“Finally, I’m here.”
The journey had taken longer than expected. Although I’d reached the border area without much trouble, actually finding the mansion my father described turned out to be surprisingly difficult.
Even when I asked the locals from the village near the mountain where the mansion was supposed to be, nobody seemed to know the exact location. Their answers were vague at best—something like, “I’ve heard about a place like that, but I’m not sure where it is.”
In the end, I had no choice but to rely solely on the hand-drawn map my father had given me, which was exactly the problem.
“Is this a tree or a bone? If he’s calling this a cabin, couldn’t he at least have drawn some windows? Did he spend so much time making money that he never learned how to draw properly?”
The map was a total mess.
Thanks to his awful directions, I spent ages wandering through the dense, pathless woods, and by the end of it, my new hood was completely torn up. Still, I’d finally managed to find it, so enough complaining. I needed to finish my mission quickly and head back home.
But honestly, how did nobody know about such a huge mansion? It was practically big enough to be called a castle.
“Hello! Is anyone home?”
Considering the distance from the gate to the mansion, I shouted as loudly as I could, but no one responded. There wasn’t even an intercom, and I couldn’t just stand outside indefinitely. Luckily, the gate wasn’t locked.
“Sorry to intrude.”
Inside the gate, the garden was simple for its size but neatly maintained. Only a giant giraffe statue awkwardly placed right in the center of the lawn stood out oddly.
“What kind of strange hobby is this? And why make it so ridiculously huge? This gardener seriously has questionable taste.”
If they were going for animal decorations, smaller, cuter ones would’ve been better—like that fluffy little creature over there. Wait… what was that, anyway?
Carefully, I approached the mysterious ball of fur on the ground. As I got closer, I realized its eyes were tightly shut.
“…Is it sleeping?”
Thankfully, it hadn’t noticed my approach and continued breathing steadily, looking very comfortable.
Taking advantage of the situation, I sat directly in front of it to observe it closely.
“It’s so adorable…!”
Those chubby little legs, tiny paws, and the way its small body gently rose and fell with each breath, all topped off by that soft-looking brown fur… Honestly, it was cute enough to bite.
“Maybe it’s someone’s pet here.”
Considering it was even wearing clothes, that seemed likely. But what kind of animal was this fluffball exactly? Its ears were too short for a rabbit, and it seemed too big to be a mouse. Perhaps the tail would give me a clue. But when I inspected its backside carefully, strangely enough, I couldn’t see a tail anywhere.
Just a plump, adorable butt, wiggling slightly with each breath.
Ah, I couldn’t resist this.
Finally, I stretched out my hand slowly.
“Wow… amazing!”
The brown fur felt even softer than I’d imagined, and the warmth and squishiness beneath my fingertips were irresistible. Once I’d started petting it, I couldn’t stop myself.
Lost in a trance-like state, I repeatedly stroked the furry creature’s bottom until it suddenly twitched. I quickly withdrew my hand, but it was already too late—the fluffball had opened its sleepy eyes and was now staring straight at me.
“…”
“…”
After a brief silence, the creature’s eyes grew wide with shock, and it jumped straight up.
“Piiii—!”
With a sharp squeal, it bolted behind the mansion, disappearing faster than I could blink.
“Ah, maybe I scared it too much.”
Feeling a bit guilty about disturbing its nap, I awkwardly stood up, brushed off my clothes, and walked towards the front door.
“Is anyone here?”
-Knock, knock-
“Hello? Anyone inside?”
I knocked a few more times, but there was no answer. Given the crashing sounds coming from inside, someone had to be there.
Just as I was debating whether to simply enter on my own—
-Creeeaak-
The heavy door slowly swung open. Automatically, I put on a polite smile and greeted whoever was on the other side.
“Hello!”
But nobody appeared. Confused, my gaze drifted downward, and that’s when I saw who’d opened the door.
It was a dog.
“Uh… hi?”
Who are you, buddy? Could you maybe bring your owners here?
The large dog with gleaming golden fur wagged its tail enthusiastically at me.
“Well, nice to meet you too.”
It was just a dog, but since it had opened the door for me, it probably meant I was allowed to come in. Cautiously, I stepped inside the mansion.
The inside was dim, as though covered entirely by shadows. If they were trying to save on electricity, couldn’t they at least open some curtains? Why did they live in such gloom?
As I stood there wondering where I should go, thankfully, a figure appeared by the central staircase. Relieved, I quickly spoke up.
“Hello, I’m really sorry for barging in like this. I’m here at my father’s request—”
“Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.”
Whoa… what a voice.
His deep and dignified voice practically declared, “I am a gentleman.” Even though his entire body was mysteriously wrapped in black clothes, the man politely introduced himself.
“I am Almond, the butler of this mansion. You’ve had a long journey, so you must be tired. The master is awaiting you upstairs. It’s the third room on your right after climbing the staircase. Please, go ahead.”
“Oh, yes.”
…Why did it feel like he was trying to rush me upstairs? Whatever. It suited me just fine to finish this quickly and leave. Carefully watching my steps in the dim lighting, I climbed the stairs.
“This must be it.”
I knocked on the large, intricately carved door, and soon, a voice came from within.
“Come in.”
The room was draped in heavy black curtains, so dark that it felt like night. A man seated on the sofa glanced up at me, nodding as he gestured toward the seat opposite him.
“Sit down.”
My first thought upon seeing him was immediate and simple.
Damn, he’s ripped.
Not that he was shirtless or anything—quite the opposite. He was covered up excessively in clothing, but certain things couldn’t help but stand out regardless.
Like the buttons on his shirt, straining dangerously against a chest nearly twice the size of mine, to the point where the suspicious mask hiding his face hardly mattered.
Of course, I didn’t show any of these thoughts outwardly. Instead, I calmly sat down across from him.
“You’re the one Mr. Kresa promised would arrive after his stay?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
His voice was deep and resonant, like an echo from a cavern—no, perhaps it resonated directly from that massive chest of his. Hearing my answer, he tilted his head slightly, as if puzzled.
“Oh, you must be exhausted from the journey.”
“Actually, it was closer than I expected.”
“Still, unfamiliar journeys can be tiring. Your throat seems a little strained—are you alright?”
What nonsense. My voice was perfectly fine. Was he subtly criticizing my tone? Or was I just overly sensitive?
Feeling slightly irritated, I chose to ignore it. After all, this wasn’t someone I’d be seeing again, so there was no need for pointless tension.
“I’m fine. Anyway, here’s the money my father asked me to deliver.”
I placed the bag on the table with a heavy clink of coins inside. Such a hefty sum for just a few days’ stay—exactly what sort of lavish lifestyle had my father enjoyed here?
“Thank you. It must’ve been heavy carrying it all the way here.”
“No worries. I took a carriage.”
For someone who was collecting payment, this man was being excessively polite. Anyone watching might mistakenly think I was lending him money. Was this the ‘good character’ my father had mentioned?
“You should probably confirm the amount.”
“No hurry. It’s not urgent.”
Maybe not urgent for him, but definitely for me. How could I return home if he didn’t verify it? My strained smile must’ve gotten through, because he quickly nodded in understanding.
“Ah, of course. You must be tired after traveling all this way.”
At least he had some awareness.
“Then, we can discuss things in detail tomorrow. I’ll have the butler show you to your room.”
Never mind. Thoughtful maybe, but completely clueless.
“Thanks, but I was actually planning to head back now.”
“Back? Where exactly?”
“Well, the errand’s finished, so naturally, back home?”
“…?”
His mask tilted slightly sideways, clearly indicating he didn’t understand. In response, my own head tilted slightly as well. What kind of reaction was this?
“Did your father perhaps not inform you?”
“Inform me about what?”
A faint sigh escaped from behind his mask. He murmured quietly, “Of course…” This couldn’t mean anything good.
“Did my father say something strange—I mean, unusual?”
“I spoke extensively with him, but the key detail relevant right now would be this: he said that after returning home, he’d send his child to work here at the mansion.”
Damn it! I knew he’d said something ridiculous!
Why on earth would I need to get a job here, when my family’s fortune was more than enough for me to live comfortably forever?
I’d heard enough.
“Oh, clearly there’s been some misunderstanding. This is completely new to me, and since it’s entirely my father’s idea—one I absolutely refuse—you don’t need to worry about it. I’ll take my leave now.”
“But—”
I rose quickly, only to be stopped by his next words.
“In exchange for arranging your employment, your father has already taken a painting from my mansion.”
“What?”
