Chapter 7

Of course, it’s only temporary. The spell will wear off on its own over time.

But this spell exists for—

“Those who are unworthy.”

That’s why people with enough authority, like the duke’s close aides or high-ranking officials such as Ligren, could enter the office freely. The same applied to direct descendants.

In other words—

“I’m not worthy.”

As an illegitimate child who wasn’t even properly acknowledged, I had to rely on the spell used by outsiders just to step into the duke’s office.

Ligren, who had been silently watching me, suddenly spoke.

“Are you alright?”

It wasn’t out of concern for my feelings about being treated as an outsider.

It was more of a challenge—asking if I could endure this humiliation.

And—

“If I have to, then I will.”

A provocation like that didn’t faze me in the slightest.

As if this is anything new.

Being treated as an outsider?

That was nothing compared to not even being treated as a human.

“What do I need to do?”

I asked, keeping my expression neutral. Ligren studied me for a moment before explaining.

“Place your hand on the crest of Rodvel engraved on the door.”

“Alright.”

Simple enough.

I turned and walked toward the massive door. Just as I was about to place my hand on the crest—

Ah.

I hit an obstacle.

It’s too high.

The crest was positioned too far up for me to reach.

Even when I stood on my tiptoes or jumped with all my strength, my fingertips couldn’t touch it.

Panting from the effort, I caught my breath and thought—

Well…

It made sense.

No child would be allowed to enter the Duke of Rodvel’s office alone.

The legitimate heirs could enter without magic, and any other children would always be accompanied by an adult.

But I wasn’t acknowledged as a true heir, nor did I have a guardian to take me in.

So, I couldn’t even touch the crest.

…Hah.

I swallowed my bitter laughter.

How ridiculous.

The unreachable crest felt like it was mocking me.

Telling me no matter how hard I struggled, I’d never be able to reach this place.

Don’t make me laugh.

If I couldn’t do it on my own, I’d find something to step on.

And if that wasn’t enough, I’d borrow someone else’s strength.

I will never give up.

I looked around.

Obviously, there was no stool or ladder meant for children.

Then—

I turned and looked straight at Ligren.

He stood a step away, watching me without a single movement.

As if my struggle had nothing to do with him.

Well, that’s not surprising. He was always like this.

But—

“Could you lift me up, Butler?”

Once again, I had no choice but to use him.

Of course, he wasn’t easy to use.

“Do I have a reason to do that?”

His voice was cold and emotionless.

For most children, hearing that tone alone would have been enough to make them cry.

“Yes, you do.”

“…”

“The Duke ordered you to bring me. You have to follow his orders.”

For the first time, Ligren’s expression wavered—just slightly.

I smiled and continued.

“If I can’t get inside, won’t that be a problem for you?”

So stop this pointless power struggle and let me in, Ligren Fedren.

This was a fight I was bound to win anyway.

A silence stretched between us.

Ligren pressed his lips together and stared at me, while I smiled without a hint of hesitation.

In the end—

“…You’re right.”

Ligren admitted defeat.

“I’ll assist you.”

He stepped forward.

And without warning—

Lifted me up.

“…!”

I knew he wouldn’t be gentle, but the sudden movement startled me.

For a brief moment, my heart dropped.

Was this revenge?

Acting all dignified, only to get back at me in such a petty way.

Whatever.

His attitude didn’t matter. What mattered was achieving my goal.

Now that I was at the right height, I focused on the crest.

The Rodvel emblem was an elaborate design—a staff with a crescent-shaped gemstone crossed with an ornate sword, forming an X.

Surrounding it were intricate symbols representing the House of Rodvel.

Even at a glance, the emblem exuded elegance and arrogance—just like Rodvel itself.

I took a moment to memorize the image, then pressed my small, thin palm against it.

And then—

Whoosh!

A surge of magic burst from the crest, wrapping around me before settling into my hand.

A glowing violet sigil appeared on the back of my hand, forming a geometric pattern.

It didn’t fade—it remained, as if stamped onto my skin.

Fascinating.

I had heard about Rodvel’s magical mechanisms, but experiencing it firsthand felt almost mystical.

“The sigil will disappear in an hour. It has no harmful effects on the body.”

Ligren spoke as he watched me examine the mark.

I didn’t ask, I thought.

But I saw no need to antagonize him further, so I simply nodded.

“Thank you.”

I waited for him to set me down.

But—

“…?”

Even after several moments, Ligren didn’t lower me.

What’s going on? Why isn’t he putting me down?

I started feeling uneasy.

Surely, he wouldn’t just let go and drop me?

I glanced down.

If I fall from here, I’ll definitely fracture something.

I knew Ligren wouldn’t deliberately harm me.

But considering I had provoked him earlier—

Even he, as cold as he was, might feel a bit vengeful.

Feeling increasingly anxious, I hesitantly called out—

“Um… Butler?”

“What?”

“Sorry to bother you, but could you put me down? It’s a little scary.”

“Ah.”

Through his glasses, Ligren’s eyes widened slightly.

Then, he said—

“You’re so light, I forgot I was holding you.”

And finally, he set me down.

“…”

For a second, I was speechless.

So basically, he was saying—

I’m so small and frail he didn’t even notice I was in his arms.

Unbelievable.

I internally cursed Ligren for his unnecessary commentary before asking—

“So, can I go in now?”

Ligren glanced at the sigil on my hand before nodding.

Then, he knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

“My Lord, I’ve brought Lady Lucia.”

“Enter.”

A deep, commanding voice came from beyond the door.

The moment I heard it, my heart clenched.

‘Lucia, I’m so glad you’re here.’

The voice that had once whispered sweet lies to deceive me before throwing me into the abyss—

…Stay focused.

I couldn’t afford to waver.

You’re good at suppressing emotions, remember?

The affection I had once felt, the desperate need for his approval, the blind devotion that had consumed me—

I severed them all.

And just like that, my heart steadied.

Alright. I’m ready.

I could face him without trembling.

“Go in alone.”

Ligren opened the door.

A flood of light filled my vision—the sunlight streaming in from inside.

Wow…

I stepped into the Duke’s office, unable to hold back my admiration.

This is incredible.

The first thing that caught my eye was the massive floor-to-ceiling window, letting in dazzling sunlight.

Beyond it, the famous Rodvel central garden stretched out like a painting.

And at the center of it all—

Duke Ego Rodvel.

A man, looking far younger than my last memory of him, sat perfectly composed, reviewing documents.