The sun was setting on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. Leonhardt sat in his room, flipping through the pages of the magic book his father had given him. He still didn't fully understand the statistics system, but little by little, he was grasping how his new ability worked.
As he read, he heard a soft knock on the door.
—Come in.
The door opened slowly, and Saya peeked inside.
—Can I come in?
Leonhardt nodded and closed the book.
—Is something wrong?
Saya stepped forward cautiously and stopped in front of him.
—There's something I want to show you.
Leonhardt looked at her curiously.
—What is it?
Saya took a deep breath as if gathering her courage. Then, she closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again, something changed.
Small horns emerged from her head, and a thin black tail with a red tip slipped behind her.
Leonhardt's eyes widened in surprise.
—You can hide and reveal them at will!
Saya nodded.
—Yes… It's a special ability I have.
Leonhardt observed her carefully. Her features remained the same, but now that he saw her true appearance, her demonic lineage was more apparent.
—Why are you showing me this now?
Saya lowered her gaze.
—Because I trust you.
Leonhardt felt a slight chill run down his spine. Something about the way she said it made him realize the depth of her words.
—Thank you for trusting me, Saya.
She lifted her gaze and smiled timidly.
—But… —Leonhardt tapped his chin—. Wouldn't it be dangerous if someone else found out?
—Yes, that's why I hide them. If others knew, they might…
She didn't finish the sentence, but Leonhardt understood what she meant.
—Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me.
Saya sighed in relief.
But before she could say anything else, someone knocked on the door forcefully.
—Leonhardt, open up!
It was Freya.
Saya paled and quickly concealed her horns and tail.
Leonhardt flinched and got up to open the door.
—What's wrong, Freya?
Freya barged in without waiting for an invitation and scanned the room until her eyes landed on Saya.
—What were you two doing here alone?
Leonhardt raised an eyebrow.
—We were just talking.
Freya frowned.
—Mmm…
Saya avoided her gaze, but Freya didn't seem convinced.
—Why do you look like that?
—Look like what?
—Like you're hiding something.
Leonhardt sighed.
—Freya, it's nothing serious.
Freya narrowed her eyes.
—If you say so…
Still nervous, Saya decided to change the subject.
—Freya, did you need something?
—Oh, right. We're going to the city tomorrow, and I want you to come with us.
Leonhardt blinked.
—The city?
—Yeah. My mother said we need a few things, and since Saya is a maid now, she can come along to learn.
Saya tensed.
—Me too?
—Of course.
Saya looked at Leonhardt for help. If they went to the city, there would be more people and a higher chance that someone would suspect her.
Leonhardt noticed her unease and gave her a reassuring smile.
—Don't worry. I'll be with you.
Saya nodded timidly.
Freya eyed them suspiciously but said nothing more.
—Alright, then don't stay up too late. See you tomorrow.
And with that, she left the room.
Saya let out a sigh of relief.
—That girl is intense…
Leonhardt chuckled.
—Yeah, but she has a good heart.
Saya smiled weakly.
—Thanks for everything, Leonhardt.
He gently ruffled her hair.
—Get some rest, Saya. Tomorrow will be a long day.