Another Secret

On the morning of Daisy and Viola’s second day at Baron Bolus’s mansion, Viola, who had gone out earlier wearing a black veil alongside Baron Bolus to inspect the state of the territory, finally returned to the mansion.

Meanwhile, Daisy had already escaped from Pelinda’s room and was nervously lingering in the outdoor corridor, peeking around from time to time.

Her little face was full of worry.

Earlier, Pelinda had invited Daisy into her secret room filled with giant plushies and desserts.

There, Pelinda had completely dropped her noble-lady act and revealed her true personality.

In all the chaos and excitement, Daisy’s hat had accidentally fallen off.

And because of that, Pelinda had discovered Daisy’s dragon identity.

Although Pelinda had eventually calmed down and happily promised to keep it secret, Daisy was worried about something much more serious.

Viola had said before that they had come here to avoid dangerous pursuers.

If Viola learned that Pelinda now knew they were dragons…

The consequences would be terrifying.

“Wuuu… if Viola finds out… Pelinda might really be doomed…”

Standing in the shadows of the corridor, Daisy hugged her head beneath her hat and silently prayed.

‘Please don’t notice… please don’t notice…’

**

At the entrance of the mansion, Baroness Bolus stood waiting alongside several servants.

“Welcome back, dear. You must be tired after your inspection.”

The Baroness and the servants lowered themselves respectfully in greeting.

Then she turned toward Viola with a bright smile.

“And Miss in Black, thank you for accompanying my husband.”

“I hope the trip wasn’t too boring.”

“Hmph.”

Viola’s beautiful face remained hidden beneath her veil as her usual cold voice answered.

“Not boring at all.”

“I got to witness your husband’s absurdly soft-hearted management methods.”

The Baroness’s smile froze for a brief moment.

Then she immediately recovered.

“Haha… Miss in Black certainly enjoys joking.”

“Please come in. Tea has already been prepared.”

After entering the mansion, Viola declined the invitation to join them for tea.

Instead, she headed directly toward Daisy.

“Daisy.”

“Wah?!”

Daisy nearly jumped.

Seeing Viola walking toward her, she instantly panicked.

“V-Viola…”

“What are you doing?”

“You looked startled just from hearing my voice.”

“N-no! That’s not—”

Daisy had been secretly watching from the corridor and desperately trying to think of a way to hide the Pelinda incident.

Unfortunately, she had been caught before coming up with anything.

Viola stepped closer.

The black hat and veil on her head shifted and flowed like liquid before transforming back into long black hair.

Her cold gray eyes narrowed slightly as she quietly observed Daisy.

“…”

Daisy froze completely.

She didn’t even dare move.

‘Don’t say anything.’

‘Don’t reveal anything.’

‘If Viola figures it out, Pelinda is finished!’

“Come with me.”

Viola gently took Daisy’s hand and started walking.

“Huh?”

Daisy blinked in confusion but obediently followed behind.

A short while later, Viola led Daisy into an empty guest room.

Click.

The door closed.

Then Viola pulled the curtains shut, cutting off the room from the outside world.

Daisy stared blankly.

“Viola…?”

Why come here?

Why close the door?

What was happening?

Meanwhile, Viola simply sat down calmly and looked toward Daisy.

“Daisy.”

“Come here.”

Daisy walked over cautiously.

The next moment, Viola leaned closer.

“Wah?!”

Daisy jumped.

Viola lowered her head slightly and sniffed near Daisy before narrowing her eyes.

“…I see.”

“Huh?”

“I understand now.”

Daisy tilted her head.

Then Viola calmly delivered a devastating line.

“You smell like her perfume.”

“…?!”

Daisy nearly exploded on the spot.

Viola crossed her arms.

“Let’s see…”

“That human noble girl was actually hiding a very different personality.”

“She got excited after finally getting time alone with you.”

“Then she dragged you into some secret room, got completely carried away, and accidentally discovered our identity.”

“…WHY DO YOU KNOW EVERYTHING SO ACCURATELY?!”

Daisy’s eyes widened.

It felt like Viola had been secretly standing in the room watching everything happen.

Viola looked strangely satisfied.

“Because I know everything about my Daisy.”

For a brief moment, her gaze softened.

Then it suddenly cooled again.

“But.”

“Our identity has been exposed.”

“Wuu…”

Daisy’s entire body stiffened.

Here it comes.

This was it.

Pelinda was finished.

Panicking, Daisy rushed forward and tightly hugged Viola.

“Don’t hurt Pelinda!”

“…”

“She isn’t bad!”

“…”

“She gave me cake!”

“…”

“Her whole family are good people!”

“…”

Daisy became more and more desperate.

Finally—

“Alright, alright.”

“I never said I was going to hurt her.”

Daisy froze.

“…Really?”

“Really.”

Viola sighed and gently patted Daisy’s head.

“She’s just an ordinary noble girl who rarely leaves the house.”

“She doesn’t have many chances to spread anything.”

“Besides, her parents are here.”

“I doubt she’d do something reckless.”

Daisy’s eyes instantly lit up.

“That’s great! Pelinda’s okay!”

Just as Daisy was about to jump up in excitement, Viola gently held her in place.

“Daisy.”

Her voice became slightly more serious.

“I’ve told you many times.”

“Don’t trust people so easily.”

“The Baron’s family truly are good people.”

“It’s fine to trust them.”

“But not everyone in this world is like that.”

“Next time…”

“…you may not be so lucky.”

Daisy quietly lowered her head.

“…Okay.”