Into The Rose Garden

Vol. 4 Chapter 2.14 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant

Gone was Bült’s laid-back, disrespectful demeanour, and he stiffened like a frozen ice sculpture, his voice quivering as he spoke of autumn. The demon listened with an intrigued, Hmm. Then he casually wrapped his arm around Mother’s waist, which Mother tried to shake off with a frown, but that guy wasn’t one to back down. He didn’t care if anyone else saw them or not, he just pulled Mother right up next to him and casually listened to Bült’s story.

“I guess you’re right, the four seasons are only meaningful if you collect them all.”

“Summer and autumn are mine, so don’t covet them.”

“They’re hanging in the study we share anyway.”

The demon dragged Mother towards the other paintings. Mother’s interest was waning a little as he’d already seen them all, but Mother’s eyes quickly lit up when the demon said that if he could buy the paintings that Mother took a liking to.

“What’s with you today?”

“A birthday present.”

At that, Mother’s eyes widened a little and the corners of his mouth lifted.

“Bear in mind that you didn’t put a limit on the number.”

“That’s…… Alright.”

Being hit back, the Demon made a little sour face, but he didn’t say anything more. In fact, he seemed very calm from earlier, maybe because they were still outside, or maybe because he didn’t think it was a big deal. In any case, the name Bült had already been erased from Mother’s mind, so I decided not to bother anymore.

As the demon took Mother to see the gallery, Bült, still frozen and unmelted, stared blankly behind him. Just in case he hadn’t understood it correctly, I decided to check in with him.

“Father said earlier that he doesn’t have a wife, right? He doesn’t have a wife, but he does have a lover. Do you see my face? Doesn’t it look like someone?”

“I…… I see.”

Bült stuttered in shock. He really must have had no idea.

“You should have suspected something else when even an alpha is that attractive. You lack observation and imagination for a painter, perhaps because you only paint landscapes. In any case, give up using Mother as your model, and I suggest you don’t travel alone in the future. Viscount Bendyke holds onto a grudge more than you think.”

That should be enough to get the point across. I smirked and brushed him off, then walked over to my parents in the distance. I squeezed between them, admiring the demon’s brazenness in exuding personal intimacy even in a crowded art gallery.

“Lenoc?”

“Father, let’s go home, I’m hungry.”

I ignored the demon and turned to Mother.

On the carriage ride home, neither the demon nor Mother showed any signs of distress.

“I’ll have to stack more.”

I quickly climbed down the ladder. I took out the thick law books and laid them out on the floor. I placed the study ladder on top of them and climbed up. The ladder wobbled.

“Uwah!”

I grabbed the bookshelf with both hands and hung on. I took a moment to catch my breath. Luckily, I managed to keep my balance. You’re doing great, Lenoc Teiwind!

I carefully stretched my arm out. The book on top was very old and thick at the same time. It took a lot of strength to pull it out with one hand. But as the eldest alpha heir to the Count, I must not lose to a mere book. I gritted my teeth and pulled it out. I quickly flicked through it and found it to be an ordinary law book. Of course, I wouldn’t find it in one try. I put it back in its place. It was harder to put it back in than to take it out. I was sweating profusely.

“The book must be enchanted.”

I pulled out the second book. It was a bust. The third, too.

“Uh, ugh.”

Twelve books remained. But with how much strength I had left, I could only carry two of them. The books were too heavy, and the poor Count’s young master was still too young. There must be a quick-growth spell in the grimoire. If I was as big as a demon, I wouldn’t have this much trouble. It was not fair that he alone was big.

More busts followed.

It was almost time for the demon to return. It was better to try again next time. Except for one more thing. There was a particularly worn and tattered book perched on the edge. The spine was peeling and the title was barely visible. The threads that held it together poked through the frayed edges. Let’s take a look at that one. I grasped the thick hardback cover, heavier than any other book, and tried to pull it out, but it was so worn that the contents were separated from the cover. Oh no!

I strained my fingers and gave it a little tug, my heeled feet straining. The ladder tilted slightly. With my other hand, I gripped the shelf tightly. Just a little further would be enough. I tried again and again, and finally, the book started to come off. As expected! Just a little more!

That’s when it happened. The tilted ladder gave a loud crash.

“Aack!”

Scared, I clung to the shelf.

Thud.

The heavy books fell backward with a heavy thud. It should have stopped there, but the recoil sent it tumbling forward, sending a chill down my spine.

Crash.

A few books fell to the floor. My worry grew along with the shadows that slowly fell over me. I’m really going to get in trouble if I don’t die. I’m sorry, Mom… and…… I squeezed my eyes shut.

“Lenoc!”

Thump.

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