The Sleeping Devil

"Good morning, young lady."

I woke up to the gentle voice of a maid, and the unfamiliar room was softly illuminated by the morning sun.

I must have slept well...

"Good morning..." I replied, still feeling a bit groggy.

The same maid as yesterday was preparing a tub of hot water and some cloth.

"Um, what's your name? I forgot to ask yesterday..."

"Y-You're going to call me by my name?"

"It would be strange not to know your name, wouldn't it?"

"I... I am called Mary, Miss Sheriel!"

The maid, who introduced herself as Mary, had dropped a bucket, spilling water, and was now kneeling by the bedside.

Mary was a young maid who had just turned twenty. Her round eyes were becoming teary, showing a mixture of surprise and confusion.

"Mary, nice to meet you too."

I sat up and bowed my head on the bed, and Mary nodded repeatedly with tears in her eyes.

Then, she wiped my face with a soft cloth and helped me change into a dress with light blue frills... A rather plain one-piece dress.

"It's a bit big, isn't it? Let's eat lots of delicious food from now on."

Mary's eyebrows furrowed sadly as she said this.

"If you tie this ribbon around my waist, it should be fine."

"You truly are a young lady. You'll look even more adorable."

I had Mary tie a slightly darker blue ribbon around my waist, and the dress that was previously too loose seemed somewhat presentable now.

Being praised for a ribbon was the best feeling, just like a three-year-old.

Since I'll be carried around anyway and I had been wearing nothing but old cloth until now, it's not inconvenient at all.

And so, we can go.

It's time for the second round with the demon clan. It's time to set out.

In the dining hall, where I was brought by Mary, my father Sergio and stepmother Dior were already seated facing each other.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Sheriel."

I tried greeting them, but it seemed like Dior didn't even want to acknowledge my presence. I took a seat next to Sergio, silently enduring the awkward atmosphere while the maids watched.

I prayed not to provoke her anger... and then, Didier arrived a little later. He leisurely took a seat next to Dior and sat directly across from me.

"Good morning, Father, Mother."

They completely ignored him.

Their gazes were fixed firmly on me, making the situation even more unpleasant. If I were an ordinary three-year-old, I would have felt hurt by their meanness.

"Good morning, brother Didier."

Well, I'm not an ordinary three-year-old, you know? I will offer my greetings to them.

"I don't recall allowing you to call me brother."

Despite his sharp words, Didier narrowed his eyes with a pleased expression. His wickedness was far beyond what one would expect from a ten-year-old.

I apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, Lord Didier," and he retracted his smirk, his eyes shining like a child.

Uh-oh, did I mess up again?

The initial interest in the novelty of my existence might fade quickly. That's why I don't know how to interact with this little demon.

The breakfast brought in was much more luxurious compared to the hard bread and watery soup I had before.

The adults had bread with eggs and meat, while I was served mashed potatoes and milk.

It wasn't mashed potatoes per se. It was simply boiled potatoes mashed and lightly salted, but it was far more delicious than the soggy bread I had before.

The bread was freshly baked and had a delightful aroma, and it tasted even better with the sweetness of the milk.

Lost in the enjoyment of the meal, I suddenly realized that everyone's gaze was focused on me.

"Did it suit your taste?"

Sergio's laughter, which seemed amused, made my cheeks even hotter, and I could only utter in a shy and almost inaudible voice, "I-it's delicious..."

If only I could dream not only about dying but also about everyday scenes like meals...

I spent several days living a routine where I had similar meals in the morning and evening and then secluded myself in my room. Mary apologized for not being able to provide toys, but I vaguely smiled because I didn't have a hobby of playing with toys anyway.

Over the past three years, I had become completely accustomed to the carefree life of an irresponsible child. However, I had memories of different worlds intertwined, memories of being 27, 16, and in my 30s.

If there was something that bothered me...

For example, this garden.

"What are you looking at?"

"I was just thinking how amazing this garden is. How do you maintain such a vast garden? Do you use magic?"

In my previous life's world, it might have been achievable with machinery, but it would still require a considerable number of staff. The vast grounds, stretching as far as the eye could see, were adorned with greenery and flowers.

As I grew older, it was natural for me to be curious about my surroundings... or rather, it was a habit from my past life.

How were these large stone pillars carved? How were paintings created on such high ceilings? How were these massive doors transported?

I was curious about how they were made and the mechanisms behind them.

"The gardeners are commoners, so they don't use magic. They work little by little every day with a few people to maintain it."

Mary chuckled and pointed out one of the gardeners visible through the window as she explained.

"Oh, I see. Such a small number of people... that's amazing. Oh, look, a squirrel just came to the nearby tree."

"Hehe, it's cute, isn't it? I hope you'll be able to go for a walk soon."

I'd like to go down to the garden at some point.

Come to think of it, I haven't even set foot on the ground of this world yet, have I? Being a shut-in is fine, but since I'm here, I want to fully enjoy this world.

After all, it's a fantasy world with magic. And if I only have thirteen years left to live, I should make the most of it and have fun.

As I thought about such things, I absentmindedly gazed outside on this lazy afternoon.

Everything was peaceful.

"Oh, look, it's a cat."

The black cat under the tree was staring intently at us. Mary was a kind maid who, despite her efficient work, always took the time to interact with me.

"Is it a cat catching mice?"

"It's a small black cat, but it seems clever."

"A black cat? Could it be a mistake on the young lady's part? There are no black animals in this world. Perhaps it got dirty with soot."

"Is that so?"

Come to think of it, there's no black color in this world, right?

Wait, I feel like I'm forgetting something...

◆

"On days like today when I have some free time, let's have a little chat."

A few days later, after finishing breakfast, Sergio called out to me. I was led by the maids to a room that seemed like a parlor, and tea was promptly prepared for everyone.

Of course, the topic of conversation would be "Sheriel."

I could only sit quietly on the long chair, feeling like a prisoner awaiting judgment.

"After discussing with Dior, we have decided that Sheriel will be raised in this house as my illegitimate child. Didier, she is your half-sister, so please behave yourself and don't cause any trouble, understood?"

"Calling it trouble is rude. I will treat her with love as my sister."

Didier responded with a sweet smile, a face that said he would play with me as a toy until he got bored and discarded me.

I wished a ten-year-old boy wouldn't make such a malicious face.

"On the other hand, Dior will be in charge of your clothing, food, shelter, and education here."

... I see, so I can only live until I'm sixteen.

Dior was looking at me with a cold, emotionless face befitting a noble. However, the hatred pierced through my skin.

Wait, but... come to think of it...

Suddenly, something bothered me.

Dior was aware that in a few years, in the context of the dream, she would die. Was this really okay? She hated the child brought by her husband's mistress, misunderstood her beloved husband's betrayal, and died while holding onto that "misunderstanding."

"Um..."

"What's the matter? Is something bothering you?"

"Um, I am not your child... am I?"

Sergio's eyes widened, and he faintly clinked his teacup.

"Sergio, what do you mean? If I'm not your child, then whose child am I?"

"Sheriel, why are you saying that?"

Without responding to Dior's scream-like question, Sergio slowly leaned forward.

"I can't explain why. I just know. I am not your child..."

"That's enough."

Before she could finish her sentence, Sergio cut her off.

I guess it's something I shouldn't have said after all.

My heart was pounding so loudly, and sweat started to pour out.

I knew that I wasn't even his child. And because I had experienced death three times, I was concerned about the "way to die."

Of course, there were calculations and expectations involved, but I didn't want to see the woman in front of me consumed by hatred and dying, especially if I was the cause.

As if Sergio gave some signal, all the maids left the room. It seemed like they were ushered out.

Then, Sergio took out a small wooden box and infused it with magic.

"This is a soundproof barrier magical tool. This conversation should not be known to anyone other than us."

Even Didier had a serious expression and adopted an attentive posture as he listened.

My mouth was dry from nervousness...

I took a sip of tea alone, nodding slightly.

"Sigh... This is troublesome. Since there's no way to hide it anymore, I'll tell you. Sheriel is Claude's child."

"What! Where is that child now? Is he safe?"

"Claude is currently in the Kingdom of Resyst. The mother of this child is a priestess of Resyst."

The room fell silent. I sat there with wide eyes, as if I couldn't comprehend the situation.

"Claude is my younger brother. And in Resyst, it is forbidden for a priestess to have relations with a man until she steps down from her position. It is believed that breaking this taboo, which is said to cause a decrease in divine power, would lead to the execution of those involved and could even spark a war if the priestess conceives a child."

"A war... So, my parents sent me here because of that."

"Yes. Even after Claude went to Resyst, we secretly maintained contact. I provided assistance, and we managed to conceal the pregnancy, but Resyst was too dangerous to raise you in... Besides, a child of the Beriard family requires special education."

Dior's complexion turned pale as she pressed her sweaty forehead with her hand.

"If she is Claude's child... then there is no choice but to raise her."

"Yes, we must protect her."

Is it because she is her brother-in-law's child that it's acceptable, while the child of her husband's mistress is not? Perhaps it's a matter of a woman's emotions.

"Claude is also like a younger brother to me... a family member I must protect. Should I be happy to know that he is safe, or should I be angry at all of you for keeping this a secret until now..."

"Dior, I apologize."

"...Very well. I will raise this child as my own. And, just to confirm, you really don't have a mistress, correct?"

"No, of course not! The only woman I have ever loved, and will ever love, is you."

As Sergio whispered sweetly, causing a warmth to gather in her cheeks, Didier ignored him as if he had grown tired of hearing it. Dior's voice remained sharp, but the traces of hatred had disappeared from her slightly reddened eyes.

"If that's the case, then please say so from the beginning! I've been unable to sleep properly for the past few days, thinking that you betrayed me. I was moments away from killing you."

"I couldn't put my family in danger, please understand. I will take the day off from my duties today, will that be enough for you to forgive me?"

Sergio's smile was as sweet as candy. At the corner of my vision, Didier's poisonous smile flashed briefly. In that moment, he unmistakably had the eyes of a predator. Curious, I turned to look, but he had already withdrawn that gaze and put on an affectionate smile, addressing their parents with an exasperated voice.

"Father, Mother, please moderate yourselves in front of the child. I haven't fully accepted her yet, but let's behave as the eldest of the Beriard family."

"Oh, demonstrating a good marital relationship in front of the child is an important matter for the Beriard family, you know? It doesn't matter what you think of this child, but please refrain from doing anything unnecessary."

What unnecessary thing are you talking about? Please, say it more clearly! Your son was clearly making a creepy type of laughter!

As Sergio left the room with a cheerful Dior, Didier finally laughed with those eyes, unreservedly.

"From now on, take care of me, my sister."