"You can also claim that one as yours if you desire to."

Avy furrowed her brows in confusion after hearing the statement of her curse servant in his cat form walking freely next to her. She knows that Ares is often like an open book because he just says whatever he wants to without caring about what she would think of him. But there are also times that he wouldn't even utter a single word to answer questions that he's asked.

'What do you mean?' she gave him a side glance, but the said servant went on ahead.

"I am not one to ruin the fun. You will find out soon enough. When your cat dies, maybe?"

She would have kicked the black ball of fur that was walking in front of her if not for the fact that it would be violence against animals.

'You can go die first.'

Even without her seeing, she could feel Ares smiling smugly and annoyingly like how he usually does, especially when he replied to her comment.

"I'm immortal, Avy."

Avy just rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue, 'Fuck you, then,' she childishly retorts back but Ares only responded with laughter, giving his master more reason to want to send his small cat body flying with a jab of her foot. It was a good thing that they finally arrived in front of the young master's room, which she was actually surprised about since she doesn't know where it was and just followed Ares until he stopped in front of the door with two knights standing in either side.

"The lady would like to see the young master's condition," Mariel boldly stated without having to be told. Avy saw how the knights gave her a glance that she would say, not exactly as welcoming or maybe a little hostile if she were to be honest. And of course, it did not go unnoticed by her trusted knight who put his hand on his sword's grip as if he was going to unsheath his blade if any further disrespect was shown to their lady.

"Young master Clion is currently resting, I would suggest the lady retire for the night," one of the knights responded unwaveringly, tone a little bit too sharp for someone declining a noble's request.

It didn't sit well with Mariel as it was shown on her face that she was not pleased that Avy was rejected after walking her way from her own quarters to visit the other duchy's young master, but of course, it was also the last straw of Clerivan's grace. He was about to pull out his sword when Avy waved her hand, signaling him to stop. She doesn't want any unnecessary bloodshed and trouble or she might get scolded again by Ashton, that nagger of a brother she has.

She was about to say that it was fine, although it wasn't because she already wasted energy walking, and still got rejected, but someone from the side spoke, not letting her speak first.

"Let the lady in, it's disrespectful to send her away after she went on her way to check on the young master out of concern." it was exactly what she was thinking. Avy swerved her head in the direction of the voice and saw the same butler with maroon-colored hair standing with his hands behind his back, a stern expression displayed on his face.

"Sir Craye-"

"Did I ask for your opinion?" the butler didn't let the knight finish and instead threw him an unamused look, forcing the latter to bow his head.

Avy did not enjoy what it looked like.

She chuckled, calling the attention of all the servants present.

"It seems like this duchy's knights will only heed orders from a butler and not from a noble," she stated before she gave the knights a disapproving glare. "I would love to know how arrogant can you be."

The two knights' kneeled with one knee on the floor, "We apologize, Lady Avana. We made a grave mistake," they told her without showing their faces. It was better that way, Avy did not want to see their faces anyway. It seems like being of noble descent made its way to her head pretty quickly that she's now acting like one. Or maybe her original ego is just as big as those of nobilities that she did not like how the butler sounded of higher status. Either that, or she's just being petty like usual.

"Move along. My servants and I do not have all night to spare," she said and the two immediately opened the door for them. The butler bowed and ushered them to enter the room first which they did without hesitation.

The said butler gestured her to sit on the chair next to the bed where the small master was sleeping soundly, his face looked much more relaxed than when he was screaming nonstop in the garden.

"Lady Avana may have already heard of me since I used to be Young Master Zach's aide when he was a child, but allow me to introduce myself." the butler stood before her with elegance she knew that is worthy enough of her awe. "My name is Craye Aguelot. I was appointed as the head butler by the master of this estate. I apologize for creating a misunderstanding, My Lady."

Craye looked like he would be the same age as Raux, their head cook, or maybe a little older. His height could be compared to their chef although his physique was slimmer while Raux's muscles could still be seen even when covered with his white button-up sleeve uniform, on the other hand, Craye's resembled that of a butler, because fun fact; he was indeed a butler.

"It is just a common tale in this estate that the lady arbors affection towards our eldest young master. And these days, words spread that lady Avana is exploiting young master Clion to get closer to the other-"

"How dare some mere servants to speak of the lady in such manner?!" Mariel exploded, expressing her distaste quite openly.

"Mi'lady, shall I cut every servant's throat in this estate?" Clerivan said, once again threatening to use his sword to spill blood.

Avy gestured for the two of them to stop but did not take her eyes away from the butler who said some brave words in front of her. "Father wouldn't like that kind of headline in tomorrow's newspapers, Revie. Give it a rest," she started, keeping her servants from taking any kind of actions, "But I no longer have feelings for your young master. My affection has now become no more than history and I suggest that you tell everyone that."

She was surely cringing inside when she said those words, but it's better than people thinking she still has a crush on a man with an attitude problem and anger issues. she seriously cannot comprehend why the original Avy liked him in the first place, how is he likable anyway? The only things he contributed to Avy's life were depression and insecurity. Maybe he was indeed a great match for the protagonist, a rich heir with life issues and a cure for all goodie-two-shoes. The author should've just taped them together and thrown them somewhere in a ditch to make Avy's life more bearable somehow.

"I see. That is indeed a surprise. I will make sure to pass on the message, My Lady. I really am sorry for being rude."

Avy did not answer him and just looked at the boy who was sleeping on the bed in front of her. He did not seem like he was in pain, the same innocence can be traced in his resting expression just like how unbelievably pure he is when awake.

"It is human nature to judge others even without getting to know them personally. As much as it is annoying, I find it irrelevant." she breathed in comfortably and stood up throwing the sleeping child one last glance before turning to Craye once again.

"I just came here to know if this little thing is faring well," she stated as her eyes stared sharper at the butler. "Not to exploit his innocence, as you can see." there was venom in her words, Craye was able to get what she meant and was about to open his mouth to speak when another voice did before him.

"What are you doing here?" came the voice of a little girl that they eventually found out belonged to a child looking exactly like Clion. It was the same child Avy saw earlier when she left the garden.

She studied the child from head to toe and the resemblance to the small boy was uncanny, although contrary to his innocent and gentle image, the girl's demeanor was that of a baby tiger, strong and confident. She was frowning and glaring at her as if she did something wrong.

"Lady Clari!!" the voice of a couple of maids was heard before they appeared at the door, eyes widened when they saw the people present inside the room.

"W-we apologize, Lady Avana!" the maids, three of them, bowed in unison, not wanting to meet the unchanging red eyes of the girl who stood in front of their head butler.

"I believe it is time for you to sleep, Young lady. Please go back to your quarters," Craye politely told the little girl that from what she heard was named Clari. But she didn't budge and instead, continued to stare daggers at Avy who was still looking back at her with unbothered eyes.

"What is she doing here? Is it not enough that she has to live with us and disturb our peace? Why is she coming to our rooms now?" she stated rudely, angered even, causing the servants' faces to contort uncomfortably in worry.

"My lady, please," one of her maids pleaded but the girl didn't listen.

"You don't even like us, you're just doing this to look good to our-"

"Quiet." Avy didn't let the girl's statement finish, she looked down on her, indicating that she was still superior before once again speaking.

"That is true. I do not like children," she said. "Especially those who were not thought proper manners."

Clari had her hands curled into a fist as she looked down.

"You are a child now hence the bad behavior is understandable. But if you keep that rotten personality, no one will like you even as an adult." she started walking away, her two servants walking behind her.

Avy didn't hear another word when she left, and she had no regrets about what she told the little girl. It may be harsh, but she thought that the child needed it if she wants to grow up into someone likable. After all, she was once a rude kid too, and no one bothered to put her in her place since her family doted on her so much that she grew up into an intolerable adult who only has one friend. She didn't care about it though, she's not one suited for friendly conversations anyway.

~~~

Craye was born to a lovely couple who served the Harrington for years, hence he has been living with the duchy's family for as long as he can remember as they became his only close connection after his parents died from an accident. Not only due to his hard work and talent but also because of his special ability to see some things that normal eyes cannot, he was granted the title of the butler-in-charge of the main estate where the duke's family lives, that to be said, he watched the children of the said house growing up.

He was the former aide of the dukedom's heir, like an older brother who became his guide when his parents were not around. He knew most of his activities including all the people that he comes in contact with as a child, and one of them was the first lady of one of the most powerful families in the empire. Lady Avana.

She was once a lively little girl who followed their young master around, she was energetic and full of smiles even when she came from a house full of men as cold as ice, she imitated sunshine. Craye didn't detest her presence, after all, young master Zach could use some cheeriness coming from the girl, but he would always catch a glimpse of darkness looming around the small Lady Avana. At first, he thought it was nothing but an illusion, but then the death of the duchess happened, pulling everyone into a shock. The darkness that surrounded the lady took over her smile, and she started to change little by little, day after day until she stopped inviting his young master over to play, it was the last time he saw the lady up close.

She became isolated and he heard a rumor that she started locking herself up inside her room all day, not wanting to agree to any kind of contact initiated by anyone other than the prince and young master Zach. All the party invitations that were sent to the Arkwright duchy were immediately rejected until every noble in the empire learned not to bother with her anymore. Craye pitied her, knowing how devastating it was to lose a mother, he thought, maybe it was the reason why she distanced herself from everyone and nobody was capable of healing her wounds, after all, he knows how the Arkwrights were built emotionless and it would be a surprise if they even understood others as well.

Indeed it was a surprise, it took him off guard after receiving letters from the men of the family inviting young master Zach to have a conversation. Marquis Alistair, the most talented swordsman known on the continent offered to be Zach's personal mentor on the condition that they would practice swordsmanship in the Arkwright estate where the Duke's children resided. It didn't take long for Craye to know that the swordmaster was only doing it to see his niece smile, even if it wasn't him nor his family the reason, even if he had to rely on an outsider, a male even, to bring light to the girl's face.

He's seen lady Avana from afar a couple of times, the darkness enveloping her whole existence still present every chance he lands his eyes on her. For some reason, he disliked the sight of it.

Because it was the same sight he witnessed closely before the madam of the Harrington duchy passed.

The same looming shadow eating away their remaining light. Craye thought it was the shadow of death preparing to take one's life, but he told no one of what he saw, afraid that it might just bring unnecessary problems just like how it did in the past. But he was surprised to see the lady up close once again.

And this time, still will the darkness accompanying her around. Yet, it felt entirely different from how it was before.

The darkness that he remembered overshadowed the life that lady Avana has, but what he saw when he welcomed the arrival of the girl was nothing like what he had in his mind. Lady Avana looked like she had the darkness under her control, like it gave her strength and became her protection. Her eyes looked calculating and wise, unlike the crimson pair of orbs he knew that were dying and solemn. Her presence was magnificent and her gaze alone gave the clear expression of her superiority over almost everyone alive on their land, the little girl who was once bright that then became prey to the dark shadow that ate his madam away was nowhere to be found. Only the lady who was befitting of her title to be the only female in a bloodline consists of monsters.

Craye knew, although not everything, that the said lady has something to do with young master Clion's sudden changes in mana condition, it was for a certain. But no matter how curious, something on the back of his mind warned him to not even dare to think about pursuing the matter lest he becomes the subject of hatred of someone, or something dangerous.

~~~

Everything went back to normal the next day, Avy sat on a chair in the garden reading a book while Clion sat across her drawing on a pad with enthusiasm as if he didn't experience anything out of the ordinary the day prior.

Nothing changed. But something definitely was added to the picture.

It was no other than the little girl who confronted her the night before, sitting next to her twin brother while glaring at the older girl seated in front of them. She was drilling holes on her forehead and huffs in irritation whenever a conversation starts between the other and Clion who looked completely oblivious of what was going on even though Clari made it obvious that she despised the presence of the stranger who barged into their house.

Avy paid her no mind and just read in peace, ignoring the harmless glares sent in her direction.

"I'm hungry," she heard the girl say which was immediately followed by the statement of the maid that followed her around.

"Then I shall bring something to eat. Please excuse-" the one she assumed was one of the little girl's personal maids, Hara based on what she was called a couple of times before wasn't able to finish her sentence when Clari spoke yet again.

"No. Clion and I will go to our playroom to eat," Clari stated and although she wasn't looking, Avy could feel the little lady's eyes on her.

"B-but. What about lady Avy-"

"What about her? Can't she eat on her own?"

Avy almost applauded the girl's tone, how much it sounded like a snotty brat from rich girl movies she's seen when she was still in her old world. She put down her book and was surprised to see Clion shaking his head.

"What? You want us to eat with this lady? She's just using us to appeal to brother, you stupid!" Clari childishly scolded her twin who looked like he would burst out crying any second. It was amusing to see two children of the same face yet too different demeanor arguing, Avy couldn't contain her laughter.

She was too used to seeing kids act way more mature than their actual age ever since she woke up in the novel, like her own brother and his dear playmate for example. They were just thirteen-year-olds who grew up quite differently from how she did, also her found son who sounds like he's suffered a lot more than most adults have and even those kids from Blackwell district. It was refreshing that Clari and Clion acted like their age, ten years old if she wasn't mistaken, although she just proved that she really hated children because of the little girl being a brat. It was a good thing that she shoos Marie away and makes Clerivan watch from afar because she was not confident that they won't pounce on a kid like how they would on adults who insulted her before.

"Don't mind me a go, kid. Your sister seems in need more of your attention than I do." she stared at the girl straight in the eye mockingly. Too bad for her, she was not thought to let go of people who try to blatantly insult her. Avy is petty and has not yet grown from being a spoilt rotten brat she was raised to be, if the girl wants to bully her into submission, she would like to know how it would turn out. And she'd better come out victorious.

~~~

Ares, in his cat form, sat in front of a door, staring through the small gap where the inside could be seen. It was dark, yet the cat looked like he was staring at something.

"A hundred years passed, yet you are still waiting in this place." he started talking.

"Pitiful."





~~~

I'll post the next chapter once this reach the certain number of votes I'm aiming for.