Chapter 4

It’s been a month since Juno’s mother died. However, life hasn’t changed much aside from Lilith moving into the mansion.

I also don’t have a mother now. Of course, it was thanks to Nereus that the servants minded their manners. While Nereus had power behind the scenes, Nusrion was like a shield protecting her.

Nusrion, the man Father is most wary of. Although he was part of House Trish like Juno, he was still a distant relative. However, his abilities and leadership were proven by how he led the other branch families.

“Juno, you look pale.”

Juno, who had been lost in thought, said, “It’s all right. Thank you for your concern.” She silently put down her teacup, and Nusrion nodded with a content expression.

Despite his skills, there was still the problem of legitimacy, so he concluded that he needed Juno who was from the main family.

I’m at ease thanks to you. The enemy of her enemy was her friend. The two, not on good terms with Marquis Robert, had an amicable relationship.

“You’ve done a good job overcoming the difficulties before you. I’m proud of you.”

Nusrion wore the mask of a kind adult, but Juno didn’t forget the snake-like eyes that looked as if they were evaluating her after her mother’s death.

“Yet I’m still worried. Because of the current situation, you don’t have anyone to talk to.”

Juno wasn’t sure how to respond. Not waiting for her to say something, Nusrion continued, “I’ve decided to give you a playmate.”

“A playmate?”

“Yes. He’s a good and smart kid.”

Juno smiled and tried to guess Nusrion’s intentions. Do you want to keep an eye on me?

In order to have someone at Juno’s side under the pretense of a playmate, the age gap between them couldn’t be large. Juno quickly recalled the faces of the children from the branch families that were around her age.

“I’m not saying he’s my son. Regardless, Jupiter will be a good friend.”

Come to think of it, though Juno didn’t know his exact age, Nusrion’s son was known as a genius.

“He’s three years older than you, but I think you need a more mature friend now.”

Juno nodded without saying a word. She was slightly embarrassed, but since it was already decided, she didn’t add more to the conversation. I don’t like being watched, but life in the mansion will become easier.

Juno remembered Lilith. Once she settled down in the mansion, she ignored Juno in order to get the servants on her side. Lilith had taken control of the household to some extent, and it was bothering Juno.

What has the marquis been up to? There appeared to be an agreement not to mess with each other, but the marquis clearly can’t protect one of the women in his family.

That’s why I’m being pushed around by my relatives. Juno smiled and inwardly laughed at the marquis.

“Thank you for thinking about me.”

“As an adult, I do what I have to do.” Nusrion grinned as he called for a servant. “Jupiter is waiting in your room.”

Juno’s mouth began to ache as she forced herself to smile. She couldn’t believe Jupiter went into her room without permission. The marquis and Nusrion were annoying.

Fortunately, their time together was at its end. Otherwise, Juno wouldn’t be able to keep smiling.

“Is that so? Then…”

“Go. I shall pay a visit to the marquis.”

Juno grabbed the hem of her dress and curtsied before leaving the drawing room. She clenched her fist. Today will somehow be all right.

Juno managed to smile and talk as if nothing had happened, but it was still uncomfortable dealing with adults who wanted to use her. She hid her true feelings, but it was likely Nusrion noticed her discomfort. Who knows? What matters is that it’s not obvious.

Marquis Robert was still here. Unless Lilith had a child, Nusrion would never abandon Juno. There was nothing to worry about for now.

Juno sighed. She noticed the servant waiting by her room and changed her expression. She would ask for one thing. I hope you’re as mature as they say.

Juno, who had no power, was confident she would get along with anyone who didn’t openly mock or bully her.

When she arrived in front of her room, the servant bowed and said, “My lady, Lord Jupiter is inside.”

Juno nodded and walked in. There, a child sat quietly in a chair and gracefully drank tea. Jupiter had platinum blond hair. He was so pretty that he could’ve been mistaken for a girl were it not for his short hair. His beautiful eyes were like a crystalline lake. Then there were his long eyelashes, pointed nose, pink lips, and fancy clothes.

I think you’re prettier than I am. Juno stared at Jupiter. Their eyes met, and the boy calmly rose from his seat.

“Hello, my name is Jupiter. I hope you’ll forgive me for entering your room without your permission.”

A gentle voice, polite behavior, and an apology. Juno knew he was thirteen, but he looked much older. Perhaps it was because of the aura of maturity around him or his height.

Decent. Juno curtsied. “Nice to see you. I’m Juno Trish. I look forward to talking to you.”

He wasn’t a normal playmate, but her first impression of him wasn’t bad.

***

“It’s sudden, isn’t it? My father is very worried about you.”

“I appreciate his concern,” Juno responded to Jupiter’s smile with her own.

She learned from their conversation that Jupiter would stay at the mansion and study with her. Juno wasn’t appalled by this, and Jupiter was quite good at socializing. She noticed from her first impression that he was very mature and knew how to win an opponent’s favor. In other words, this was nothing more than a pretentious act. Aside from the initial greetings, it was all fake laughter. Well, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with Jupiter.

I do it every day too. Juno didn’t think he was an easy opponent, but he was trying to be nice to her.

“My lady.”

Juno looked at the servant who called her. “What is it?”

“Lord Nusrion will soon be leaving. He has asked for Lord Jupiter.”

Jupiter looked at Juno as if it were natural. “It seems I must say goodbye to him. Would you like to accompany me, Juno?”

It was hard to refuse since Juno had talked with Nusrion earlier.

We’ll be together for the next few years. Jupiter had to observe Juno, so he didn’t need to put on a show.

Juno nodded and followed him out of the room. On the way to the first floor, Juno asked, “Will you enjoy your time here, Jupiter?”

It was a question she asked because there were no servants around, and at the same time, it was a question she asked out of concern for Jupiter, whom she had grown fond of. Although Nusrion often visited the mansion along with the other relatives, it was still the residence of Marquis Robert. Even if it wasn’t serious, Jupiter was going to be treated almost like Juno.

“It won’t be any different from when I lived at home.” It was strange a person who was good at socializing like Jupiter would reveal his true feelings only a few hours after meeting her.

“Really? There’s a lot to be worried about.”

Jupiter looked at her and asked, “Isn’t this house comfortable?”

It was a question that had a deeper meaning to it. Like Juno’s question, it was also different from their superficial conversation in her room.

Did Nusrion order him to do this? Juno, after thinking about it, gave an appropriate answer. “There are many eyes.”

Before Jupiter asked another question, they went down the staircase and were on the first floor. Next to Nusrion was Marquis Robert, and both men were surrounded by several relatives. Just as Jupiter and Juno saw Nusrion and Marquis Robert, the two men saw them.

“Juno. Jupiter as well.”

Unlike the marquis who frowned at them, Nusrion welcomed the kids with a kind smile. As expected, there were many eyes, and it was uncomfortable with so many people present.

Juno pretended to be calm. “Are you leaving already?”

“Indeed. Did you get along with Jupiter?”

“Yes, I think we’ll be good friends.”

Next to Juno, Jupiter said, “I look forward to staying here, Marquis Robert.”

He gave no response to Jupiter’s words. No one cared about the marquis’s manners. The marquis, looking at Nusrion with eyes filled with wariness, turned his attention to Juno.

Yes, I’m still here. The month after her mother’s funeral has been quiet, hasn’t it? Recognizing the expression on the marquis’s face, Juno frowned.

“You don’t even greet your father. Weren’t you taught basic etiquette?” Instead of being intrusive, he tried to vent his anger on her.

Juno curtsied. “Good morning, Father.”

The marquis scoffed, and Nusrion stepped forward.

“To me, Juno is still a young lady who has room to grow. Nevertheless, if His Lordship finds her lacking…” He put on a friendly façade. “I suppose it’s because of your currently absent mistress. I suggest having someone else be in charge of Juno’s etiquette lessons.”

The marquis’s expression was not amused at the sarcasm disguised as advice.

Nusrion looked at Jupiter and said, “I’m sure you’ll be fine, Jupiter.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Take good care of Juno.”

His glance at the marquis was enough to show it was a warning. The branch families won’t let the marquis do anything to Juno, which also meant Jupiter would act as their eyes.

As if he said all he wanted to say, Nusrion led the relatives to the door and said, “Then I’ll be on my way. I can’t keep wasting the time of a busy man.”

The marquis could not say anything until they left. He returned his attention to Juno, perhaps feeling her gaze was mocking him. It was almost unbelievable his eyes were filled with contempt as he looked at his daughter.