The moon dimly illuminated Leonhardt's room as he settled into bed, but sleep wouldn't come. Every time he closed his eyes, the image of the wounded half-demon girl in the forest returned to his mind.
He turned to one side and looked toward the corner where Saya slept, covered with a thin blanket. Her breathing was calm, but her expression sh
"She must have been through a
Leonhardt sighed and sat up in bed. If someone found her before he could explain everything, he could get into trouble. His parents weren't cruel, but half-demons had a bad reputation. He couldn't take the risk.
Carefully, he got up and approached Saya.
—Saya… —he whispered as he
The girl frowned and slowly opened her eyes.
—Mmm...?
—We have to leave here. It's dangerous if someone finds you.
Saya took a few seconds to react but finally nodded and sat up.
—Where are we going?
—To my room. It's safer there.
Leonhardt extended his hand to help her up. She stared at it for a moment before timidly accepting it.
Both walked silently through the dark hallways of the mansion. Leonhardt moved cautiously, making sure not to make a sound, but his heart pounded.
When they reached his room, Leonhardt carefully closed the door and let out a sigh of relief.
—Alright, for now, you should stay here.
Saya nodded and sat on the floor, hugging her legs.
An awkward silence filled the room.
—Thank you… —she murmured finally.
Leonhardt looked at her in surprise.
—For what?
—For saving me… Not many people would have done what you did.
Leonhardt scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed.
—I didn't do anything special. I just couldn't leave you there. —He lowered his gaze.
—Even so… thank you.
Leonhardt sat on the bed, unsure of what else to say.
Discovered
The silence of the night was interrupted by the sound of footsteps in the hallway.
Leonhardt tensed.
—Someone's coming...
Saya looked at him in fear, but before she could react, the door swung open.
—Leonhardt! —Freya's voice echoed in the room.
Leonhardt quickly turned his head.
—Freya! What are you doing here?
Freya crossed her arms and frowned.
—That should be my question. Why did you bring a girl to your room in the middle of the night?
Leonhardt felt his face heat up.
—It's not what you think!
Freya lowered her gaze and focused on Saya.
—You… you're the girl he brought from the forest, right?
Saya cautiously nodded.
Freya sighed and crossed her arms.
—Explain what's going on.
Leonhardt told her everything. He explained that he was afraid someone would discover Saya before he could talk to his parents and that he didn't want her to get hurt.
When he finished, Freya remained silent for a moment.
Finally, she sighed.
—You always get yourself into trouble, Leonhardt…
Leonhardt smiled nervously.
—Sorry.
Freya looked at Saya with suspicion.
—What do you plan to do?
Saya hesitated before answering.
—I… don't know…
Freya narrowed her eyes and examined her carefully.
—You know you can't stay here forever, right?
Saya nodded slowly.
—Yes…
—And what do you plan to do when you're discovered?
Saya looked away, uncomfortable.
Leonhardt intervened.
—She could hide her identity.
Freya raised an eyebrow.
—How?
Saya took a deep breath and closed her eyes. In a matter of seconds, her horns disappeared, and her tail vanished into thin air.
Freya stepped back, surprised.
—How did you do that?
Saya gave her a faint smile.
—Half-demons can hide their demonic features if they have enough control over their mana.
Freya observed her in silence for a long moment before sighing.
—Alright… for now, let's make this work.
Leonhardt looked at her in surprise.
—Does that mean you'll help me?
Freya scoffed.
—It's not like I have another choice.
Leonhardt smiled.
—Thank you, Freya.
She looked at Saya with a serious expression.
—But I still don't trust you.
Saya met her gaze calmly.
—That's understandable.
Freya frowned and looked away.
—Hmph.
Leonhardt watched the two of them, smiling to himself. Maybe things would turn out better than he thought.
The Next Morning
The next morning, Leonhardt took Saya to the dining hall. His parents were already there.
Elizabeth looked at them curiously.
—And who is this young lady?
Leonhardt took a deep breath and explained what had happened. He told them how he found Saya in the forest and decided to help her. His parents listened in silence.
When he finished, there was a moment of silence.
Finally, Garet sighed.
—So you brought a half-demon girl into our home without much thought… You have the same impulsive heart as your mother.
Elizabeth smiled softly.
—Saya, dear, do you have anywhere to go?
Saya shook her head.
—No… I'm alone.
Elizabeth and Garet exchanged glances before his mother smiled.
—Then, if you have nowhere else to go, you can stay with us.
Saya looked at her in astonishment.
—Really?
Garet nodded.
—But under one condition.
—What is it?
—You will be Leonhardt's new maid.
An awkward silence filled the room. Saya blinked in surprise, while Freya nearly choked on her breakfast.
—What?! —Freya exclaimed.
Garet shrugged.
—If you're going to live here, you need to have a role in the household.
Saya looked at Leonhardt, waiting for his response.
Leonhardt sighed and smiled.
—I don't mind.
Saya hesitated for a moment before nodding.
—Alright… I'll do my best.
Freya looked at Leonhardt in disbelief.
—Are you really okay with this?
Leonhardt looked at her, confused.
—Why wouldn't I be?
Freya narrowed her eyes.
—Hmph.
Jealousy in the Air
That night, Freya entered Leonhardt's room with her arms crossed.
—Leonhardt…
—What is it?
—Why are you okay with her being your maid?
Leonhardt frowned.
—Because I don't want her to be homeless.
Freya pressed her lips together.
—It's not just that… she… she has… more bust than me!
Leonhardt stared at her, completely confused.
—What?
Freya blushed and turned her head.
—Nothing! Just… forget it.
Before Leonhardt could say anything else, Freya ran out of the room.
Leonhardt sighed.
—Girls are complicated…