The door creaked open, its soft groan breaking the silence, and Helen stepped inside the room. Her black hair fell in silky waves, catching the dim light as it cascaded over her shoulders, framing her striking emerald-green eyes that gleamed with an almost otherworldly vibrance. Her delicate features carried a quiet elegance, her soft cheeks tinged with a faint, natural flush that gave her an air of effortless beauty.
Dressed in a classic maid's uniform, the tailored black fabric hugged her figure, accented by a pristine white apron that added an understated charm. The skirt flared slightly above her knees, revealing long, slender legs clad in knee-high stockings. Polished black shoes completed her look, giving her a sophisticated yet approachable appearance. Her movements were precise and graceful as if choreographed to match the silence of the room.
Helen's gaze swept over the scene, her expression calm but with a flicker of curiosity as her eyes landed on Kyle, kneeling on the floor with his hands clasped as though in prayer. Her lips curved into a small smile, amusement lacing her soft voice as she spoke. "Master, I thought you didn't believe in religion."
Kyle froze at the sound of her voice, his body stiffening as if caught in the act of something forbidden. His mind blanked for a moment, leaving only one word to escape his lips, spoken with a mixture of awe and disbelief. "Helen."
Inside Kyle's mind, a whirlwind of thoughts churned as he frantically pieced together the fragmented memories of the game he had played for years before being thrust into this world. Helen. She's exactly as she was in the game,the same elegance, the same mysterious aura. But then a name echoed in his mind like a faint whisper. Albert Eric Junior. Why does that sound so familiar?
He furrowed his brow, adopting a thinking pose as he sifted through his recollections. Yes, I remember now. The Albert family ruled a prosperous city that was destroyed by a monster invasion orchestrated by a jealous noble. Helen was the sole survivor. Her tragic story led her to seek revenge, returning to her assassin family and enrolling in a school to hone her skills. She later became the hero's aide and part of his harem.
Lost in thought, Kyle was jolted back to reality by Helen's voice, sharper now and filled with concern. "Master Junior, Master Junior!" she called, her tone breaking through the haze of his musings.
"Yes, yes, Helen," Kyle replied hastily, his voice tinged with a nervous stutter.
Her emerald eyes narrowed slightly, her amusement giving way to suspicion. "What is it, Master? You're acting very strange. When you first saw me, it was like you'd seen a ghost."
Kyle chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his cheek with one hand as he scrambled for an explanation. "It's nothing, Helen. Could you give me some time alone?"
Helen tilted her head, concern etched on her features. "Are you sure, Master? Forgive me, but I heard you talking to yourself before I came in. I thought you were speaking to someone."
Kyle forced a laugh, though it sounded hollow. "Oh, that? I was just... practicing how I'd talk to my new classmates when I finally join the magic academy."
Helen raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear in her expression. "But isn't that still a year away?"
Kyle's laughter dwindled to a low, awkward chuckle. He knew he needed a better plan to divert her attention. What else do I know about the Albert family? Something that can give me some breathing room... Ah, yes! Junior, the spoiled prince who drove away his family with his selfishness. I can use that.
"Helen," Kyle said, his voice steadying. "Could you tell my sister I'd like to see her?"
"Do you mean Lady Rebecca, Master?" Helen asked, her tone cautious.
"Yes, do I have another sister?" Kyle replied, his sarcasm slipping through as he tried to maintain composure.
Helen's piercing gaze locked onto him, her eyes searching for some hidden motive. "Master, may I ask why? You've never been kind to Lady Rebecca. Are you planning to put her through another one of your schemes?"
Kyle flinched inwardly at the accusation. What kind of person was this Junior? he thought. No wonder Helen's looking at me like I'm a monster.
"Don't worry, Helen," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I just want to apologize for everything. No tricks this time."
Helen's skeptical expression didn't waver. "Trusting your word is... difficult, Master. But I will pass along your message. Whether she comes or not is up to her."
"Thank you, Helen," Kyle said with a soft smile, surprising even himself with how genuine it felt.
Helen stared at him, her usual composure faltering for a brief moment as her lips parted in shock. "Master... There's a lot different about you today, but the most surprising thing of all is seeing you smile."
Kyle's smile faltered as Helen's words struck him. He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to respond. "Was Junior really so horrible that even a smile was shocking? No wonder Helen and Rebecca are wary of me."
"Well," Kyle said, forcing a casual tone, "I guess people can change."
Helen narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to press further. "I'll deliver your message, Master," she said, bowing politely.
As she turned to leave, her footsteps echoed softly against the polished wooden floor. At the doorway, she paused, glancing over her shoulder. Her voice softened, almost hesitant. "If you truly mean what you said, Master, I hope Lady Rebecca can see it too."
The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Kyle alone with his thoughts. He sighed deeply, leaning back against the edge of the bed. "This is harder than I expected," he thought, running a hand through his hair. "Helen doesn't trust me, and I don't blame her. But if Rebecca feels the same way, convincing her will be even tougher."