game chapter 10

“Are you alright? You suddenly looked unwell…” he said, his voice laced with concern. He reached out and gently touched my forehead and cheek. 

“I…I don’t have a fever. I’m fine,” I stammered, startled by his touch. I instinctively pulled away. I realized my reaction might have been misinterpreted. Kal’s hand froze mid-air before slowly retracting. He looked at me with a strange expression, then offered a strained smile. 

“That’s good. If you’re not feeling well, don’t hesitate to tell me, alright?” 

“Of course. If I even catch a cold, I’ll make sure you take care of me,” I teased. “I’d be happy to. How are you adjusting to life here? I was worried when you first arrived,” he asked, likely referring to when I first awoke in Absinthe. 

“I’m more adaptable than I look. Raphelt is a constant nuisance, but he’s been helpful, so I’m managing well.” 

Tap, tap, tap. The sound of small footsteps approaching the terrace drew our attention. Yansi appeared, a bright smile on her face. “Hello! I wondered why the mansion was so empty today. It seems everyone’s here. Oh, Master. I’ve completed all of my assigned morning tasks.” 

Master? I thought I’d misheard, but unfortunately, I hadn’t. Yansi had addressed Kal as “Master.” She used honorifics with Scior, Raphelt, and Muscalt, but with Kal, she used the formal title of 

“Master.” She beamed at him, like a puppy eager for praise, her invisible tail wagging excitedly. 

“Good work, Yansi,” Kal replied with a perfunctory smile. It was a clear dismissal, but Yansi lingered, as if she had more to say. “Is there something else you need to report?” Kal prompted. Yansi shook her head and mumbled, “I…I’ve finished all my work, but if it wouldn’t be a disturbance, could I join you?” 

“…Very well.” And so began Yansi’s torrent of chatter. I had no intention of joining their conversation—or rather, Yansi’s monologue—so I opted to sit quietly and listen. “The weather is lovely today. It seems many are away on assignments, judging by the quiet mansion. It would be wonderful if everyone could relax together on a day like this! It’s such a shame to think of them working so hard. I hope we have a chance to gather soon.” 

Kal seemed to have lost interest in the conversation and returned to his work. He tapped his pen thoughtfully, occasionally nodding absently at Yansi’s words. “This mansion is not only spacious but also incredibly beautiful. At first, I was worried about adjusting to such a large place, but thanks to Raphelt’s kindness, I’ve become quite comfortable. I especially love the back garden, the terrace, the walking paths, and the greenhouse.” 

“I’m glad you like your workplace,” Kal replied. 

“But of course, the four of you are the most beautiful of all,” Yansi continued, showering them with compliments. She went on about Raphelt, Scior, Kal, and Muscalt, each with a detailed description. A faint, wry smile touched Kal’s lips as he listened patiently. 

“Indeed. You have excellent taste, Ren is certainly the most beautiful.” He responded without hesitation. Silence followed. Kal casually sipped his coffee as if nothing had happened, while Yansi’s expression shifted dramatically. Her usual, disarming smile remained, but the atmosphere had become as fragile as thin ice. I felt a pang of awkwardness. 

“Ah, of course, Ren is also undeniably beautiful,” Yansi quickly added, taking a breath before continuing. 

“I’d love to get to know all of you better. Seeing Ren’s cheerful demeanor makes me want that even more. So, Ren, would you mind introducing me to each of them? I’d really like to become friends.” Yansi’s eyes crinkled with a smile, her gaze fixed on me. 

“Actually, that’s what I came to ask you.” Kal Martin, who had been engrossed in his paperwork, looked up. He set his documents aside and looked at us with a questioning expression. 

“I heard that, unlike the others, Ren keeps only one close aide. I was wondering if I could take that position?” Yansi’s red lips curved into a wide smile, and a melodious voice, seemingly designed to manipulate, flowed from between them. “I would be so happy if I could.”