It has been more than half a month since I met Lilia… no, it was Lily. She was called Lily at that time.

  I first met her during my official visit to the main church for the annual prayer. I must admit that my first meeting with her was not particularly pleasant. The sight of a young girl being abused in the name of education was not good. I wanted to help; however, it would complicate her circumstances further, for she might be abused more than this after I left the main church. And many more complications would follow if I tried to extend my hand. However, it was unpleasant. I pondered. If my daughter were still alive, would she be around this age? Although her hair was white, her golden eyes reminded me of my deceased wife. Truly unpleasant.

  Our second meeting took place three days after the first. It was when I was about to leave the main church. I saw a pair of priests dragging a girl out of the back door toward the forest. Truly unsightly. I immediately summon my aid to make arrangements. Then I hopped on my horse, chasing them with my guards. “Please make it on time.” I prayed. Then, as the goddess answered my prayer, I found she was about to be pierced by the priest’s dagger near the river. I launched at them to rescue her.

  After that, we captured and interrogated them. It was revealed that the girl, Lily, an orphan, was the saintess candidate and showed the most promise in the divinity pool. Her potential was manifested yesterday, right after the prayer ceremony. Only a select few, including a particular cardinal, were aware of this. And Cardinal Peter ordered her death, disguised as an unfortunate accident.

  I know that Cardinal’s niece, the daughter of Duke Ellon, was also a saintess candidate. And it is an open secret that their family wants her to be the saintess of the next generation. However, they have crossed the line. Manipulating the saintess's selection like this is nothing but blasphemy to the goddess.

  From what they said, she was the first victim and would be the last since no one else could compete with their chosen candidate. I wanted to bring this story to light. However, it would not be easy at the current time. Moreover, they could easily dismiss these lowly priests, as they were publicly known to be from a different faction. If I recklessly intervened, things would become more complicated since I am the leader of the neutral faction. Even I, as the leader of the neutral faction and a duke myself, had to tread this problem carefully.

  I had no desire to be deeply involved in the struggle between the clergy faction and the imperial faction. For these priests said that there would be no more victims besides her, I concluded that things should be dealt with secretly, too. Since they wanted her gone, let her be gone. I would take care of the girl. The priests would report that they had completed the mission. The priests readily agreed since they too were blackmailed with their families. I could only say it was the best conclusion for everyone involved.

  However, I had to keep my guard up against the clergy faction from now on. Many more arrangements were needed. The resurrection of the demon king and the inevitable descent of the calamities were thought to be drawing near. Yet, they were still blinded by power and engaged in petty power struggles. It would make one lose hope.

  It would also be regrettable if that girl had known about this and approved it. I met her several times. Although her father was far from human, she was a sweet and lovable girl. There were no bad rumors about her. Even during this visit, her conduct was admirable. She even jokingly said I might be able to give a sister to my sons soon. If everything were nothing but a facade, she would be a very terrified person.

  I carried Lilia into the carriage my aides brought and left the forest. As we were about to exit the forest, I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye. Was it real, or was it just my imagination? However, that sight has bothered me ever since that day.

  After that, I spent a week at the royal capital to complete the necessary procedure. I have decided to adopt Lily as my daughter. Partly because of her circumstances, partly because of her remembrance of my deceased wife and daughter. Thus, I renamed her Lilia. Moreover, my sons kept saying they want a sister. During that time, I had to hide Lilia. There were too many eyes and ears in the capital. I couldn't even go shopping or call someone.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  We spent another week traveling to my domain.

  After the first greeting at the front of the mansion, I brought Luke, Rick, Lilia, Rowan, and Iris to the study room. I left my children in the waiting room so I could briefly explain the circumstances to both Rowan and Iris. After I told them everything, I tried to call my sons and Lilia to come inside. However, the voice of my sons reached my ears.

  “Hey, bagger, I won’t accept you as my sister. You should get out of here now.”

  It should be the voice of Rick. I could not hear Luke's voice. Since he did not stop Rick, he might have the same opinion. I sighed and looked at Rowan and Iris.

  “We said we want a sister. But it is not someone like you. What we want is a sister from Iris.” It was Rick again. His blatant proclamation took me aback. I looked at Rowan. He maintained his poker face perfectly. And I slowly looked at Iris. She also kept her poker face perfectly. Yet, I could see her ears turning red. It was awake. The innocence of the children overlooked the adults' circumstances.

  “You should know your place. Leave now if you don’t want to get hurt. You are not welcome here.”

  His voice was getting louder. I had to stop them now. I loudly called them in. As they entered, I saw Lilia’s face. It was too gloomy. After I scolded Rick and reassured Lilia, I let Rowan guide them to their respective rooms.

  Left in the room together with Iris, we stayed silent for a while.

  Then, I made a request to Iris: “Iris, as you can see, could you help Lilia adjust to the mansion? If possible, help them accept Lilia, too.”

  Then Iris bowed to me and responded, “I will faithfully carry the order.”

  After some time, she added, “Master, I have to ask permission. I will treat Lady Lilia as if she were my daughter; with this, it would be easier for the young masters to accept Lady Lilia.”

  “I am grateful.” Thinking about Rick’s words, I hesitantly continued, “Iris, my offer still stands. If you would like, please become the lady of this house.”

  “I would like to politely decline your generous offer, for I am Lady Rinna’s handmaid.” She declined my proposal without hesitation. I wonder how many times this has been made. It has been nine years since my wife and daughter passed away due to the plague, and it has been six years since I decided to propose to her.

  It was both my wife's and my wish for her to become the lady of this house after my wife passed away. The three of us knew that we held affection for each other. Everyone in the mansion was also aware of and actively supported it. Yet, she continues to decline, citing that it would be a betrayal to Rinna and set a bad precedent for later rulers.

  The way she upheld her principles and beliefs, and the way she always tried to care for others, are what made us love her. My wife, too, while she was alive, also wanted to connect us together. Yet, she always upheld her principles.

  As we awkwardly stayed in the room, I heard a knocking sound. “Master, this is me, Rowan.”

  I hurriedly told Rowan to enter. “Enter”

  “I have brought the young lords and the young lady to their rooms. However, Lady Lilia seems a bit restless.”

  “I see. Iris, could you help take care of Lilia?” I said as I stole a glance at Iris.

  “I understand. I will take my leave.” She replied without looking at me and promptly left the room.

  “… Master, as I always say. Everything has its time, place, and occasion. It cannot be done recklessly.”

  “… what do you mean?”

  “It is nothing. I am sorry.” Rowan gave what he thought was an apology, but it wasn't.

  “Anyway, to the main topic, I have many more things to discuss with you.”

  After that, we exchanged our opinions regarding Lilia, her situation, her standing, and how we should proceed. We decided not to publicly announce the adoption of Lilia, keeping it private only to family members and close relatives. We may gradually introduce her to a few noble families from our faction so as not to draw the attention of the clergy faction. We also made an arrangement for the inevitable. Yet, something kept bothering me. It was the last scene I saw as we were about to leave the forest.

  “You seem to be uncomfortable with something, master.” As if noticing my discomfort, Rowan looked at me, puzzled.

  “It is nothing. You may leave. I hope you prepare everything in due time.” I dismissed him, as I did not want to dwell on it any further, since I was unsure what it was.

  Yet, it still bothered me. My instinct kept telling me to check it. However, I would keep it with me for now. The sight of a young girl with golden hair in a white robe bowing at our carriage as we exit the forest. It was full of sincerity, yet somehow filled with guilt.