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Chapter 03
Winsphere was one of the four major ducal families, pillars of the Empire.
It wasn’t just famous because of its ducal background. Rumors ran rampant precisely because no one ever came out of the duchy, and no one could get in.
Of course, it wasn’t just rumors!
They didn’t step foot in high society, nor did they make public appearances, but their overwhelming power meant that even the royal family and the temple didn’t dare touch Winsphere.
Everyone in the Empire knew that Winsphere existed, but no one actually knew anything about it…
So, in a place like Winsphere, which was so reluctant to reveal itself or let outsiders in—
“Why on earth me?”
Perhaps seeing my thoughts on my face, Roan smiled faintly.
Was it just me, or was that playful smile slightly creepy?
At the moment I unconsciously moved my arms, he spoke casually:
“Hmm, recently, the Duke’s aide requested additional staff. Otherwise, they threatened to quit in a fit of rage.”
It was a strange thing to say.
But before I could ask anything, Roan continued:
“Well, let’s discuss the rest in detail once we get to Winsphere.”
“Oh, shall we?”
It felt like he was brushing things over vaguely, but well, I didn’t care as long as I got 300 gold.
And “Winsphere” itself—of course I was naturally curious.
“But it would take at least four days to get to Winsphere… how are we—”
“It’s fine. A skilled magician is waiting just ahead.”
“Oh, I see… alright.”
Apparently, Winsphere had magicians even the palace couldn’t easily spare.
Roan didn’t seem to care about my surprise and extended his hand.
“Shall we go, Miss Walker?”
I didn’t find a single reason to refuse his hand.
“Thank you for the escort, Roan.”
“Don’t mention it.”
I stepped outside with Roan. The rain had already stopped.
There was no time to take in the scenery in detail.
Soon, the magician Roan mentioned appeared, and together, we traveled straight to Winsphere.
In a flash of light, the scenery changed. Before me stood what appeared to be a magnificent mansion.
“Miss Walker, from here, this person will explain everything.”
“And you, Roan?”
“Unfortunately, my role was only to bring you to Winsphere.”
“I see.”
“You’ll see me often if you work here, so don’t be too disappointed.”
“Well, then I’ll see you often.”
I had already made my decision before arriving here, so it was easy enough to say.
Hearing this, Roan’s lips curved into a neat smile.
He kissed the back of my hand in a rather shamelessly charming way.
When I pulled my hand back, Roan let go without hesitation. Then he and the magician who had guided us vanished.
I must have been staring at the direction they disappeared for a while. A tired-sounding voice snapped me back.
“Miss Walker?”
I turned to see a man with long brown hair tied in a single braid, wearing glasses, and deep dark circles under his eyes.
“You’re here to review the contract, right? I’m Bael, the aide of the Duke of Winsphere.”
I flinched at the name Bael.
A demon in the Empire, which worshiped angels—and not just any demon, but one sharing a name with the so-called king of demons.
Although he looked weary, Bael’s generally gentle expression didn’t seem to match the name at all.
“Ah. Nice to meet you, Bael.”
“You can just call me Bael.”
“No. Since I’ll be stamping the contract and working in Winsphere, I can’t just call you that, Bael, when you’ll soon be my senior.”
Bael recoiled at the word “senior,” shivering slightly.
I tilted my head at his strange reaction.
Seeing him tremble and wave his arms, I frowned slightly. With a short sigh, I said:
“If you don’t like it, I’ll call you Lord Bael.”
Bael’s expression crumpled once more. Well, what can you do?
Not wanting to casually call someone by the name I just learned, I shrugged.
There was a faint sound of teeth grinding, but Bael responded positively.
“…Bael. That’s actually a very good title.”
“You’re quite reasonable, I see. Good.”
Bael shook his head as if exhausted by me and walked ahead. I shrugged and hurried to follow him.
We didn’t encounter anyone else while passing through the main gate and heading to the reception room he guided me to.
Finding this strange, I asked Bael:
“I don’t see anyone else?”
“They’re taking their naps right now.”
“Naps?”
I opened my eyes wide at the strange response. Bael explained politely.
“Yes, I said nap time.”
I dug my ears at the absurdity, but all I got was Bael’s earnest gaze.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
‘Who takes a nap at work?’
And who would allow it?
“There’s nothing better for improving work efficiency.”
Bael adjusted his glasses with his finger and nodded.
“Ah, ha ha, I see. Winsphere really has excellent benefits.”
I stopped myself from speaking further, fearing I’d look foolish saying something absurd.
I slowly scanned the hallway toward the reception room, growing increasingly convinced that Winsphere was strange—so strange I almost thought about running away.
“The sense here is really…”
Terrible.
Uncoordinated colors, decorations that made no sense in context, and paintings that screamed questionable taste!!
Normally, I might have commented further, but this time, I held back. Bael’s shoulders, walking ahead, were practically touching the ceiling.
Thanks to that, I could tell whose work the interior belonged to.
Clearing his throat a few times, Bael asked me, hiding the twitch in his lips:
“There are many good pieces, right? Each room has its own theme. When you stay at Winsphere, we’ll decorate your room accordingly.”
A tired face with an excited voice.
The cognitive dissonance was real, but I forced myself to keep following him.
“It’s been a while. No new humans came in, so we didn’t have to adjust any rooms. It’s been years.”
I frowned at his muttering.
Humans, he said.
Bael’s continued strange concepts made my head spin, and I wanted to escape this peacock-like place as soon as possible.
Just then, it seemed we reached the reception room. Bael announced:
“We’re here. This is the place.”
Looking at the open reception room, I seriously questioned whether I had come to the right place.
The room was painted blood-red, and even the tea served looked as red as blood.
“Hmm.”
Even if I needed the money desperately, I couldn’t imagine working in such a strange place.
Before sitting down, I forced a smile and spoke.
“Um, Bael.”
“You’re very lucky, Miss Walker. Normally, it would have taken at least a week just to get the signing fee… but the Duke specially issued an immediate check for you.”
“Shall I sit here?”
Bael gestured, and I obediently took a seat. I sipped the tea, which I had found unsettling just moments ago.
“Now, please review the contract.”
He handed me a contract.
“It’s probably the best possible terms.”
I slowly flipped through the thick contract.
It detailed all my upcoming duties. In short, I would assist the Duke by following Bael and also manage the internal affairs of the Winsphere household.
‘But isn’t this normally the duty of the lady of the house?’
