorable.

“There really is an applicant.”

The servant had an expression as if he had assumed that no one would apply.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The servant returned to the reception room.

As Luke stood up and checked to see if his tie was straight, a voice came from behind the servant.

“Are you the one who applied to be my youngest daughter’s tutor?”

A woman followed the servant into the room.

Luke’s body froze.

The voice was too familiar.

“Please don’t resent us too much. We only wanted you to become someone worthy of Bertein. So, for the last time, for us…”

That pretentious voice, which made anger surge just from hearing it.

Luke turned his head.

…He barely stopped himself from frowning.

“The pillar of the center. I greet the Duchess of Bertein.”

Natia Bertein.

She was the woman who actively ignored the abuse inflicted on Elin and had even driven her to suicide through gaslighting.

“You know who I am?”

“How could a noble of the Empire not recognize you?”

Luke forced a smile, lifting the corners of his mouth with great effort.

Revealing his disgust here would do no good.

“Why have you come in person, Duchess?”

He had expected to be interviewed by the head maid or the head butler at most.

“Well, I have to personally evaluate the person who will teach my daughter.”

Natia smiled faintly.

It was hard to discern her intentions beneath her mask-like face.

“Then, the interview…”

“Yes, I’ll conduct it myself.”

Natia glanced around before continuing.

“There don’t seem to be any other applicants anyway. Let’s just proceed with the interview here.”

Natia sat in front of Luke.

The servant naturally poured tea beside her.

After taking a sip, Natia began to speak.

“First, let’s hear a simple introduction and your reason for applying.”

“My name is Luke Burklin. I was eager to seize the honorable opportunity to personally educate the Duke’s daughter.”

“The Burklin family… A household known for producing many skilled magicians.”

The Burklin family was a renowned house of magic, requiring no further explanation.

“Do you know who our youngest daughter is?”

At least more than you do.

Luke swallowed that retort and smiled instead.

“I’ve only heard of the name Elin Bertein.”

“As expected, right? We haven’t shared much about our youngest with outsiders.”

Natia flipped through the documents.

“I reviewed the application you sent. You graduated at the top of your academy.”

“That’s correct.”

“This is tricky… To be honest…”

A smile suggesting hesitation appeared on her face.

“Our youngest has many shortcomings. She might struggle to keep up with lessons…”

The implication was that an academy valedictorian might find her unsatisfactory.

Yet, it was clear Natia didn’t want to let go of Luke.

“That’s not a problem.”

Luke didn’t care what Natia thought of him.

After all, his purpose was to meet Elin.

“I will do my utmost to elevate the young lady’s level to meet your expectations.”

Luke offered a genial smile as he spoke insincerely.

Natia let out a brief sigh and smiled faintly.

“Actually, you were already accepted. There are no other applicants, and your credentials are outstanding.”

“Thank you.”

As expected, the interview ended simply.

“Now, could you briefly share what you plan to teach?”

“Yes, just a moment.”

Natia picked up her empty teacup.

“I am a magician, specializing in spatial magic.”

“Spatial magic…?”

With a snap of his fingers, Luke opened a small subspace in midair.

“Yes. This is what I primarily research.”

He placed the teacup inside and clenched his hand.

The subspace closed as if nothing had happened.

“Creating spaces in another dimension.”

He snapped his fingers again.

Luke’s figure disappeared momentarily.

“And teleportation.”

He reappeared behind Natia and retrieved the teacup from the subspace, handing it to her.

“These are the two things I am most confident in.”

“…Impressive.”

Natia admired the teacup in her hands.

She was so entranced that she didn’t realize her mouth was slightly open.

“Spatial magic isn’t something just any magician can handle…”

“As you can see, I’m not just any magician.”

“Indeed. I’ve seen many elemental magicians, but this is my first time meeting a spatial magician.”

“Of course, I’m skilled enough to teach elemental magic as well.”

“Hmm… If it were up to me, I’d hire you as the tutor for my eldest daughter instead.”

“Thank you for the thought.”

It seemed that the magic display had left a strong impression on Natia.

Not that he cared for the attention of this cunning old fox.

“Here’s the contract. Let me know if you find anything unusual.”

Natia handed over the contract.

Luke read through it slowly and tilted his head.

“What does the non-disclosure clause mean?”

“Exactly what it says. It’s a clause prohibiting you from sharing anything about what happens in the Duke’s house with outsiders. Is there a problem?”

A problem? Of course, there was.

Non-disclosure clauses were common in noble households.

“But it says a restrictive curse will be placed to enforce it.”

However, few households went so far as to use curses for confidentiality.

While not as taboo as black magic, curses were still viewed with suspicion.

The fact that the Duke’s family was willing to risk employing such a measure indicated one thing.

“It’s because we would face many difficulties if Bertein’s internal affairs were leaked.”

They were terrified of anything related to Elin reaching the outside world.

“When will the curse be placed?”

“As soon as you agree to the contract, I will place it right away.”

Ah.

So that’s why Natia came in person.

Well, considering her abilities, she is an outstanding mage after all.

Nodding, Luke continued reading the contract.

“The duration of the contract is until the young lady comes of age, correct?”

“Yes, and for the next seven years, your lodging and meals will be provided here.”

Apart from the curse, the terms weren’t bad.

Without hesitation, he signed the contract.

“I look forward to working with you.”

“The same goes for me. Please take good care of our youngest.”

Natia pulled out a scroll from her pocket.

It was inscribed with a magical circle Luke had never seen before.

As she infused mana into the scroll, Luke’s tongue stiffened.

He tried rolling his tongue around in his mouth.

Was this a spell that would set his tongue on fire if he revealed any secrets?

At any rate, he would have to be careful about what he said regarding the Bertein family.

“Shall we go and meet our youngest now?”

After confirming the curse had taken effect, Natia spoke.

“Please lead the way.”

Four years after being trapped in this game world, Luke had finally been employed as Elin’s tutor.

“All the portraits hanging in the hallway are of the previous heads of the Bertein family. Such a rich history…”

Natia continued to proudly boast about the Bertein family as they walked down the corridor.

“Impressive.”

Luke gave a half-hearted response, letting her words go in one ear and out the other.

His mind was focused on one thing.

The message he had seen four years ago.

[Please make her happy.]

The notification had appeared the moment he began the hidden route.

And when he saw Elin, those words reappeared before him.

If this hidden route was truly about entering the game itself…

Could this be his chance to finally achieve the happy ending?

“This is our youngest’s room.”

Lost in thought, he found himself standing in front of Elin’s room.

“This room seems smaller than the others.”

Compared to the rooms they’d passed earlier, this one was far more shabby.

“Well, our youngest is still small, so she doesn’t need a big room.”

Natia lied without a hint of hesitation.

In truth, it was a storage room they had converted simply because they didn’t want to see Elin.

“I see.”

Luke responded indifferently and knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

-Thud, thud, thud!

The sound of hurried footsteps was followed by the door bursting open.

“What brings… oh?”

A small girl, trembling, peeked out.

Her pale face, initially filled with dread, quickly went blank.

Perhaps it was because her father, who would often visit with a whip in hand, hadn’t come.

“Good day, my lady.”

Luke knelt on one knee to meet her eye level.

“I am Luke Bucklin, your new tutor, starting today.”

“…Tutor?”

Elin took a few steps back.

Glancing at Natia and then back at Luke, she opened her mouth as if realizing something.

She likely hadn’t known a tutor was arriving today.

Luke took a good look at Elin.

Her pale purple hair was dry and split at the ends.

Her blue eyes lacked focus and shimmered with lifelessness.

Dark circles weighed heavily on her otherwise delicate and cute features.

Her fingernails were chewed down to the quick.

“Has she been losing sleep lately? Her complexion doesn’t look good,” Natia commented, feigning concern as she noticed Luke’s gaze.

Losing sleep? Hardly.

It was obvious she was suffering from insomnia.

Likely caused by her father’s habit of barging in with a whip at all hours.

“I will take it into consideration for her education.”

Luke nodded, deciding his first priority was to address her sleep issues.

“Well then, Elin, shouldn’t you greet your tutor?”

“I’m… Elin Bertein.”

“Your voice is too soft.”

Natia’s voice dropped to a low, stern tone.

Elin flinched, a reflex born of fear, and gulped.

“…S-sorry…”

“It’s fine.”

Luke cut her apology short.

Watching Elin trembling like a frightened animal, an idea suddenly struck him.

“Would it be alright if I also handled her etiquette lessons?”

Seeing her condition, he realized he needed to spend as much time with her as possible.

“Oh my, that would be wonderful for us.”

Unaware of Luke’s true intentions, Natia smiled brightly and checked her watch.

“It’s already this late… Elin, make sure you greet your tutor properly.”

Waving her hand, Natia’s face maintained its polished, fake smile to the very end.

“Come in…”

Leaving the stiffened Elin behind, Natia walked away down the corridor, her heels clicking against the floor.

Once she turned the corner and disappeared…

“Haa…”

Elin finally exhaled the breath she had been holding.

“Huh?”

Then, noticing Luke still there, she quickly covered her mouth with her hands.

Her already pale face turned even whiter.

How much fear must she live with to be this skittish?

“You can feel at ease around me.”

“…?”

“I won’t tell anyone about any of your mistakes, my lady.”

“…??”

Elin’s expression was filled with confusion.

Her eyes reflected her complete lack of understanding.

Well, he’d have to teach her what he meant gradually.

With that thought, Luke smiled.

“I look forward to working with you, my lady.”

Thus began his first day as a tutor.