— Kirei's Studio, Courtenay Mansion.

Kirei was busy working on some reports and inspecting the estate's performance. At one point, he stops, swivels his chair, and looks out the window behind him. Ai was in the garden, conjuring something in her hands with magic.

I... don't like children. They cry, make a fuss about everything, and honestly, I have little patience for them. However, Ai is different. Even so...

I... consider myself a normal father.

We've had our problems, and Vivian left, though she promised to come back. But beyond that, I believe I'm... a normal father.

And though I had my doubts...

Kirei would recall banquets in the capital where some attendees brought their children. In his memories, he could remember children saying strange phrases like "Buah, bla, bla" or "a i, pa i," which seemed like attempts at speaking properly.

Without a doubt, I don't think my daughter is normal... I mean, I don't recall starting magic before the age of five, and yet, she has a magical power that's off the charts, so no matter how hard she tries, she won't achieve anything...

But beyond that, she never leaves her room, and multiple times, I've seen strangers entering her room.

Maybe she plays with the other races?

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

I'm not sure.

Before, I was sure her maid was going to kill her, so I kept an eye on her movements... But she didn't.

I wonder, what is she doing right now? Maybe I should find out with Riniel's help. He always knows the darkest rumors of the mansion.

— Courtenay Mansion Garden.

The gardener was tending to the garden and the statues formed by the vegetation, of which he was so proud. At one point, he stops and wipes the sweat from his forehead with his arm. Then, he looks towards Ai.

I... am a normal gardener.

I've worked in this mansion for over 40 years. I'm one of the oldest employees, and in a few years, I'll retire. I've seen it all, from the beast invasion to the master's infidelities.

Over time, I learned it was better to keep things to myself, as any word would end up in a rumor. Many times, I was on the verge of being caught by the master, who often disliked stories.

So, in the last fifteen years, I was able to regain the master's trust and secure my retirement smoothly and alive. But the last three years have been truly strange.

Beasts entering and ruining the garden, a bat that entered the master's daughter's room and then turned into hundreds of them. But the strangest thing is the young lady herself.

Every day, strange things happen. For instance, a few weeks ago, she flew an entire plain with magic and came back frustrated.

Or that time when she made a beast carry a giant bag of black rocks towards the river.

"Riniel." Kirei appears from behind some bushes.

"Y-yes?"

"Don't you think that lately, strange things have been happening regarding my daughter?"

Despite Kirei's good intentions, his piercing gaze was misinterpreted by the gardener.

"Not at all... Your daughter is one of the most n-normal girls I know."

"Ha... I see."

Maybe... I'm overthinking it?

Kirei heads back to the mansion, and the gardener is seen catching his breath.

I knew it! Fate wants to get me before I grow old... I must be careful, even if it's just a thought, the master always distrusted me!